How to Get to Awao Falls, Davao de Oro

It's been a while since I've been to the Davao region in Mindanao. For this trip, I planned on visiting a natural wonder in Davao de Oro (formerly known as Compostela Valley.

 

It was a long road trip, but Awao Falls is something you shouldn't miss while in the region.

The Veil-like Awao Falls

It took several hours from Davao Airport to finally arrive at Monkayo. The latter seemed like a sleepy town much like many of the other similar places I've been to around the Philippines. I took a detour at Nabunturan (the capital of Davao de Oro) for lunch. I left my things at Golden Inn before heading out. 

The tricycle driver I negotiated with agreed to a price of P1000 to get me to Awao Falls. It took a an hour or so to reach our destination after passing through the countryside. 

The falls were a refreshing site after a minor ordeal. The cool waters were refreshing. I was fortunate that there was only one other group during my visit. The place was serene with a few signs of development such as concrete chairs and a few tables. 

How to Get to Awao Falls

It takes some effort to reach Awao Falls becausse it's deep within Davao de Oro. The tricycle and driver I hired drove through farmlands, villages, and rural areas (with a short river crossing to boot). We got into a minor accident wherein water got into exhaust pipe. We had to ask help from locals nearby to push the tricycle out of the river. We waited a few hours before the tricycle worked again. It was a speed bump that made the trip worthwhile. 

By Air and Land

Book a flight to either Butuan or Davao City. Then board a bus or van bound for either Davao City (if you're coming from Butuan) or Butuan (if you're coming from Davao City). Tell the driver or conductor you'll alight at Monkayo. Some vans have Monkayo as their last stop. 

I went to Monkayo via Davao City. I went to the highway from the airport to hail a ride to Monkayo. I took the van. Fare is approximately P250-P300 one way. I spent the night at Golden Inn for P1500 for an air conditioned room. I hired a tricycle to take me to Awao Falls for around P1000 round trip. There's an entrance fee of P30 once you arrive at the falls.