It was a DIY post-birthday celebration of our outdoor buddy, namely Tin Navales, she recently hopped to an island days before our trip to Nasarang. Actually we have two options of what falls to choose for her post-bday celeb; it was either to Kimit Falls in Motiong or to Nasarang Falls. We went with our batch mates in Samar National School on that day who are beginners in outdoor activities so it was a good idea that we chose Nasarang Falls.
Nasarang Falls is situated in Brgy.Lokilokon Paranas, Samar (about an hour away from Catbalogan City) One will ride a bus plying to Eastern Samar (either to Borongan or Oras) or Jeeps going to Bagacay or Taft to reach Brgy.Lokilokon.
If unfortunate to catch those trips, take the bus going to Tacloban City and ask the "konduktor" of the bus to drop you in Brgy.Buray or ride the jeep going to Buray as well (but it's hassle and will take a lot of time if you ride the jeep going to Buray)
Fare from Catbalogan to Buray is 30 php.
If you arrive in Buray, look for the motorcabs plying to Brgy.Lokilokon (One motorcab is good for 7 to 8 persons, fare is 20 pesos per head)
How did we get there?
When we arrived in Brgy.Lokilokon, we really do not have an idea about where the trail to the falls is situated, we hanged out near their basketball court and waited for our guide on that day namely Kenneth Dabuet, a local of the place. I've been inquiring to him about the falls since December of 2016 and thing like how much is the fare to Lokilokon and I also asked him if there are fees or permits to be secured in their barangay before going to the falls, he was very responsive to my inquiries on facebook and it was good to hear that we will not pay anything. (good for budget travelers)
"If the place is free from any fees, respecting its vicinity and not leaving trashes is a simple but incredible payback" - Brylle General
Going to the falls was just easy as a walk in the park, from Purok 1 of Brgy.Lokilokon, one must take a short brisk walk in the plains of the barangay (on the left side of the highway from Buray) passing water-buffalos and cows that are surrounded by palm trees.
The walk also involves stream crossing so if you are wearing a shoes (especially non-waterproof) it is a bright idea to take it off. Wearing a hiking sandal is preferable than to a pair of shoes.
It takes 10 to 15 minutes of brisk walk (from Purok 1of Brgy.Lokilokon) before arriving in Nasarang, arriving there, one will descend to a short drop straight to the shallow water of the vicinity of the falls and decide for yourself if you want to take a dip asap, snap instagrammable photos or wander in the place first.
Sideview
Swim away!
From Left to Right: Lawrence, yours truly and Ian
A beautiful wanderer on the pristine waters of Nasarang
(Photo by Tin Navales and it's her as well haha)
Ian's first waterfall experience.
A groufie by John Doblon (Photo by Mia Cinco)
From left to right and to the back; John, Mia, Jaycee, Kenneth, (John's good friend and our guide to Nasarang as well) Tin, Ian, Yours truly and Lawrence
Nasarang Falls; an upbeat place of splashing waters, the happy vibe of the place that is surrounded by trees awaits for those who want to feed their wandering souls and those who want to satisfy their craving soles for a simple adventure as well. I also recommend the place for those who are stitching their broken hearts, forget their problems (big or small) for a while and most of all a good introduction in chasing waterfalls.
Going Home
After enjoying Nasarang for hours, we decided to leave the falls at 2:15 so we dried ourselves and packed our things. We arrived in the barangay at 2:30 or 2:40 in the afternoon but unfortunately we weren't able to ride the JM Liner which passed by when we were near the highway so we just waited and hoped for a motorcab or other means of transpo that will take us to Buray or to Catbalogan. We waited for like 15 or 20 minutes and finally we fetched a motorcab to Buray, the motorcab doesn't look like the usual motorcabs plying to Lokilokon and to other barangays, it was like a "DIY Motorcab" hahaha but the fare was 15 pesos only, kinda cheap compared to those usual-looking motorcabs.
When we arrived in Buray, we decided to wait for a bus instead of riding a jeep back to Catbalogan because it will not take a long time going home so we walked meters from the line of the jeeps plying to Catbalogan to the big old tree across a burger stall. Bus will not stop and will not let passengers aboard in that area near the jeepney terminal because it was prohibited by the association of jeepney drivers in Buray.
After half an hour of waiting, we saw Samar Bus Line but it was loaded with lot of passengers so no more space for new ones. It was past 4:00 pm and still no bus on the horizon se we decided to ride the jeep and luckily they let us ride at the top which completed our trip.
Acknowledgement
Special Thanks to Kenneth Dabuet for accompanying us to Nasarang Falls and in Baranggay Lokilokon as well we wouldn't make it there without him.
Friendly Tips To Go:
1) If you want to visit Nasarang but not familiar with the place, with the locals or the trail to the falls, please mind heading first to their barangay hall and state your purpose so that a barangay official might help you go there or seek for a guide and so that you guys will be monitored as well.
* Bottom line is, it is for your or to your group's safety*
2) Do not wear shoes (especially if it is non-waterproof) Hiking or outdoor sandals is appropriate
3) Always bring an I.D whenever and wherever you go
Kudos!
