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Travel Guide: Curtain Falls, Barangay Carmen, Baguio District, Davao City

Update (as of this writing, May 29, 2024): The trail in Brgy. Carmen is closed indefinitely. As an alternative, you can take the Tamayong trail. The jump-off point is at Purok 6.

Of all theย waterfallsย in the Philippines I have visited, this one located in Barangay Carmen, Baguio District in Davao City, called Curtain Falls, tops them all in uniqueness. Why? While the usual ones have waters flowing from the top, this waterfall is so unique as the stream springs out from its wall at about 30 feet above, creating curtain-like falling water; hence, the name.


WHY VISIT CURTAIN FALLS


The beauty of Curtain Falls is a given fact. So, no question on that. But here below are some other compelling reasons why you should visit this attraction:

No Entrance Fee

Curtain Falls

They say the best things in life are free. Perhaps, Curtain Falls is one perfect example of that. It is in the middle of a forest, surrounded by dense towering trees and tropical plants. However, the trail going there is through the private property of Tatay Sandro; he has given a portion of his land for access to the falls.

Sandro's Peak

When we visited Curtain Falls, we dropped by his house to ask if he could prepare some food for our lunch when going back from the waterfall, to which he delightedly agreed. He also served us native coffee for just 20 pesos a cup, which we enjoyed sipping while listening to his some sort-of orientation about the place. (Update: Tatay Sandro already passed away, the people managing his property have been his relatives.)

The entry-level trail

In one of my previous blog entries, I told you that my Osmeรฑa Peak climb, by far, was the easiest for me. Well, the trail to the Curtain Falls was comparable to that. Climbing up and down the slopes going there was relatively easy for me. While we had to hold on to some big roots during our final descent, it was an entry-level trail as, aside from a trekker-friendly terrain, you can reach the place from Sandro’s Peak (the name of Tatay Sandro’s residence, which I forgot to mention above ๐Ÿ™‚ ) in 20 minutes. If it includes selfies along the way, well, 30 minutes – give our take.

The trail is an attraction too

It took us about 25 minutes from Sandro’s Peak to reach the falls because the other groups we were following were taking selfies (we did the same thing, I admit). I could not blame them. I mean, who could resist the beauty of the trail itself? Wildflowers, plants you seldom see, vegetable plantations – things we saw along the way. The whole landscape was just pleasing to the eye.

ย 

Speaking of vegetable plantations, our guide said (guide is not required, by the way) that if only we came in harvest time, we could bring home some veggies for free.

More than just a waterfall

Aside from the relaxing Curtain Falls (just listening to it sound was music to my ears), the river was clean, cold, and fresh. I could not find traces of garbage and other destruction in the area. I hope it will remain that way FOREVER. Aside from that, rocks and the surrounding land formations are a thing of beauty to behold.

It is still to attract more tourists

Curtain Falls is not yet as famous as theย Tudaya Fallsย in Digos orย Tumalog Falls in Oslob, Cebu. You get to enjoy this unspoiled beauty. Again, no traces of human ‘destruction’; no structures or buildings in the area yet.


HOW TO GET THERE


  1. From Davao City, hop on an L300 van bound for Calinan (terminal is in Bankerohan) and disembark at Botica Carina in Calinan Proper, which is also near the L300 van terminal there.
  2. Near Botica Carina, you can find a habal-habal (motorbike) that could ferry you to Brgy. Carmen in Baguio District. Tell your driver to drop you off the corner of the street leading to Sandro’s Peak, which is about a hundred meters away from the Carmen Gym (no worries, Tatay Sandro is popular in the area so most probably, your driver knows him and his place pretty well).
  3. From that corner, start your trek and just ask around from time to time to ensure that you are on the right way. (No worries as most part of the road from the highway to Sandro’s Peak is paved.)
  4. From Sandro’s Peak, start your trek through the narrow foot trail leading to Curtain Falls.

A few things to note:

  • The single trail divides into two separate trails halfway through. The first trail is shorter; however, this one requires you to go through about 90-degree slope in your final descent. The second trail is longer but a lot easier slope. It allows you to see some other part of the river as well. However, you need to pass through boulders along the river and wade through water currents (not that strong) to get to Curtain Falls. You choose. Both are easy. :p
  • Some part of the trails are dense with shrubs so, if you have a sensitive skin, better wear something that covers most part of your body.
  • The wall of the waterfall, which is estimated to be 300 feet high, is 90ยฐ or even more than that. That is why staying near the falling water is discouraged as pieces of rocks might also fall with the cascades. Safety first, fellows.
  • Many stones in the river are slippery, so be careful. Be mindful of your steps.

SAMPLE BUDGET (IN PHP, PER PERSON)


  • Davao City Proper to Calinan Proper = 50 x 2 = 100
  • Calinan Proper to Brgy. Carmen = 80 x 2 = 160
  • Food (lunch, water, snacks) = 200 (bring food from home, if you want to spend less on food)

Total: 460


REMINDERS


MeantToGo is a strong advocate of nature and culture preservation and therefore we tirelessly remind fellow travelers to:

  • Leave only footprints, not garbage
  • Help plants grow and thrive, not cut them off for a silly reason
  • Engrave travel memories in your heart, not on stones you come across along the way
  • Respect local culture with good words and smile

Thanks for reading! If you like this post, please share!

10 Comments

  1. Very informative! Thank you for this!

    Gusto ko lang po sana malaman if kunwari you have your own vehicle like you own a motorcycle makaka-park ba dun sa SandrosPeak? or di talaga siya mapasukan ng any vehicle from the highway?
    Sana po makareply kayo.! Thanks in advance!

    1. Hi Krizzia,

      Yes, the road leading to Sandro’s Peak, for most part, is paved…, your vehicle can enter even on the unpaved part…I think you can bring your motorcycle up to Tatay Sandro’s front yard…

      Thanks for reading my blog!

      If you have more questions, you can reach me on Facebook. ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. good day po.? ask lang po, sino po ba pde tawagan ?? kasi po plano po namin ngayung sunday (july 1,2018) .mgpunta jan…

    1. Please try to call this number: 09296001562 – Tatay Sandro’s number.

      But if you cannot reach him, no worries… as going there is relatively easy… just follow the guide on how to get there that I wrote, and just ask around…people there are helpful.

      Thanks for visiting my blog. ๐Ÿ˜€

        1. Hi Lyka, based on my experience, it’s not… this waterfall is just about 20-minute trek from the nearest community there, wherein you can see banana plantation and other farms. The place has also a military detachment, so I guess, there is nothing to worry about that. ๐Ÿ˜€

          Thanks,
          Roy

  3. Christine Margallosays:

    This blog is so helpful! Been looking for several posts/blogs that specifically narrates on how to reach Curtain Falls. So happy that I’ve red your blog! Me and my friends will visit the place this Sunday!

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