NILUDHAN FALLS

Niludhan Fall is  located in Barangay Dawis, Bayawan City.It is not surprising that the falls is considered a pride of Negros Oriental. Although the falls is closer to the municipality of Mabinay, the barangay where it is located is part of Bayawan City.

According to local stories, the carabaos (water buffaloes) who had crossed the waters at the top area of the falls had to kneel because of the rough path. Hence the name, ‘Niludhan’ (or ‘Kneeling’).

We traveled from Valencia Negros Oriental, that is approximately 2 to 3hours trip to bayawan City then another almost 2 hours from Bayawan City to reach Brgy. Dawis where Niludhan falls is located.

There is no plenty of information you can find when you try to search for Niludhan Falls. This majestic water fall is not so popular to many, that only those who braved to go off the beaten will get to experience and witness the hypnotic beauty of Niludhan Falls. As they say, "difficult roads lead to a beautiful destination." This quote is so true! We traveled more than two hours of bumpy and rough road from Bayawan City to barangay Dawis motorcycle to get to this site.

There was no other people on the site when we arrived at Niludhan falls. There was even no caretakers assigned to collect for entrance fee and rental for huts. Its totally undevelop compare to other waterfalls in the country. We just spent few minutes enjoying the view and take snapshots then left the area. If only we have enough time, I will not hesitate to take a dip into its water. Also another factor that made us decide not to spend much time on the falls is the bad weather and it seemed that a heavy downpour is coming anytime and we still have to travel to the next barangay.

The falls is very near and is highly visible from the road. It is approximately a 5-minute walk from the bus drop-off point. There are stairs that go down to the large basin at the foot of the waterfalls.

Niludhan Waterfalls is a total of 3 sets of steep, plunging, narrow waterfalls that merge into one strong cascade after heavy rain. The water at the falls is warm and ideal for swimming. For more daring swimmers, there is a ledge behind the waterfalls for diving or free falling. Smooth, flat rocks line the edge of the basin before the water spills off into a stream.

At the top of the falls, there is a spillway where locals wash their clothes, and occasionally, a carabao (water buffalo) will venture out for a drink or a refreshing bath.

There are concrete umbrella cottages along the river bank but I couldn’t find someone to ask for fees if there any. Bathroom facilities are also available.

We stayed there for while, exploring every details of the waterfalls including the small and thin cascade south of the main falls. The area around it is highly vegetated.

How to Get to Niludhan Falls of Bayawan City

Via Mabinay: There are buses stationed at Dumaguete Ceres Bus Terminal plying the Mabinay route. Your drop off point would be at barangay Paniabonan. From the junction, you need to commute to barangay Dawis which is the exact site of Niludhan Falls.

Alternative route via Bayawan: From Dumaguete City, ride a bus bound for Bayawan City. Drop off point would be at Ceres Bus Terminal in Bayawan. Then there are jeepneys plying the Bayawan-Dawis route or you can also hire habal-habal that can take you right exactly at Niludhan Falls.