Dumli-ing Falls | Nueva Vizcaya

It is the highest waterfalls in Nueva Vizcaya called as Dumli-ing located in Brgy. Balete, Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya and is among the top ten highest falls in the Philippines with an approximate elevation of 98 meters. 

Dumli-ing Falls

Name Origin

Long ago, the falls became the playground of spirit people known in Ikalahan - Kalanguya word as "Bi-biao".  The waterfalls were surrounded by variety of healthy plants and the rock was covered by purely green moss during the stay of the spirit people as described by locals who witnessed it. 

Until one day, the spirit people appear in a dream of a man named as "Pilusan".  One of them introduces himself as "Dumli-ing" and informed the man that they are among the spirits who live in the falls. But after the 1990's earthquake, the spirit people departed from the falls and their presence can't be perceived by the locals anymore. Their existence in the falls is no longer present up to this time. Locals believed that the spirit people - "Biao" relocated to another place. 

Popularity

Due to social media sites and weblogs that promotes the natural wonders of Nueva Vizcaya. Dumli-ing waterfalls has become quite well known today and quickly recognized by outdoor enthusiast/hikers/travelers. 

Elevation

According to the locals from the previous survey conducted by Cagayan Valley Tourism Office of its elevation is 120 meters, but after years and years of unexpected erosion and falling rocks filling its basin. Now, it barely stands at 98 meters measured by the Tourism Office of Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.

Reaching Brgy. Balete, Kayapa

There are two options to reach Brgy. Balete, you will either commence from Ambaguio or Benguet: 

Ambaguio. Trekkers/Hikers venturing Mt. Pulag via Ambaguio trail will eventually pass through or see the Barangay of Balete. After passing the Haday village, ascending to the top of Upper Napo, and dwelling on a hike from Napo to Balete where the falls is located. 

Brgy. Balete is evident from the top of Mt. Pullol. The mountain lies at the boundary of Ambaguio and Kayapa. Normal trek from Ambaguio trail to Dumli-ing will take long hours or even days, depends on the pace. 

Brgy. Balete session area

Benguet. Upon entering the road heading to Balete, Kayapa from Sitio Bahbahlak, you will feel the ambiance of the mossy forest that surrounds the whole mountain and sometimes ringed by fogs, which is very common in the area. 

Along the road, you will see a number of vegetable garden and Kaingin which is mainly the source of income of the locals. 

Vegetable garden seen along the road

It’s a one lane road establish in year 2014 which made possible for public or private transportation such as motors and jeepney to enter the area. Approximate time will vary on the transportation used; normal trip will take you 1-3 hours to reach the Barangay of Balete. 

Nearing Barangay Balete, you will gaze the Dumli-ing waterfalls, the noise and sound of water as it drops to the ground is like a gong that vibrates in your ears that exhilarates oneself to sojourn the falls. 

Hike to Dumli-ing Falls

The hike to the falls will take you 30 – 45 minutes long from Barangay Hall (Registration Point). Normal hikers would take about an hour while fast hikers will have for half hour or less. Trails is much established but not cemented, though it needs maintenance in case the grasses grow. 

Mountain peaks of Nueva Vizcaya

The trail is narrow, be vigilant on the cliff until reaching the viewpoint of the falls. Descending upon, you will eventually see a blockage (gate) of animals and a houses that will be passed through. 

The houses that will be pass through

Based on the condition of the falls (not yet improve), swimming and picnicking is not available for the time being. Yet, Sightseeing and falls viewing is the best thing to do at Dumli-ing falls. 

How to get there

Ride a bus or van heading to Baguio, and look for a jeep going to sitio Bahbahlak, Brgy. Bashoy, Kabayan, Benguet at Dangwa Bus Station. Once you’re in Sitio Bahbahlak, hire a single motor ride to Balete, Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya. 

Alternatives. If you have contacts to any driver/s (single motor), inform them about your meet up (Possible meetup will be at Gurel, Bokod, Benguet or at Sitio Bahbalak) so that they will fetch you for a ride to Balete, Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya. 

Note: Ranger Station of Mt. Pulag is situated at Sitio Bahbahlak, Brgy. Bashoy, Kabayan, Benguet. 

Contacts

Brgy. Captain Daniel Bugnay - 09187909884 | 09367378196
Joey (Single ride Motor driver) - 09355028046

Travel Note

• After registration, if you are not familiar with the trail, hire a guide or locals who will accompany you on your descend to the falls. 
• All fees (registration/guide) will serve as donation for the improvement of the trail/falls. 
• Camping in the falls is not allowed. 

Reminder

We should always maintain cleanliness when visiting the waterfalls and be reminded of “Leave No Trace" philosophy: "Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints. Kill nothing but time."

Pictures

Video

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Photo and Video Credit: Maan Villamor