Vera Falls: An Unforgettable one!

THE MAGESTIC VERA FALLS

Vera Falls is a refreshingly stunning cascade located in the municipality of Malinao, Albay. This 25-meter beauty have mini waterfalls coming out of the rocks at the side of the main fall. It’s very cold catch basin is about 2 meters deep and is really clear and clean. I commend the people who manage this waterfalls because it is well maintained.

“It's all worth it!"

Vera Falls is a stunning cascade nestled at the foot of Mt. Malinao in the province of Albay. Its refreshing cold water flows down from the verdant mountain and meanders into the rivers and streams irrigating rice fields on the plains near the idyllic pastoral town of Malinao. The falls are about 8 kilometers from Tabaco City, an hour and a half drive from Legazpi City and about 45 minutes drive from Ligao City to Sabloyon Road.

watching the view of vera falls

While it started to drizzle, I couldn’t help but be amazed by the surrounding vista as we sped along the well-paved road and over an expensive-looking concrete bridge, which is quite uncommon for far-flung agricultural barrios. A sweeping view of Lagonoy Gulf slowly unfolded and a mist-covered Mt. Malinao came into view as we wound our way through more rice fields and over some hilly terrain. Except for a short bumpy section of road upon reaching Barangay Soa, the trip was smooth and we reached the jump-off point in good time.

We left our motorbikes at the empty parking space and excitedly traced a route down the concrete steps, which were covered with moss in some parts and with a few hanging vines overhead. We easily negotiated the slippery part of the pathway with the help of the safety railings and made it to the base of the falls with no sweat – literally and figuratively I supposed. The mountain crest was all foggy and the air was quite chilly for a summer month, I would have thought I was in the middle of a forest if not for the concrete stairway and parking area.

It has indeed come a long way since Father Vera, then Parish Priest of St. Nicholas in Malinao, first learned about this natural wonder and introduced it to more people. It used to be a steep trek downhill with only vines and thick vegetation to cling to, and the road to access it left much to be desired. But all the effort exerted is nothing compared to the worthwhile reward of seeing a pristine attraction, wading in the cool refreshing water and simply enjoying the serenity of a lush sanctuary. A visit to Vera Falls is one invigorating escape that I wouldn’t mind doing again.

How to get to Vera Falls

From Legazpi City take the main road north to Tabaco City. From Tabaco, turn left (west) to Sabloyon Road, towards Ligao/Polangui. Drive through Sabloyon Road and turn right at Barangay Quinastillohan, towards Barangay Comun. From Ligao City, turn left at the fork in the road at Barangay Tuburan and drive straight along Sabloyon Road. You pass by the turn off to Mayon Rest House and after a few more minutes driving, then turn left at Barangay Quinastillohan.

Turn left at the Comun Elementary School junction and left at Sampaguita Street then go straight until the road ends to Barangay Bulang. Park, register with Barangay Captain and prepare for the 1200m hike down to the Falls.