Asik-Asik Falls located on the slopes of Mount Ragang (famous as a stratovolcano) is a waterfall near Alamada in Cotabato, Philippines. Mount Ragang is ranked as the Philippines’ sixth-highest mountain. It includes two areas: Lanao del Sur and North Cotabato. The Asik-Asik Falls discovered by chance in late 2010 during an excursion by Jun Miranda, a member of the Barangay Council, assessing the damage caused by forest fires, landslides, and floods that had hit the area. The local inhabitants, “Sitio Dulao” were aware of the falls’ presence and unique features before, but they chose not to highlight it because it was heavily forested and difficult to reach.
After Jun Miranda informed the council of his marvelous findings,. Therefore, a few officials proceeded to confirm his findings and thereby made the world aware of this natural marvel’s presence. Their photos went viral on social media after they were uploaded. Normal falls have streams or rivers above their peak walls, but Asik-Asik falls get their cool water from inside the walls, rushing through the rocks and surrounded by beautiful green flora.
The Philippines government built the roads and surrounding area after realizing there was great tourist potential, thus getting to the falls is not as difficult as it formerly was. However, there are still hikes that wind around the mountainside on stairs, both up and down. The ascent back to the jump-off is also 776 steps, as is the journey to the falls. Descending the stairs is acceptable. From the top, just a small section of the falls is visible, but as you go down, the whole splendor of the water rushing from the verdant mountainside gradually becomes fully apparent. Asik-Asik Falls is a secret underground waterfall. You will be amazed when you get there.
The falls is also known as Curtain Waterfalls; however, their old name is Dulao Falls. In July 2013, Asik-Asik falls became popular when the state-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation held a photo contest whereby a picture of the falls, taken by Ernestina Jacinta, was selected as one of the grand winners. This discovery shocked Filipinos when the picture gained popularity on social media. The tourists bathing below experience a soothing massage from nature as the cool water cascades down the cliff. The area is absolutely undisturbed. There is no evidence of human involvement. There are no homes or benches where visiting tourists can stay. Bring picnic mats. Asik-Asik Falls is similar to Tignapoloan’s Sinulom Falls, but it covers a far wider range of water-stream growing walls.
Asik-Asik Falls is renowned for appearing to have no river feeding the fall; instead, water is released via fissures on a 200-foot rock. Asik is the Hiligaynon word, which means “sprinkle.” Dense moss and ferns cover the large portion of curtain waterfalls. A subterranean river is said to be the falls’ origin. The bottom pool empties into the Liguasan Marsh after flowing into the Alamada River, a tributary of the Libungan River. Undoubtedly, Asik-asik Falls offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. The water is pure, cool, and invigorating, but the water temperature here is freezing cold. As locals and recent tourists/travelers have said, this site is beyond words of description and such a life-changing experience.
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