Asik-asik Falls is derived from the Hiligaynon word “asik” which means splatter or splash situated in Sitio Dulao of Barangay Upper Dado, Alamada, North Cotabato. It was said that the falls has been known by locals ever since but had been ignored because for them it was just a normal sight and since there was once a huge balete tree nestled on the side of the falls they believed that the falls has been guarded by “fairies”. When typhoon Frank in 2008 hit the barangay and uprooted the old balete tree, the government and locals decided to open the falls in public.
 
We are fortunate to witness a rainbow


The upper part of the falls are vegetation of crops and corns, you will not think that on the lower part of it comes the falls which doesn't have a visible source upstream. The locals could not point out the origin of the water. It literally flows from the rocks and flows downstream. We visited the place last year 2017. The water is colder than expected (safe to drink as per the natives). The current was strong you will be easily swept if you’re not careful especially at the rocky areas. The falls is covered by shrubbery ferns and moss that is so captivating and picture perfect. 




 In order for you to reach the fascinating falls, you have to descend in a stairway (they said its 376 steps, I lost count actually) for 20 to 40 minutes and 1 and a half hour to ascend, you will experience foot aches and will stop quite a few times to catch your breath so prepare yourself because you will taste a little bit of hiking, but don’t worry because there will be medics stationed at the cottages (built along the way) and a horse for rent if you cannot continue any further.


The best time to visit the falls is as early as 6:30AM wherein the area is not so crowded. Sad to say the area has not been properly repaired well for tourists. It has no comfort or changing rooms, there has no chairs or table to be rented so you have to bring your own ground sheet.  No vendors selling foods at the falls but there are stores located at the registration area (just bring your foods before you descend) yet, the view of the falls itself will encompass your uncomfortable moments.



It is ideal to spend a night either in Midsayap or Libungan. There are affordable inn to choose ranging from P300 for non-air-conditioned rooms to P600 for air-conditioned rooms just ask any tricycle driver or the people around the vicinity. The people are very accommodating compared to what we believed as a chaotic area. From Midsayap, we rented a habal-habal or motorbike good for two passenger for P700 straight to Asik-asik falls and back. You can also choose to ride a jeep to Dado which is cheaper for only P70 per person and transfer to a habal-habal going to asik asik falls registration area. Payment would be P75 per person. Upon your arrival, you will asked to log your name and pay for the environmental fee P30 and habal-habal parking fee P5.


so cold!