That time when we went to Binanga Falls...again.

57 81
Avatar for ARTicLEE
2 years ago

July 15 was Cordillera Day. Although this is late, in celebration of the said day, let's take a hike to a waterfall in our town of La Trinidad called Binanga Falls. Remember that there are still restrictions so we can't travel anywhere just yet.

This was a visit two years ago with my niblings and sister.

Binanga Falls, Shilan, La Trinidad

A bit of La Trinidad's History

La Trinidad is the capital of the province of Benguet here in northern Philippines. The name La Trinidad means "The Trinity." It was originally called Benguet. It was said to have been derived from "benget," a cloth that was wrapped around the head to protect it from cold and wind. It was then called "Valle de Benguet" and later on changed to "Valle de La Trinidad." It was said to be referring to the three hills where the capital was established. However, the popular belief is that it was named after the wife (Dona Trinidad de Galvey) of one of the Spanish expeditioners, Guillermo Galvey.

Why Spanish? The Philippines had been under Spanish rule for 300+ years. During those years, they explored and exploited minerals and the Cordillera is one of those regions rich in gold and other minerals. Naturally, Spanish settlements were established. That's why places here have Spanish origins.

La Trinidad is known for it's strawberries, vegetables, cut flowers and places to visit like Mt. Yangbew and falls like Binanga Falls and also STOBOSA: Valley of Colors. Today, there are 16 barangays forming the municipality of La Trinidad and one of those barangays is Shilan.

Binanga Falls

It was the break of my niblings from school so I decided to take them to Binanga Falls, not too far from our barangay.

This is just one ride from our place. It took us about 15 minutes to reach the drop off point (Shilan Elementary School) because of slow traffic.

From the school, we walked another 30 minutes going down to the waterfalls. There are cars for rent that can bring you to the drop off point and then you can walk from there to the waterfalls. The road that leads to where the trail starts is paved anyway so we we did not ride a car.

I was trying to find another waterfall but the persons we have inquired do not know if there was another one aside from Binanga Falls so we proceeded there. We have been here many times, the last was 2-3 years ago.

There was a sign indicating where the trail that descends to the Binanga Waterfalls is. You might get lost if it is your first time for the trail is not apparent so it is important that you ask directions from the barangay hall or the police station a few meters from the school. Also, it is advisable to rent the private cars beside the school so the driver can point you in the right direction.

Once you are dropped off at the start of the trail, then it is easy to get to the falls. Just follow the trail that leads you to the vegetable gardens. You will pass more gardens along the way but keep going until you reach the waterfalls.

During these months, flowers are in bloom so it is enjoyable to walk.

We passed by greenhouses and gardens along the way and one was filled with flowers. The trail is a bit steep so caution is advised for it can be slippery. It could be a challenge going down and up for those who are not used to hiking.

We got there and the first thing I noticed right away was the different kinds of butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies and other flying insects. This is the first time I saw them this plenty. It is hard to capture using my phone. I believe there were 10 or more kinds of butterflies and at least 5 or more kinds of dragonflies and damselflies.

It's like a sanctuary for these amazing flyers it was such a joy to watch.

Binanga came from the word banga meaning pot. It pertains to the pool of the falls that resembles a pot. That is where it got its name. The waterfall rises about 10 meters. It is best to come around this time of the year or during the wet months to enjoy its beauty more. During the dry seasons, the water is not that strong.

We had a great time enjoying nature and the kids having a swim. The last time we were here, there were crabs hidden along the rocks. However, we could not find any this time around.

I went upstream and took some more photos utilizing my phone's slow shutter feature. Water and lights are great subjects for slow shutter. Of course the phone camera is not as great as DSLR but I still tried.

You can see how grainy it is, too much noise and not as silky. I had to find a way to keep my camera steady for I don't have a tripod that is why I have to improvise. It is important to keep your camera as steady as possible.

As an example of light trails, here are some photos that I took during one of my mornings jogs. Most of these photos were set at 10 seconds. Again, no tripod used. I just placed by phone on the ground.

I hope soon we can go back to Binanga Falls again or maybe go hunt for the waterfall.

If you are up for it, you can visit Binanga Falls and then hike your way to Mt. Yangbew just like what we did last time.

Do you like waterfalls or rivers? Back when I just bought my DSLR, waterfalls were my choice of water element to photograph and I have been scouring nearby places where there were some. There is one waterfall that we have been wanting to go. Hopefully after pandemic.

Thanks so much for reading and all your support.

Edit: I almost forgot. This was originally posted in my other blogging site. I did some revision, addition and subtraction. All photos are mine.

17
$ 17.66
$ 16.43 from @TheRandomRewarder
$ 0.10 from @TengoLoTodo
$ 0.10 from @bbghitte
+ 14
Sponsors of ARTicLEE
empty
empty
empty
Avatar for ARTicLEE
2 years ago

Comments

Ganda. And such an informative travel article. Tiga Pilipinas ako pero di ko alam yung sa Benguet na wari galing sa benget. At ang Binanga falls. Sarap magpicture lalo dami insects. Makakapagpractice ng macro. Hehe. πŸ˜…

$ 0.03
2 years ago

Ang daming magagandang mapuntahan dito sa Pilipinas. Sana mapuntahan lahat hehe.

$ 0.00
2 years ago

True. Yung bang akala mo nasa ibang bansa na yung photo pero dito lang pala sa atin. πŸ₯° sana talaga mapuntahan natin lahat.

$ 0.00
2 years ago

Ang ganda pala sa Binanga Falls, sana ma visit ko to in the near future

$ 0.01
2 years ago

Oo kahit hindi siya kalakihan hehe. Gusto ko nga din balikan to e kun ano na itsura nya ngayon.

$ 0.00
2 years ago

One of many things I love about your country is seeing the various waterfalls, I can't get enough of them

$ 0.01
2 years ago

There are so much there to visit. I wish I can visit them all.

$ 0.00
2 years ago

Yes they are everywhere, well you do make a good attempt though!

$ 0.01
2 years ago

I love all the photos. :) Some of the hiking routes I've mentioned to you on Noise we have here. Also include some small waterfalls.

$ 0.01
2 years ago

That makes me want to go even more! I'm like a kid receiving a gift whenever I see waterfalls :D

$ 0.01
2 years ago

I love waterfalls but going to a river won't hurt too

$ 0.01
2 years ago

That's right. Sarap maglaro sa tubig hehe.

$ 0.00
2 years ago

BAGUIO BAYAN? OMG HAHAAHAH WAIT WAIT WAITTTT. NEXTYEAR KASI MAGBABAKASYON AKO SA BENGUET AND SUPER EXCITED AKOOOO

$ 0.01
2 years ago

San sa Benguet ka magbabakasyon? Kaka excite naman yan. Sana marami ka mapupuntahan.

$ 0.00
2 years ago

sa jowaers ko AHAHAHAH

$ 0.00
2 years ago

Ayos! At least makakasama mo na siya :)

$ 0.00
2 years ago

TUMALBOG BIGLA PUSO KO AAHAAHAH

$ 0.01
2 years ago

Naku naku relax lang muna hehe.

$ 0.00
2 years ago

The photos looks fantastic, especially the first one. Ang ganda nang adventures nyo po :)

$ 0.01
2 years ago

God's wonders. All I did was take photos :)

$ 0.00
2 years ago

Super duper loved the photos. And I already imagined myself slipping on the trail . I miss seeing waterfalls too!

$ 0.01
2 years ago

Lol! There are things around that you can hold on to :) Thanks much!

$ 0.01
2 years ago

Ang aga niyo nagising sir! Tara na sa falls!

$ 0.00
2 years ago

Ou nagwalk lang kunti tas uwi natulog haha!

$ 0.00
2 years ago

sa bagay masarap mag walking pag malamig.. masarap din matulog hahahaha... golden hour shoot? o walang shoot?

$ 0.01
2 years ago

Wala kasi ang foggy haha! Nandun kami ng hanggang 7 a.m. pero give up kasi puro foggy. Dami namin dun kanina. May mas maaga pa sa amin para san mag sunrise pero umuwing sawi. Para ka lang nagpa ID picture dun kasi sa kapal ng fog wala makita haha!

$ 0.00
2 years ago

Nung nakita ko yung falls, namiss ko tuloy pumunta sa "busay" din na malapit lang dito sa'min... In fairness, maganda yung lugar, lalong lalo na yung falls. Aygiii, sarap mag.hike ulit, lalo na't gusto ko magpapawis, para naman lumiit kunti ang bellybels. hahha SKL..

Anyways, thanks for sharing this bro.☺️

$ 0.01
2 years ago

Hahaha! Nakakamiss nga talaga outdoor activities. Nakakataba talaga ang pandemya na to. Hindi na nga ako ganun maka jog/walk din kasi katamad na gumising ng maaga. Mas maganda kasi pag umaga di gano mainit.

$ 0.00
2 years ago

Oo nga eh' hahaha.. ang tanong?Kailan kaya matatapos yung pandemia? Matatapos nga ba? o tayo yung tatapusin? (ang nega ko ba?)

$ 0.01
2 years ago

Patapos na yan. Tiwala lang hehe. Nga pala. Busay means falls din?

$ 0.00
2 years ago

Hayys.. Sana nga..😌 hmmm..yuhp.. Bisaya kasi yan.πŸ˜…

$ 0.00
2 years ago

Ah...sige try ko remember yan. New knowledge gained :)

$ 0.00
2 years ago

Ang ganda naman.. Naririnig ko lang yan dati.. Yan pla Binanga falls

$ 0.01
2 years ago

Di ko sure kung may ibang Binanga Falls somewhere pero parang may narinig ako e :)

$ 0.00
2 years ago

Ang ganda ng long exposure shot ng waterfalls. Thanks sa tour, na miss ko na mag hiking at adventure.

$ 0.01
2 years ago

Oo nga e kakamiss na talaga. Sana makapag hike na soon.

$ 0.00
2 years ago

Back in 2019 i was planning to go to Baguio and meet you there sometime in November. Unfortunately it didn't materialize and then COVID came. Everything falls apart.

I hope I can visit La Trinidad too in some other time.

$ 0.01
2 years ago

Ah that's too bad. In time you can visit :)

$ 0.00
2 years ago

Woow. I am amazed by Binanga falls. I lpve the flowers that you will find along the way. I might be tempted to get some of it πŸ˜….

$ 0.01
2 years ago

Dami flowers jan pag planting season kaya ang ganda mamasyal pag natimingan na may flowers na tanim.

$ 0.00
2 years ago

Pwede ba kumuha hahahah?

$ 0.00
2 years ago

Pwede siguro pag wala tao haha!

$ 0.00
2 years ago

I enjoyed reading this. I want to experience how to hike. The phot is like captured by dslr hehez its not obvious that you just used your phone. Thanks for touring us to Binanga falls.

$ 0.01
2 years ago

There is a huge difference but I'm glad you liked it. I appreciate you!

$ 0.00
2 years ago

Nice read. Unfortunately this place is quite far from my country. I love travelling and would love to visit. From your narration and description it will surely be fun. Maybe after this whole covid thing

$ 0.01
2 years ago

I'm sure there are wonderful things in your place that you can visit :)

$ 0.00
2 years ago

Wow, nagpipintas! Kaanu nak ngata makapasyar ta ayanyo ta i-tour nak to mammet😊

$ 0.01
2 years ago

Mabalin metten pumasyar hehe. Dita sa met ayan u ti mejo strikto.

$ 0.00
2 years ago

Nature lover. Well that place would be included in one of my next travel destination. Haha!

$ 0.01
2 years ago

That would be great! I hope you can visit soon.

$ 0.00
2 years ago

Ganda sya, hidden paradise :) Kung walang masyadong tao pwede magbabad hanggang gusto :)

$ 0.01
2 years ago

Pwedeng pwede. Kunti lang pumupunta jan hehe.

$ 0.00
2 years ago

Maganda rin kung konti lang kasi pag dumami sigurado masisira aura nya lalo kung walang disiplina mga bisita hehe

$ 0.01
2 years ago

Oo din. Kaya minsan may nagagawang di mabuti ang pagpromote ng place e hehe. Lalo na sa mga places na ganto na walang nagmomonitor.

$ 0.00
2 years ago

True, yung nakakaalam lng makapunta hehe

$ 0.01
2 years ago

The Binanga falls is beautiful ❀️ I don't mind walking for 30 minutes just to reach it. The scene is worth the climb.

$ 0.01
2 years ago

It truly is. We went at an opportune time for there were lots of things to see.

$ 0.00
2 years ago