Millenium Tree & Ditumabo Falls

First stop on our Maria Aurora trip was the Millennium Tree.

According to the tour guide,  the tree is already 500 years old.

Here goes a brief history.

At the beginning, it was only a 'normal' tree.

Then the roots of the Balete started growing around the tree, and eventually, wrapped itself around it.

This is why the inside has hollow parts.

We went inside. It was a bit scary. 

I can imagine the scene in Harry Potter, and the Sorcerer's Stone,

wherein the 3 leads were trapped in the Devil's Snare. 

If you are brave enough to climb the tree, there are some locals nearby who can guide you.

Make sure you follow everything they say, because one wrong step can be really deadly.

We were only 1/10 the size of the whole tree

After that, we went straight to the Ditumabo Falls, or Mother Falls.

This was usually the itinerary for travelers on their first day.

It requires physical strength, because you will be faced with strenuous activities such as

 walking, climbing, running, and swimming. 

This is the most visited falls in Baler.

and before you can take a glimpse of its beauty, you have to go through the following:

a) ride a tricycle to pass a very narrow, bumpy road

b) follow creepy signs, and make sure you follow the pack so as not to get lost

c-d) pass by bridges, and don't forget to pay the locals who are maintaining it

e) the hardest part..going against the flow of the river and climbing huuuuge rocks 

f) the reward.. dive in a clear, cool pool afterwards :)

the pathway going to Ditumabo Falls

Ditumabo Falls, also known as Mother Falls

Finally :)

This photo does not suffice for the beauty of this falls.

You have to go there and experience for yourself. 

For me, this is the best falls I have been to as of date.

(The first one in Pagsanjan, the second one in Puerto Galera.)

Onto our next destination.

Stay tuned! :)