Ambon-Ambon Falls & Malagaslas Falls (Laurel, Batangas)

The province of Batangas boasts of a lot of tourist attractions ranging from historical structures, food, and natural wonders, such as mountains, islands, and waterfalls. 

Speaking of waterfalls, since it was still a rainy season, last July 29, 2014, my friends and I travelled to faraway Laurel, Batangas to witness two waterfalls, the Ambon-Ambon Falls and the Malagaslas Falls.

Location of Laurel, Batangas

Definitely overshadowed by more popular towns like Lipa, Nasugbu, Laiya, and Calatagan, Laurel is a third class municipality in the province of Batangas, Philippines. Laurel was previously part of Talisay, its current neighbor town. The town was previously known as Bayuyungan. On May 25, 1961, the town of Talisay was divided into two municipalities, and the new town was renamed Laurel after Miguel Laurel, known as the first Laurel in the Philippines and a longtime patriarch of the place. 

We rode a Tanauan-bound bus from JAM Liner, Cubao and alighted at the Tanauan bus terminal. We then took a tricycle going towards Tanauan Market. There’s a jeepney terminal in the market. Ride a Laurel-bound jeep and alight at the Laurel market area. Ride a tricycle going to Sitio Salipit, which is the jump-off site. 

Laurel market area

Sitio Salipit area

As we walked amidst nature, we crossed a very sturdy hanging bridge, and walked further, surrounded by several bamboo trees, passed through rice fields, and did some stream trekking. 

Green galore!

Hanging Bridge

Crossing a Stream

Rice Fields

Bamboo Trees

Given this part, it would be recommended that you wear either trekking sandals or slippers for this type of hike. 

We then arrived at a place with several benches and cottages, which serves as resting places for visitors. 

At this point, you can now enjoy the Malagaslas Falls, but since the Ambon-Ambon Falls was farther, we opted to start with the farther falls and then work back. 

We crossed a short stream, trekked among huge rocks, and passed between two huge rocks with a shallow stream in the middle towards the Ambon-Ambon Falls. 

Crossing a Stream...anew

Trekking Huge Rocks

Nearing Ambon-Ambon Falls

Ambon-Ambon Falls

Unfortunately, it began to rain, and we failed to go nearer the falls, so we then went back going towards our second waterfall of the day. 

Malagaslas Falls is a ladder of small falls which gives an instant back massage. You can choose which part of the “ladder” to refresh yourself and enjoy the not-so-cold water. 

Malagaslas Falls

Pure bliss!

After the re-energizing dip, we shortly rested in one of the cottages there, trudged back towards the jumpoff point, and rode a tricycle back to the Laurel market area. 

Resting in a Cottage

Departure from the area

Before leaving Laurel, we had our late lunch at the Rachelle and RJ Restaurant at 2:00PM, composed of Atay, Adobo, and Pusit, with Coke worth Php 420.00. 

Rachelle and RJ Restaurant

Laurel, Batangas may not be one of the top-of-mind places for a tourist, but it definitely boasts one of the most enjoyable waterfalls we have experienced. 

Explore Pinas!