Chasing Waterfalls: The Wild Hike to Matigol Falls of North Cotabato



A breathtaking view of Matigol Falls in North Cotabato, surrounded by lush greenery and towering cliffs.

In North Cotabato, there’s a waterfall called Matigol Falls. I believe this province is truly notorious for its breathtaking and grand waterfalls. Just take my experience at Kamandag Falls as an example. Now, there’s another waterfall in North Cotabato with an equally challenging trail—Matigol Falls. Although difficult to reach, it has a well-established trail that you can follow, unlike the eight-tiered Kamandag Falls.

Hikers trekking through a rocky and muddy trail on the way to Matigol Falls.

When we visited Matigol Falls, there was an ongoing road construction. Some areas were rough and difficult for vehicles to pass through due to the repairs. In fact, parts of the road had been damaged by landslides, making it prone to further slides. However, in general, the road was still passable and safe for travel.

A steep, challenging uphill climb near the top of Matigol Falls.

We drove as far as our vehicle could take us, and even from the starting point, we were already greeted with breathtaking views. The stunning mountain landscapes and unique rock formations were a sight to behold.

The majestic Matigol Falls cascading down a 500-meter-high rock face.

We began our trek along a concrete road before reaching the rocky terrain where our real hike started. It took us about an hour to reach the falls.

A group of adventurers taking a rest while enjoying the panoramic mountain view on the way to Matigol Falls.

I could already tell this wasn’t going to be an easy hike—perhaps beginner-friendly, but definitely challenging. The trail was rocky, muddy, and grassy, with steep inclines that felt like a never-ending uphill climb.

Misty, cold waters of Matigol Falls creating a refreshing atmosphere at its base.

But what made the journey to Matigol Falls truly remarkable was the raw beauty of nature. The views were absolutely rewarding, making it one of the best nature adventures I’ve ever had. Even though I stumbled and fell on the muddy trail several times, we made sure to take breaks to admire the lush forest and panoramic landscapes before us. It was like nature putting on a spectacular show just for us.

A local guide effortlessly trekking the steep trail leading to the top of Matigol Falls.

The real thrill began when we reached the foot of the falls. The misty, cool water felt like a refreshing kiss from nature. The entire area was serene, beautiful, and unbelievably peaceful.

Crystal-clear waters of Matigol Falls’ natural pool, perfect for a refreshing dip.

But our adventure didn’t end there—we still had to climb 500 meters up to the top of the falls. The trek was incredibly difficult, almost a 90-degree climb. I felt dizzy and overwhelmed, but reaching the top was our ultimate goal. Our guide, a local woman in her early 40s, effortlessly led the way. While we struggled up the steep hill, she walked as if she was strolling on flat ground—I was amazed!

A traveler standing at the base of Matigol Falls, mesmerized by its grandeur.

After all the challenges of conquering the trail, we finally reached the summit of the waterfall and found ourselves soaking in crystal-clear, ice-cold water. It felt like plunging into a pool of melted ice.

The rugged yet scenic trail leading to Matigol Falls, lined with lush forests and rock formations.

This may have been one of the most difficult trails I’ve ever taken, but it was also one of the most rewarding and unforgettable adventures of my life.

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