Iligan's greatest heritage. The most resplendent among the 20 plus waterfalls. Also known as the "Mother of Industry" and "Fountainhead of Progress". It is 320 ft. high, spews 130 cubic meters per second of water and the veritable source of power in the city and majority of Mindanao. Located 9.3 kms. away from the city proper. Since its water is being harnessed for electric power, full grandeur viewing of the waterfalls is every Saturdays and Sundays at 11 in the morning.
Maria Cristina Falls is a waterfall of the Agus River on the island of Mindanao. It is sometimes called the "twin falls" as the flow is separated by a rock at the brink of the waterfall. It is a landmark of Iligan City, nicknamed the City of Majestic Waterfalls, because of the presence of more than 20 waterfalls in the city. It is located 9.3 kilometers away southwest of the city proper at the boundaries of Barangays Maria Cristina, Ditucalan, and Buru-un.[2] Well known for its natural beauty and grandeur, the 320 - feet (98 meters) high waterfall is also the primary source of electric power for the city's industries, being harnessed by the Agus VI Hydroelectric Plant.
Maria Cristina Falls is situated 9.3 kilometers away southwest of the Iligan City proper in the boundaries of Barangay Maria Cristina, Ditucalan and Buru-un. It’s a 320 feet high waterfall and the main source of power in the city’s industries which is brought under control by the Agus VI Hydroelectric plant operated by National Power Corporation. It’s not just supplying Iligan City’s power but it goes beyond other provinces generating 70% of Mindanao’s electricity.
There are several names associated with Maria Cristina Falls. Some would call it “Twin Falls” because the flow is separated by a rock at the threshold of the waterfall. Other people tagged it as “now-you-see-now-you-don’t falls”. Wondering why? That’s because National Power Corporation operates the man-made controls of the waterfall which is important for producing electricity. 90% of the water from the falls is being utilized for hydro power plant but in spite of that its cascades are still alluring and splendid, attracting both the local and foreign tourists.
Maria Cristina Falls is open for public viewing during Sundays and other special occasions as these are the days the plant closes for one hour, allowing the river to run free and return to its natural split-double waterfall. Lisa and I together with our friends went to see the falls. We went up to NPC’s viewing deck at the 3rd floor of the building. All of us were amazed of the falls despite the fact that it has decrease the flow of the waterfall because of El Niño. It continues to mesmerize us as it reach to the pool plunging some of its water to the people in the viewing deck. Swimming in Maria Cristina Falls is strictly prohibited because of the uncontrollable strong current of the water.
At the NPC viewing deck, you could also find a small glass room full of pictures of Maria Cristina Falls and the hydroelectric plant as it evolved through the years. It also has an interesting story on how Maria Cristina Falls got its name. It all started because of the two sisters named Maria and Cristina who lived near the falls.
Maria Cristina Falls is a waterfall of the Agus River on the island of Mindanao. It is sometimes called the "twin falls" as the flow is separated by a rock at the brink of the waterfall. It is a landmark of Iligan City, nicknamed the City of Majestic Waterfalls, because of the presence of more than 20 waterfalls in the city. It is located 9.3 kilometers away southwest of the city proper at the boundaries of Barangays Maria Cristina, Ditucalan, and Buru-un.[2] Well known for its natural beauty and grandeur, the 320 - feet (98 meters) high waterfall is also the primary source of electric power for the city's industries, being harnessed by the Agus VI Hydroelectric Plant.
Maria Cristina Falls is situated 9.3 kilometers away southwest of the Iligan City proper in the boundaries of Barangay Maria Cristina, Ditucalan and Buru-un. It’s a 320 feet high waterfall and the main source of power in the city’s industries which is brought under control by the Agus VI Hydroelectric plant operated by National Power Corporation. It’s not just supplying Iligan City’s power but it goes beyond other provinces generating 70% of Mindanao’s electricity.
Maria Cristina Falls is open for public viewing during Sundays and other special occasions as these are the days the plant closes for one hour, allowing the river to run free and return to its natural split-double waterfall. Lisa and I together with our friends went to see the falls. We went up to NPC’s viewing deck at the 3rd floor of the building. All of us were amazed of the falls despite the fact that it has decrease the flow of the waterfall because of El Niño. It continues to mesmerize us as it reach to the pool plunging some of its water to the people in the viewing deck. Swimming in Maria Cristina Falls is strictly prohibited because of the uncontrollable strong current of the water.
At the NPC viewing deck, you could also find a small glass room full of pictures of Maria Cristina Falls and the hydroelectric plant as it evolved through the years. It also has an interesting story on how Maria Cristina Falls got its name. It all started because of the two sisters named Maria and Cristina who lived near the falls.
If I’m bewitched and intimated by Maria Cristina Falls at the same time, Tinago Falls awed and calmed me.“Tinago” is a Filipino term which means hidden. As the name implies, it is indeed hidden by nature in a deep ravine covered by trees and other wild vegetation. Trekking to the falls requires approximately 500 descending steps called the winding staircase.
Literally hidden in a deep ravine, the falls cascading beautifully into a basin-like pool, clean, and deep and icy cold. It has an elevation of approximately 420 feet. It is 13.8 kilometers away from the city proper. Access to the falls is through the Iligan Tinago Mountain Resort, managed by the City Tourism Office with an entrance fee of P10.00.
The falls is approximately 420 feet high, its very cold waters cascading beautifully into a deep and calm basin-like pool which appears like a blue-colored lagoon. Under the falls is a small cave where people can enter and listen to the rumbling waters. It is located in Barangay Ditucalan, 13 kilometers from the city center. It is truly a majestic place that resounds an atmosphere of serenity, a perfect escape from the noisy metropolitan.
ILIGAN CITY – They call it “Land of the Majestic Waterfalls” and, rightly so, the Tourism department could not have coined a better title for one of Northern Mindanao’s growing cities blessed with more than 20 waterfalls. The locals here couldn't agree more. The mere mention of “Iligan City” easily conjures up breath-taking vistas, like the Maria Cristina falls, the country’s highest. Although there are other great sights here which are perfect material for a Facebook status photo, it’s the waterfalls that give the city exclusive bragging rights in the Philippine’s highly-stacked inventory of natural wonders.
Somewhere in the hidden forest of this laidback city is a haven for weary souls desiring for that much-needed escape. Nestled in the sleepy barangay of Ditucalan in the town Buru-un around 12 kilometers from downtown is the fabled Tinago (hidden) Falls.
Tinago Falls is approximately 245-feet high, with ice-cold waters cascading gorgeously and creating a soft blanket of mist into a serene bluish-green lagoon about a hundred feet deep (which is a rough estimate by locals who have yet to come up with an exact figure on how deep the water really is).
Breath of fresh air
Nature has its own unique way of making you feel its mesmerizing aura right there and then and Tinago Falls is all this and more; it offers you that satisfying sense of completeness, of “being”, perhaps because it is your first time to set foot on the place, or maybe because you are just too overwhelmed by the serenity and freshness in the air that your urban abode could never pamper you with. It’s different here. There’s an abundance of peacefulness – in the surrounding foliage, in the water, and everyone around is wearing a happy smile.
Tinago Falls is a breath of fresh air to an otherwise saturated urban atmosphere that is almost literally a stone throw away. It is an oasis that beckons in a quiet nook, ever grateful to provide its guests the reassuring comfort and warmth this peaceful abode has been so famously known for.
The city government has made great strides to boost the image of Tinago Falls with aggressive tourism campaigns but it has been mostly first-hand experiences and accounts of visitors that were responsible for the influx of both local and foreign tourists that likewise enhanced the city’s coffers as a result.
The falls is a wonder. It has a main area where majority of the water flows. As it comes down it splits into two. The right side of the falls forms a “mini” falls. Compared to the left side, this one is smaller and it is not too rocky. Big rock formation surround the “mini” falls making it more private and conducive for swimming.
Mimbalut Falls is located in Brgy. Buru-an, Iligan. It is part of Iligan’s Tourism Triangle, along with Maria Cristina and Tinago Falls. Sorrounded by trees and boulders of rock, Mimbalut offers a distinct and natural allure.
The falls is a wonder. It has a main area where majority of the water flows. As it comes down it splits into two. The right side of the falls forms a “mini” falls. Compared to the left side, this one is smaller and it is not too rocky. Big rock formation surround the “mini” falls making it more private and conducive for swimming.
Like what my friends and I did, you can bring foods with you. You have to if you plan to stay long. There are no nearby stores. Your stomach might end up grumbling. 
You need not worry on where to place them. On the bottom part of the falls (shallow part) are tables constructed. This is a new one. They didn’t have these before. These tables and benches are in the waters so while eating, your feet will feel water running through.
You need not worry on where to place them. On the bottom part of the falls (shallow part) are tables constructed. This is a new one. They didn’t have these before. These tables and benches are in the waters so while eating, your feet will feel water running through.
Diyandi Festival is the official title for Iligan City’s month-long cultural celebration. This grand celebration is concluded by the feast day of the city’s Patron Saint – Saint Michael the Archangel, known locally as “Senior San Miguel” on the 29th day in the months of September. The Archangel is considered by the Iliganons (locals) as the protector against the evil and the healer of the sick.
Viva Sr. San Miguel is an annual event in September in honor of its patron saint, St. Michael the Archangel. The Sinulog, a ritualistic street-dance drama (also called eskrima) is its main highlights. It depicts the heavenly battle between Lucifer and San Miguel. This festival of Iligan City showcases religious heritage and cultural heritage of Lumad, Muslim and Hispanic Cultures. It also features beauty pageant, civic and military parade,sports contests, street dance and solemn procession.
Every year on September 29, Iligan’s colorful tradition of venerating Saint Michael on his feast day is lovingly and fervently relived in so many ways that have become so deeply rooted into the Iliganon psyche. Through the San Miguel Comedia, the mass singing of “ Ang Buotan nga Iliganon,” fiesta fare from the elaborate and extravagant lechon, to the down-to-earth torta and ibos, the siren call is irresistible. It beckons all to come home and join the chorus of “Viva Señor San Miguel!”
The celebration of the Feast of St. Michael officially or liturgically starts on September 20 with Holy Mass at the St.Michael Cathedral and the “Pagpakanaug” or the ritual transfer of the image of St. Michael from its niche in the main altar towards a pedestal on the side altar. Thousands of devotees flock to the cathedral to witness the ceremonies and for a chance to don the helmet of St. Michael, believed to impart powers of the warrior-archangel to the wearer. The “pagpakanaug” signals the start of the 9-day novena for the patron saint.
Adding more life and catering to a wider segment of the local populace are the various sports competitions and exhibitions, ‘mugna” trade fairs, coastal clean-up drives, concerts and street parties.
“Viva Señor San Miguel! Viva!” This is the impassioned and joyous salute, the homage of the people of Iligan to its beloved patron saint — defender, protector and faithful warrior of God.
DIYANDI is a ritual performed by an all-female group outside the Cathedral during the Pagpakanaug, before every novena and before the start of the Komedya, or Comedia de San Miguel, a folk stage play depicting the celestial battle. The ritual depicts the courtship between a Maranao male and Higaonon female, and culminating into an offering symbolic of their union and bountiful harvest to St. Michael the Archangel. The ritual aptly describes the peaceful co-existence of Iligan’s tri-people – Maranaos, Higaonons and Christians.
To make it even more attractive to tourists, the area surrounding Maria Cristina Falls was also developed. NPC Nature's Park is now a family destination everyone can truly enjoy. It has amenities that caters to visitors of all ages. It has a viewing deck, mini-zoo, cottages, canteen, and adventure rides, among others.
NPC Nature’s Park is located within an eight-hectare area inside the Agus 6 & 7 Hydroelectric Power Plant Complex in Fuentes, Maria Cristina. The first such facility of NPC in the Mindanao region.
The NPC Nature’s Park construction in three phases:
Phase I features an orchidarium; a durian/rambutan/lanzones orchard; natural waterfalls; a bat park; a crocodile farm; a grotto in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes; a wishing well; and viewing decks along the banks of the Agus River .
The NPC Nature’s Park construction in three phases:
Phase I features an orchidarium; a durian/rambutan/lanzones orchard; natural waterfalls; a bat park; a crocodile farm; a grotto in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes; a wishing well; and viewing decks along the banks of the Agus River .
Phase II, calls for the construction of an aviary; a mini-zoo; a trekking site; a hanging bridge; cottages and sheds, and a children’s park.
Phase III involves the construction and development of special areas for kayak rides and white-water rafting; a site for rock and wall climbing; fishing grounds; cable car stations with viewing decks.
The most influential and popular historical landmark in the City of Iligan is the Macaraeg-Macapagal Ancestral House in Iligan City. The house boasts of its rich history and grand style of which two sitting presidents reside, the 9th President of the Republic of the Philippines, President Diosdado Macapagal, father of the 14th President of the Republic of the Philippines, former President, now Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
A quaint house beside the cool and crystal clear spring waters of Timoga and where the constant murmuring of eddying waters could lull the tired soul to sleep amidst the greenery and chirping of birds. This is the ancestral house of the late first lady Evangeline Macaraeg-Macapagal, mother of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. In 1994, upon the instigation of the late former President Diosdado Macapagal, the lot where the house stands and a two-hectare cocoland nearby were donated to the City Government of Iligan for the purpose of developing the place into a tourist destination with a memorabilia of the Macaraeg-Macapagal Family.
Statue on the swing of President Diosdado Macapagal and little Gloria
Inside the Macaraeg-Macapagal Ancestral House
Playhouse of Little Gloria
Iligan the City of Waterfalls has several spring swimming pools to offer. One of the most spectacular of which is the Timoga Spring Pool found in Timoga, Buru-un, Iligan, Philippines. It is one of the several pools found in the area that got its water from the flowing spring coming from the mountains of Iligan City. It is 5-10 minutes away from Maria Cristina Falls and minutes away from El Lauriento Swimming Pool and Mimar’s Springway Resort which are also classy spring pools that offer that same icy cool water and has spacious area with restaurant.
Located at Barangay Ditucalan with two swminning pools (for children and adults) with cottages and supplied with free-flowing Ditucalan spring water, the same source as the drinking water of most of Iligan’s residents.
A 9-hole golf course laid out on gently rolling low green hills. Located in Barangay Tipanoy, 6 kilometers from the city proper.
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