Lovers allured by Bega Falls in AgSur
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
For people who want
quality over quantity, it is no longer about fancy restaurants, luxurious
gifts, and expensive shopping, but more on spending quality time and worthwhile
experiences with their loved ones.
This was claimed by most
of the lovers, bunch of friends and families from different parts of Caraga
Region who enjoyed the trip heading to Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur during this
Heart’s Month celebration just to feel and experience the different kind of
vibe, romantic ambience, picturesque spots and mind-blowing four-tier cascades
at Bega Falls, which no one could ever resist, especially those nature lovers.
Bega Falls is located in
Barangay Mabuhay in the town of Prosperidad, a first-class municipality in the
province. Prosperidad is derived from the word Prospero or “Progressive” as the
place continues to experience growth and prosperity.
Municipal Tourism Officer
Noradel Martinez shared that based on legends or folklore, the falls got its
name from the Visayan word “biga” which means “flirt.” Accordingly, the maidens
who are dwelling in that area lure men who are also enchanted of their beauty
and are easily attracted and attached to the place.
“The four-tiered
waterfalls surrounded by green vegetation have different characteristics and
features situated at the heart of Bega River system starting from the head
source at Sitio Ugnop near the Putting Bato Peak in the mountainous area of
Barangay Mabuhay,” Martinez elaborated.
She claimed that those who
will be visiting the place will be walking at the trail with sweat and valor
before reaching the enthralling falls. But once you get there, you are
bewitched by its beauty and the feeling of exhaustion would immediately start
to fade away.
That was exactly the
reason why a young man like Jomar Balaquit from Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte,
undoubtedly chose Bega Falls and took his significant other to the place, where
they also celebrated their monthly anniversary as a romantic couple.
“This was actually a
surprise for my girlfriend. I chose to celebrate Valentine’s Day with her in
the not so usual place and opted to create meaningful memories with her for our
monthsary. Indeed, we were both amazed and enchanted by the beauty of Bega
Falls,” Balaquit expressed.
It was the same vibe felt
by the team from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga when they
visited the place and featured it in their new online platform, “Laag,
Caraga.”
Hence, should you have
plans to take your family and friends with you on special occasions or even on
regular days, you can all enjoy picnicking, bird watching, swimming, and
cliff-jumping.
Wondering how to get
there? For those coming from Butuan City, ride a bus or van and drop at
Barangay Awa along the highway entry point for Los Arcos, and you can hire a
'habal-habal' or single motorcycle driver to carry you to barangay Mabuhay,
then register at the barangay hall for you to be led by a tour guide, and hike
from that entry going to the tiers of Bega Falls.
Fare from the Prosperidad
terminal through a habal-habal going to Bega Falls usually reaches around P300
per person while the entrance fee is at P50. You may also request the driver to
wait to give you a ride back to the downtown, and leaving a tip for
their good service would not hurt your pocket.
Sarah Mae Cuizon,
management staff at Bega Falls Eco-Tourism Park, reminded the tourists not to
worry much about any corkage fee because anyone is allowed to bring
their food to the area. They just have to rent a cottage in the
amount of P150 to P200 and just be responsible to clean the area
after using.
“When you go swimming, you
have to wear proper attire for you to get comfortable and swimming gear like a
life jacket is readily available. Lifeguards are also on watch,” said Cuizon.
A helping tourist guide
will also ensure the visitors’ safety.
Bega Falls is just one of
the many tourist destinations that you could fall in love with when you are in
the province of Agusan del Sur. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
