Conception Falls is a beautiful half day trip from Coron town in the Philippines, it’s one of the best things to do in Coron when you’re not out island hopping. The waterfall is a stunning little oasis just a short walk from the main road and was very quiet when we visited. It’s an easy visit with kids, with a short walk in to the falls.
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The waterfall is just stunning – it pours into a beautiful green-blue waterhole surrounded by leafy tropical jungle with smaller spurts trickling down from the cliff walls. The falls lead into a river than runs downstream to Conception Town and is fun for a little rapid floating once you tire of jumping and swinging into the falls and swimming through the clear water.
The beautiful Conception Falls in Coron, Philippines
We left The Funny Lion Resort at 9.30am and when we arrived at the falls there was only one couple there, and a few others came while we were there. None of them stayed long and when we left there was no one else around. If you want to make sure you have it all to yourselves leave early in the morning, around 7am-7.30am.
It takes around an hour to reach the falls from Coron. You’ll travel along paved and dirt roads as there are a few small detours where new bridges are being built.
Conception Falls is fabulous for swimming, the water temp is perfect!
You’ll pass small thatched shops, grandmas rocking babies to sleep under woven bamboo shades, little boys piggy-backing their siblings along the road, naked kids swimming in crystal clear rivers, goats, buffalo, chickens and turkeys on the side of the road, and silly, sleepy dogs laying in the middle of it.
And everyone will wave and smile at you. It’s the Filipino way.
You’ll pass flowing clear rivers, rolling green mountains reminiscent of Bohol’s chocolate hills, little villages, people washing their clothes and hair, well-built Christian schools, tropical jungle and fields with grazing stock.
Keep an eye out for the beautiful town of Bintaun, it’s teeny tiny and beautifully landscaped with tropical plants around all the houses and little ladies peering out and waving as you drive through. I would have loved to just go and visit them – there were so many times on this drive where I just wanted to stop and chat with people.
But with so much to see and many people to wave to you, before you know it you’ll be at Conception. It’s a five minute easy walk to the falls, and it’s mostly flat with steps down to the falls. There’s a concrete dam you can cross over to picnic tables on the far side and then it’s time to swim. You may stay for hours like us so take snacks and even a picnic lunch.
The water is cool but not cold and adults will be able to touch the bottom until almost the middle of the pool. Beware of the little fishes who will nibble any scabs you have on your body. I had some on my toes and heel from my too-tight fins that blistered my feet two days before and I was nibbled on all afternoon.
Swim, climb and jump and repeat – it’s just so much fun. You can climb onto the falls and jump down or try the big jumps from the top of the rocks and from the branches of an overhanging tree. Under the small falls is a little rope swing and there are lots of rocky outcrops and edges to climb up and jump from.
It’s likely that children from the surrounding villages will be down there or will follow you down and will show you all the jumps. Your guide should know too. Our guide, Nonoy, was so great, he took Em up to jump off the top of the rocks and branches at least eight times. I went up once and that was enough. He also kept an eye on her, caught her when she jumped (when I was videoing!!) and just generally looked after us. His English isn’t perfect but he is a super capable guide, very friendly and kind. You can contact him on 09 2699 01173 or through The Funny Lion Resort. We paid him 1500 pesos (about $40 AUD) for the tricycle ride there and back and his time at the falls – it was almost six hours all up as we stayed bathe falls for more than three.
It’s a super awesome day out and is a nice break from the amazing island hopping tours, and definitely an activity in include on your list when you visit Coron.
Getting there:
Tricycle – one hour each way 1500 php – call Nonoy 09 2699 01173
Car – 30 mins each way 4000 php
Resources:
What to pack for the Philippines – Philippines packing guide
Where to stay in Mactan, Cebu – Shangri La Mactan Resort & Spa
Where to stay in Siquijor – Coco Grove Resort
Coron Island Hopping Tours – what to do in Coron