Hike into Philippine History at the Wawa Dam Site
Are you fond of the outdoors, trekking, hiking, or rock climbing?
If the answer is yes, then Wawa Dam site is the exact place for you. You may even have a feel of the history of the Philippines as you walk along the trail.
Nestled at the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains in Montalban, Rizal. The Wawa Dam site is an hour away from Cubao, Manila. It is a place where one can take a time out from the busy streets of Manila city and have fun in the outdoors.
You can get there by taking a jeepney from Cubao going to Montalban. There are also FX-taxis that can take you there (gives more comfort if you wish). This will take you to Barangay San Rafael in Montalban and from there you can take jeepneys that can take you to Barangay Wawa.
If you travel by car you will have to pay a toll fee of twenty pesos for your car. After that you may go wherever you wish in the Wawa Dam site. This is the perfect place for hikers, photographers, trekkers, mountaineers, cave explorers, and every outdoorsman. There are little huts at the dam where you can hang out or have your lunch after a short swim.
The Wawa Dam flanked by limestone walls is a majestic site. The quiet river, the huge limestone rocks, the caves, and the tranquil scenery depict a mystical scene. It is like traveling back in time. The view of the magnificent gorge is awe-inspiring; no wonder a lot of people would love to have a try at rock climbing here.
Local legend has it that Bernardo Carpio, a figure in Philippine Mythology, was once lured into a trap here by the Spaniards. Employing the powers of a shaman, Bernardo Carpio, being a giant in one version, was trapped in between two rocks in the Wawa Dam site. As proof of which, it is said that his hands or feet have been imprinted on the rocks. Local lore also says that one of his teeth was found in one of the caves.
The Wawa Dam was constructed in 1909 by the Americans as a reservoir and pumping facility. It became a battlefield during the Japanese occupation. Many Japanese soldiers died here defending this holding point when the Americans retook the area. A marker was placed in one of the caves that anyone passing through the trail can see. It was placed in honor of these brave men.
One of the caves in the Wawa Dam site is historically significant. The Pamitnan cave is large enough so that it can be explored. It may take an hour for a group to explore the whole cave. In April 1895, it is said that the Philippine revolutionary group KKK (Kataastaasang Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga anak ng bayan) took refuge here. Their first cry of freedom took place here in the cave.
One may feel the embrace of nature while going through the trail. You may have the history of the place instill a spirit of peace and freedom. A trek through the trail at the Wawa Dam site infuses nature’s blessings and spirituality into the soul.
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5 Responses to “Hike into Philippine History at the Wawa Dam Site”
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Hi! I’m interested in visting Wawa Dam but I don’t have much information on going there and details of what activities can be arranged?
I was wondering if you can help me with that.
Can you shoot me an email?
thanks!
Jan
Hi, saw some pictures of the wawa in some website, and wow it is beautiful… so now im wondering when and how to get there, can you pls. give some directions/ we’ll be going by car and btw, how much do we have to bring…
thanks1
There is talk that the Philippine gov’t is planning to rehabilitate and revive the Wawa Dam. One problem that’s hindering this effort is that the water in that site has high pollutants that is unsafe for human consumption.
Greetings! I am a 75-year old man who wants to go to Wawa Dam. Is it senior-citizen friendly? Would I still enjoy the trip? I think I still have a good pair of legs… for now, at least. But I might not have the stamina for trekking.
my family just came from there yesterday and we really had a nice time. very nice view and fresh air. magnificent rock formations, awesome caves. a very welcome new sight for one whose weekends are often spent in malls.
rentals for bamboo cottages and the “balsa” are P100 each. no entrance fee to the dam. there are variety stores along the way. there are also some stalls where fish and vegetables are being sold. commodities are relatively cheap compared to commercial resorts. there are cottages in the lower part but small portions of water for swimming. swimming is best in the upper part because there are no rock formations. “balsas” (bamboo rafts) can be rented if you want to paddle along the water.