Bomod-ok Falls in Sagada: Updated Travel Guide 2023

Bomod-ok Falls is one of the most wonderful tourist spots to visit in Sagada. Visiting this waterfall requires a downward hike to the villages of Pide and Fidelisan, which can be difficult for some tourists. Despite the challenging trail, you will be rewarded with its amazing scenery and breathtaking landscape. In this article, we will share the updated travel guide and tips for visiting Bomod-ok Falls.

Post Updated: October 9, 2023: We updated the instructions for visiting Bomod-Ok Falls. We also added information for the appropriate travel guides’ association that you must contact before visiting this tourist spot in Sagada. Please follow the new rules of Sagada’s local tourism government for a seamless travel experience.

Bomod-Ok Falls Description

Bomod-ok Falls is located in the Mountain Province within the municipality of Sagada. The locals consider it the Mother Falls of Sagada because of its life-giving water to the rice terraces of Pide and Fidelisan. The falls came from the Amlusong Tributary, with mountain waters diving into its plunge pool filled with rocks and boulders. The plunge pool’s depth changes depending on the season. Amid its treacherous hike and winding trails, tourists from all over the country still visit this waterfall to witness its glory and wonder.

How to Go to Bomod-Ok Falls

As of October 9, 2023, all tour operations going to Bomod-ok Falls are run by travel agencies accredited by the local tourism government. You must follow these steps before visiting Sagada:

1. Book at least a one-night stay at a DOT or LGU-accredited accommodation online. You can find the list of accredited establishments here. We recommend staying at Bosaing’s Place, located within Central Sagada, and it is accessible to other establishments around town. You can contact Cecilia Bosaing at +63-915-492-2193.
2. After securing your booking, your accommodation will provide an access code for registration through Umali Kayo Tourist Registration Portal. Sign up and follow the instructions on the website.
3. After successful registration, you must print and bring your registration summary with a QR code and present it at the Sagada Border.
4. You must contact Bangaan Fidelisan Tanulong Aguid Madongo Pide Guides Association (BFTAMPGA) for tour arrangements at Bomod-ok Falls.

Additionally, this association will also provide shuttle services and tour guides for your hike to Bomod-ok Falls. The hike will take around 4 hours, and the cost is around PHP 1150 for 7 persons.

Our Hiking Experience to Bomod-Ok Falls

Reaching Bangaan

We departed from our homestay at 7:45 AM and headed to Barangay Bangaan to meet our tour guides. Upon arrival, our guides provided us with an orientation about what to anticipate during the hike, along with valuable safety tips. We were informed that the hike would take approximately one hour, and they assured us that the rewards at the end would justify our efforts.

The Breathtaking View of Pide and Fidelisan

As we embarked on our hike, we were greeted by a breathtaking landscape. Approximately 200 meters into the trek, the picturesque mountain villages of Pide and Fidelisan came into view. Our tour guide, Alice, shared a captivating story with us during the journey. She recounted an inspiring tale of a pregnant local resident who, despite facing a challenging climb from her home to the nearest maternity clinic, managed to give birth effortlessly after ascending thousands of steps along the trail. As I listened to this remarkable account, my eyes widened. The people of Sagada are renowned for their remarkable strength and endurance, qualities that are undoubtedly essential for those who inhabit high-altitude regions like this.

Arriving at Barangay Pide and Fidelisan

We decided to take a short break upon reaching the charming villages of Pide and Fidelisan. The entire community is nestled amidst lush rice fields and surrounded by majestic mountain ridges and verdant forests. Despite the various influences of past colonizers, the residents of this area maintain a simple and steadfast lifestyle, diligently preserving their age-old traditions. Even today, their norms and values continue to be rooted in their indigenous belief system, and their reverence for the elderly remains of paramount importance.

In addition to the stunning scenery, there is also a nearby gold mine in the vicinity. While the majority of the indigenous people in Cordillera earn their livelihood through farming, here in Fidelisan, you’ll also find a small-scale mine managed by the people of Sagada themselves. Gold was first discovered in Sagada in 1974, and remarkably, no large mining corporations have been able to penetrate these small-scale mines.

Crossing the Fidelisan Rice Terraces

Part of the journey to reach the Bomod-ok Falls entails traversing the terraced rice fields of Fidelisan, resembling a series of stair-like formations. As we walked through these intricate rice fields, we had to navigate through net structures, and the trail could become quite slippery when covered in mud. While making our way across the vibrant green fields, our guide Alice shared an intriguing observation about the farmers of Sagada. Traditionally, farmers in the region rely on carabaos to prepare and cultivate their fields. However, in Fidelisan, carabaos are a rarity, and the local farmers rely on their own physical strength and hard work to till the soil. This resilient practice truly embodies the essence of a Filipino folk saying, ‘Mas malakas pa sa kalabaw,’ which translates to ‘We are stronger than carabaos.’

Arriving at the Bomod-ok Falls

After an hour of strenuous hiking, we finally arrived at the majestic Mother Falls of Sagada. This waterfall stands tall and imposing, its cascading waters breathing life into the nearby farms of Pide and Fidelisan. The cold, refreshing water offered welcome relief to the fatigue that had settled in during our long walk, and the view was nothing short of breathtaking.

Alice explained that the volume of water flowing from the falls swells during the rainy season, sometimes flooding the entire Amlusong tributary to even greater depths. However, as we were visiting during the dry summer months, the water levels in the tributary were lower, although the plunge pool at the base remained deep. The landscape was adorned with an array of rocks and boulders, a testament to the raw power of nature in shaping this awe-inspiring waterfall.

Words almost fail to capture the sheer beauty of Bomod-ok Falls. It’s simply stunning! I found myself standing in awe before it. The sound of the water crashing against the hard rock creates a mesmerizing melody and the cool breeze whistles in harmony. After a few moments of soaking in the magnificence of the place, I couldn’t resist the temptation any longer and decided to strip off my clothes and take a refreshing dip in the deep plunge pool. The water was remarkably cold but worked wonders in rejuvenating my tired body.

The Hike Back to Aguid Road

As noon approached, we embarked on our return hike to Bangaan. The sun was high in the sky, casting down sweltering heat. Instead of retracing our previous trail, we opted for a different route that led us up to Aguid Road, where a jeepney awaited us. Along this new path, we traversed the captivating rice terraces of Pide, and the scenery remained just as breathtaking. Hiking back was notably easier, thanks to the well-paved concrete pathway. We took several breaks during the return journey, savoring the awe-inspiring vistas of Pide and Fidelisan. Upon reaching Aguid Road, my friends and I made the spontaneous decision to ride atop the jeepney, allowing us to relish the panoramic views of Pide and Fidelisan to the fullest.

Travel Tips

Here are some travel tips you need to know before visiting Bomod-Ok Falls:

• Part of the hike is seeing the majestic rice terraces of Pide and Fidelisan, and make sure to bring your water bottles for hydration during the hike.
• There are a lot of rocks and boulders in the Amlusong tributary, so be careful in crossing this path going to Bomod-ok.
• The hike back to Bangaan is more taxing than the previous trail, so be sure to bring some snacks with you during the hike for energy.
• To enhance your Sagada experience, ride a top-load jeep if you have a chance. This will let you see the panoramic view of Pide and Fidelisan.
• Of course, bring your cameras, take photos, and share them!

Summary: Bomod-Ok Falls

In the heart of Sagada, our journey to the Bomod-ok Falls was a remarkable adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, tales of resilience, and moments of pure serenity. From traversing terraced rice fields to standing in awe before the towering Mother Falls, each step brought us closer to the heart of nature and the spirit of the people of Sagada. As we made our way back under the scorching sun, taking in the beauty of Pide and Fidelisan once more, we were reminded that nature’s wonders and the indomitable human spirit are truly treasures worth preserving and cherishing. Sagada had gifted us not only with its majestic waterfalls but with a deeper appreciation for the simple yet profound beauty of life in this serene mountainous haven.

This post was originally published on July 21, 2017, and updated on October 9, 2023.