Private Pagsanjan Falls Shore Excursion: Banca Ride, Devil's Cave & Rafting
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–8 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness—must be able to climb in/out of small boats, steady on uneven wet surfaces, and handle short bursts of paddling or bracing.
Overview
Glide upriver in a traditional banca through a narrow gorge to an imposing 90–100m waterfall, then paddle a bamboo raft through a curtain of spray into Devil’s Cave. This private full-day shore excursion pairs local boatmen’s skill with hands-on adventure.
Private Pagsanjan Falls Shore Excursion: Banca Ride, Devil's Cave & Rafting
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You step off the gangway with salt still on your skin and the city’s noise shrinking behind you—within an hour the highway gives way to rice paddies and coconut palms, and the Burnbungan River begins to call. The private full-day shore excursion to Pagsanjan Falls is less a sightseeing stop and more a passage: two oarsmen swing a slim wooden banca into the current, and the boat slips upriver into a narrowing gorge. The air cools, orchids cling to wet rock, and the roar of water grows into a physical presence.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring a waterproof bag
Protect cameras and phones—expect spray during the raft-through and occasional wet splashes in the banca.
Wear secure water shoes
Sturdy, slip-resistant footwear makes boarding boats and scrambling on wet rocks safe and comfortable.
Hydrate and sun-protect
Combine sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and a refillable bottle—river air can be deceptive and the midday sun intense.
Listen to your boatmen
They know rapids, hidden currents, and the safest lines—follow their directions for your safety and the experience quality.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Philippine kingfisher
- Long-tailed macaque
History
Locally called Magdapio Falls, the gorge and the banca tradition date back generations; Spanish travelers wrote of the site and local boatmanship remains a cultural skill.
Conservation
High visitor numbers and plastic pollution put pressure on the river; choose operators who limit single-use plastics and support local conservation efforts.
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Adventure Hotspots in Manila
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Water shoes
Grip on wet rocks and protection while boarding make these indispensable.
summer specific
Dry bag (waterproof phone case)
Keeps electronics and passports safe through spray and occasional submersion.
Quick-dry clothing and hat
Lightweight garments dry fast after the raft ride and reduce chafing from prolonged dampness.
summer specific
Light rain jacket or poncho
Useful during the monsoon season or if you plan to stay behind the curtain of water.
fall specific