The intense heat brought about by the El Niño made this summer a bit more unbearable than usual.  City dwellers like us surely were looking for some way to cool down.  Due to our recently busy schedules, Edge and I were trying to decide where to go for a short summer get-away.  We had three things to consider: 1) it shouldn’t be too far, 2) it should be close to nature, and 3) it should be affordable.

Following a cousin’s suggestion, we packed our bags and headed to the Palo Alto Falls in Baras, Rizal.  While the province is popular for its abundance of waterfalls, such as the Daranak Falls, Wawa Dam and Batlag Falls, we were unfamiliar with Palo Alto Falls. But we didn’t have to worry; given our penchant for  off-the-beaten track destinations, the less popular a place is, the better!

The Palo Alto Falls is located inside the 200-hectare compound of the Palo Alto Leisure & Residential Estates in Brgy. Pinugay, Baras town.  Developed by the prolific Sta. Lucia Land, Inc., Palo Alto Leisure & Residential Estates is a prime residential and commercial estate that is in the early stages of its development. However, they’re already selling lots, including residential, commercial and state lots.

A few minutes’ ride from the gates of the estate, we reached the entrance to the Palo Alto Falls.  There is a minimal fee of Php 100 per head and guests are allowed until 4 PM. The waterfalls is located a further one thousand feet up. Thankfully, the developers thought of building a concrete path that makes the trek a lot easier. The trek wasn’t boring either!  Just imagine climbing 250 steps through a wooded area enclosed by towering trees and lush vegetation, with a stream whose waters flow down enormous boulders. With the noise of the city blocked out, the place really brings calm and peace. It’s a nature lover’s delight.

We reached the end of the trail and finally came upon the beautiful Palo Alto Falls. A truly magnificent sight, it was hard to believe that a wonder such as this has remained little-known for so long.  Being the peak of summer, a lot of families were enjoying themselves in the shallow pool beneath the waterfall. We spent the afternoon swimming in the pool’s cool and clean waters. We also stood beneath the falls and took a refreshing shower from the water falling down from about 60 feet up.

The developers, Palo Alto Leisure & Residential Estates, also improved the area beneath the waterfalls by constructing a club house. Aside from building an elegant pool equipped with slides (that the kiddos will surely enjoy!), they also installed cottages and picnic tables available for rent.

With a wonder of nature sitting so close to a vast and luxurious residential complex, I couldn’t help but think how lucky the future property-owners of Palo Alto would be. Nestled away from the traffic and the fast-paced life in the metro, a property in Palo Alto is perfect for those looking for a lavish yet laid-back lifestyle.  Having a waterfall practically in your backyard is just the cherry on top!

THINGS TO TO DO

• Day and Night Swimming
• Family Outing
• Leisure/Fitness Trekking and Biking
• Nature Photography & Photo Shoot
• Running/Jogging

Rates:

• Day Swimming: Clubhouse Swimming pool – 150/head | Waterfalls – 100/head (7am-5pm) (Walk-in only)
• Night Swimming: Clubhouse Swimming pool only 250/head minimum of 30 persons from 6pm-5am (Reservation required)
• Rental of Tables: Php 300 | Cottages (Nipa Hut): Php 700 (Both Clubhouse & Falls)
• Food: It is advisable to bring or buy your own foods and drinks. A limited choice of drinks and snacks are available at the clubhouse.
• No reservations needed for day swim at the Clubhouse and waterfalls
• Other amenities: Basketball court, parking area
• Commercial and Residential lots are for sale inside the estate. You can own from 150 sqm lot for as low as 10k/month.

GETTING THERE

Getting there is quite convenient and can be reached easily from Cubao/Quezon City or Ortigas/Pasig City area by private or public vehicles. For private vehicles, head to Marcos Highway from Cubao-Aurora Blvd. passing through SM Marikina and Sta. Lucia Grand Mall towards Antipolo and Baras. One can also take the LRT Line 2 plying the Recto-Santolan route. From Cubao or Santolan, you can take a jeepney/FX headed for Cogeo, Antipolo and then another jeepney going to Tanay. Drop by Palo-Alto Estate & Leisure Park which is on the right side of the road which has a huge advertising billboard of the property.

WHERE TO STAY

There is no accommodation available right now inside the estate or within the vicinity of the falls, however, a quick drive down Cainta will lead you to Stradella Hotel, another development of Sta. Lucia that provides cozy and affordable accommodation with its modern design and luxurious rooms, along with great food choices at the Stradella Casual Dining and Bar. The hotel is very near Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall and Robinsons Metro East and is accessible by car or via LRT 2, the nearest station being Santolan Station. For rates and reservations, you can visit them at www.stradella.com.ph.

Palo Alto Leisure Park and Residences (Facebook)

Palo Alto Leisure & Residential Estates  (Instagram)

Stradella Hotel | 9001 ME Felix Ave., Brgy. San Isidro, Cainta Rizal  |  Email: info@stradella.com.ph / reservation@stradella.com.ph

MegaEast Properties, Inc.  |  Level 1 Annex Sta.Lucia Grand Mall Marcos Hi-way corner Felix Avenue Cainta, Rizal  |  Contact Nos:  (632) 681-7459 / (632) 681-7481 / +63922-8420171 / +63928-222829  |  Facebook Page:  MegaEast Properties, Inc.  |  Website:  www.megaeast.com.ph