Situbo Falls in Tampilisan: two layers of water

Situbo Falls is in Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte. I found it on day 10 of my trip through the province and posted it on 10 October 2026. Local people recommended it to me, and I probably would not have found it on my own. I keep asking locals for recommendations when I travel in the Philippines.

Is it safe to visit?

The Australian government’s Smartraveller advice, updated 24 September 2026, says not to travel to the Zamboanga Peninsula, and Tampilisan is on that peninsula. Read the current advice before you book, and read the full list of dates and areas on the Mindanao guide.

How do you get to Situbo Falls?

• From Dapitan or Dipolog. Bus to Tampilisan, about 3 hours and 220 pesos, according to Lakwatsero.
• From Ipil. Take a Dipolog-bound bus and get off at Tampilisan: about 1 hour and 25 pesos, according to Lakwatsero.
• To the falls. A habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) from Tampilisan costs 250 to 300 pesos for the return trip, according to Transit Pinas. Agree the price first.

Getting there

Sourced against Lakwatsero, Transit Pinas and Trip.com, last checked 18 October 2026.

Who told me about it?

Local people did: in my caption I thank everyone who recommended Situbo Falls to me.

I probably would’ve never found Situbo Falls if it wasn’t for you guys.

Ask the people you meet for recommendations, as I did.

Where should I stay near Situbo Falls?

Booking.com’s listed prices for one night, two adults, one room, on Tuesday 17 November 2026, checked on 18 October 2026. Prices change, so check before you book. The nearest bookable stays are in Liloy, covered in the Liloy guide.

• Bayaton Guesthouse Liloy (affiliate link) — I earn a commission if you book through it, from ₱2,440 a night
• Guesthouse in Liloy with an outdoor kitchen (affiliate link) — I earn a commission if you book through it, from ₱2,745 a night

Map of places to stayFind a place to stay in Liloy, near Situbo FallsLive prices and availability for your dates.Show places to stay on the map(affiliate link)

Why was it bigger than I expected?

Lakwatsero puts the drop at about 100 feet, roughly 30 metres, into a deep basin that looks green on clear days and brown in the rainy season. In my video I show the two layers of waterfall.

I did not expect that this waterfall was going to be this massive.

Go on a clear day if you want to see the basin green.

Practical details

• Entry. No registration fee, according to Transit Pinas.
• Hours. 6:00 to 18:00, according to Trip.com.
• The path. After the parking area, a narrow foot path leads to the falls, according to Transit Pinas.

Sources

• Lakwatsero, Situbo Falls: bus fares and travel time
• Transit Pinas, Situbo Falls: habal-habal fare and path
• My Facebook post from the trip: Facebook post, Tampilisan
• My Facebook video, day 10: Facebook video, day 10
• My TikTok post, day 10: TikTok post, day 10
• Smartraveller, Philippines, updated 24 September 2026: Smartraveller, Philippines

Questions people ask

Where are Situbo Falls?

In Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte. The bus from Dapitan or Dipolog to Tampilisan takes about 3 hours and costs ₱220, according to Lakwatsero, and a habal-habal takes you on to the falls.

What makes Situbo Falls special?

In my video I say it has two layers of water coming down, and that it is bigger than I expected. It drops about 100 feet, according to Lakwatsero.

Is there an entry fee or opening hours?

There is no registration fee, according to Transit Pinas. Trip.com lists opening hours of 6:00 to 18:00.

Is Tampilisan safe to visit?

The Australian government advises against travel to the Zamboanga Peninsula, which includes Tampilisan. Read the current advice before you go. It is set out above, with its date, and the Mindanao guide keeps a fuller version.