Awao Falls hides in the mountainous farming village in the Municipality of Monkayo. In terms of Eco-tourism, this stunning waterfall is the top destination in the province. There is no direct transportation to these majestic waterfalls, so having an hour bumpy habal-habal ride with a river crossing is necessary to see its hidden beauty. Getting here will certainly be challenging, but you will be rewarded with pristine and breathtaking waterfalls. The picturesque is perfect, the ambiance is relaxing, the water is cool, and the air is fresh.
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| A photo taken before dipping into the pool of Awao Falls. |
Getting Around Monkayo: At the habal terminal, near the Monkayo Bus Terminal, I met Kuya Rodger, a habal-habal driver who brought me to Awao Falls. He is friendly and approachable.
Other waterfalls in Compostela Valley (Davao de Oro): Singkabungan Falls, Bungkilaton Falls, Tugonan Falls, Batinag Falls, Malumagpak Falls, Tadja Falls, Marangig Falls, Pyalitan Falls, Miyaya Falls, Tagbibinta Falls, and Salvosa Falls.
How to Get to Awao Falls: From Manila, Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, Air Asia, and other carriers have regular trips to Davao City. From the airport, take a taxi to Ecoland Bus Terminal, where you can take a bus ride to Monkayo and other parts of the Davao region. Usually, buses bound for Butuan City pass by their terminal.
Where to Stay: I did not spend an overnight in Davao de Oro. After the visit, I headed back to Davao City and stayed at D'Morvie Suites (San Pedro) for only 448 Pesos for 24 hours. The room has a flat-screen TV, AC, toilet and bath, and WiFi (very slow reception). What's good about D'Morvie Suites is that their building is new, clean, affordable, and accessible but has limited spaces for hallways, elevators etc. Overall - it's a YES for me! READ: SOLO-BACKPACKING in Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley, and Davao City.