From a distance, we saw some tourists right in front of the
falls. That time, the rain was abrupt
and the current of the water coming down from the falls was strong. If the weather is good and the current is not
that strong, visitors would normally wallow near the falls. Based on what we observed, they were just
standing there and admiring the falls.
There were two groups of visitors near the falls. The first group where the representative of
the world bank belonged rode the raft towards.
Our guide told us that the visitors would leave quickly after seeing the
falls because of the weather condition.
The water was freezing cold, it rain abruptly, and the current was
strong.
We rode the third raft towards the falls and that time
around, the ride was smooth. As we
approached the site of the falls, the falls slowly revealed itself. I have seen several falls already and this
one was not really that impressive.
Actually, it is not grand nor a breathtaking one. It was not the one I was thinking of. What is grand about the place is the canyon
where the falls is located. The opening
in between the high rise walls of the mountain that allows the abundant water
coming from the falls to freely flow and the mystic appearance of the place
where light and shadows chase each other make the place extraordinary. The moment we arrived at the falls, the last
batch of guests that day left. And we
had the falls by ourselves.
We were glad that we had the falls by ourselves. We could take as much pictures as we want without
any disturbance. Well, not really
true. When we got to the falls, it was
raining. It was a challenge because our
cameras are not waterproof. In order to
get enough pictures, we had to take turns in holding the umbrella in order to
protect our camera. At the same time,
the wind was blowing hard and the water falling down on the falls was
forceful. Aside from the rain, the
drizzle coming from the falls was also our concern. Every now and then, we had to wipe our lenses
because of the rain and the drizzle.
Our guide told us that with the current of the falls, the
guests are not allowed to take a dip.
During the summer season, there's a protruding rock in the middle of the
pool where the guests can stay. Likewise,
during the summer season when the falls is gentle, the guests are allowed to
stay within the pool or enjoy a water massage right under the falls. But that particular time, we were prohibited
in going near the falls.
After several minutes of stay, we managed to get some pics
and we had to sacrifice our camera because of the rain and the drizzle of the
falls. By the way, this falls is called
Ambon-Ambon falls because just like what we had experienced, the ambon (drizzle)
was really overwhelming that time.
Though we were thankful because we had the place all by ourselves, our
pictures of the falls were just so-so.
Maybe next time around when the weather is good and the falls is subtle.
What I appreciate most of this experience was the totality
of the place. It was a refreshing moment
feeling your face against the cold drizzle of the falls. The wind that blew from time to time made the
place breath with fresh air. The gap
between the mountain walls allows the filtered rays of the sun to dramatically
light the place. The rush of the water
coming from the falls was not a friendly atmosphere and yet it looked
lovely. The lagoon where the third raft
is anchored is so silent and calm despite of the volume of water coming down
from the falls. Except for the rush of
the water, the place has a deafening silence that is good for the soul.
Upon our return, we encountered again the most challenging part
of the river going towards the second raft.
For the second time, it was still a dreaded experience on my end. That time, it seemed that my legs lost their
weight and grip. Even on a barefoot, I
really found it difficult to find that right spot where to anchor my feet
without being carried by the current.
And yes, it really matters a lot when you have nothing to worry about
nor carrying anything.
The moment we landed safely on that rock in the middle of
the river, the last group of visitors was on a frenzy on top of the raft
because of their weight. As the raft was
nearing our position, little by little, its front end submerged in the
water. We saw how the group panicked and
rocked the raft at the same time. It was
good that the guides were there to help them
On the good side, the group did not bring any camera with
them. Thus, in the event of capsizing,
they only have to worry about themselves plus the guides are always on the
lookout for their safety. They managed
to hurdle the situation in no time and went on the falls.
We spent our remaining time that day roaming around the
eco-park and taking pictures to our heart’s content. But one thing was missing. We don’t have any model to complete our
activity.
It was almost five in the afternoon when we left the
park. We discussed about going home or
continuing our trip the next day. We
agreed to push through with it since we were already there.
After having our dinner at a restaurant near the
highway, we rented a modest room in one of the inns nearby. And right after my back touched the soft and
relaxing surface of the bed, I dozed off.
It was one tiring but good day.
at the falls
rubber tube ride
around the resort
No comments:
Post a Comment