The Grandeur Beauty of Maria Cristina Falls

Maria Cristina Falls is one of the world’s most gorgeous waterfalls located on the island of Mindanao. It is sometimes called the “Twin Falls”, as the flow is separated by a stone on the edge of the waterfall. It is a landmark of Iligan City, nicknamed the City of Majestic Waterfalls because of the presence of more than 20 waterfalls in the city.

Maria Cristina Falls

It is located 9.3 kilometers away southwest of the city proper within the boundaries of barangays Maria Cristina, Ditucalan and Buru-un. Known for its natural beauty and grandeur, the 320 feet (98 meters) high waterfall is also the main source of electricity for the city’s industries, being harnessed by Agus VI Hydroelectric Plant.

Maria Cristina Falls powers of Agus VI Hydroelectric Plant, one of the several hydroelectric power plants that take advantage of Agus River. The plant has a capacity of 200 MW provided by a water flow of 130 cubic meters per second.

Maria Cristina Falls is only 8 kms from the city, and can be reached by taking a jeepney ride from the pier area to the Agus Bridge. From there, you can walk the rest of the way in about half an hour. Maria Cristina Falls can be seen from the third floor viewing platform in the tourist area.

Public access to the falls is given only on Sundays. The river is partially blocked by the hydroelectric dam during the week and falls to a single fall, but on Sunday morning the plant lasts for an hour, letting the river run freely and return to its natural split double waterfalls.