Merloquet Falls | Zamboanga City

Information

Landmark: Merloquet Falls
City: Zamboanga City
Country: Philippines
Continent: Asia

Merloquet Falls, Zamboanga City, Philippines, Asia

Merloquet Falls is a tiered waterfall system located in Barangay Sibulao, Zamboanga City, Philippines. The landmark is situated within a forest environment characterized by rock formations and dense tropical canopy.

Visual Characteristics

The falls feature two distinct levels, the most prominent being the lower tier which is a wide curtain-like cascade approximately 10 meters high and 15 meters wide. The water flows over a textured, stair-like rock face made of dark basalt, creating a white-water effect against the black stone. The base contains a shallow natural pool with a sandy and rocky bottom, surrounded by ferns and moss-covered boulders.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located approximately 78 kilometers northeast of Zamboanga City center. Access involves a 2-hour drive via the Zamboanga-Pagadian Highway, followed by a turn at Barangay Vitali toward Barangay Sibulao. From the parking area, visitors must descend a 500-step concrete staircase to reach the base. Private vehicles are the primary transport mode, though vans-for-hire are available at the city center.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The falls are a natural geological formation resulting from the elevation changes in the Sibulao mountain range. Ecologically, the area is classified as a secondary-growth forest and serves as a vital component of the local watershed system feeding into the Sibulao River.

Key Highlights & Activities

Swimming is permitted in the shallow pools at both the upper and lower tiers. The textured rock face of the lower falls allows visitors to sit directly under the cascade for a "hydro-massage." Hiking between the lower and upper tiers is possible via a steep side trail. Photography of the curtain effect is a primary activity.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Infrastructure is limited to a small concrete pavilion and a few wooden benches near the base. Restrooms and basic changing rooms are available at the entrance near the parking area at the top of the stairs. There is no cell phone signal (4G/5G) at the bottom of the falls. Visitors must bring their own food and water, as there are no vendors at the site.

Best Time to Visit

The best months to visit are from June to December during the rainy season when the water volume is at its peak. Photography is optimal in the early morning (08:00 to 10:00) before the sun is directly overhead, as the forest canopy provides natural diffusion.

Facts & Legends

Local residents consider the falls a hidden sanctuary, and it only gained significant tourist attention after the construction of the concrete access steps in the early 2010s. A unique feature is the "stairway" formation of the rock, which is naturally serrated, allowing for easy climbing across the face of the waterfall.