Beyond the Falls: The Intense Mawab Circuit to Amakan Crater and Tayaon Falls

If you think a trip to Mawab, Davao de Oro is just about a simple dip in a waterfall, think again. For the Manakaay adventurer, there is a circuit trail that takes you through abandoned copper mines, a living volcanic crater, and a waterfall that feels as monstrous as it is beautiful.

Guided by the expertise of Kuya Nilo Bade, we explored the depths of Mawab. Here is what you need to know about this treacherous yet majestic trail.

The Starting Point: The Ghost of Copper Mining

The journey begins at a small tribal village near the site of an old copper mining operation.

• The Bat Refuge: You can still see the abandoned administration building of the mining site. Today, it has been reclaimed by nature and serves as a massive refuge for colonies of bats.
• The Trek: The initial trail takes you through old mining facilities and routes. Your guide will explain the history of the excavations and the paths once traversed by heavy machinery.
• The Climate: Because this was once a mining hub, the forest cover is gone. Expect the trail to be bushy, hot, and humid. There are no trees to shield you from the sun here—come prepared with sun protection.

Amakan Crater: A Living Volcanic Wonder

As you climb the steep portions of the trail, the temperature rises. You are heading toward the Amakan Crater.

• Volcanic Activity: This is a “live” crater. You will witness constant steam and boiling water. During our visit, recent earthquakes had made the steam even hotter and the boiling more intense.
• The Experience: While smaller than the crater of Mt. Apo, Amakan is undeniably active. If you can tolerate the strong sulfur smell, you can head to the lower basin for a wide-open view of this geological marvel. It is a raw, powerful sight that few get to see.

Arabaton Falls: The Refreshing Midpoint

After the heat of the crater, the trail becomes an uneven descent through old landslides and mining excavations. Tread carefully here! Your reward is Arabaton Falls.

• The Natural Spring: Unlike other falls, Arabaton is a flowing spring. The water is so clean that you can refill your trekking bottles and drink directly from the source. It is incredibly fresh, cold, and refreshing.
• Rest Stop: There is a small cottage nearby—perfect for a snack break and to regain your strength before the final push.

Tayaon Falls: The “Monstrous” Beauty

Leaving Arabaton, you head deeper into the forest. The environment shifts instantly—it becomes damp, wet, and dark. After a kilometer of trekking through the thicket, the wide expanse of Tayaon Falls reveals itself.

The “Aura” of Tayaon

Tayaon Falls is not your typical “postcard” waterfall; it has a monstrous, powerful aura.

• The Evidence of Violence: The area is littered with massive logs, debris, and the remains of past violent floods. It serves as a haunting reminder of the sheer volume of water that can crash through this mouth during heavy rains.
• The Danger: This is a high-risk area for flash floods with no direct escape route.
• Cave-Like Walls: The corners of the falls have outstretched, cave-like formations. Be warned: they look like they could give in at any moment. We do not recommend swimming here, as the current is dangerously strong and rescue is far away. Stay safe and admire its power from a distance.

“Tayaon Falls is not your average postcard destination; it carries a monstrous aura. Surrounded by massive logs and the remains of past floods, you can almost feel the weight of the water that once crashed through this wide, treacherous mouth.”

The Circuit Back: The Agonizing Heat

To complete the circuit, you follow a different path back to the tribal village.

“In the heat of the return trail, you’ll find yourself following the wide, open roads of the old mining route. It is a dry, agonizing stretch where you’ll find yourself wishing for the damp, dark forest again—regardless of how difficult the path was.”

• The Mining Road: The return trail follows the wide roads once used by large mining vehicles.
• The Challenge: While the footing is easier, the heat is agonizing. There is no shade and no water source. It is a dry, humid stretch that will make you miss the damp forest trail, regardless of its difficulty.

Manakaay Essential Tips

1. Water: Refill at Arabaton Falls. You will need every drop for the dry hike back.
2. Safety: Never go without a local guide. The volcanic activity at the crater and the flash-flood risk at Tayaon are serious.
3. Footwear: Wear shoes with excellent grip for the uneven mining excavations and slippery logs at the falls.
4. Local Contact: We highly recommend Kuya Nilo Bade for his warm accommodation and deep knowledge of these trails.

Manakaay Essentials: What to Know Before You Go

1. Is the trail to Tayaon Falls and Amakan Crater suitable for beginners?

The trail is moderate to difficult. While the distance is manageable, the steep climb to Amakan Crater and the uneven, landslide-prone terrain after the mining site require good physical condition and steady footing. We recommend this for hikers who have at least some experience with humid, open-trail conditions.

2. Do I need a guide to visit the falls and the crater?

Yes, absolutely. The trail passes through active volcanic areas (Amakan Crater) and complex abandoned mining routes. For your safety and to ensure you don’t get lost in the dark forest sections, a local guide is mandatory. We highly recommend Kuya Nilo Bade for his expertise in this specific Mawab circuit.

3. Is the water at Arabaton Falls safe to drink?

Yes. Unlike many river-fed waterfalls, Arabaton Falls is a flowing spring. During our trek, we found the water to be exceptionally fresh, clean, and safe for refilling trekking bottles. It is a vital water source before you head into the more humid forest sections.

4. Can we swim in Tayaon Falls?

We do not recommend swimming at the main basin of Tayaon Falls. The current is deceptively strong, and the “cave-like” rock formations at the corners are unstable. Furthermore, the area is prone to sudden flash floods. It is best to admire its “monstrous” beauty from the safety of the large logs at the center.

5. What is the best time to visit?

Start your trek as early as possible (6:00 AM – 7:00 AM). The mining road on the way back is wide open with no shade; trekking this section during the midday sun can lead to heat exhaustion. Always check the weather forecast—avoid this trail if there is a threat of heavy rain due to the flash flood risk at Tayaon.

6. Are there any fees?

Visitors should prepare for minimal tribal or environmental fees at the village. It is also standard practice to provide a fair tip or fee to your local guide for their time and the historical stories they share about the copper mining site.