Hike into Philippine History at the Wawa Dam Site

Are you fond of the outdoor activities like trekking, hiking or rock climbing? If the answer is yes, then Wawa Dam site is exact place for you. You may even have a feel of the history of the Philippines as you walk along the trail.

Nestled at the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains in Montalban, Rizal. The Wawa Dam site is an hour away from Cubao, Manila. It is a place where one can take a time out from the busy streets of Manila city and have fun in the outdoors.

You can get there by taking a jeepney from Cubao going to Montalban. There are also FX-taxis that can take you there (gives more comfort if you wish). This will take you to Barangay San Rafael in Montalban and from there you can take jeepneys that can take you to Barangay Wawa.

If you travel by car you will have to pay a toll fee of twenty pesos for your car. After that you may go wherever you wish in the Wawa Dam site. This is the perfect place for hikers, photographers, trekkers, mountaineers, cave explorers, and every outdoorsman. There are little huts at the dam where you can hang out or have your lunch after a short swim.

The Wawa Dam flanked by limestone walls is a majestic site. The quiet river, the huge limestone rocks, the caves, and the tranquil scenery depict a mystical scene. It is like traveling back in time. The view of the magnificent gorge is awe-inspiring; no wonder a lot of people would love to have a try at rock climbing here.

Local legend has it that Bernardo Carpio, a figure in Philippine Mythology, was once lured into a trap here by the Spaniards. Employing the powers of a shaman, Bernardo Carpio, being a giant in one version, was trapped in between two rocks in the Wawa Dam site. As proof of which, it is said that his hands or feet have been imprinted on the rocks. Local lore also says that one of his teeth was found in one of the caves.

The Wawa Dam was constructed in 1909 by the Americans as a reservoir and pumping facility. It became a battlefield during the Japanese occupation. Many Japanese soldiers died here defending this holding point when the Americans retook the area. A marker was placed in one of the caves that anyone passing through the trail can see. It was placed in honor of these brave men.

One of the caves in the Wawa Dam site is historically significant. The Pamitnan cave is large enough so that it can be explored. It may take an hour for a group to explore the whole cave. In April 1895, it is said that the Philippine revolutionary group KKK (Kataastaasang Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga anak ng bayan) took refuge here. Their first cry of freedom took place here in the cave.

One may feel the embrace of nature while going through the trail. You may have the history of the place instill a spirit of peace and freedom. A trek through the trail at the Wawa Dam site infuses nature’s blessings and spirituality into the soul.