Cycling : Ragatan Falls

Tucked in Maragondon, Cavite, Ragatan Falls (aka Mabato Falls) is a quirky, man-made wonder born from a broken irrigation system. Perfect for cyclists and nature lovers, this serene gem offers scenic vibes, fresh air, and a refreshing escape...

Dec 4, 2024 • 3 min read

Featured Cycling

Ride Overview

• Destination: Ragatan / Mabato Falls
• Meetup: Open Canal, Imus @ 4:30 AM
• Distance: 35.7 km from the meetup point
• What to Bring: Personal utensils, cook set, and essentials.
(Potable water and snacks are available at the nearby sari-sari store.)

• Fees:
• Entrance: Php 20
• Cottage Rental: Php 500 (optional but recommended)

Best Time to Visit: Weekdays are ideal to avoid crowds, ensuring clearer waters and a more serene atmosphere.

The Ride Experience

Our cycling adventure began with a slight delay, leaving Open Canal at 5:00 AM. From there, we followed the route to Tejero, General Trias, and onto the Antero Soriano Highway. By 6:00 AM, we reached Naic, where we paused briefly for some photos.

The next leg brought us to Maragondon via the Bucal-San Miguel NIA Road, a wide, scenic stretch surrounded by rice fields. While this route offered picturesque views, the growing traffic diminished its charm compared to our previous visits.

Cycling through Bucal-San Miguel NIA Road

A slight miscommunication among our group led to a change in plans—we decided to enjoy breakfast at a roadside karinderya. I opted for Lomi, though the generous serving was more than I could handle.

Lomi for breakfast. Wasn't able to finish it though. It's too big for one person

Before heading to the falls, we made a quick stop at a local talipapa to grab meat, fish, and other essentials for our lunch.

The Final Stretch

Cycling to Ragatan Falls is relatively beginner-friendly, with only one notable uphill climb just before reaching the site. While short, the incline is steep enough to challenge newcomers.

The falls itself is a fascinating man-made feature. The water, clean but prone to turning murky due to riverbed silt, flows from a visible source above the river. Bamboo cottages line the area, offering convenient spots for groups to settle in. Compared to my first visit, the addition of more cottages and the removal of structures from the river itself has noticeably improved the area’s ambiance.

I would probably recommend to visit the place during the weekdays or at least not during Sundays. The first time we went here, the place was quite crowded. The problem with too many people during a visit is that the water becomes murky due to the black sand which has a bit of river soil.

The falls itself is man-made. You can see its source before you go down to the river itself. As I said, the waters can become murky if too many swimmers but the water is clean. There are bamboo cottages and I noticed that they added more this time which is good because it can accommodate more people. I also noticed that they removed the cottages in the middle of the river which is good because it makes the place cleaner.