Hey everyone! I’m back this time around and this time I present you with my latest post after quite some time. I managed to publish 2 posts last week along with this one. I am hoping all of you enjoy this.   ---  Family gatherings have always been memorable for me and there has always been endless excitement to look forward to. For instance, my uncle and aunt recently visited which means I have opportunities to observe and learn new things. Along with my sibling, we all went together to Cagayan de Oro and I cannot even begin to express the excitement I had while visiting Sinulom Falls and Bolao Cold Spring. Join me as I take you through this beautiful journey. ---

Commencing the Expedition

My day started at the airport. My aunt, who had taken the responsibility of booking my flight, chose AirAsia and needless to say, it was still quite early, and everyone was wide awake. That is why I was so amazed around us while checking in. My sister and cousin were raving about the waterfalls which they were planning to visit while even my sleepy uncle was narrating his travel experiences. Because of them, I was so looking forward to get there!  As we got in the plane, I’m pretty sure I was the first to grab the window position; looks like I was right about it being my top choice. During that moment, I started experiencing slight anxiety (the typical fear of flying 😵), but it quickly dissipated as soon as I went above the clouds. Because I had never been on a plane, I started to feel quite anxious due to my ear. The feeling was charming, the view was unbeatable, and taking the sky and direction into perspective has its own meaning, and the lustrous picture lemme tell you was enlighting. I mean what other than “here’s proof that I’m on the plane … hahaha!” would I caption the picture of the wing that I took and shared with the others.  ---

Reaching the Cagayan de Oro De Oro

The delightful moment when we boarded was simply captivating and the warm and fresh atmosphere in the Cagayand de Oro promised an extravagant charm. Plus their warm airs was just like the cherry on to the cake. After a glimpse of a traditional breakfast, we swang back on the roads. On the upwards of the journey, I spotted the sign board of the Sinulom Falls and Bolao Cold Spring, and of course this was a sight worth taking a picture of. I simply knew this was just the glimpse of something special.  ---

Sinulom Falls: A gift from Mother Nature

So the first stop that the guide had in mind was 'Sinulom Falls', and the property of this place wowed me, right from the get go. But what instantly caught my attention was the sound of falling water, it was simply soothing. As I stepped closer to the falls, The water poured straight down a cliff bounded by the trees and the flowers, outshining them all. Everything around was bursting with life because to the falls which I imagine was the center of everything.   It was a lack of self-discipline that caused me to shoot the falls with an increased angle and the sunlight shining onto the water went ahead and made this enchanting sparkle. A bit far away, I could still feel the gentle cooling mist across my skin and I lingered for quite some time taking everything in and a gentle breeze caused while trees danced around. It was a perfect place to get away from all the noise of the city.   I also noticed other tourists who were appreciating the scenery, some of them were busy clicking photos while some were just relaxing and humming. Of course, I had to click a few of its photos myself, how could I leave without doing that? This place is quite spectacular.   —

The Way to Bolao Cold Spring

Following some time at Sinulom Falls, our next stop was Bolao Cold spring. The drive towards was very interesting and thrilling. I had long been told so much about Bolao and so the urge to witness it was explosive.   As soon as we got there, the very first thing that gained my attention was an enormous stone structure with the text on it saying, “I ♥️ Bolao,” which I thought couldn’t have been any more friendlier. The letters were engraved magnificently and erected prominently which looked inviting to be inspected deeper. Naturally, I could not miss the opportunity of grabbing a selfie with it.  ---

Traversing the Suspension Bridge

We needed to walk across a suspension bridge before being able to get to the freezing spring, and to be honest, I wasn’t sure whether I was supposed to be thrilled or terrified about it. The bridge swayed slightly when we stepped onto it, and I could feel my pulse accelerating. However, I took a glance around and what I pulled out was breathtaking, a sight of beautiful vegetation, and with the sound of the water below us.  Everyone started racing each other while crossing, I was laughing to the extent that before I knew it we were on the other side already. But I’ll admit, the thought of using hanging bridges isn’t my cup of tea! ---

Bolao Cold Spring: A Wondrous and Cooling Treat

After hours of exploring, we finally got to Bolao Cold Spring, and what was in front of me, was pure beauty. The light blue water was so refreshing to look at and many trees surrounded the place while a cool breeze would further add to its charm.    There were multiple bathing areas and springs at the site as well. Even the weather added to the beauty of the place, making the water appear to be even more refreshing. Groups of people and families were swimming, laughing, and having the time of their lives. I could see families and friends having picnics around the area which resulted in a wonderful vibe around the place that you could feel in the air.    And when I decided to explore more around the eerie calmness, it stunned me how neat and clean the place was. Benches and tables were present for visitors and the rules were strictly followed to ensure cleanliness of the place.   My preferred area was a small corner of calm water. There I remained for a short while to hear the sounds of nature and gaze at the rippling surface of the spring. I found solace in that place and the moments there caused me to breathe in appreciation.     ---

After a Satisfactory Day

Knowing the sun was about to set, I took that as a cue to completely turn around. I couldn’t stop thinking about how amazing the day had been. From the majestic Sinulom Falls to the refreshing Bolao Cold Spring, every moment was unforgettable.  This trip reminded me of how beautiful our country is and how important it is to reconnect with nature. Visiting these two places made the experience even more special. So guys, if you ever get the chance, I highly recommend visiting these spots. Trust me, the memories you create will last a lifetime. It's not just about visiting some falls or springs, it's about experiencing true beauty.