Veto Falls: San Narciso's Hidden Gem

Growing up in San Narciso, Zambales,  I've heard stories after stories from our elders about a waterfall nestled in the mountains of Omaya but since means of transportation was still scarce at the time, no one,  (or at least, we didn't) dared to chase it.

Two decades later, the area was re-evaluated as a possible hiking destination in San Narciso. The local tourism office had conducted an ocular inspection just a month ago but details on how to get there and who to coordinate with is still a blur. Since then, numerous nature-seeking groups from different parts of Zambales have been flocking in. So did we.

Name confusion. According to the locals and contrary to some posts circulating on Facebook, the name of the waterfall is Veto Falls and not Palacapac. Veto Falls is a three tier waterfall. Locals refer to them as V1, V2 and V3 respectively. Palacapac is a plateau above the three waterfalls. There's a small creek in it instead of a waterfall. The jump off point to Palacapac is at Omaya. 

Trail et.al . Trekking Vito Falls should take around one and a half to two hours only and not four hours as earlier posted. Jump off point is at Brgy. Paete , thirty minutes from San Narciso town proper, in a privately owned land by the Sabangan family. Although the jump off point is at Paete, Veto Falls is geographically a part of Omaya. 

First half of the trek is fairly easy with only a few ascends and steep descends. The trail is mostly sand, similar to what can be found in beaches. It's loose when dry and it gets too soft when wet, so mind your steps especially near the slopes.  Good thing, most part of the trail is covered by bolos and bamboos which you can cling on whenever you're unsure of your steps.  

Second half consists mostly of river trekking, rock and boulder hugging. The rocks are mossy, an indication that the trail's not used often, if not new. Despite being slippery, the boulders and cascades under towering trees are picturesque.

The main event. After almost two hours of non stop trekking, we reached Vito Falls. It's a plunge type waterfall with a small shallow but rocky basin. The safe enough to take a dip and enjoy the ice cold waters. 

Penny for my thoughts. Overall, the trail is beginner friendly but still can be challenging even for experienced trekkers. The local guides are still on constant search for a much safer trail but all in all, Veto Falls is definitely worth it. It is not something every true blooded Narcisenian should miss. Would I visit again? A hands down YES. 

(Sorry for the lack of photos. It was raining the entire time so we're soaked by the time we reached the falls.)

HOW TO GET THERE:

1. Ride a bus going to Iba/Sta.Cruz and get off at San Felipe town proper.

2. Ride a tricycle going to Paete (same route when going to Anghalo Falls). Drop by the Paete Brgy. Hall first to inform them of your intent to trek so they can assist you in getting guides and permission from the Sabangan family. (UPDATE: Here's the contact details of Paete Brgy. Capt. De Dios - 09493045099)

3. Get to the jump off point (Sabangan property). You'll pass by Mabato Elementary School. It is on the left side with an improvised bamboo gate. 

TIP BITS:

• Do not trespass. Seek permission where its due.
• Don't be hesitant to ask for guides. The trail can be tricky and who knows them better than the locals. 
• Practice LNT (Leave No Trace). Be responsible for your trash.
• Waterproof your belongings, just in case. 
• Enjoy! ☺

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