Apart from Davao Oriental, where I often hunt for waterfalls, I haven’t explored much of the other provinces in the Davao Region. For this reason, I decided to visit the hidden gems in Matanao, Davao del Sur. Given its proximity to the waterfalls I wanted to see, I thought it was a great idea to also include Fetam Klego 7 Falls and the Underground River in my adventure.

We left our rented apartment in General Santos City on an early Saturday morning, heading to Matanao. Once again, we relied on Google Maps to navigate to our destination. We had only planned a day tour and hadn’t accounted for the hours it would take to reach Brgy. Colonsabac, where the waterfalls are located. To make matters worse, it started raining and didn’t stop until late afternoon. We had no choice but to find shelter for the night and continue our adventure early the next morning.

The following morning, our adventurous spirits led us first to Balnunto Falls and Fekung Anbang. Since the bridge connecting Brgy. Colonsabac to Sinapulan had been destroyed during our visit, we had no choice but to leave our tuk-tuk and take a habal-habal (motorcycle) to reach our destination. The ride to the jump-off point for Fetam Klego was scenic, providing us with beautiful views of the lush mountain ridges.

After a 20-minute ride, we arrived at the jump-off point for Fetam Klego. Vendors and other motorcycle riders were present at the site. We began our trek shortly after arriving, starting with a descent to a river. After crossing the river, we walked along moderate slopes within a banana plantation. Toward the end of the trek, two locals were waiting to collect fees.

Beyond this point, the challenging hike to Fetam Klego began. The trail was a continuous ascent up a steep hill. With the sun already high in the sky and the trail exposed, I found myself struggling. The heat was my biggest hurdle, and the lack of airflow made it difficult to breathe. After 30 minutes of effort, we finally reached a resting hut.

A few moments after we reached the hut, a downpour began. I thought the heavens had seen my struggle and had decided to show mercy. Despite the rain, we decided to continue our hike, but shortly after, I realized that the damp and slippery trail during the steep descent presented another cause for concern.

After an arduous 30-minute trek, we finally reached the Underground River. We took a moment to rest and dipped into its clear turquoise waters, which were as cold as ice. Since no one else was around, we felt playful and carefree. The beauty of the place distracted me from the struggles I had faced. The water was refreshing and just what I needed to satisfy my soul’s thirst for a peaceful moment in nature.

The Underground River was about six meters long and shallow, only a few inches deep, allowing us to wade through easily. The cool, clear water sparkled in the dim light, with gentle ripples on the surface. A small waterfall at the far end cascaded from a rocky ledge, echoing through the cave as it splashed into a deeper pool, creating a mist in the air. The place felt magical despite its size, blending calmness with natural power.

We set off when the other groups arrived. It was getting late, and the sky threatened another downpour. We still needed to visit the Fetam Klego 7 Falls. The hike was not as difficult as I had anticipated, although it was somewhat slippery on the limestone rocks. The ascent was minimal, and the trail was mainly on moderate slopes. There was no steep descent either, which was a relief for me, considering that steep descents are a weakness of mine.

We reached the 7 Falls after a 25-minute trek. Even under gloomy skies, the sight was breathtaking. The clear waters cascading from several tiers were stunning, and the sound it made was like a sweet lullaby to my ears. I have seen many waterfalls, but they continue to fascinate me each time, especially how they share similarities yet have distinct characteristics that set them apart. And, I think that’s just amazing.

We spent a good hour enjoying the beauty of Fetam Klego 7 Falls. It was the last stop on our itinerary for the day, so we weren’t in a hurry. Immersed in its splendor, I couldn’t help but reflect on how the gems of Sultan Kudarat are often overlooked. I hope that one day they receive the recognition they deserve, as they are worthy of more than just my admiration alone.