We're in Dumaguete for a couple of weeks on vacation (and house-hunting), and today we visited Casaroro Falls, in the company of a guide called Edcel Ruel Lamoco. Edcel is the friend of a friend, which is how we were put in touch with him. He drives a tricycle in Valencia, and if you're not too heavy or too many people, he'll meet you in Valencia and drive you in the tricycle right up to the trailhead for the Falls. He'll then accompany you down the steps and along the river trail to the falls, helping you cross the river when needed. Total cost for his services for the two of us was P550 excluding tip. His number is: 0916 953 3349 His Facebook profile is: Edcel Ruel Lamoco Definitely recommended. Tell him Andy and Imelda from Malta sent you.
I always like to leave a warning about Casaroro falls: Those stairs are brutal coming back up. If you have health conditions that limits your mobility/stamina you might want to avoid going down there. Also, make sure you take plenty of water with you. Don't be a dumbass like I was and go down there with none. I ended up so parched by the time I got to the falls I had to resort to drinking straight from pool at the base of the falls. I got lucky and didn't get sick from it but it could have easily made for a bad week of sitting on the porcelain thrown.
Another Valencia tricycle driver (Tricycle #098) who does a great job (and speaks English well) is Roy Deserdo who is a native of Valencia. Book him for the day and he will take you all around Valencia to see what's here. Very personable. Roy Deserdo Phone at 0997 915 1874 (TM) 0999 668 8051 (Smart) He is highly reviewed a few times on Trip Advisor under the "Things To Do" -- - Casaroro Falls
Why the heck would anyone need a guide to go there? But if you go, go early on a weekday and you mite, as me and Miss HotStuff did, have it all to yourself. Then who knows what could happen? WWNN.
My experience is that the tricycles are hired (usually for the day or half-day) to provide the transportation to the various sights. Acting as a guide down to the Falls is a bonus and does not change the cost. So why not? Sure, you don't NEED a guide, but having someone who knows the language is always handy in case you meet others along the way. IOW, if its free, why the hell not? If you really don't want the driver on the walk to the Falls, just tell him to wait. He will.
