Living in a tropical country where it gets super humid during summer, people compete in finding a refreshing body of water for a dip. Be it the open hot beach, a stream in the wilderness, fresh springs, or cascading waterfalls, these bodies of water are packed with crowds every summer in the Philippines. So the chance of enjoying a refreshing and peaceful dip by yourself or with only a few people around gets thinner during this season.
Therefore, discovering a new, secluded waterbody feels like quenching your thirst after a long drought! And this was what we felt upon discovering the beautiful, untamed, and cascading Etay River of Carmen.
The Etay River of Corte, Carmen, Cebu
The beautiful cascades of Etay River lie and flow freely in one of the most tranquil and remote places in the town of Carmen, the humble barangay Corte. This small barangay is elevated and has lavish tall lush trees that surround it and is the ground of the dazzling wild rivers of the town. I've seen some of its rivers during our road trips but never have I expected that this place has a hidden lovely river making its merry way through the woods, the untamed Etay River.
At first, I thought that the babbling, long, and winding river is what they called the whole Etay River (or Mount Etay), but I learned from the locals that Etay River specifically refers to the grandest part of the river where a jewel-green pool and cascading small waterfalls are found! But no strangers and outsiders have known about the place (or maybe very few if there were), only the locals of Carmen are protecting and enjoying it.
So here's our adventure of an unexpected discovery of this beautiful treasure which is not just lovely but a super duper lively paradise!
Finding it!
We were on our way to our friend's house when we passed this small river visible from the road, we reduced our speed and drive gentler in this area because we want to linger the beauty of it and somehow feel a little refreshed since the weather was so hot and it was when we spied plenty of motorbikes parked near the river. Curious as we were, we stopped by and parked our motorbike to find out this surprising thing!
Lucky us, there were also a few people who just arrived and head straight to that narrow path where I could see nothing but only lush greens. They were bringing towels, extra clothes, and some food with them. We asked where this path is heading and they told us "To Etay River"! The name of the River excites us to see its beauty, so we followed them and walked patiently to finally see this paradise.
Vegetations along the way.
My excitement was rising with every step I took going to the destination. We forgot that we had walked for a distance already instead we found ourselves amazed by the vegetation that we passed by along the way.
We passed by lush fern grasses, some vines, and other tropical plants. We kept on walking until we reached the forested area where we catch more locals heading to Etay River too! This must be a big one or maybe a very beautiful one that attracted a crowd like this! Ahhhh couldn't wait to see it!
The first view!
The flickering water of the river, the rocks scattered on the riverbank, and the green trees were what first welcomed us. It feels great to breathe the fresh air coming from this nature. I find this view already splendid but why do people keep on walking as if looking for something else?
We followed them again, and we were even stunned to see the other parts of the river! As the water hopped over the rocks happily, in some corners of the river it formed a tiny little pool where locals can refreshingly dip their bodies.
Small tiny pools.
The river seems to have these tiny little pools shaded by the trees. The pools were divided by files of rocks. I don't know if these are purposely arranged by the locals or if it was nature's doing. The river is splinting with little sparkles as the soft light of the sun touches it.
I was amused and astonished at how the locals positioned themselves and made themselves comfortable in every pool. It looks like each family or group of friends is swimming in their pool territory of this river. So if there are new groups of local who comes to the river, they should find their pool too.
Others were bringing their hammocks, their tents and some were even cooking on the river banks! I think the river is a friendly one and safe hence there were also kids and oldies enjoying their time in the river.
In some pools, the color of the river is emerald green while in some pools it's lighter while the flowing water is sparkling white.
We gazed at the river and the happy moments of the locals and then proceeded to our final destination which was the grand view of Etay River!
The Etay River!
After just a couple of minutes and a bunch of tall trees that we passed, finally we arrived at the beautiful and lively Etay River!
Just as stunning wild and scenic as the first parts of the river that we saw, the grand view of the Etay River is an awe-inspiring sight!
At first look, one would see a green lagoon of fresh water but as you get closer you will witness the beautiful cascades of the river from one rock to another that form a small waterfall which created this stunning plunge pool!
The plunge pool is surrounded by a gorgeous rock formation and trees that give shade to the pool. While the burbling noise of the water is so satisfying to listen to as it drops down to it.
I noticed that most of the locals swimming in this majestic pool were teenagers or young adults. Some of them enjoyed diving, some were sitting on the rock watching others who were swimming and others were climbing the trees.
Yes, the river is in the middle of the forest but it is so full of life! I could only hear the splashing of the water, the laughter and cheers of the locals. And wherever I looked at, I see the happy faces of locals enjoying the river and making themselves comfortable anywhere on the riverbanks.
And when I thought that this is the end or the beginning of the river, I was totally wrong. There is more to it! I'm curious and thrilled to discover its source! Oh. More adventure is coming!
If you also want to witness before your eyes this wonder of nature and plunge yourself into the fresh flowing water of Carmen, here's how to get there:
📍From Cebu City, dropped off at Carmen Public Market. From there, ask the locals where is the way going to Brgy. Corte Carmen. Rent a Habal-habal driver or if you are bringing your vehicle you can go directly to Brgy. Corte. Landmark is Carmen Dam.
There is no signage going to the river so asking locals is the best way to get there.! Or if you want adventure and want to have some adrenaline rush, you can trek on the river and who knows you will discover more beautiful spots too!
Reminder:
Bring your own food and water.
Leave no trace only footprints.
That's it for our adventure of discovering the Etay River. Hope you enjoyed it too! Thank you so much for reading. I wish you all safe and well always.
Don't forget to smile often!
the photos look amazing, through your post, like I get to travel here.😍
Thank whitebean. Thank you for your comment. I appreciate it much.😍
Have a happy weekend!
I love places like this. Those off the beaten path destination gives you that "the explorer" feels.
I agree Maam! Lakas mka explorer nga dating if we discover hidden paradise like this.
Thanks, Maam Bluepark. Happy weekend!😍
Omg ♥️ Ang ganda ganda po dito 💚🥹❤️
I hope I can visit this paradise Ma'am, thank you for sharing this wonderful creation.
I'm glad you like this beautiful river too Maam Lyn. There are plenty of beautiful hidden paradises in Cebu Maam. Hope you'll visit someday!
Thanks, Maam Lyn. Happy weekend!😍
Wow.. The turquoise color of the river looks so cool and relaxing.. There is a place I truly love to visit this summer.. The same color as this.. I hope I can visit it..
I really love turquoise-colored rivers or springs. They look so refreshing. I'm looking forward to reading your blog about your visit to somewhere like this too!
Thanks, Miss Jane for dropping by. Have a happy weekend!
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This view is worthy of a walk! Kanindot ihumol diri @callmesmile ☺️ dili raman crowded noh?
Wow, what a beautiful hidden paradise. The place looks relaxing aside from dipping in the water because of the green scenery around.
Such a nice place! Nakakarelax ang ambiance
Naghilom2x Ra jud ni ang Carmen. I didn't know about this Etsy river until you showed us this lovely post!
Thanks for sharing @callmesmile 😊
Thank you very much for taking me to another beautiful place in Cebu today. I'm living in a tropical country too, I understand how hot it is in summer. And look at that green natural pool, I just want to jump into it right away.Hey @callmesmile