The road to Pabetilakera Waterfall with views of rolling green hills slashed with red soil paths is worth the trip alone. However it’s not the best of places to try to get to during the wet season.
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Found 30 kilometres south of Waitabula, not far from the traditional villages of Manola and Umbu Koba, the walk begins when the gravel road ends at a small group of houses. If you’re travelling with a driver rather than a guide, stop at the last house and ask for Ibu Tina, who will show you the way to the waterfall. She is also the keeper of the guest book, which you will be required to sign when you also make a donation.
There is a waterfall out there … somewhere. Photo: Sally Arnold
The waterfall is split into two cascades, with the top section the most easily reached. The path to the more impressive lower part can only be described as a mudslide in wet season, but is an adventure. Ibu Tina said the waterfall is very popular in the dry season, but only crazy people like Travelfish researchers would venture there in the wet.
The path to the top falls is steep but short and easy, then it requires a bit of bush bashing to see the small but pretty cascade ringed by dense jungle. From here you can’t view the lower section — that involves crossing the river and sliding down the path.
Ibu knows the way. Photo: Sally Arnold
When we visited, the water was waist deep and fast flowing and too close to the edge of the larger cascade for our comfort. The steep slide to the bottom of the second falls is about 30 metres, and we found the best way down was just sliding on our butts — wear tough pants! You will get wet and ... please log in to read the rest of this story.
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By
Sally Arnold.
Last updated on 23rd November, 2016.
Location map for Pabetilakera Waterfall
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