
Wawa Dam Rodriguez
Historic dam and natural escape in Rizal, offering hiking, camping, and scenic views at a very low cost.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, clearer water

Wawa Dam Rodriguez
Best Time
Fewer crowds, clearer water

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic dam and natural escape in Rizal, offering hiking, camping, and scenic views at a very low cost.
"Affordable entrance fees and stunning natural scenery make Wawa Dam a must-visit for nature lovers."

💰 Affordable Entrance Fee
Expect to pay around 20 pesos for entrance/environmental fees. Bring small bills!
🚗 Navigation & Parking
Use Waze for directions. Parking is available but has a fee (around 100 pesos).

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wawa Dam & River
Rodriguez, Rizal
Historic American-era dam with refreshing, albeit sometimes dark, river waters. Perfect for a cool dip.

Pamitinan Protected Landscape
Near Wawa Dam
Offers challenging hikes with stunning rock formations and lush greenery. A rewarding trek for nature lovers.

Kayrupa Campsite
Near Wawa Dam
Ideal spot for camping with a beautiful view. Enjoy the natural surroundings and fresh mountain air.

Secret River
Route via Wawa Dam
An adventurous detour offering a unique river experience, perfect for exploration and Vlogs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Weather
Budget-Friendly Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Affordable Entrance Fee
Expect to pay around 20 pesos for entrance/environmental fees. Bring small bills!
🚗 Navigation & Parking
Use Waze for directions. Parking is available but has a fee (around 100 pesos).
💧 River Water Quality
Water can be dark green and stagnant, especially during certain seasons. Not always ideal for swimming.
🚶♂️ Explore Beyond the Dam
Hike to discover campsites, local stores, and stunning rock formations.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Affordable Entrance Fee
Expect to pay around 20 pesos for entrance/environmental fees. Bring small bills!
🚗 Navigation & Parking
Use Waze for directions. Parking is available but has a fee (around 100 pesos).
💧 River Water Quality
Water can be dark green and stagnant, especially during certain seasons. Not always ideal for swimming.
🚶♂️ Explore Beyond the Dam
Hike to discover campsites, local stores, and stunning rock formations.
🛶 Boat Trip Adventure
Consider a boat trip up the river for a nominal fee (around 300 pesos round trip) for great views.
📵 No Signal Zone
Be prepared for limited to no cellular service. Some places offer 'piso wifi'.
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
Sturdy shoes are essential for hiking and navigating rocky terrain. :athletic_shoe:
⚠️ Rainy Season Risks
Flash floods are a real concern. Stay updated on weather advisories.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Wawa Dam offers a budget-friendly escape with stunning natural scenery and historical significance. Visitors appreciate the low entrance fees and the opportunity for hiking and exploring. However, some find the river water quality inconsistent for swimming and note the lack of cellular service.
"Our wonderful tour guide went above and beyond to take us to the beautiful Wawa Dam since their house is just around the corner. Even though the sun was blazing hot, the water in the Wawa River was the perfect temperature to cool us off. After a few hours of hiking at Mt. Pamitinan, we were able to take a well-deserved break and relax by the river, which was conveniently located nearby. It was truly a memorable experience!"
Angie Castro
"We made use of our own transportation to get to the destination, so I may not have extensive details about the specific route. I recommend using Waze for navigation purposes. Please note that there is available parking at the location, but there is a parking fee of 100 pesos. For our meal, we purchased a whole lechon manok and rice from a carenderia. Before arriving at Wawa Dam-Marikina River, we observed that the water was discolored and not clean; nevertheless, the location itself is truly remarkable. The entrance fee is quite affordable, approximately 20 pesos from what I recall. There are trash bins and signage in place throughout the area. I suggest starting your visit by exploring the surroundings, as hiking offers a great opportunity to discover the village, see various campsites, abundant trees, fruits, and local stores. Upon reaching the end of the road, we proceeded to take a boat trip and enjoyed a riverside lunch. The boating experience was the highlight of our visit, providing us with the opportunity to marvel at the upper Wawa Dam, for which we paid 300 pesos for the round trip."
Domingo Gaces Samontina, Jr.
"if you're looking for a cheap place to go, just to unwind it could be fine. 1 red flag is no signal at the actual place. Cottages are cheap you get the basic ones for 200. Not ideal for swimming unless you dont mind the dark green stagnant water. One reminder though bring coins all the time especially 5 peso coins thats the payment they asked for when you crossed the bamboo bridges that they built. Overall if you're looking for swimming on a picture perfect place you might wanna skip this one"
Romeo L. Magayones
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is by private car using Waze for navigation to 'Wawa Dam Rodriguez Rizal'. Public transportation involves taking a jeepney or bus to Montalban town proper, then a tricycle to the dam. Some travelers mention using their own transportation and finding parking available for a fee.
Yes, parking is available at the location, but there is a parking fee, typically around 100 pesos.
While private vehicles are convenient, you can commute. Take a jeepney or bus to Montalban (Rodriguez), then hire a tricycle to reach Wawa Dam. This might involve a few transfers.
Using Waze and searching for 'Wawa Dam Rodriguez Rizal' is highly recommended for accurate navigation.
Yes, it is accessible by public transport, though it may require multiple transfers. The final leg from Montalban town proper is usually by tricycle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance and environmental fees are very affordable, often around 20 pesos per person. Be prepared to pay small amounts for crossing bamboo bridges as well.
Besides the entrance fee, be aware of potential fees for parking (around 100 pesos) and boat trips (around 300 pesos round trip). Some sources mention small payments for bamboo bridge crossings.
Wawa Dam is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, to make the most of your visit.
No advance booking is typically required for Wawa Dam. You can pay the entrance fee upon arrival.
Yes, there is usually an environmental or entrance fee, which is quite minimal, often around 20 pesos.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can swim in the river (though water quality varies), go hiking in the Pamitinan Protected Landscape, camp at sites like Kayrupa, and enjoy the scenic views. Boat trips are also popular.
The river water can be refreshing, but some visitors note it can be dark green and stagnant, not always ideal for swimming. It depends on the season and recent rainfall.
Yes, there are campsites available, such as Kayrupa Campsite, and affordable cottages for rent.
The dam was built by the Americans between 1904 and 1908 and was a major water source for Manila until the 1960s.
Generally, there is no cellular service at the actual dam location. Some places might offer 'piso wifi'.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are local stores and carenderias (eateries) where you can buy food. Some visitors purchase food like lechon manok from carenderias.
Bringing your own food is generally allowed and a good option, especially if you want to save money or have specific dietary needs.
Yes, the area is suitable for picnics. You can find spots to relax and enjoy your meals, especially if you're camping or renting a cottage.
Expect local Filipino dishes from carenderias. Some visitors have bought whole roasted chicken (lechon manok) and rice.
While specific vegetarian options might be limited at local eateries, bringing your own food would be the best bet for guaranteed vegetarian meals.
📸 📸 Photography
The dam itself, the river, the surrounding rock formations, and the lush greenery offer numerous Instagrammable spots. The campsites also provide scenic backdrops.
Absolutely! The natural beauty, the historic dam, and the rugged landscape make it a very photogenic destination.
Early morning or late afternoon generally offers the best lighting for photography, avoiding harsh midday sun.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or park management before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or capturing the dam's structure. :camerawithflash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
History and Significance of Wawa Dam
Beyond its utilitarian purpose, Wawa Dam is nestled within the Pamitinan Protected Landscape, an area rich in biodiversity and geological formations. This protected status highlights its ecological importance. The area has also been a site of historical significance, with tales and legends woven into its natural beauty. The dam's enduring presence is a testament to its historical role and its continued appeal as a natural destination.
Navigating Wawa Dam: Hiking and River Activities
The river itself offers opportunities for cooling off, though visitors should be mindful of water quality, which can vary. For a unique perspective, boat trips are available, taking visitors up the river to explore further reaches and enjoy riverside lunches. These boat rides provide a different way to appreciate the natural beauty of the area. For those seeking an overnight experience, camping at designated sites like Kayrupa Campsite is a popular option, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural environment.
Understanding Wawa Dam's Water Levels and Safety
It is strongly advised to check weather forecasts and local advisories before planning a trip, especially during the months of June to October. If heavy rains are predicted or ongoing, it is best to postpone your visit to ensure your safety. While the dam offers a refreshing escape, prioritizing safety by understanding and respecting the natural forces at play is paramount. The community and local authorities are vigilant in monitoring the dam's status, and visitors should heed any warnings or advisories issued.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit