“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” ~ Gandhi
I am obsessed with Portland in Jamaica. This is because of the many waterfalls, rivers, beaches and lush vegetation.
My niece Bryanna and I decided to venture to Reach Falls in Manchioneal Portland for the second time.
We took a St. Thomas coaster bus from downtown Kingston to Morant Bay in St Thomas. The fare was JMD250.00. Then we took a Port Antonio minibus from Morant Bay to Manchioneal in Portland at of cost JMD350.00
You won’t pass your turn to Reach Falls because there are signs at various parts of the journey.
Our final stop was at a left turn-off from the main road in the Manchioneal Community. Also, there are men from the community at this spot trying to get visitors to explore the untouched sections of the waterfalls.
I decided to charter a taxi at this spot because I wanted to capture the beauty of the falls on my Note 8 before the attraction got crowed.
The other passenger overheard my conversation with the driver and we decided to split the cost.
The journey from Kingston to Manchioneal in Portland via the St Thomas route was one and a half hour.
My first trip to Reach Falls was via the Junction route. I then took a minibus located at the Juicy Patty Trailer heading to Morant Bay in St Thomas or you can take a route taxi at the Texaco Gas station across from the Juicy Patty Trailer to Reach Junction that cost JMD$230 and from there I got another taxi to the entrance of Reach Falls for JMD$150.00
I didn’t take the time to find the best route to my destination. Hence, it took us hours to get to our destination.
We got to Reach Falls at 9:00 AM. We were the first visitors on the property but not for long. The attraction gets crowded on the regular because of its popularity. Hence, I started taking my pictures immediately.
I didn’t acquire the services of a tour guide. My Niece was my photographer. She has gotten pretty good at it. After spending an hour at the popular fall, we travelled to the famous rabbit hole but we didn’t go in.
We gained access to the popular waterfall, first aid stations and souvenir shops. Also, restrooms and changing rooms. Negotiating prices is not an option since prices are set. It’s not my regular off the beaten path hence less hiking is required.
The water was enticing because of how crystal-clear it was. I had to take a swim. Reach Fall is no less stunning than Turtle River Falls and Konoko Falls in St Ann.
I saw a variety of Ferns, Bamboo Canes and I heard and saw the sweet sounds of different birds. Reach Falls is a Nature’s Sweet Escape.
Opening hours are from Wednesdays to Sundays 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Entry fee for residents are adults JMD 500.00 and child four to eleven years old JMD250.00. Non-residents are adults USD 10.00 of equivalent and child four to eleven years old child USD 5.00 or equivalent.
Sale of tickets ends at 3:30 PM so arrive before that time.
Farmers who farmed alongside the river controlled Reach falls before the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) which is a government organisation acquired the majority of it.
Just as you take the left turn-off to Reach Falls from the main road in Manchioneal, you will find a section of the river that is used by the members of the community.
This section of the river is free and is just as amazing. I visited this section of Reach Falls after my second visit to Turtle Bay in Long Road.
You should visit Reach Falls in Manchioneal Portland. You will thank me later.
Continue scrolling to see the beauty of Reach Falls in the parish I love the most, Portland.
Reach Falls in Manchioneal Portland? What was your experience like? Spill!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Whatta Gwaan!
You've discovered my blog. I'm delighted you're here. Maybe it's destiny. I'm Doreen Lillian Scarlett welcome to Nature's Sweet Escapes where I go on the far side of Instagram to document and share my adventures.