Samboan in Cebu, Philippines is known for its abundance of waterfalls. In fact, this 5th-class municipality holds the annual “Waterfalls Fiesta” where locals celebrate at one of the falls in Samboan.
There are at least 10 waterfalls in Samboan, but not all of them are accessible to tourists for safety reasons. Located near the southernmost tip of Cebu Island, about 150 kilometers away from Cebu City, a lot of tourists would miss Samboan because they spend most of their time in Moalboal, Badian, and Oslob.
While that’s fair considering these tourist towns are also worth exploring, we also think you should give Samboan a fair chance if you want to chase majestic waterfalls.
6 Best Falls in Samboan, Cebu
In this Samboan Falls Guide, we will take you to the ones we recommend you explore. Here are the best and up-and-coming waterfalls in Samboan, Cebu:
1. Dao Falls
With its towering height and coral-green water, Dao Falls is considered one of the best waterfalls in Cebu located in Barangay Suba, Samboan. Dao Falls drops from a 120-meter cliff against an imposing backdrop of warm beige limestone dotted with green weeds.
The walk to the fall can be challenging for some due to slippery rocks while some steps are very steep. Nevertheless, it is an attraction of its own as you pass by mini falls of not less than 5 and canyons with streams of clear water coming down from the fall. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the fall.
Dao Falls has a 200 PHP (~4 USD) fee for entrance, tour guide, and safety equipment like wet shoes, helmets, and life jackets.
2. Aguinid Falls
Aguinid Falls is another well-known Samboan falls that is quite popular among tourists. It is located in Barangay Tangbo. What makes Aguinid Falls unique is its 8-tier cascades that stem from the Tangbo River.
The trek to the fall involves a lot of jumping off canyons, climbing ropes, and going through knee-deep water. Visitors are only allowed up to the 5th or 6th tier of the fall, depending on the guides. Two guides are mandatory for each group for safety reasons. Make sure to bring a waterproof case for your phone and a dry bag for your stuff.
Entrance fee is 300 PHP (~6 USD) which includes the entrance fee, guide fee, and safety equipment like wet shoes, helmets, and life jackets.
3. Binalayan Falls
Binalayan Falls is one of the most visited falls in Samboan following Aguinid Falls and Dao Falls. It is also known by other names such as Bonbon Falls (named after its barangay), Hidden Falls, and Triple Drop Falls.
The fall has two tiers where the first tier flows directly into the plunge pool. The charm of Binalayan Falls is in its second tier, a 47-foot-tall fall where you see why the name “Triple Drop” makes sense because of its three stripe-like falls. If you are into cliff-jumping, Binalayan Falls has a couple of jumping spots that you will enjoy.
The trek to the fall takes about 15 minutes and involves passing by shallow streams of clear water and thick forests of towering coconut trees. Fee is 100 PHP (~2 USD) which includes the fee for entrance and the tour guide.
4. Candayvic Falls
Candayvic Falls is an up-and-coming fall in Samboan located in Barangay Cañorong. The trickling fall is not as towering as Dao Falls or as broad as Aguinid Falls, but if you are looking for pristine, out-of-the-way waterfalls, this is it! The hike to the fall takes about 20 minutes. You will pass by coconut trees, bamboo groves, and just pure greenery since the fall has not been developed yet.
Candayvic Fall leads to a massive drop that is not reachable by humans and another drop that leads to Dao Falls. Guides prohibit visitors from attempting these falls as they are extremely dangerous.
Entrance is free for now. You can ask your guide to Dao Falls if they could bring you to Candayvic Falls for a fee.
5. Calasa Falls
Calasa Falls is located in the middle of the jungle of Barangay Colase. This multi-tier fall is not as spacious as the other ones mentioned here, but it is a nice treat for those who want to veer away from the more touristy falls.
The way to Calasa Falls’ visitor’s center is unpaved, meaning there is no tourism development in the area yet. The local government has yet to explore the tourism potential of Calasa Falls and the entire river which is believed to have more waterfalls, natural pools, and caves along the river.
The trek to the fall takes about 30 minutes and involves climbing steep slopes and a canopy of coconut trees. At some point during the hike, you will get a view of the Tañon Strait and Negros Island on the west side.
6. Balay’g Sawa Falls
You might not have heard of Balay’g Sawa Falls in Samboan. That is because it is not on the radar of tourists yet. Like Candayvic Falls and Calasa Falls, this cascade is a gem waiting to be discovered. The main plunge pool is spacious enough for swimming and deep enough for jumping.
Located between Barangay Bonbon and Poblacion, Balay’g Sawa means “Python Snake’s Nest” in the Bisaya language. But don’t let the name fool you as it is not a snake’s nest in the literal sense of the word. It just resembles one.
The trek to the fall takes about 10 minutes and involves uphill and downhill slopes. It can get a bit challenging to find the fall. Find the concrete shed where you can see a dirt trail that leads to the fall.
South Cebu Itinerary
Gearing up for your trip to South Cebu? Our South Cebu Itinerary might be able to help. This 6 days and 5 nights itinerary highlights the schedule of activities in South Cebu and breaks down the expenses throughout this trip.
That’s all for now. We hope this has helped you. If you have questions, drop them in the comments. I will get back to you ASAP.
