Don't go chasing waterfalls.
Please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to.

TLC - Waterfalls

Apparently we did the other way around, like literally!

My country, the Philippines, is a tropical country enriched with a bunch of nature's wonders. It is one of 18 mega-biodiverse countries of the world, containing two-thirds of the earth’s biodiversity and between 70% and 80% of the world’s plant and animal species. The Philippines ranks fifth in the number of plant species and maintains 5% of the world’s flora.
[Source: https://www.cbd.int/countries/profile/default.shtml?country=ph]

[Google images: Philippines fauna]

Samboan, a municipality of Cebu, Philippines is saturated with waterfalls, beaches and springs. Just this June, my friends and I experienced it firsthand. With just Php 1,000 as our budget, we explored 3 waterfalls, camped on a beach and went on a side trip to another town.

How to get there

Our meeting place was in Cebu South Bus Terminal. To get to Samboan, you can choose 2 bus routes:

-Bato via Barili
This is the fastest route and brings you directly to Samboan Town Proper. But if you easily get dizzy in zigzagged road, I discourage you to take this.

-Bato via Oslob
Via this route, you have to ride a tricycle after stopping in Liloan Port (Port going to Dumaguete) to reach Samboan Town Proper.

We left the terminal around 7 am. It was supposed to be at 5 am but waking up early was not possible caused by videoke . @brokemancode *wink

Lunch

We arrived in Samboan at about 11 am and had our lunch in a carenderia (small restaurant) in the market.

[Google images: carenderia]

We then went to Aranas beach and left our belongings in a cottage where we would be staying for the night. Afterwards, we changed to swimming outfits to get us ready for our waterfall adventure.

Falls Hopping

In our two-day stay in Samboan, we visited 3 waterfalls - Aguinid, Binalayan and Dau Falls. Each fall has its unique feature. Depending on your taste for adventure and scenery, you will be the judge which of the 3 is your favorite.

Aguinid Falls

Aguinid Falls is just a tricycle away from the Samboan market. At the entrance, you will find food, drinks and even waterproof gear for sale. After paying for the entrance fee, we were then oriented with the safety rules. Two tour guides helped us with the trail.

The falls have 5 levels, however, there are additional 2 levels for those for the advanced trekkers or those who are up for an extreme adventure.

At level 2, we really had to climb a very steep rock formation and hold on to a rope. I was both scared and excited at the same time.

Every time we reach a level, ample time was given to us to swim and take selfies. The fresh water was really cold but relaxing.

Binalayan Falls

A few meters away from Aguinid Falls is the Binalayan Falls. Binalayan in English means to be dwelled at. Here, after a few minutes of walking, we stopped in a level where we could chill and swing on a hanging tier. It brings out your kid inside. Then, we were brought to a final place where we could jump, dive and swim. At first, I was hesitant to jump since I am not really a swimmer. But the guide assured me that he will be there to drag me out of the deep water.

In Binalayan, the natural shade of the canopy gives cozy feeling. It’s like being in an unfamiliar place but feeling right at home.

Camp fire

It was already late in the afternoon when we finished visiting the two waterfalls. We came back to the Samboan Market and bought fresh fish, squid and other stuff needed for our dinner.

[Source: Friend’s phone]

Afterwards, we grilled the fish and squid, cooked tinuwa (fish soup) and rice and bought lechon manok (roasted chicken). We then set all the food on a banana leaf and ate the boodle fight way. That is eating using your bare hands (except for the soup of course).

[Google images: boodle]

Dau Falls

Early in the morning, we proceeded to our last waterfalls adventure, to Dau Falls. It is also a few-minute ride from where we stayed.

Dau Falls is unique among the other falls. It has rocks that are white and with clear blue water. You need to walk around 30 minutes just to see this natural wonder. But your efforts will surely be rewarded once you get to see the majestic view.

[Source: Friend’s phone]

Fooling around with my friends

Never miss a pose with the waterfalls

Falls hopping was definitely the highlight of our 2-day, 1-night stay in Samboan. However, many other moments made our stay more enjoyable. An example is the jumpshot we took at the beach. I remember this moment vividly because right after this, we sat down, finished watching the sunset, and talked about our plans for the next adventures.

The epic jumpshot