Samboan is part of the municipality of Cebu, Philippines. Though not as popular of its neighboring town like Oslob or Moalboal, Samboan definitely contributes to the wide range of attraction of the Southern Cebu. And one of its bragging right came from their waterfalls that is composed of not only one, but at least 7 waterfalls that can be found in the Town alone. We came to visit two of them.
From our resort at Samboan, we rented a van to take us to places in Samboan and Oslob including these waterfalls hopping where we spent half of our day.
1st | A G U I N I D F A L L S
Aguinid Falls is one of the top two waterfalls in Samboan. The other one was Dao Falls which they said is the highest falls in Samboan. When the guide said that we can only pick one between that two since our time was limited and gave us descriptions of the falls, we choose to explore the falls of Aguinid. Well because one of the reasons was that Dao falls might be dry at late noon. And since we started noon, we didn't take the chance. They suggested to go early the next day for Dao falls, but we were scheduled for other activities.
Note: Before you start with your falls adventure, be sure to have a waterproof bag with you for your things or don't bring anything at all. Aguinid falls is one of the hardest waterfalls trek that I encountered. Though I didn't have that many but surely it was one of those. But it was fun at the end, I assure you.
Once arrived at the entrance, locals will ask for the payment which if I remember right was 300/head inclusive of the environmental fee, entrance fee and guide fee. Guides are compulsory and you will know why and will be thankful to them at the end. We were four at our group and was given one local guide. If you are more in your group, number of guides that will be assigned to you will also expand.
Aguinid Falls is composed of different mini falls and has 7 to 8 levels to finish. Those levels requires a hike, a swim or some water streams crossing. Will post photos randomly, sorry my memory is always on a juggle. :)
The hike was slippery that made it more difficult. Though the 1st until mid levels were a little easy as some of them were flat, extra care still needs to carefully observe. A little recklessness will give you bruises or even head bumps. After those levels, the rest needs courage if you wanted to continue or return to the 1st level. Hahaha!
We were really thankful with our guide, he became our photographer, our bag carrier, our coach and all the things he can do to help us finish the hike.
It was scary to swim sometimes on the unclear water especially if the depth was uneven.
It was fun, really! You can see it in our faces. :)
And then we came to almost the end of the trek. Where we need to go up in the side of the falls using a rope and carry the weight of our body. The floor was wet as it was the limestone wall of the waterfalls itself and it was almost reclined in 40 degrees that made the decision to pursue so difficult. It will be the 3rd to the last level, the highest that we needed to hike for the whole journey. We were asked if we wanted to continue or go to the different way that was easier but will take longer to finish. Considering that we spent hours to reach it and we were hoping to finish it immediately, we decided to continue even if we were not so confident if we can pass through.
The photo before the storm.
These were the heart stopping moments. Ended up the most enjoyable and memorable of all the levels of the hike.
Our guide assured us that it will be okay, and kudos to the rest of the locals that were there for not letting anyone slip or collapse. It will be deadly if someone accidentally let go of the rope and drop on the stoned ground. Whew, happy we made it!
The view after the hike.
2nd | B I N A L A Y A N H I D D E N F A L L S
Binalayan Hidden Falls was our next adventure. If you experienced the Aguinid first same as we were, Binalayan will be an easy one. It only contains a long walk but surfaces were flat and mostly dry.
Starting the trek with a high spirit even if we were tired and soared from Aguinid Falls.
Loved the path along the way that was full of palm trees.
Of course it includes crossing a river.
Almost there.
It was slippery so be careful.
And so we came. We didn't stay long nor took a swim. It was all enough that we see it. It looks good and the place was almost empty.
Though we only seen Aguinid and Binalayan out of the many waterfalls of Samboan, we were all satisfied. I think we see more than enough and these were definitely one of our highlights in Samboan. The one that when we remember will surely bring a laughter to us. And not seeing everything gave us more reason to return. Until our next waterfall adventure Cebu!
x o x o
Faith
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