Chasing Waterfalls South Cebu

No wonder why Cebu has constantly been recognized as one of the best islands not just in the Philippines but also across the globe. Cebu has a lot to offer. From the beautiful beaches to the mighty mountains. Not just only that, Cebu also has the perfect spots to cool off from the pesky heat of the sun. The cluster of southern municipalities of Cebu is the perfect place for chasing waterfalls.

The lining southern municipalities of Cebu, down from Santander up to Badian, has something to offer for each visitors. Not just waterfalls but also beaches and springs.This summer we visited a few known waterfalls from the municipalities of Samboan and Alegria as a part of our yearly summer get-together with my friends. We started off at Samboan then went way up to Alegria.

 

First stop: Aguinid Waterfall

Aguinid is a multi-tier waterfall boasting beyond 5 levels. The waterfall is already known by the public. There are days when the waterfall is highly packed with people.

Itinerary:

• 04:40     Depart from Cebu City for Samboan via Ceres bus
• 08:00     Arrival at Aguinid Waterfalls Visitor receiving area. Quick breakfast at a nearby eatery
• 08:40     Start Aguinid Waterfalls jaunt
• 11:40     Back to Aguinid Waterfalls jump off point and quick lunch

Expenses:

• Bus from Cebu South Bus Terminal to Samboan         205 PHP
• Aguinid Waterfalls entrance and environmental fee      40  PHP
• Aguinid Waterfalls guide fee and extra                        120  PHP

Important Reminders:

• Waterproof your stuff especially your electronic gadgets
• No chance of not getting wet
• You can go beyond the 5th level, but ask your guide if they’ll allow you
• Please be generous with your guides. Do not hesitate to give more than the flat guide rate
• Please practice Leave No Trace. Do not throw or leave any trace of garbage/trash

We enjoyed the waters so much that we did not notice that it was already early noon. So before we head on to our next destination, we took care of our grumbling bellies first and had our lunch on the nearby eateries at the jump-off point. It was already 12 PM when we were able to move to our next destination.

Second stop: Dau Waterfall

Dau Waterfall is another grand beauty sitting in the middle of Samboan. With its picturesque form and grand height, it surely can easily attract visitors. The waterfall is already well known across the social media.

Itinerary:

• 12:00    Tricycle ride to Dau Waterfall jump-off point from Aguinid
• 12:30    Arrival at Dau Waterfall jump off point and start trek to the waterfall area
• 13:00    Arrival at the waterfall area
• 14:00    Return back to the jump-off point

Expenses:

• Tricycle ride from Aguinid to Dau Falls jump off point       50 PHP
• Dau Falls Guide Fee                                                       250 PHP

Important Reminders:

• Hiking from the jump-off point to the waterfall area takes at least 20 minutes
• In can really get hot while hiking. Around 60% of the hike will be on an open trail
• Do not expect much. The water of the waterfall pool is not that clear and is shallow
• The waterfall ground is slippery due to the forming green algae
• Bring lots of water
• Please practice Leave No Trace. Do not throw or leave any trace of garbage/trash

The hike going to and back from the jump-off point to the waterfall area depleted much of our energy. It was at the peak of noon when we hiked and the sun was searing hot. When we got back to the jump-off area from the waterfall, we were tired that we wanted to get some sleep already. We wanted to rest already but we decided to hit one more spot before looking for accommodation. So we went straight to a nearby hot spring to calm our tired muscles.

 

Third stop: Malabuyoc Hot Spring/Montaneza Mainit Spring

Hot springs are best for tired and sore muscles. Cebu is blessed to have more than one hot springs. One is located in Malabuyoc and is coincidentally pinned near a waterfall. Malabuyoc Hot Spring has multiple spring pools. Each has different temperatures.

Itinerary:

• 14:40    Arrival at the jump-off point and proceed to Malabuyoc Hot Spring
• 15:30    Arrival at Malabuyoc Hot Spring
• 17:00    Depart from Hot Spring and head to Alegria municipality park

Expenses:

• Tricycle ride from Dau jump-off point to Malabuyoc Hot Spring     60 PHP
• Hot Spring Entrance Fee                                                                20 PHP
• Tricycle ride from Hot Spring to the main highway                         10 PHP
• Tricycle ride from Hot Spring highway to Alegria park                   15 PHP

Important Reminders:

• The hot spring closes by 5:30 PM
• There are eateries within the vicinity of the hot spring
• The hot spring can be jam-packed with visitors so better schedule your visit away from weekends or holidays
• Please practice Leave No Trace. Do not throw or leave any trace of garbage/trash

After we had our muscles relaxed by soaking in the hot spring, we then headed straight to Alegria proper. We then looked for a place to stay for the night. Luckily we found a cheap stay near the municipal proper.

After securing our place to stay, we roamed around the municipality proper and got familiar with the place. We were also able to catch the beautiful sunset in front of the shoreline.

Spent a night enjoying each others company under the starlight, lulled by the ocean waves and accompanied by rum (as always).

We still have another day to seize tomorrow and we planned to hit one more spot. Dozing-off very late at night, waking up early is really a hard skit to pull-off. But we have to wake up early to be able to enjoy the waterfall we planned to hit the following morning.

 

Fourth stop: Cancalanog Falls

Cancalanog Falls is another humble beauty in Alegria. The place does not boast grand rush of waters like the other waterfalls, but surely it has its own charm. The enclosed pool with cold, deep, blue water will surely charm anyone who laid their eyes on it.

Itinerary:

• 07:40     Motorcycle ride from Alegria proper to Cancalanog Falls
• 08:10     Arrival at Cancalanog Falls jump-off point and start the hike to the waterfall area
• 08:25     Arrival at Cancalanog waterfall area
• 09:15     Depart from Cancalanog waterfall area
• 09:30     Motorcycle ride from Cancalanog jump-off point back to the main highway
• 09:45     Tricycle ride from the main highway back to our accommodation

Expenses:

• Motorcycle ride from Alegria proper to Cancalanog jump-off point     100 PHP
• Cancalanog Entrance Fee                                                                    30 PHP
• Motorcycle ride from jump-off point to the main highway                      25 PHP
• Tricycle ride from the main highway back to Alegria proper                 10 PHP

Important Reminders:

• You still have to hike for about 15 minutes from the jump-off point to the waterfall area
• The water is deep enough that you can dive and jump without worry
• Please practice Leave No Trace. Do not throw or leave any trace of garbage/trash

Right when we arrived at our accommodation, we then changed and readied ourselves to go back to the city. We went back home early so that we still have time to do and run our personal errands.

Cebu is so blessed that it can also be a front-runner for chasing waterfalls activities. Overall, Cebu does not run out of things that’ll amaze its visitors and even the locals.

Beating the heat and chasing waterfalls is best enjoyed together with your dear friends.