Aguinid Falls: A Hidden Natural Wonder in Samboan

What is Samboan known for?

Aside from its beaches and historical landmarks, the southern Cebu town has several picturesque waterfalls. An article in CDN Digital states that there are a total of 11 waterfalls in Samboan, with only three that are open to the public. (2023) 

One of these is the Aguinid Falls located in Barangay Tangbo. It also happens to be the top attraction in Samboan according to users on Tripadvisor. 

As of writing, it has an average rating of 4.6 out of a total of 282 reviews.
With eight levels, it offers an exhilarating canyoneering experience. Rather than jumping into the water, visitors climb up the limestone rock formations while powering through strong water currents.

It’s one of the most challenging waterfalls in Cebu where endurance, strength, and teamwork are put to the test. Here is what you need to know if you want to conquer it.

BOOKING A TOUR

• Walk-ins – for around Php 300, you will be given a life vest, aqua shoes, and a helmet. The tour requires two guides, both catering to a group of five to ten.

  Unfortunately, the entrance fee doesn’t include the guides, so make sure to give them a proper tip. Aside from guiding you around the area, they also double as your photographers.

• Klook – this travel booking site does not have an official Aguinid Falls tour, but some Oslob whaleshark watching tours include a side trip to the falls.

• Cebu Phil Travel & Tours – this is among the local operators with official tours to Aguinid Falls. Simply message them on WhatsApp or their Facebook Page. You can also send them an email.  

• Cebu Getaway Tour Services – this local van rental service includes Aguinid Falls on their offered tours. You can also message them on their Facebook Page.

   

HOW TO GET TO AGUINID FALLS

• Bus from Cebu City to Samboan Town Plaza
  Ride a bus bound for Bato via Barili at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. The entire bus ride will take around three hours. Inform the conductor that you will be getting off at the Samboan Town Plaza.

  They may drop you off at the Boluntaryo Monument. It’s basically a green waiting shed with a statue of a fisherman on the roof.

• Habal-habal from the Town Plaza to Aguinid Falls
  From the town plaza, hail a local motorcycle taxi to get to the falls.

  This will take around ten to fifteen minutes.  

CROSSING THE STREAMS

Aguinid Falls is divided into two sections based on difficulty. Most tours end at Level 5, as the three highest tiers are much more difficult and quite risky to get to.

Inform your guides if you wish to go on to the more advanced levels and make sure to add an extra tip for their services. 

• Level 1 
  Participants must first cross a small river to get to the main canyoneering area. Take note that swimming is not allowed here, as the water often gets murky.

  After the two-minute river crossing, you will then trek uphill until you reach a slippery downhill slope that will require a lot of balance to pass through.

• Level 2 
  The second level is slightly more difficult, as participants climb up a 90-degree limestone path while holding onto a rope attached from above.

  The powerful streams add to the challenge, but the guides will happily assist you. They are so familiar with this route that they may not even use the rope to get to the top.

• Level 3 
  Just beyond the upward slope is a relaxing area with a small cascade trickling down a massive limestone boulder.

  Here, most participants simply sit by the rocks and take a dip in the cold freshwater.

• Level 4
  After walking further down, you will then reach a cliff where you can jump into a deep cerulean pool.

  This is the only cliff in the area, so it’s a favorite spot among many. At only 10 feet, even amateur jumpers won’t feel intimidated by it. 

• Level 5
  This is the most stunning part of the falls, notable for the photogenic structure with water gently cascading against the rocks and a spacious pool. You can climb up the different structures and bathe under the freshwater.

  There are also a few small caves and coves within this level. 

• Level 6 
  This is where it starts getting more difficult. Participants must climb up another rock formation with water crashing down, but this time without the support of a rope.

  You’ll have to rely on instinct and the instructions of your guides to make it to the top, where a breathtaking infinity pool sits. 

• Level 7
  The seventh level is another difficult climb up against crashing waves, with another spacious pool and soothing waterfalls.

  With a quiet and serene atmosphere away from crowds, this is a great way to destress and cool off. 

• Level 8
  This is the tallest point of Aguinid Falls and the one with the best view. It is the most tedious part of the trek because of the steep climb going up.

  Another peaceful paradise, participants can relax in a pool of water that’s close to a medium-sized jacuzzi. 

FINISHING THE TREK

If you only wish to go through the first five levels, you will have to retrace your steps to go back to the starting point. If you want to go to the advanced trails, you will have to take a 20-minute trek along a slippery trail to get there. 

In total, the Aguinid Falls canyoneering experience should last a little under two hours.