Dao Falls Canyoneering: Descending an Entire Waterfall

What does it mean to go rappelling?

Also called abseiling, it’s used in mountaineering as a way to safely control one’s descent on a mountain or slope by moving down a durable rope with a friction device.

This is usually done during rescue operations, but it has also become an exhilarating recreational activity, as seen from the canyoneering experience at Dao Falls in southern Cebu. 

Here, participants end a two to three hour canyon trek with an over 100-foot rappel down the aforementioned waterfall, which is the tallest of the 11 falls in Samboan. 

Originally slated to open to the public in September 2024, the canyoneering experience is set to start operations by November of 2025. 

Do you have what it takes to conquer this? 

Here’s what to expect once the rappelling activity officially opens at Dao Falls.

GETTING TO DAO FALLS

First, ride a Bato via Barili bus at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. Travel time should be around four hours, as Samboan is around 140 kilometers away from Cebu City. 

While Dao Falls is located in Samboan, you can also access it through the town of Ginatilan. You can ride a motorcycle taxi at the municipal hall to take you straight to Dao Falls.

WHAT TO KNOW

Tour schedule: 
8:30 AM and 1:00 PM 
(Visit daocanyoneering.com or send an email to daocanyoneering@gmail.com to check for availability)

Minimum age requirement:
Strictly 14 years old and above

Tour participants:
2 to 10 people

Tour package rate:
Php 3,500 per person

There is no weight requirement, but you must fit comfortably into the harness. Their official website says this requires a waist measurement of 20 to 47 inches, and a leg measurement of 14 to 29 inches. 

Make sure to bring all the necessary canyoneering gear including aqua shoes, sunscreen, and proper swimming attire. You must also be physically fit for the activity, so those with serious heart conditions or other critical disorders are not allowed to join.

THE CANYONEERING EXPERIENCE

You will be given complimentary drinks before signing a waiver and listening to a short briefing. You will then be provided with the appropriate rappelling equipment such as helmets, harnesses, and carabiners. 

According to the Dao Canyoneering website, their equipment is certified by the EN (European Norm) and UIAA (International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation), who are key organizations in standardizing safety climbing gear. 

The guides will take you up a mountain on motorcycles to start the tour. You will go through a short 15-minute trek along a thick jungle that leads straight to the canyon. 

The tour includes passing through a river full of massive rock formations and cliffs. You must also go through two short jumps and six total rappels, some in between narrow openings and against powerful cascades. 

After two to three hours, you will reach the peak of the over 100-foot tall main waterfall, where you will descend to the spacious pool at the bottom.

It’s a long and tedious descent. One thing’s for sure, it will be an exhilarating experience. 

You will then finish the trek with a dip in the massive freshwater pool before taking one last 20-minute hike back to the entrance.

The tour will take approximately four hours, including the15-minute jungle trek and the 20-minute trip back. The main tour package includes free lunch and a transport service to the main highway.

SAFETY TIPS WHEN RAPPELLING

Since descending the waterfall is the main highlight, it’s important that you know what you’ll be dealing with.

• Friction
  According to a study on friction in rope rescues, frictional forces help control the lowering of rescuers. (2016) As such, you need to understand how crucial friction is in rappelling, as this is the main source of control.

  Maintain your pace by keeping a firm grip on the “brake hand”, controlling the friction applied on the rope. Never let go completely, as this can lead to a dangerously drastic increase in speed.

• Gravity
  Gravity is the only thing pulling you down when rappelling, so managing the rate and speed of the descent is key to your safety.

  Go down the rope as smoothly as you can, as unnecessary movements can lead to pressure on the rope and other equipment. 

• Teamwork
  An article in Warwick claims that climbing is the best team-building activity, as it builds trust, encourages collaboration, and strengthens communication. (2023) While considered a dangerous activity, certain aspects of climbing, such as rappelling, require a buddy system.

  You must check each other’s equipment to make sure it is fastened correctly and communicate any concerns about the drop. You must also be their second set of eyes to warn them about specific obstacles, including ledges or loose pieces of rocks.