Siempre Samboan: Chasing Waterfalls

It's been a long time I haven't taken a vacay. I've always been busy at work, pressured by our upcoming project releases. I want to be away from these busy streets, far from the havoc. The last two days of the month of July were perfect for a #ChasingWaterfalls weekend experience. Samboan was then on top of my head. :D Five hours away from the city of Cebu to the south is this lovely municipality of Samboan. Badian and Alegria may be famous for canyoneering but then here's surely Samboan giving you bountiful waterfalls experience you will never forget!

You'll recognize the place when you see these very big letters of "Siempre Samboan". Going straight to our #ChasingWaterfalls experience, the motorcycle drivers, George and his friend, who welcomed us upon our arrival took us first to Dao Falls. We still have the rest of the afternoon after that, so we also went to Binalayan Falls. We agreed to pay 100 pesos each per destination.

Dao Falls

Entrance fee: 20 pesos only

It was a bit long trek going there that would take you up to 20-35 minutes. We went through this shaky bamboo hanging bridge and our phone's signal was out by then. The passage is also a bit muddy since people walk by here wet- still droplets of water coming out of their clothes. That would include us. Better wear shoes/sandals for trekking just because I think slippers would not make it. You'll end up barefooted. Thanks to our guide, Noel, who took some of the photos for us. FYI, the mandatory guides assigned are just volunteers. A little tip would make them happy. :D The entrance fee paid goes to the maintenance of the falls and to the barangay.

Multiple cracks caused by the earthquake but still stunning!

Binalayan Falls / Hidden Falls

Entrance fee: 20 pesos

The motorcycle drivers George and his friend took us to Binalayan Falls or what is said to be Hidden Falls in Barangay Bonbon just 5 minutes ride from Dao Falls. Manong and his two daughters became our guides that afternoon.

The two kids are masters of swimming and jumping off these waterfalls. Their father wouldn't even bother how many times they jump. But here's me, 10 years older than them who took  3 minutes of praying and shaking at the top and jumped off just once. But I'm still proud of myself though. Finding out it was the first day of my period, I still jumped anyway. YOLO! Watch the video here.

Inambakan Falls

Entrance fee: 20 pesos

Sunday morning after we attended the mass and took breakfast, we traveled to the nearby municipality of Ginatilan to reach  Inambakan Falls. Tricycle fare is 15 pesos each. We got two motorcycles and negotiated them for 150 pesos each going there and to our next destination, Aguinid Falls. The two just waited for us on the road. We didn't even mind getting them us our tour guide but a dog directed us to the falls where the people are. Thus, we didn't know that there are still two other falls next to it -- Kampael and Bugnawan falls. Next time, we'll do further research!

Aguinid Falls

Entrance fee: 20 pesos

We always save the best for last! Aguinid Falls was my favorite! We were oriented about Aguinid Falls beforehand. Normally, people take levels 0-5 but actually it has extended levels 6-8 too which is considered additional service to the guide! This only means, if you take up to those levels, you may have to pay extra to your guide!

Marvin was the guide assigned to us. He was very enthusiastic and initiative of handling our things, especially Christene's camera. He took us up to the highest level and it was the most amazing experience! Well, I have my period but there's no turning back!

Aguinid falls is by far the most amazing waterfalls experience I've had! Many people from around the world go there especially during weekends so I think the best time to go there is during weekdays. That is if you really wanna enjoy the falls just by yourselves with your friends, no photobombers! :D

Timeline and Expenses

We actually planned of leaving the city as early as 5am. But you know, plans don't work for me as usual. So this became our timeline:

July 30, 2016 Saturday
9AM	Reached South Bus Terminal	168.00 - Bus Fare / 145 Student
12NN	Stopped over Alegria for pee break / lunch
2PM	Time of Arrival + Lunch
	Check in at Gorion Beach Resort
3PM	Dao Falls	20 pesos entrance + 100 motor
4PM	Binalayan Falls / Hidden Falls	20 pesos entrance + 100 motor
6PM	Back to Gorion Beach Resort
7PM	Hunt for Dinner
July 31, 2016 Sunday
6AM	Attended first mass
8AM	Stroll in Samboan Market
	Breakfast
10AM	Inambakan Falls, Ginatilan	15 pesos tricycle + 20 pesos entrance + 150 motor
1PM	Lunch at Aguinid Falls
2PM	Aguinid Falls: Level 1 - 8	20 pesos entrance
5PM	Check out Gorion Beach Resort	1500 for a night divisible by the number of friends; 375 each
	Oslob Church	80 pesos tricycle to BATO terminal + 40 pesos BUS to Oslob
6PM	Back to City	148 pesos Bus Fare
Total		1,256 pesos excluding expense on food

Gorion Beach Resort

The moment we arrived, we are welcomed by a motorcycle driver, George. We asked for the nearest eatery in the town proper and he directed us to the one near the market. Upon paying for our meals, we asked the store owner for any cheap resort nearby where we can stay overnight and answered Gorion Beach Resort. This resort is owned by a former councilor in town and used to be an instructor from the College of Engineering in CIT-U. You learn these kinds of things when you bring a very talkative friend.

It has a big room that is just enough for the 4 of us, one large bamboo bed with mattress, bamboo couch, a table, 2 mirrors, an outlet, air condition and of course, a clean toilet. That is 1500 pesos for a night. We were not there for the beach, but the beach is good. Actually, I always feel good when I'm near the sea with that kind of view.

We traveled back home via BATO terminal going to Oslob and to the city. We stopped by Oslob church for just an hour for picture taking.

Thanks to Christene Barcenas for the wonderful quality photos in this blog.  If you guys happen to go here in Cebu, don't you ever miss #ChasingWaterfalls around South! The best waterfalls are found in Badian, Alegria, Ginatilan, Samboan and Oslob. Better check them out and add them in your travel bucket list! Happy traveling!