The natural landscape of Cebu has been one of its main tourist drawers with thousands of local and foreign tourists visiting the island each year. Cebu is home to a number of these natural attractions with the Kawasan Falls being one of the most popular tourist destinations in the island. But, there are other towns in Cebu offering their own equally majestic waterfalls.
Samboan – image source: wikimedia.org
The town of Samboan in the south is home to a number of these waterfalls with the Dau or Dao Falls being the tallest towering at around 120 meters. While the falls itself is not as impressive as the Kawasan Falls, it is still a sight to behold. It actually resembles a dam with the water cascading down a rock wall. The catch basin itself also has a depth of around six feet while the current is not too strong, which makes it relatively safer to swim in.
Dao Falls – image source: philippine-online-travel.com
It is necessary to go on a thirty-minute hike before reaching the falls itself (but this would depend on your pace). You would have to pass through a bamboo bridge and ladder before reaching the place. Since it is quite isolated, there may be instances when you would have the place to yourself, especially if you go on a weekday. It is advisable, though, to get a guide to bring you to the falls. While the guides would not ask for any payment, it is recommended to give them a suitable amount for accompanying you to the falls.
Dao Falls – image source: mycebu.ph
The Dao Falls is a welcome sight after the workout you went through getting to the place. You may even want to take a dip the moment you reach the place, especially if you hike under the heat of the sun (but, there are some trees that can provide some shade during the hike). If you go there during the rainy season, be prepared to slip and slide since the trail may get somewhat muddy after the rain.
Dao Falls – image source: youtube.com
Getting to Samboan
To get to the Dao Falls in Samboan, you would have to take a bus bound for Barili at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. Just make sure to tell the driver or conductor to drop you off at Samboan. The trip will take around three to four hours, depending on the traffic. Upon reaching Samboan, you can hire a motorcycle to get you to the jump off point to the Dao Falls. It is advisable to have an arrangement with the motorcycle for hire driver to come back for you at an appointed time since it may not be easy to get a ride back to the town from the jump off point.
To get to the Dao Falls in Samboan, you would have to take a bus bound for Barili at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. Just make sure to tell the driver or conductor to drop you off at Samboan. The trip will take around three to four hours, depending on the traffic. Upon reaching Samboan, you can hire a motorcycle to get you to the jump off point to the Dao Falls. It is advisable to have an arrangement with the motorcycle for hire driver to come back for you at an appointed time since it may not be easy to get a ride back to the town from the jump off point.
Cebu South Bus Terminal – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon
While Iligan in Mindanao may be known as the City of Majestic Waterfalls, Cebu also has its own share of these magnificent natural wonders. The Dao Falls is one of these waterfalls that any visitor should not miss the moment they find themselves in the southern town of Samboan.
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