There are at least six waterfalls in the southern tip of Cebu, (Oslob: Tumalog Falls, Ginatilan: Inambakan Falls, Samboan: Binalayan Falls, Dao Falls, Aguinid Falls), and if you’re sedentary like me, trekking might not be your thing.
But, Binalayan Hidden Falls in Samboan is definitely worth the little sweat!
How to get there
From the Cebu South Bus Terminal, ride a bus bound for Bato (via Barili). Take note that there are two buses bound for Bato, the other one passes through the eastern coast while the one via Barili takes the western coast. Fare is P175. Alight at Samboan and hire a “habal-habal” to Binalayan Falls.
If you are driving, you can’t miss it as there is a sign by the highway.
“Leisurely Trek”
To get to the Binalayan Falls, one would have to take a 15-30 minute (depending on your pace) “leisurely trek”. Register first at the Visitors Center where you will be assigned a local guide. Tipping is not imposed, but just think of it as your donation for the locals, and the sustainability of the place and activity. After all, the local guide will not only accompany but also offer to take your photographs and assist you along the way.
The trek takes you to a mostly flat coconut grove. Definitely not something that would excite the adventure junkies, but the dirt trail is so peaceful with towering coconut trees. You’ll reach a point where you need to cross three small streams. It’s quite slippery so wear the appropriate footwear. (P.S. I just wore my trusty Havaianas flip-flops lol).
You’ll know that you’re approaching the waterfalls when you start hearing gushing water, and see makeshift swings made of old tires and ropes tied to the trees. Just a few hundred steps more and you’ll reach the main falls.
