Going up Aguinid Falls was a climb of many thrills: wading in the flow or swimming where the water pools, stepping from rock to rock, climbing alongside that falling sheet of liquid or meeting it head-on, pausing to take a shower.
Cebu has many waterfalls and they’re all, to a varying degree, spectacular, but Aguinid Falls in the southern Cebu town of Samboan gives you a different kind of experience.
Including level zero, Aguinid is made up of six interconnected waterfalls flowing into one another along the mountainside.
You can choose to stay and swim at the first level, go up some, or conquer all by proceeding to the topmost part. At the last level, the falling current is stronger and the pounding water more painful especially if you choose to go up and take your shower on the rock protrusions.
Aguinid Falls exploration
The limestone rocks over which the water of Aguinid Falls flows make navigating to the top possible even on a pair of slippers. The rocks are not slippery since moss does not grow on them.
Still, take a local guide with you because they know the best route to the top. They’re particularly helpful when you reach the second level where the only way up is braving that flowing water. The second waterfalls is high and you are able to climb it by using the shallow notches that the local community carved on the rocky surface.
If you listen to the guide and follow their instructions, going up Aguinid Falls is safe enough. As we made our way to the top, we met a group coming down at the third level and they had with them a young boy who was probably not older than 10 years old.
Our guide also took our photos. If you don’t have a waterproof camera, bring your mobile phones but make sure you place them in airtight plastic casings. You can buy ahead or at stores near Aguinid which sells them for P120 to P150.
Remember that there is no way you wouldn’t get soaked in the climb so wear the appropriate outfit. Take into consideration that you will be taking large steps up and down rocks and a bikini might be too revealing. When it comes to footwear, a better alternative to slippers would be water shoes.
Entrance, guide rates
Exploring Aguinid and bathing in its cool waters will only cost you P20 in entrance fee and a tip for the guide. When it comes to tipping, please be generous since it’s how the 70 or so community guides earn a living.
The earliest time that visitors are allowed inside the falls is at seven in the morning. Since it gets dark early on, the town has set 5:30 p.m. as the cut-off time for visits.
Aguinid Falls is located in Barangay Tangbo, Samboan. The village is just close to the town center. From the coastal highway, Aguinid Falls is an easy 10-minute walk.
There are private parking spaces close to the falls, but they charge P50 per hour. If you’re taking the bus from the South Bus Terminal in N. Bacalso Avenue in Cebu City, ask the driver to drop you off at the spot nearest Aguinid Falls. A big billboard marks the way in.
From the town center, the place is a tricycle or habal-habal (motorcycle-for-hire) ride away.
For more about Samboan, read our previous stories: “19 Samboan attractions that make it a top Cebu destination” or “Samboan is home to natural, heritage attractions.” To get a portable Guide To Samboan, install the Android app Samboan Guide.
