Aside from the most talked about Kawasan Falls at Badian, there are so many more lesser-known, underrated waterfalls in Cebu, Philippines. If you’re looking for less touristy but equally stunning waterfalls, then we can highly recommend Dao Falls in Samboan, Cebu.
The beautiful Dao Falls in Samboan, Cebu, Philippines
South Cebu Waterfalls: Dao Falls
Dao Falls is located in Suba, Samboan, Southern Cebu. It is approximately 138 km away from the city and would usually take 4 hours (private car) or up to 5 hours (public transport).
To get away from the traffic, it is best to leave very early in the morning. As for our group, we started as early as 4:00 o’clock in the morning and managed to arrive at our destination before 8:00 AM.
During our early trip, the road was so peaceful and clear – very different from the usual busy streets of Cebu. We passed by a few groups of cyclists and joggers doing an early morning exercise. There were also small coffee shops and eateries on the sidewalk serving hot and comforting local breakfast. The view of the sunrise added a more calming feeling to the journey. The rural landscape is amazing. The early morning trip to South Cebu was beautiful!
Samboan Falls, Cebu
Compared to the sorrounding towns of Oslob, Badian, or Moalboal, Samboan in Southern Cebu is still a lesser known destination.
The name Samboan is rarely seen on travel itineraries, travel magazines or even social media posts. Samboan still remains somewhat “off-the-beaten”. But nonetheless, there is so much beauty on this part of Cebu waiting to be explored – a “gemstone” worth keeping.
Samboan is home to 3 waterfalls namely Dao Falls, Binalayan Falls and Aguinid Falls. This Samboan trilogy is enough to occupy a full-day adventure. Make sure you are fit for the activity! If you do, you’ll be rewarded with lots of scenic views, relaxing nature escape, beautiful water cascades, refreshing dips and crystal clear waters.
Dao Falls in Samboan, Cebu
Binalayan Falls | Photo by: Jao Cuyos | Shutter stock ID:1253260810
Aguinid Falls | Photo by: Jonathon Dallimore | Shutter stock ID:1296863086
What to Bring on Your Dao Falls Adventure
- A good pair of sandals or aqua shoes
- Dry bag / waterproof bag – get ready to walk in waters and get wet during the trek
- Sunblock
- Water to keep you hydrated
What to Expect in Dao Falls, Cebu: Travel Tips
An environmental fee of Php 60 will be paid at the drop-off point. You will also need to register your name and other details for record-keeping and safety.
Dao Falls signage
The picturesque view of Dao Falls
There are no snack areas, food stalls or stores at Dao Falls so make sure you have everything you need in your bags or better yet, eat a full breakfast or snacks before your trek. Local eateries or carinderia can be seen along the road, few kilometers from the falls, before you reach the drop-off point.
There are habal-habal (motorcycles for rent) that can bring you from the main road to the starting point of Dao Falls. It is best to make arrangements with the habal-habal driver to pick you up after the trek so you’ll have a guaranteed service to bring you back to the main road. There’s not a lot of transportation at Dao Falls jump-off point.
It is best to get a local guide. They will keep you safe, guide you well and bring you to the nice spots. Here, guides solely earn based on tips. It’s up to you how much you give them. If you are happy with their service, tip them well. It will be a big help not only for them but for their family.
Cellphone signal is not good on the way to the falls but in most part of Samboan, you can have 3G or LTE signal. It shouldn’t be a problem.
Dao Falls, Samboan Adventure: Falls in South Cebu
We were lucky to have a perfect sunny weather when we visited Dao Falls. There were clear blue skies and overall dry terrain. It would have been slippery when there’s rain.
There is trekking involve to reach Dao Falls but I bet you would not mind taking that 20-minute easy trek. The trail is stunning!
The beautiful trail to Dao Falls with turquoise blue water
To reach the falls, there is a short beautiful hike. You will be walking on a combination of rocky and cemented trails, a hanging bamboo bridge, creeks, rock walls and there are some parts where you will be walking right through the water. There are many spots along the way where you take some nice photos.
The water at Dao is stunning! It’s not too deep nor too shallow. It is so clear, you’ll even see big fishes swimming along. The cool turquoise blue water is something that could soothe your mood and calm your mind. It has the power to erase the heat of summer. Truly, there’s something special about Dao Falls that can easily make this waterfall your favorite. It’s so enchanting and relaxing to be here.
The trek is truly a beautiful experience – you will enjoy every minute of it! We sure did. Every angle seems to be picture-perfect, it’s incredibly beautiful!
Dao Falls can be a perfect adventure for solo travelers, couples, friends or family. Kids would love it too – the water is not too deep and the trek is not too challenging.
Dao Falls in Samboan, Cebu | Photo by: Frolova_Elena | Shutter stock photo ID: 1279056073
How to Get to Dao Falls in Samboan
Cebu City to Samboan
Take a bus from South Terminal Bus Station bound to Samboan. The fare is Php 140 per person. For private car, the travel time from Cebu City to Samboan is roughly 4 hours but if you’re taking a public bus, travel time can be upto 5 to 6 hours – depending on the road condition, number of stopovers, waiting time and of course, traffic. It is always best to start early.
Moalboal or Badian or Oslob to Samboan
Samboan is not too far from Moalboal, Badian or Oslob. You can easily take public buses going to south Cebu from the main road. There are daily regular trips of non-aircon buses that pass by the main highway.
The travel time from Moalboal, Badian or Oslob going to Samboan takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Upon boarding, simply tell the driver to drop-off you at your destination. From the drop-off point, you can easily take a tricycle or a habal-habal (motorcycle for hire) straight to the Dao Falls’ starting point.
Samboan Accommodation: Where to Stay in Samboan
There are a few basic accommodations available at Samboan. There are no luxury accommodations here. Most lodgings here are perfect for backpackers wanting an extended stay at Samboan.
Samboan beach resort
Fantasy Lodge Samboan
South Cebu Waterfalls Tour
If you’re looking for a real waterfall adventure, then Cebu is certainly an excellent choice for you!
You will never run out of waterfalls to explore in Cebu. In Samboan alone, you can explore 3 waterfalls in a day. The neighboring towns of Ginatilan, Alegria, Badian, Barili and more, also have their own unique waterfalls that begged to be explored.
We can help arrange a hassle-free, all-inclusive and individualized Southern Cebu Waterfalls Tour for you. This tour can also be combined with our classic Cebu Sightseeing Tour. Simply get in touch with us and we’ll take care of your Cebu adventure tour.
Visit Dao Falls in Cebu: Best Waterfalls in Cebu
Dao Falls is certainly worth a visit. Not only will you enjoy bathing in the falls, but you’ll also enjoy a nice nature walk to the falls.
Have a good combination of trees, tropical plants, canyons, limestones and turquoise blue water. It looks so good already on photos but it’s actually so much beautiful in actual… SO BEAUTIFUL! Seeing it in person is the best way to grasp how incredibly beautiful this Dao Falls is. You should go see it.
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