BINALAYAN FALLS (HIDDEN FALLS) IN SAMBOAN, CEBU

Tucked away in Samboan is a beautiful waterfall at the end of a tranquil jungle trail. It is also the place of one of the most dangerous cliff jumps I’ve ever done in my life. It’s a beautiful but short little adventure, which you can combine with the other waterfalls in the Samboan region of Cebu.

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BINALAYAN WATERFALL

Binalayan Waterfall is also known as ‘Hidden Falls’. Like many ‘hidden’ places around the world, it is not hidden at all. It is advertised with a road from the sign, which directs you to a parking lot and the ticket office.

The trail only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish but provides a beautiful coconut palm-lined path and peaceful scenery. Most of the path is a steady dirt trail, which we traversed in flip-flops. Enormous palm trees cover the land. One of our guides showed off his rapid climbing skills and gathered some coconuts for us, which was super impressive.

There are three small river crossings so water shoes or flip-flops are recommended for this trail.

After about 15 minutes into the trek, you will reach a small clearing. Here there is a plateau of water where there are several benches and a tire swing. It’s a nice spot to relax before heading into the waterfall.

A small staircase leads up to the waterfall which the locals have nicknamed, ‘Adidas Waterfall’. This is because three distinct flows of water strike down like the famous three Adidas stripes. You can swim in this waterfall or the smaller waterfall on the level below. However, it is the caves and cliff jumping that are the main activity.

It is possible to climb up into the caves inside the waterfall and then jump down. Be warned this water is 8ft deep at the maximum. There is also a spot to jump on the left side of the waterfall from a similar height to the caves. From that height, you will probably touch the ground but should be okay.

The guides asked me if I wanted to jump and we ended up going to a higher level. I have to say it was one of my dumbest jumps. The water is 8ft deep and I had tested that but I still jumped. I hit the ground pretty hit and luckily with bent knees. I definitely do not suggest jumping from the second level.

Having said that, the locals who are absolute legends at cliff jumping, send jumps from even higher. That should not encourage you to do so as you are likely to break a leg or both. Jump from the lower levels or just enjoy the pool!

HOW TO GET TO BINALAYAN FALLS

Binalayan Falls is super easy to find. It is marked here on the Google Map below and the pin is accurate. From the main road, there is a sign and you follow that into the parking lot.

ADVENTURE BAG FROM SAMBOAN WATERFALL ADVENTURES

This is an adventure bag. It is full of trash. Every time I go on an adventure I collect one adventure bag full of trash. It’s my small way of saying thanks to mother nature for allowing me to enjoy her beautiful creations.

If we have time to go on an adventure we have time to collect an adventure bag on the way back out of the trail once we have enjoyed the waterfall, the hike or the beach. Adventure hard!

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WHERE TO STAY ON CEBU?

I really think that if you are going to be exploring Cebu, the best place to stay is in Moalboal. There are a few reasons why!

Cebu City might be where you land at the airport but if you are looking for adventure, you will need to head south as soon as possible. Most of the best waterfalls, whale sharks, snorkeling with sardines and turtles are all down south.

So where do you stay to do all of these adventures? Moalboal! Trust me I know… I rent an apartment in Moalboal and that is my base for all of the adventures you have just read!

Moalboal is a cool town, which is the free-diving and scuba capital of Cebu and even the Philippines. Here there are tons of hostels, hotels, and homestays.

There are plenty of restaurants and even a small mall. This is really the last spot as you travel down south where you will have good wifi, 4G connection, western restaurants and lots of facilities. Once you head further south to Alegria and Ginatilan those towns just aren’t set up for tourists really.

Moalboal is just a short drive from most attractions and even all the way down to the Whale Sharks is just a 1-hour drive. There are a variety of accommodations in Moalboal but I will tell you my favorite for each style of traveler. I have a recommendation for budget travelers, mid-level and luxury.

MoHo Moalboal Hostel – Budget: I stayed at this cool hostel for a few days. It is brand new and pretty modern with a huge chill-out space. The WIFI works! I was blogging and using WordPress and the connection was fine.

The dorm rooms are clean and modern with each bed having a blind for privacy. The staff were super chill and helpful. There was free water to refill your bottle and free coffee and tea. It is the cheapest option on booking.com at just 8 USD.

Teobas Homestay – Value: You need to click on that link just to see how rad this place is. It has a staircase down to the ocean into crystal clear water. I can tell you, I have snorkeled out the front of this place with turtles many times.

For about $30 USD you get a private room with all of the facilities you need. There is not much better than having ocean access and a bit of a sunset view!

Dolphin House Resort – Luxury: If you are looking for a nice resort, Dolphin House is a 5-star resort with a huge pool for less than $200 USD per night. It has ocean access, great restaurant, chilling areas and a beautiful garden throughout the property.

To view all of the accommodation options in Moalboal head to the Moalboal search page on Booking.com