Tucked away in the charming town of Alegria in Cebu, Philippines, Cambais Falls is a stunning natural attraction that captivates its visitors. Surrounded by dense tropical vegetation, this enchanting waterfall complex is home to several levels, each offering a distinct experience, from serene turquoise pools ideal for a refreshing swim, to invigorating cliff-jumping spots for the more adventurous. With its picturesque landscape and tranquil atmosphere, Cambais Falls is a perfect retreat for nature lovers, photographers, and thrill-seekers alike.
CAMBAIS FALLS IN ALEGRIA: COMPLETE GUIDE
Cambais Falls is an amazing waterhole in the hills of Alegria, Cebu. It’s less than an hour drive from Moalboal and there are several other great waterfalls nearby to make an epic waterfall adventure day. There are several waterfalls and different cliff jumping levels at Cambais as well great spots for swimming. In this blog post, I’ll share everything you need to know before you visit Cambais Falls
MY 5 FAVORITE CEBU TOURS
- Oslob Whale Sharks & Moalboal Sardine Run Snorkeling – This combo tour is the BEST VALUE way to enjoy a guided and PRIVATE tour of the two most popular activities in Cebu.
- Moalboal Island Hopping & Pescador Island & Turtle Bay Snorkeling: Swim with turtles and the sardine balls on an island-hopping boat trip from Moalboal.
- Bluewater Sumilon Island Day Tour – Visit the crystal clear water of Sumilon Island on this day tour.
- Kawasan Falls Canyoneering Tour (BEST PRICE): The classic tour. Number one most booked activity in Cebu!
- Bohol Day tour from Cebu: Want to visit Bohol but are short of time? See the top sights on this one-day adventure including transport.
Click the orange button below to view all of the top-rated tours on Klook
WHERE IS CAMBAIS FALLS
Cambais Falls is about an hour away from Moalboal or 30 minutes further south from Kawasan Falls. We headed up to Cambais on the moped but it is possible with a car also.
Reaching Cambais Falls from Alegria town proper in Cebu, Philippines typically involves a combination of public and local transportation:
- Hire a “Habal-Habal”: From the Alegria town center, you can hire a local motorcycle taxi, known as a “habal-habal”. It’s the most common and convenient way to reach Cambais Falls. The motorcycle ride should take about 15-20 minutes depending on the road conditions.
- Trek to the Falls: Once you reach the drop-off point, there’s a short 10-15 minutes trek through a trail that will lead you to the waterfall.
Remember, it’s often better to negotiate the fare and return trip with the habal-habal driver beforehand to ensure a ride back to the town
The pin on Google Maps will take you to a small parking lot that isn’t very well defined. There is a small sign though, which marks the entrance. From here it is a 15-minute walk to the ticket office.
MY EXPERIENCE AT CAMBAIS FALLS
When you arrive at the parking lot to Cambais Falls you will head up to the right of the road where a sign marks the start of the trail. It isn’t very difficult and we did it in flip-flops. It took us no more than twenty minutes walking along the trail until we reached the ticket office
Here we paid 50 pesos per person entry fee, which is just $1 USD. From the ticket office, it is just one more minute of walking to Cambais Falls.
Cambais Falls has two distinct levels. On the first level, a huge, milky blue pool is surrounded by ferns, boulders, and trees.
The waterfall at this level pours over the limestone cliff wall without extreme force, more of a pour! It seems to drip off the limestone in lines, which creates a beautiful scene from below. There is a lot to explore on this level like a few small caves and plenty of rocks to jump off.
What are my favorite pieces of gear for waterfall adventures?
There are four pieces of gear that I simply never forget when I go on a waterfall adventure. These are four items that I using right now and this list gets updated every year! Here are my waterfall adventure essentials.
- Arcteryx BETA AR Rain Jacket: This is my go-to rain jacket. It’s super light, folds down into a tiny ball, and protects brilliantly in a storm. This one never leaves my backpack.
- Osprey Ultralight Dry Sack: Waterfalls get wet and wild so having this ultralight dry sack for cameras, phones and valuables means you don’t have to hold back!
- Quick-Dry Towel: A quick-dry towel is a must for travelers. It hardly takes up any room and dries in seconds.
- GoPro Hero 12: The best and easiest way to capture your underwater and snorkeling adventures.
On this first level, there is a solid cliff jump. From about 7 meters and then 10 meters you can jump directly from the waterfall. The spot to land it is quite small as it isn’t too deep and you need to hit the right landing area. Make sure you check the depth before jumping.
BEST INSURANCE FOR TRAVELERS
Don’t wait for an accident to happen… get insured! My travel insurance is HeyMondo which offers low-cost travel & medical insurance. That’s me on the left with three teeth knocked out after a motorbike crash in Bali!
You can click to read my Full Review of the Best Travel Insurance.
I’ve made several successful claims with HeyMondo and find their customer service very quick and helpful. Click the button below to get a 5% DISCOUNT
To get to the second level you clamber up a small cascade using a rope. You then wade your way through the blue water until reaching a bamboo ladder. This takes you to the second level where another beautiful waterfall crashes down into a private pool. This is an amazing little area and most people don’t head up there so you can get away from the crowd although there was only a couple of groups at Cambais Falls when we visited.
TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN MOALBOAL
Moalboal is the best place to base for all your Cebu adventures. It is central to most waterfalls, canyoneering, snorkeling, beaches and within driving distance of the Whale Sharks!
- My TOP Pick: Dolphin House Resort – Private Beach, Outdoor Pool, Great Location.
- Beachfront: Teobas Homestay – Native Style Bungalow, Ocean-front location.
- Best Resort: Oceanfront Paradise Resort – Oceanfront, beach access, beautiful pool
ADVENTURE BAG FROM CAMBAIS FALLS
This is an adventure bag (I forgot the 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!
Tag your @adventurebagcrew on Instagram and mention @adventurebagcrew in your Instagram stories to be featured and inspire your friends, family, and followers to join the movement!
FACTS ABOUT CAMBAIS FALLS
- Location: Cambais Falls is located in the municipality of Alegria, situated in the southwestern part of Cebu, Philippines.
- Multi-Level Waterfall: The waterfall has several levels, each offering its unique beauty and experience. The first level is known for its deep natural pool perfect for swimming, while the second level is popular for cliff jumping.
- Natural Pools: Each level of the falls has beautiful natural pools with turquoise waters, perfect for a refreshing dip.
- Flora and Fauna: The surrounding area of Cambais Falls is filled with lush vegetation and hosts various wildlife species, adding to the site’s natural charm.
- Activities: The waterfall offers a range of activities including swimming, cliff jumping, and exploring the different levels. It’s also a popular spot for canyoneering.
- Access: Reaching Cambais Falls involves a short ride from Alegria town center and a brief trek through a trail.
- Eco-Tourism: As part of the region’s eco-tourism, efforts are made to maintain the cleanliness and natural beauty of the falls.
- Tour Guides: While the site is relatively accessible, local tour guides are available to help visitors navigate the area and offer safety tips for activities like cliff jumping.
I hope you enjoyed this guide to visiting Cambais Falls in Alegria, Cebu!
WHERE TO STAY IN 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 in the south of Cebu. So where do you stay to do all of these adventures? Moalboal!
Moalboal is a cool town, which is the free-diving and scuba capital of Cebu. There are tons of hostels, hotels, and hostels here as well as being close to all the waterfalls and hikes in the region.
Here are my recommendations on where to stay in Moalboal depending on your budget.
- 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.
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT CEBU
When considering the weather, the best time to visit Cebu, Philippines, is generally during the dry season which runs from December to May. During this period, the weather is more predictable, with less chance of rain disrupting outdoor activities. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- Dry Season (December – May): This period is characterized by less rainfall and more sunshine. Among these months, February to May are especially good as they tend to be hot and dry, making them perfect for beach-related activities.
- Cool Months (December – February): The months of December to February are part of the dry season but are slightly cooler compared to other months. This makes it a good time to visit if you prefer more moderate temperatures.
- Hot Months (March – May): These months can get quite hot, but if you’re planning on spending time at the beach or by the pool, this could be the ideal time for you.
- Rainy Season (June – November): These months have more rainfall, which can disrupt outdoor activities. However, the rain can also bring cooler temperatures and fewer tourists, which some visitors might prefer.
TRANSPORT OPTIONS FOR CEBU
There’s lots of different transport options to get around Cebu depending on the size of your group, travel style and length of your journey. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect.
Moped: The best way to get around Cebu Island is through moped/scooter rentals. A moped can be rented for about $8 a day but that price may come down if your rental is more than a week long. The roads aren’t always great to and from the waterfalls and hikes so drive safely. You will need your regular drivers license from your home country and a helmet to avoid any issues. Below are the other main transport options for Cebu.
- Tricycles: the most common means of private transportation in the Philippines, accommodating 2-4 passengers, more than a motorcycle. This allows you to hire a driver to transport you to various attractions and things to do in Cebu.
- The Habal Habal: essentially a “scooter taxi,” is an economical option for single passengers who don’t wish to rent their own vehicle.
- Jeepneys: vibrant buses used by locals for transportation in the Philippines. Operating on fixed routes, they provide a shared riding experience and offer a unique opportunity to interact with the local community. Expect to be crammed in like sardines but it’s the authentic transport mode for locals.
- Vans: available for transportation, typically offered by resorts, hotels, and private transportation companies. This option will be the most expensive, it can be a worthwhile choice during rainy weather or for larger groups.
MORE CEBU TRAVEL GUIDES
- Ultimate Cebu Bucketlist: 26 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON CEBU
- Canyoneering Guide: KAWASAN FALLS CEBU CANYONEERING
- Ultimate Oslob Guide: WHAT TO DO IN OSLOB CEBU
- Digital Nomad Guide to Moalboal: THE DIGITAL NOMAD GUIDE TO MOALBOAL, CEBU
- Waterfall Chasing: 14 BEST WATERFALLS IN CEBU
- Moalboal Guide: 20 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MOALBOAL
- Alegria Guide: 13 BEST THINGS TO DO IN ALEGRIA
- Hiking Osmena Peak: OSMEÑA PEAK IN CEBU – A BEAUTIFUL SUNRISE HIKE
Lino Anciano
Thursday 22nd of October 2020
Is the road condition safe for small car (sedan)? Is camping near the area allowed? Thank you.
Lino Falls chaser-Cebu
19 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON CEBU, PHILIPPINES - Travel Guides Info
Monday 4th of March 2019
[…] Read the full blog post: CAMBAIS FALLS IN ALEGRIA […]
CANCALANOG FALLS IN ALEGRIA, CEBU - Travel Guides Info
Friday 1st of March 2019
[…] You will need to turn right on the road after one of the main canyoneering centers. You can put Cambais Falls into google maps and this will give you the correct turn of also. The roads were average. Not […]