Inambakan Falls is a majestic gem tucked away in the town of Ginatilan in the southwestern part of Cebu, Philippines. Named after the Cebuano word ‘ambak,’ which means ‘to jump,’ Inambakan Falls stands at a towering height of 100 feet, and its cascade creates a beautiful, azure pool of water. Set amidst lush greenery and rich biodiversity, this waterfall offers an enticing combination of serene beauty and thrilling adventure. Whether you’re keen on swimming in the refreshing waters, capturing stunning photographs, or simply absorbing the calming sounds of nature, Inambakan Falls makes for an unforgettable destination.
COMPLETE GUIDE TO INAMBAKAN FALLS
Inambakan Falls is known for having a beautiful 100-ft waterfall that plunges into a wide pool of blue water. Surrounded by lush jungle greenery it is indeed an amazing scene. However, what makes Inambakan Falls such a memorable adventure is the multi-level trek to different pools and waterfalls.
In this blog post, I’ll share everything you need to know about an adventure to Inambakan Falls.
MY 5 FAVORITE CEBU TOURS
- Oslob Whale Sharks & Kawasan Canyoneering – This combo tour is the BEST VALUE way to enjoy a guided tour of the two most popular activities in Cebu.
- Moalboal Island Hopping & Kawasan Canyoneering: Swim with turtles and the sardine balls on an island-hopping boat trip from Moalboal aswell as Kawasan Canyoneering
- 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 INAMBAKAN FALLS
Inambakan Falls is a solid four-hour journey from Cebu City. When I visited, I was based in Moalboal and the drive took less than an hour on the motorbike. It is a beautiful coastal drive through all of the small towns in South Cebu so the time passes quickly. When you reach the town of Ginatilan there are signs that point to Inambakan Falls or you can ask a local.
However, the easiest way to find the falls is just to follow the pin below on Google Maps, which is accurate. Don’t worry about following Google Maps until you reach the small town of Ginatilan.
The road is pretty solid the whole way but most people use a motorbike. A car can make the entire trail until the trailhead and ticket office. The drive is pretty scenic and we even stopped to shoot a photo with the drone!
GETTING A GUIDE FOR INAMBAKAN FALLS
Our guide was a young guy called Clifford. He was 16-years old and spoke good enough English for us to chat the whole day. He stopped school and now is a full-time guide. At first, I thought a guide might be unnecessary if it was just one waterfall but having a guide was great to explore all five levels.
They showed us where to jump, where to land and happily jumped first to test the waters. Clifford was pretty crazy and jumped head first into some pretty shallow water. He was a great kid and we really enjoyed getting to know him throughout the day.
We paid Clifford 100 pesos per person and we were a group of four people. He didn’t ask for a set amount and this is generally more than would be asked for. However, we were with him for five hours taking lots of photos.
That is a total of $8 USD from our entire group for his 5-hour shift. This is a photo below of Clifford getting sideways.
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
MY EXPERIENCE AT INAMBAKAN FALLS
When we arrived at the entry to Inambakan Falls and paid our entrance fee of 50 pesos per person. I didn’t think we would need a guide but they paired us with one and it turned out great as we discovered all five levels of Inambakan.
The trail begins down to the main waterfall along stairs. Within ten minutes you will reach the main attraction, the main waterfall at Inambakan Falls. The main waterfall is a 100ft flow of water, which crashes down into the blue pool of water.
I really love the limestone cliffs behind the waterfall. The orange tinge contrasts so vividly against the strong blue of the pool below.
We swam behind the waterfall into the cave and explored the rocks of the main pool before sending a couple of jumps into the pool below. You could adventure here for hours and it is an adventure in itself. However, there are five levels at Inambakan so this is just part of the experience.
We continued up the second level and found a small pool with another waterfall. It wasn’t quite as epic as the first waterfall but there were a few footholes carved into the waterfall so I went for a climb and explore.
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
The third level was such an incredible spot. A crystal clear pool, deep enough for cliff jumping, sits in front of a backdrop of idyllic palm trees. It is a slice of paradise right in the middle of the jungle. The water can be shallow in parts but it is clear enough to see exactly where the rocks are and where it safe to jump.
I thought that with all the surrounding palms it might be a good spot to send up the drone for an aerial view of the location. I ended up flying all the way back to the main waterfall for a look also!
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.
- North Face 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 13: The best and easiest way to capture your underwater and snorkeling adventures.
Next, we headed to the fifth level, skipping the ‘boring’ fourth level according to the guides. The fifth level definitely wasn’t boring. A four-meter cliff jump had is launching into a tight landing zone from above the waterfall. Clifford was a loose unit sending head-first dives into the shallow water as only a local would.
There were several other groups at the waterfall throughout the day but each group seems to enjoy a level and move on leaving the next group to enjoy it for themselves. We only ever shared a level with one other group at a time.
We spent over five hours at Inambakan Falls but you can definitely do it all in under two hours. We took tons of photos, flew drones, had cliff-jumping contests and chilled out along the way. I’d definitely plan for the full day at Inambakan Falls to make the most of the experience. You don’t need to visit other waterfalls in the area on that day because you are seeing five unique spots at Inambakan Falls itself.
FACTS ABOUT INAMBAKAN FALLS
- Location: Inambakan Falls is located in Ginatilan, a town in the southwestern part of the island province of Cebu, Philippines.
- Height: The waterfall is approximately 100 feet high, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in the region.
- Name Origin: The name “Inambakan” comes from the Cebuano word ‘ambak,’ which means ‘to jump,’ a fitting name considering the waterfall’s height.
- Pool: The waterfall’s cascade plunges into a beautiful, clear azure pool that’s ideal for swimming and cooling off.
- Flora and Fauna: The area around Inambakan Falls is rich in biodiversity with lush greenery, offering a habitat to various species of wildlife.
- Multi-Level Waterfall: Inambakan is the most famous among a series of waterfalls in the area. There are other smaller falls above and below it that visitors can explore.
- Activities: Besides swimming, other popular activities include cliff jumping for the adventurous ones, and nature photography due to its scenic beauty.
- Access: Access to the falls requires a relatively easy hike, and local guides are available to assist with the path and to provide local knowledge.
ADVENTURE BAG FROM INAMBAKAN 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!
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 OF MY PHILIPPINES GUIDES
- The Ultimate Philippines Itinerary: 3-4 WEEK PHILIPPINES ITINERARY
- Best Island Hopping Trip: BIG DREAM BOAT MAN IN CORON
- The Backpacker’s Guide to the Philippines: 1 MONTH FOR $800
- Ultimate Guide to Coron: 22 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN CORON
- Ultimate Guide to Siargao: 40 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIARGAO
- Ultimate Guide to Romblon: 17 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN ROMBLON
- Ultimate Guide to El Nido: 20 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN EL NIDO
- Ultimate Guide to Bohol: 27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN BOHOL
- Ultimate Guide to Sibuyan: 9 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIBUYAN
Cris A.
Friday 19th of November 2021
Hello! Some pictures are not showing. Great post! :)
16 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON CEBU, PHILIPPINES - Travel Guides Info
Friday 4th of January 2019
[…] Read the full blog post: INAMBAKAN FALLS IN GINATILAN […]
9 BEST WATERFALLS ON CEBU, PHILIPPINES - Travel Guides Info
Thursday 3rd of January 2019
[…] Read the full blog post: INAMBAKAN FALLS IN GINATILAN […]