Aguinid Falls is one of the most unique and exciting waterfalls in Cebu, Philippines.
This multi-tiered waterfall is one heck of an adventure and I highly recommend adding it to your list of things to do in Cebu!
It’s not quite as popular as Kawasan Falls, but the word is spreading quickly about this fun-fuelled waterfall that supports eco-tourism in the local area.
I spent a couple of hours adventuring at Aguinid Falls Cebu and have put together this detailed guide including how to get there, how much it costs, and what to expect when you arrive.
WHERE IS AGUINID FALLS?
Aguinid Falls is located in the small village of Samboan in the south of Cebu island in the Philippines.
Samboan is 150km southwest of Cebu City and public buses run every hour on a daily basis from Cebu South Bus Terminal to Moalboal and Oslob. The cost of the bus is around 150 pesos.
The falls are best visited from the nearby beach town of Oslob, which is just 22km away and approximately a thirty-minute drive.
You can also visit Aguinid Waterfalls from Moalboal, which is 56km away and this drive takes around one hour and twenty minutes.
Click here to see the location on Google maps.
HOW TO GET TO AGUINID FALLS
The best way to get here is to rent a scooter in Oslob or Moalboal and make your own way over to these falls in Samboan.
I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance, especially when riding on the roads in the Philippines. Safety first!
Scooter rental in the Philippines generally costs around 400 pesos per day with a full tank of gas. There are many scooter rental stores located in Moalboal and Oslob where you can get your hands on some wheels.
Alternatively, you can rent a car for the time you plan to spend in Cebu and travel around the island at your own pace.
Search All → Car rentals in Cebu
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AGUINID FALLS ENTRANCE FEE
In recent years the entrance fee was 60 pesos but as of July 2019, the price has increased.
The new entrance fee is 300 pesos which includes compulsory safety equipment (wet shoes, helmet, and a life jacket), two guides, and also the tip for the guides.
It’s not the cheapest waterfall I’ve been to but the money spent was definitely worth the adventure!
ARRIVING AT AGUINID WATERFALLS
When you arrive at the entrance, you’ll first have to pay the entrance fee at the ticket office and sign your name and nationality in the book.
For a waterfall in nature, this setup seemed pretty official and unnecessary but that’s just how they roll in the Philippines.
Once you’ve paid up, your guides will get you fitted with some wet shoes, a life jacket, and a helmet.
I was a little turned off by the bright orange life jackets and helmet but once we entered the trailhead to the falls the guides were pretty chill and let us take off the gear to take some photos.
I would advise leaving your non-waterproof belongings and valuables with the staff at the front entrance as you will get super wet on the adventure. Don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe and they will take good care of your items.
I always carry a waterproof dry bag with me, especially on these waterfall adventures and I was able to put my Canon camera inside to keep it dry. I also use a GoPro HERO 11 which is completely waterproof.
If you plan on visiting a lot of waterfalls in the Philippines, I recommend purchasing these three items:
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WHAT TO EXPECT AT AGUINID FALLS CEBU
As I mentioned earlier, Aguinid Falls in Cebu is a multi-tiered waterfall with eight levels of falls to be exact. Eight freakin’ waterfalls, can you believe it?!
Although the locals say there are eight levels of falls, only six levels are currently accessible as they are still working to improve the trail to the higher levels.
Related Article → 6 Best Waterfalls In Cebu
This is not your typical waterfall where you take a short trek in, go for a dip and take photos, but rather an epic and very physical adventure that involves jumping, climbing ropes, and navigating your way through the cascading falls.
It took us around two hours to complete the tour but that included many stops to take photos. For the average person, it would take around one hour from start to finish.
AGUINID FALLS – LEVEL ONE
Once you begin the adventure along the trail to the first level of the falls, it doesn’t take long until you will be completely submerged under the canopy of a dense forest and feel completely cut off from the outside world.
The first level is a shallow milky-blue rockpool with a climbable cave on one side and cascading falls on the other.
This is your first opportunity to get in the water for a refreshing dip.
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LEVEL TWO
The adventure continues to level two of Aguinid Falls Samboan which involves scaling a rock face using the rope as aid and there are also foot holes that have been chiseled out on the rock to assist with the climb.
Don’t worry, your guide will go first and you just have to follow their lead. If you do feel like you need some assistance, don’t hesitate to ask your guides for help, that’s what they are there for!
At the top, we found a few rockpools that were too irresistible not to go for a dip!
Must Read → 15 Things To Do In Cebu
LEVEL THREE
Level three was probably my favorite spot along the trail and this is where you’ll definitely want to take your camera out to get some happy snaps.
Yet another milky-blue pool reveals itself as you come around the bend and a naturally carved rock cave lays at the furthest end of the rockpool.
I jumped straight in and swam over to the other end of the rockpool and scaled the rock for a quick shower under the curtain of falls. Gotta love a free shower in nature.
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LEVEL FOUR
On level four is where you will find the rock jump and more turquoise rock pools.
The rock jump is quite easy and super fun which is only two meters high above the surface.
The pool you’ll land in is only around two meters deep so I wouldn’t recommend diving headfirst as I did touch the bottom with my feet when I jumped.
Level four is also a great spot to take some photos so you may want to keep your camera ready to capture all the action!
LEVEL FIVE
Yet again I was jaw-dropped when we reached level five.
This epic set of falls features an enormous limestone rock that has been naturally sculpted by the consistent water flow and framed with vibrant hanging vines.
We stopped here for around ten minutes or so, marveling at this intriguing set of falls.
If you look closely at the image below, you’ll see an orange-colored rope on the left-hand side of the falls. Yep, that’s the way up to level six!
Must Read → 3 Weeks Philippines Itinerary
LEVEL SIX
The final level was the most challenging of them all.
A vertical climb from level five to six using the rope as aid and continuous water gushing down from the falls above is what made this section more challenging.
In saying that, this section was also the most fun I had on the trail because I love a good challenge and it was all part of the experience.
At the top lies yet another tranquil pool of milky-blue goodness and the sixth waterfall on the trail.
This is the last leg of the adventure and it involves one more vertical climb up a waterfall to reach the trail end.
This climb was quite difficult and tricky, so we had the guides help hoist us up to reach the top.
The good news when you reach the last level is that you don’t have to go back the same way you came up.
There is an easy walking trail to the side of the valley that leads all the way back to the starting point which takes around ten minutes.
WHERE TO STAY IN MOALBOAL
Moalboal has hundreds of accommodation options to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
Luxury: Dolphin House Resort Moalboal
Dolphin House is the best luxury accommodation in Moalboal, located a stone’s throw away from the ocean. Features included a pool, a restaurant and bar, free wifi, and ocean views.
There are double rooms, triple rooms, family rooms, and bungalows available at Dolphin House Resort.
It’s recommended for families, friends, or couples looking for a luxurious stay.
Mid Range: Pescadores Seaview Suites
One of the most recommended places to stay in Moalboal, Pescadores Suites offers double rooms, twin rooms, and a garden villa.
There is an outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace, restaurant, mini-market, table tennis, billiards, board games, karaoke room, and wellness spa.
It’s a great place to stay for friends or couples.
Budget: Chief Mau Hostel
The best budget accommodation in Moalboal and is centrally located just minutes from the beach.
Chief Mau hostel offers dorm rooms and private rooms with free wifi. The owner Trish is super lovely and goes out of her way to make all of her guests feel welcome and comfortable.
There is a shared lounge with hammocks, a billiards table, and an in-house restaurant and bar serving up the best western food in Moalboal.
For solo travelers, couples, or friends on a budget, this is the spot for you.
FOR MORE OPTIONS IN MOALBOAL, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
WHERE TO STAY IN OSLOB
Oslob has dozens of accommodation options to choose from so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
Luxury: Down South 118 Beach Resort
Down South 118 Beach Resort is one of the best accommodations in Oslob, featuring a restaurant, sun terrace, shared lounge, and a private beach.
There are double and triple rooms available each fitted with a flat-screen tv, large bed, spacious living, free wifi, and a private bathroom.
Perfect for families, couples, and friends.
Mid Range: Ocean View Lodging House
Ocean View Lodging House is a value-pick accommodation in Oslob, located close to the Oslob Whale Sharks, offering unbeatable seaside rooms and free wifi.
There are double rooms, family rooms, and quadruple rooms available to choose from. Each room has air-conditioning, a spacious living, a private bathroom, and ocean views.
Perfect place to stay for families, couples, and friends.
Budget: Luna Oslob Travellers Inn
The best budget accommodation in Oslob with great reviews and is located in the center of town.
This property offers an on-site restaurant and free wifi. Guests can choose from various different rooms, from double rooms, to triple rooms and even family rooms.
It’s basic but perfect for solo travelers, couples, and families.
FOR MORE OPTIONS IN OSLOB, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
BEST TOURS IN CEBU
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More Philippines Travel Guides
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FINAL THOUGHTS – AGUINID FALLS CEBU
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions at all about Aguinid Waterfalls, please leave me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.
TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
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THANKS FOR READING
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