Binalayan Falls (also referred to as Binalayan Hidden Falls) is one of the best waterfalls in the Philippines and I highly recommend adding it to your South Cebu itinerary!
There are half a dozen waterfalls in Samboan, South Cebu, so if you plan it right you can visit more than one waterfall in one day.
I have put together this complete guide to visiting Binalayan Falls Cebu including where it’s located, how to get there, and what to expect when you arrive!
WHERE IS BINALAYAN FALLS?
Binalayan Hidden Falls is located in the Samboan Region in South Cebu, Philippines.
Click here to see the location on Google Maps.
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.
Binalayan Falls Samboan is best visited from the nearby beach town of Oslob, which is just 23km away and approximately a thirty-minute drive.
You can also visit these beautiful falls from Moalboal, which is 55km away and this drive takes around one hour and twenty minutes.
HOW TO GET TO BINALAYAN FALLS
The best way to reach these falls is to rent a scooter in Oslob or Moalboal and make your own way over to these Samboan.
Scooter rental in Cebu generally costs around 400 pesos per day. 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.
An ideal one-day Samboan Falls itinerary from Moalboal is to first visit Aguinid Falls, secondly Binalayan Hidden Waterfalls, and thirdly Dao Falls.
Binalayan Hidden Waterfalls
BEST TOURS IN CEBU
BINALAYAN FALLS ENTRANCE FEE
The entrance fee is 60 pesos which includes a guide and there is also an additional 10 pesos parking fee.
Tipping your guide is completely up to you, but somewhere between 50 – 100 pesos would do.
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Our waterfall guide
ARRIVING AT BINALAYAN HIDDEN FALLS
I don’t know why the locals gave it the name ‘Binalayan Hidden Falls’ because it’s not hidden at all, but hey, it’s still an epic waterfall nonetheless.
The jump-off point for the falls is clearly signposted from the main road which leads to the ticket office and the trailhead to the falls.
RELATED ARTICLE → 6 BEST CEBU WATERFALLS
From the car park to the falls it’s a twenty-minute walk across flat terrain, or if you have an off-road motorbike you can drive a little further from the official starting point to the first water crossing.
The pathway at the beginning of the trail cuts through a dense coconut grove and if you’re brave enough, it’s possible to climb to the top of a palm tree to grab yourself a coconut.
Or perhaps it’s probably best to ask your guide to harvest one for you.
Coconut grove trail
WHAT TO EXPECT AT BINALAYAN FALLS
There are a number of water crossings on the way to the main set of falls at Binalayan so it’s best to wear a pair of water shoes or flip-flops because your feet will get wet.
The first tier of the falls features a shallow crystalline rock pool, a rest area with some make-shift benches and a tire swing hung from a tree.
It’s definitely worth taking a short break here in this tranquil little section of the trek.
The first water crossing
Binalayan Hidden Waterfalls
BINALAYAN FALLS TREK
A further two-minute walk upstream from the tree swing is a small set of falls with a turquoise rock pool which is a great spot for a quick dip.
On the right-hand side of this small waterfall, you can find the path that leads up to the next level of Binalyan. The rock steps can get quite slippery so take your time and use the bamboo handrails as an aid.
MUST READ: BEST TRAVEL ACCESSORIES FOR ANY TRIP
From here, the main set of falls is a couple of minutes walk away and completely out of sight until you come around the last bend of the trail. Maybe that’s why they call it Hidden Falls?!
Turquoise rock pool
THE MAIN FALLS
The main falls at Binalayan Waterfall boast a 5oft tall rock face and the flow of water is divided into three separate streams that fill the basin beneath.
There is a cave behind the falls from which you can climb up and jump, but it’s best to let your guide go first to show you how it’s done.
The water is around two meters deep so I wouldn’t recommend diving headfirst. I touched the sandy bottom with my feet when I jumped, even with my knees bent.
There is also a range of cliff jumping spots on the left-hand side of the falls, but even this is a bit sketchy due to the pool below being quite shallow.
Only jump from a height you feel comfortable with, even if the guide encourages you to jump from a higher level just say no.
I also highly recommend purchasing travel insurance, especially when visiting waterfalls in the Philippines. Safety first!
Apart from cliff jumping, you can hang out in the crystalline waters at the base of the falls and explore the naturally carved-out caves.
Inside the cave
Sending it from the second level
Tranquil scenes
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. A stone’s throw away from the ocean, this accommodation offers a swimming pool, restaurant and bar, free wifi, and ocean views. There are double rooms, triple rooms, family rooms, and bungalows available at Dolphin House Resort. Snorkeling, diving, activities, and bike rental can also be organized at reception. Best place to stay for families, friends, and couples.
Mid Range: Pescadores Seaview Suites
One of the most recommended places to stay in Moalboal. For less than $40 a night, Pescadores Suites offers double rooms, twin rooms, and a garden villa. There are an outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace, restaurant, mini-market, table tennis, billiards, board games, karaoke room, and wellness spa. Great place to stay for friends and couples.
Budget: Chief Mau Hostel
The best budget accommodation in Moalboal! Centrally located just minutes from the beach, Chief Mau hostel offers dorm rooms and private rooms for as little as $8. 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. There is free wifi throughout the property. Perfect for solo travelers and friends.
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN MOALBOAL, SEARCH ON AGODA OR 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: Oslob Whale Shark Resort
The Oslob Whale Shark Resort is one of the best accommodations in Oslob. Featuring a restaurant, sun terrace, outdoor swimming pool, shared lounge, and a private beach. There are deluxe rooms and family rooms available each fitted with a flat-screen tv, large bed, spacious living, free wifi, and private bathroom. Continental breakfast is also included for all guests. 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, this property offers 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: La Lune Oslob Hostel
The best budget hostel in Oslob with great reviews and located in the center of town close to the Oslob Whale Sharks. This property offers a shared lounge and free wifi. There are mixed dorms, female dorms, and a quadruple room available to choose from with a shared bathroom. It’s basic but perfect for solo travelers and couples.
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN OSLOB, SEARCH ON AGODA OR SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
WHAT TO PACK FOR THE PHILIPPINES
When visiting the Philippines, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you;
- Sunscreen – the Philippines sun is very strong, so make sure to pack some high-quality sunscreen.
- Quick-dry travel towel – the most compact and lightweight towel for traveling.
- Reusable water bottle – stay hydrated by bringing along a reusable water bottle.
- Backpack – The Nomatic 30L Travel Pack is the ultimate backpack for everyday adventures.
If you’re interested in taking awesome photos and videos on your travels, this is the camera gear that I use and recommend;
- GoPro HERO10 – the most popular camera on the planet for action-packed adventures.
- Canon EOS R – perfect for traveling, this is the most affordable, compact camera on the market.
- DJI Mini 3 Pro – take your photos and videos to new heights with this user-friendly drone camera.
TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!
- BOOKING.COM – search and book accommodation worldwide
- SKYSCANNER – compare and book cheap flights to anywhere
- VIATOR – find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world
- BOOKAWAY – book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance
- RENTAL CARS – search all rental cars in your next destination
- GROUP TRIPS – join one of my epic small group trips
- TRAVEL INSURANCE – purchase World Nomads travel insurance
- TRAVEL MONEY CARD – get a Wise card today for free
Looking for more? Check out my Travel Resources page for further help with your trip planning!
FINAL THOUGHTS
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions at all about Binalayan 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.
THANKS FOR READING
Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!
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