A visit to Dao Falls in Samboan (also known as Dau Falls, or Dau Waterfalls) is one of the best adventures you can have in South Cebu in the Philippines.
The most famous waterfall in Cebu (and perhaps in all of the Philippines) is Kawasan Falls which is visited by more than 1000 people on a single day.
What most people don’t realize is that right around the corner from Kawasan is a series of other incredible off-the-beaten-path waterfalls, which are equally just as amazing with far fewer tourists.
So what is so unique about Dao Waterfall compared to the rest? Well, to start with, it’s recognized as the tallest set of falls in the Samboan region and secondly, the jungle trail trek to get to these falls is an epic adventure in itself. Convinced?!
So without further ado, here is my complete guide to visiting Dau Falls in Cebu including how to get there, how much it costs, and what to expect when you arrive.
Table of Contents
WHERE IS DAO FALLS?
Dau Waterfall is located in the Samboan Region in South Cebu, Philippines.
Click here to see the location on Google maps.
Samboan is 150 km southwest of Cebu City and public buses run every hour on a daily basis from Cebu South Bus Terminal to Moalboal. The cost of the bus is around 150 pesos.
Click here to check all bus routes, timetables, and ticket prices online and book ahead of time to secure your seat.
Dao Falls Samboan Cebu is best visited from Moalboal, which is 53 km away and the drive takes around one hour and twenty minutes.
HOW TO GET TO DAU FALLS
The best way to reach Dau Waterfalls is to rent a scooter in Moalboal and make the drive south to Samboan.
There are many scooter rental stores located in Moalboal where you can get your hands on some wheels for around 400 pesos per day with a full tank of gas.
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
Exploring Cebu by scooter
DAU FALLS ENTRANCE FEE
The entrance fee to Dau Falls Samboan is 60 pesos which includes a guide and the parking fee is an additional 10 pesos.
The guide, in my opinion, was not really necessary as the trail to Dau Falls is clearly marked but the lady at the ticket counter insisted on it so I wasn’t going to argue the fact.
Related Article → 6 Best Waterfalls In Cebu
The main falls
BEST TOURS IN CEBU
TREKKING TO DAO FALLS
The trek to the fall from the parking lot takes around twenty to thirty minutes including stops for photos. It isn’t a difficult trek by any means though do note that your feet will get wet along this jungle trail.
In most parts, it requires walking through knee-deep water and I recommend bringing a pair of slip-on waterproof shoes for these sections, and you might also like to bring a dry bag so that your belongings don’t get wet.
The first part of the trek consists of a concrete staircase with around 200 steps that lead directly down into the valley and once you reach the bottom, this is where the real adventure begins!
Hiking to Dao Waterfall Samboan
An impressive bamboo suspension bridge surrounded by coconut palms stretches across the river and on the other side is the beginning of the jungle trail to Dau Waterfall.
The bamboo bridge seemed a bit sketchy when we crossed it though our guide led the way so we trusted in his judgment.
It wasn’t till later that I found out there is another trail to the right-hand side of the bridge where you can cross the river safely, so this is also an option.
The suspension bridge
It wasn’t long until we were completely immersed in a dense jungle as we followed the canyon trail upstream which seemed to grow narrower the further we advanced. It was one of the most tranquil trails I have ever hiked along.
Vines cover the canyon walls and blue Gatorade-colored waters cascade seamlessly past as we navigated our way toward the waterfall.
The adventurous hike to the falls, in my opinion, is what makes this location so unique. There are many turquoise rock pools along the way that are well worth stopping at for a quick dip and this is where you’ll likely get your best photos.
The trail to Dao Falls
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THE MAIN FALLS
Once you’ve passed this blue rock pool as shown in the images above, the main set of falls will soon be in sight as you continue along the stone staircase on the edge of the canyon.
Must Read → 3 Weeks Philippines Itinerary
There are bamboo handrails to use as an aid because it gets a little steeper through this last stretch of the trail.
There is another tier of cascading falls in this section which forms a natural slide as it cuts its way down the canyon. It’s definitely too dangerous to enter the water here but it’s an epic spot to marvel at.
When you reach the top of the staircase you’ll be graced with the epic sight of Dau Falls which towers 50-meters tall above the large catch basin.
The pools at the base of the falls aren’t quite as blue as the ones on the way up but it’s still a worthy spot for a swim to cool off after the hike.
After a short swim here, we made tracks back to the parking lot and we tipped our guide 50 pesos for his efforts.
If you plan on visiting a lot of waterfalls in the Philippines, I recommend purchasing these three items:
Dao Falls Cebu
OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST
If you’re up for a day of waterfall hopping, you can make a day of it from Moalboal and combine Dau Waterfall with Aguinid Falls and Binalayan Hidden Falls.
All of these falls can be found in the Samboan region, just one hour south of Moalboal.
Aguinid Falls
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
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 – a must for drying off after a dip in the ocean or lying out on the sand.
- Reusable water bottle – stay hydrated by bringing along a reusable water bottle.
- Dry bag – protect your gadgets from any water damage while you’re at the beach.
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.
MORE PHILIPPINES TRAVEL GUIDES
- Philippines Guide: 3 Weeks Philippines Itinerary
- Cebu: 15 Things To Do In Cebu
- Bohol: 31 Epic Things To Do In Bohol
- Siargao: 15 Things To Do In Siargao
- El Nido: El Nido Island Hopping
- Coron: Coron Island Hopping
- Boracay: 15 Things To Do In Boracay
- Siquijor: 3 Day Siquijor Itinerary
- Bantayan: 15 Things To Do In Bantayan
- Malapascua: 11 Things To Do In Malapascua
- Camiguin: 13 Best Camiguin Tourist Spots
- Romblon: 12 Epic Things To Do In Romblon
- Tablas: 10 Things To Do In Tablas
- Carabao: 7 Best Things To Do In Carabao
- Dumaguete: Best Dumaguete Tourist Spots
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 Dao Falls Cebu, please leave me a comment below 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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Many thanks!
PIN IT FOR LATER
Hi Jonny,
Is it possible to combine Tumalog Falls, Dao Falls, Aguinid, Binalayan, Inambakan all in one day? 😀
Or, which would you pick for a 1-day scooter waterfall-hopping?
Hi Amit, for a day of waterfall hopping, you can combine Dau Waterfall with Aguinid Falls and Binalayan Hidden Falls. Tumalog Falls is a bit too far, and if you try to squeeze in Inambakan on the same day, you might not have enough time. It’s best to do all of these waterfalls over two days and I would suggest spending one night in a guesthouse or hotel in Samboan so you are closer to all the waterfalls. Enjoy 🙂
Hi, I plan on going to Samboan next week to visit the falls. In what order should I visit Dao, Aguinid and Binalayan?
Hello, I would suggest visiting in this order – Dao, Binalayan, Aguinid. Hope this helps and enjoy 🙂