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There is a town on the southern end of Cebu that fuses nature and history into one amazing destination. While often overshadowed by the shores of Moalboal and the excited shrieks of Badian, this small town has managed to keep its grip steady in attracting local and international tourists to its shores, falls, and stories. The provincial vibe of the town, its natural beauty, and the structures that bring you back to the past give you that unique vibe that captures your heart like another Juan in the town of Samboan.  Exploring another southie town in Cebu. The town of Samboan was once a large town, historically known as Canamucan, that stretches out to include the present-day towns of Ginatilan, Malabuyoc, and Alegria. The name was later changed to “Samboan” and was believed to be derived from the local word “sinamboang”, a local method of fishing during the Spanish period. This town, whose center is located atop a hill, is a popular side trip by tourist who frequent the more popular Moalboal and Badian. Its main tourism draw are the waterfall attractions that make guests fall in love with Samboan. Aguinid Falls I started my day casually and thinking that exploring Aguinid Falls was just the usual trail - huffing it out and getting my feet wet. And boy… I was wrong! My one-and-a-half hour Aguinid Falls adventure got me huffing, scrambling, getting wet, and having a ton of fun from start to finish. The getting wet part was not in my plan but good thing that I was ready.  Getting my adrenaline up in the morning along the cascades of Aguinid. Aguinid Falls is a waterfall system where the waters of Tangbo River runs along its 8 cascades. With Kuya Drew as my guide, I went all out to traverse all 8 drops. This is the best way to enjoy this waterfall attraction in Sambaon. Just get ready to get wet and physical with this traverse but, rest assured, you get that extra adrenaline early in the morning. We started our traverse from the base of the falls. The trail of the first 5 levels is relatively easy. Expect to get really wet along the trail. You will be wading in cold waters and clambering head on to cascades. The first level was a wide drop from a height of about 7 feet into a deep basin. You can already take a quick and cold dip to cool you down. Level 2 gets your adrenaline up as you climb up the rock where cold waters run down. The rocks are not slippery and crevices on its rock face make it easy to get up to the top of the cascade. The 3rd cascade was a wide drop from about 7 feet - one side into a deep basin and the other half on a rock face.
I enjoyed the 4th cascade where I drenched myself under its cascade before clambering up its rock face. It was an easy hike through the 5th level. You will get drenched as you clamber across the cascade of the 6th cascade before you navigate up its tight passage to the top. Your guide will help you navigate the challenge of its narrow pass. Cascade number 7 would challenge you with climbing up its under the cascade of its waters. Cascade 8 is an easy homerun as you walk along its terrace-like cascade.
The Aguinid Waterfalls experience was a huge surprise but I had so much doing the traverse. I did not expect to get soaking wet in its cold waters. I did not get to notice all the physical exertions clambering up its rocks and cascades because of Aguinid’s waters cools you down. Now I understand why tourist make the side trip to Aguinid Falls. Contact Person: Kuya Drew / (0993) 8960634 Entrance and Environmental Fees: Php600 (Solo Travel) Bonbon-Binalayan Hidden Falls Tucked along the boundary of barangays Bonbon and Binalayan, Bonbon-Binalayan Hidden Falls is an attraction that is often skipped by tourists. The waterfalls can be reached after a short and easy 15-minute walk from the jump-off point along the highway. A guide is needed to explore the waterfalls for the safety of guests.  The beauty of Bonbon-Binalayan Hidden Falls should not be hidden. The Bonbon-Binalayan Hidden Falls is a two-cascade waterfalls. You can view the beauty of the first cascade from the trail downstream. The first cascade stands beautifully as a wide single cascade of about 10 feet into a deep wading pool. You can jump from the top of the cascade into the basin. A cemented trail leads up to the top of the pool and the first cascade.
The first cascade stands majestically tall with water cascading from a height of 50 feet. It stands differently as water seen to cascade in three strands. The rock face is also distinct with its caves. My guide, Kuya Reymond, said that you can climb up the openings and cliff jump into the base pool of this hidden falls. It was nice to see the beauty of the falls without the crowd. Entrance and Environmental Fees: Php100 Samboan Town Center Sitting atop a hill, the town center of Samboan follows the usual Spanish-period towns where governance, religion, and business is located at the heart of town. The town has a small rotunda that stands as a small memorial for World War II volunteers. The monument/waiting shed honors locals who provided food and assistance to help sustain the resistance.
The Sambaon Municipal Hall is also located within the town center. It is the center of governance of the town. The old municipal building was converted to the Museo de Sambaon that serves as the repository of the town’s history. The Municipal Gym serves as the venue of the town’s socio-civic activities. St. Michael the Archangel Church (Samboan Church) The Samboan Church is one of the Spanish-period structures that remain standing to this day. The parish was established in 1784 but the present stone church was constructed in 1842. The church was built from coral stones called “salay”. The facade of the church is simple with 4 carved pillars with vase-like designs at the top. A bas relief of the Spanish crown was installed at the top of the church door. The four-story belfry and convent stand adjacent to the church.  Samboan Church is a Spanish-period church located on the southern end of Cebu. The beautifully designed church interior stands in contrast with its simple facade. The beautifully painted church ceilings, by Bohol artists, are eyecatchers. The religious artworks leads your eyes to the two-tier retablo with the images of the Immaculate Conception and St. Michael de Archangel occupying the center niches. The church exudes a safe sanctuary vibe to the faithful and its guests. Campanario de Antigua and Escala de Jacob Located at 200 meters above sea level, the 3-story Camapanario de Antigua is a Spanish-period watchtower made from coral stones. The tower was built in 1878 and offers a panoramic view of the Tanon Strait. The watchtower serves as a lookout to warn locals against Moro Pirates during that time. The tower was restored and now gives locals and guests a panoramic view of the town’s coast and the nearby Negros Island. Unfortunately, I was not able to head up to its topmost level during the time of my visit.  The Samboan Watchtower and Escala de Jacob is a historical attraction in Samboan. Adjacent to the watch tower is the Escala de Jacob. The staircase was named after the famous bibilical story of Jacob’s dream of a staircase leading to heaven. The 147-step made from coral stones connects the watch tower, church complex, and town center to the coast of Sambaon. It was built in 1878 to allow locals to have easy access to the church during mass celebrations and an easy escape route during moro raids. Aranas Family Beach Resort The Escala de Jacob leads down to a white sand beach strip in Tambol. The beach strip faces the Tanon Strait and offers a panoramic view of the strait and the neighboring island of Negros. The strip is dotted with a number of resorts that offer overnight and daytrip packages. Tourist also have options from camping spots to airconditioned rooms.  Getting a fill of my sun, sand, and sea in Samboan. I opted to check out Aranas Family Beach Resort. The white sand shorelines, its turquoise and blue waters, and the amazing view of the Negros were perfect for enjoying a quick dose of sun, sand, and sea. The beach was not crowded so I really enjoyed soaking in the beach vibe. Yes, summer came as early as January for me. The resort was a perfect spot to enjoy the beach without the crowd. Facebook Contact Details: Aranas Family Beach Resort Dao Falls From the beach, we capped the day with a visit to the most popular waterfalls in Sambaon - Dao Falls. This attraction is one of the visited spots in town because of its towering cascade of 90-feet. It stands as one of the highest on the south side of Cebu.  The benefit of the Dao. My Dao Falls adventure started with a 20-minute habal-habal ride to the jump-off point. After the registration and being assigned a guide, Ate Fely, we started our 20-minute trek to the Dao Falls. The trail was established by the community that runs along the banks of the downstream flow of the falls. You will crossing streams, scrambling over rocks, and walking along the muddy trail carved along the rock walls of the ravine.  The view of the majestic drop of Dao Falls from the trail. But all the huffing is worth it when you see the full view of Dao Falls from the trail. I was lucky that there were only a few guests when I visited. I was able to see the beauty of the falls without the crowd. I got to enjoy an unadulterated view of Dao’s majestic cacscade while enjoying the rhythmic splash of water into its basin. It was a perfect way to end a rustic Sambaon day. Entrance and Environmental Fees: Php600 POST TRAVEL NOTE The town of Samboan is a southie gem for the province of Cebu. It perfectly weaves nature and history into one amazing adventure that leaves its guests in awe. From its majestic drops to its well-preserved historical structures to the adrenaline pumping bouldering against the flow, its sense of adventure is the type that will make you fall in love with Sambaon. This town should not be just a side trip but a destination that deserves its own spot.  Exploring a different side of Manila. There are destinations that usually stay within the shadows of more popular spots when they deserve to be given their own light for their tourism draw. The challenge is rooted on the strong coordination between the community and its local government. Local tourism can provide a sustainable livelihood for its communities. All that they need is understanding what they have and working together to provide a good tourism value proposition to its target market. Getting there: Major local and international airlines have direct flights to Cebu. You can take a cab from the airport to the Cebu South Bus Terminal where you can take a bus to Bato via Barili. Ask the teller and driver that you are going to Samboan. Travel time is around 3-4 hours. Shoutout to my travel buddies - HULL & STERN Dry Bags for keeping my stuff safe and “dry during my travels. Get 5% off on your Hull & Stern dry bag purchase on the Hull & Stern website when you use the code - marc7del.
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Marc del Rosario
I believe in education, entrepreneurship, and caring for the environment. 
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