Karlo Pacana
Visiting Dau Falls in Samboan Cebu
HELLO STRANGERS!
A walk at the countryside
We’re off to Dau Falls in Samboan Cebu, believed to be the queen of Cebu’s waterfalls. Here are ten moments we surely won’t forget during our recent trip to this natural wonder:
1. Ceres Bus Mishaps
Welcome signage
Picturesque view along the way
We left Cebu South Bus Terminal at about 5 in the morning. Since All Saints Day was drawing close, the bus operators allowed overloading (standing passengers) that we felt like canned sardines inside. Balitang siksik! Laughs. To add insult to injury, the bridge at Malabuyoc was repaired so everybody had to get off and transfer to other means of transportation to reach their destinations. For us, we hailed a tricycle to Brgy. Suba in Samboan.
2. Light Breakfast at Jun’s Kitchenette
Breakfast at Jun’s Kitchenette
Inon-onan and Initlogang Paliya
We arrived at about 9 in the morning stomachs empty. We decided to eat at a place by the highway near Dau Falls ready to fuel up for the strenuous day ahead, only to find out that the available food were fish pinaksiw and ampalaya. It was delicious though but we had the feeling that it will be digested in ten minutes. Laughs.
3. Out Tricycle Surrendered
Our tricycle surrendered
On our way to Dau Falls, we had to pass a very steep road. So for safety purposes, we needed to walk up 50 meters until the ground leveled. Hence, we were able to take a souvenir photo of the tricycle on its challenging ascent.
4. The LGU Tourism Reception’s warm welcome
LGU Tourism Registration
Entrance fee of 20 pesos
They answered all our queries about Samboan and volunteered to watch over our heavy bags before we started our adventure. Of course, we brought our valuables with us. Entrance fee was at 20 pesos per person.
5. Our Helpful Guides
Another bamboo bridge near the falls
Allan and his nephew, Tuloy, offered to carry our bags, wet clothes and slippers and were very concerned with our safety. I don’t know why but I always fall victim to the slippery path along the way. Three times! By the way, tipping the guides is encouraged.
Just a little bit more
6. Almost attacked by a Cow
Allan’s cow blocking the pathway
Yes, its horns were geared towards us and Delaine was wearing red! Haha. Luckily, it was Allan’s cow and commanded it to let us pass.
First glimpse
7. The unsteady wooden bridges
The kawayan hanging bridge
Climbed up this ladder halfway through the journey
The hanging bridge squeaks in your every step and looks very unstable since it was only made of kawayan pieced together by nylon threads and also steel wires. Laughs. Just don’t dare to look down! We also climbed up a ladder along the way.
One of the many water outlets
8. The Feeling of being in Cebu’s Grand Canyon
Surrounded by natural walls and rock formations
At one with the queen of Cebu’s waterfalls
The path to Dau Falls passes through beautiful gorges and picturesque river beds with cascading waters overshadowed by high trees, dense foliage and wavy rock formations. The 20-minute trek was indeed very calming and will surely reconnect you with nature.
Start of the river trek
9. The Natural Waterslide
The natural waterslide and dive spot
Nearing the falls, a crude waterway formed by the narrow and wavy gorges makes the water bend like that of a man-made half-pipe. Its resulting basin was also perfect for cannon-ball dives. Splash!
Waterbending
10. The rainbow at the end of the journey
The rainbow at the end of the trek
Every turn was a surprise. As we arrived and witnessed the splendor of Dau Falls firsthand, we saw an arc of colored light caused by the refraction of the sun’s rays to the water droplets from the falls’ spray. This was for me the most unforgettable moment during our escape to Dau Falls.
Bridge work at Malabuyoc
Capturing the happy moment
How to get to Dau Falls in Samboan Cebu:
Cebu South Bus Terminal at dusk
Ride the Bato-Barili Ceres bus route from Cebu South Bus Terminal in Cebu City. The bus leaves every hour starting 2AM. I recommend taking the 6AM trip so that you can visit various points of interest in Samboan. Ask the bus conductor to drop you off at Brgy. Suba in Samboan. From there, you can ride a tricycle or a motorcycle to Dau Falls and pay not more than 30 pesos each. Last trip back to Cebu City is 7PM from Samboan. I recommend taking the 5PM trip just to be sure.
Together, let’s FIND THE OTHERS at kingofsinulog.wordpress.com. Later strangers!
