Karlo Pacana
Aguinid Falls in Samboan Cebu
HELLO STRANGERS!
We’re off to discover the most talked about waterfall in Samboan, a combination of river trek and mini upstream canyoneering, a favorite of adventure-seekers and nature-lovers alike, Aguinid Falls.
On our way to Aguinid
Arriving at about lunch time, our stomachs were growling in hunger. We decided to have some local barbecue before starting our quest. Hello pork meat, we meet again! Reasonably priced at 10 pesos each, we were accommodated by a kind lady who shared a little about her story on how she was able to let her five daughters finish schooling through the food business. Now, they are all working overseas with successful careers. Nothing beats hard work and determination, way to go maam!
Local pork barbecue for lunch
Wooden bridge along the way
Laminated poster signs along the way
Logs and boulders
After the revitalizing meal, we then proceeded to the registration area and were introduced to our friendly guides, Mayans and Mac-Mac. They we’re kind enough to assist us with depositing our heavy bags on the designated storage compartments. They also oriented us with the rules and safety procedures to be followed. They stressed one thing and that is, TO EXPECT TO GET WET.
Cascades at Level 0
Groupie at Level 0
So we secured all our phones and cameras in water-proof pouches. Along the way, you can actually see laminated posters scattered at specific spots promoting safety and environmental sustainability. One witty example was, “There’s no WIFI connection but we’re strongly connected with nature”.
Level 1
Side stream before ascent at Level 2
The uphill climb at Level 2
According to our guides, Aguinid Falls was named after a popular haciendero in the area. Born in the 1880s, Aguinid went missing and his body was never found. Another story why it was called as such was this: when going downstream, you need to walk slowly, hence the dialect term ‘aginod’, which according to Mac-Mac was not true. Locals in the area walk through these steep slopes as if they were just strolling in the park even before holes were drilled on the boulders as stepping spots for tourists.
Level 3
Obligatory pictorials at Level 3
Side view of Level 3
Believe it or not, the rock formations with cascading waters are really not slippery when you try walking over them barefoot. Mayans said that the water’s acidity prevents algae growth. He is also proud of their water’s sweet taste and mineral content that he literally drank a handful in front of us! (There’s a hilarious secret side story to this with which I will post in my personal blog.)
Level 4
The magnificent level 5
The five levels differ in their rock formations but they were all classified as boulder-type waterfalls usually ranging with heights of more or less 10 feet. My remarkable uphill climb adventure was at the second level of the falls. It was terrifying at first because of the strong current. But as you take slow and easy steps, you’ll get used to it. I guess there’s no doubt that our favorite was level 5. Indeed, the 30-minute uphill climb to the last waterfall was truly worth it!
For comparison, Levels 0 to 5 from top left
Magazine-like photoshoot at Level 5
How to get to Aguinid Falls in Samboan Cebu:
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 Barangay Aguinid near Samboan proper. From the highway, ride a tricycle or motorcycle to the reception area. You will then be escorted to Aguinid Falls after pay an entrance fee of 20 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!
