Karlo Pacana
Dayhag Falls in Boljoon, Cebu
HELLO STRANGERS!
What do you do if you got invited by a buddy at their barangay’s fiesta? Two words, it’s time for a ROAD TRIP! Our destination is Boljoon, Clyde’s hometown. It is a southern municipality of Cebu in between Alcoy and Oslob, famous for its old church and plaza, Kan-Amno falls and recently re-discovered Dayhag falls. With a full tank of gas, we’re blazing our way to the overlooking Sitio Ylaya in Barangay Upper Beceril. It is a forty minute motorcycle ride from Boljoon’s Ili Rock formation, the town’s iconic landmark. This part of Cebu province can also be reached in four hours by riding a Bato-Oslob Ceres bus route from Cebu South Bus Terminal.
Road trip down south
Let’s do our part for sustainability
Trek to the upper highlands
Arriving at about one in the afternoon, we were then ushered to the humble abode of Clyde’s uncle for a late lunch. Who could resist the pork Humba in every fiesta? Yum! This viand is always present in barrio fiestas. Do you know the secret to an endless serving of Humba? Some say that by putting the bones of a “Sigbin” (a mythical kangaroo-like creature) under the cooking pot, there will be an unlimited supply of Humba. Still, that won’t be enough for Clyde’s big appetite. Kidding! Enough of this urban legend, let’s get back to the story.
Bamboo railings and patched walkway
Having had our fill, we went to another neighboring hut to exchange hellos and drink a few beers. On our way back to the car, I unfortunately slipped along the muddy path. In two hours, I already had a souvenir of the place. The pull of gravity is strong indeed. Good thing, I brought one extra pair of shorts with me.
Checking out the farmland
Since it was still early in the afternoon, we decided to check out some recently bought farmland a few more kilometers in the highlands. Clyde’s aunt plans to move to this part of Boljoon after years of working in the city. Like a little baguio, it’s nice, quiet and cool with winds brushing off your cheeks. After checking out the place, the caretaker handed us a manok bisaya (Tinola!), some sweet corn and tuba (fermented natural wine).
The view in Upper Beceril
Back at Upper Beceril, we unloaded our things to Clyde’s rest house and prepared for our descent to Dayhag Falls. Walking from the barangay hall, we pass by century-old acacia trees and vast rice fields that look like a replica of Banaue rice terraces.
Upon reaching the start point of Dayhag falls marked by a tourist billboard, you can immediately spot the first level of the waterfalls with an outlet that looks like a white horse’s tail forming the letter V.
Rice fields in Upper Beceril
This is where most kids participate in a jump-off contest. Unlike other waterfalls where you have to climb up, the most picturesque level of Dayhag falls is a 15-minute walk downhill. Not to worry since the trail is safe and tourist-friendly with bamboo railings on the side and pathways padded with white stones. Along the way, you can take a sneak peek at a side stream which overflows to the falls.
Clyde in a side stream along the way
Embracing unadulterated nature
Arriving at the second level, you can see the grandest level: a block-type waterfall which looks like two big boulders on top of each other. With ice-cold water, you can’t resist to dive in under the scorching heat. We were awe-struck and mesmerized by the natural beauty of this hidden gem.
Level 1
The majestic Dayhag falls Level 2
Level 3
Since the place is still a new tourist destination, it still lacks man-made structures such as cottages, washrooms, dining areas and the like. Better prepare beforehand or just indulge the way our ancestors did. Just remember to only take memories and leave only footprints.
Posing for an indie travel documentary
The mesmerized and awe-struck pose
When planning to visit, I recommend doing a day trip to the place since there are still no lodging houses in the vicinity. Too bad, time was not on our side but surely we’ll visit Kan-Amno falls next time and also have our pictures taken at Ili Rock and the town plaza.
Follow my other adventures at kingofsinulog.wordpress.com. Cheers!
