Getting ready for your Samboan adventure this summer? We’ve got you covered, Sugboanons!
Named after the resident’s main source of income, sinamboang, a type of fishing done during the Spanish era, Samboan is known for its beautiful natural attractions that charms both locals and tourists.
So, if you’re planning to head to Samboan, Cebu, then this list is for you!
1. Colase Marine Sanctuary
Colase Marine Sanctuary is a protected zone where schools of barracuda, dolphins, Blacktip sharks, and Bryde’s whales can be found cohabitating. You can swim and dive to witness the beautiful underwater world of Samboan and even volunteer in different non-profit organizations to help maintain its pristine conditions.
RATES & HOW TO GET THERE?
RATES
Entrance Fee – None
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Barangay Colase, Samboan, Cebu, Philippines
- BY CAR: From Samboan’s town center, navigate via Waze or Google Maps and pin “Barangay Colase, Samboan” as your destination. It can take around 15 minutes to drive to the location. The marine sanctuary is right by the road so it is easily visible and accessible to anyone. The best part is, you don’t have to wade deep into the water because even 10-feet away from the main shore, you’ll get to see beautiful soft corals and thriving marine life already.
2. Aguinid Waterfalls
Perhaps the most known attraction in Samboan due to its beautiful cascading waters. Aguinid Waterfalls has five-tiers that you can discover; and, its path heading to the highest peak is an added adventure because of its limestone walls.
RATES & HOW TO GET THERE?
RATES
Entrance Fee – Php 40.00 (Rate may change without prior notice)
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Tangbo, Samboan, Cebu, Philippines
- BY COMMUTE: Head to the South Bus Terminal and take a bus bound to Barangay Tangbo, Samboan. From there, you can walk for about 10 minutes; just inquire about the road to Aguinid.
- BY CAR: Navigate via Waze or Google Maps and pin “Aguinid Waterfalls Samboan” as your destination. You can inquire for a parking space in the area and pay a fee.
3. Bonbon Binalayan Hidden Falls
For adventurers who are first-timers in waterfall canyoneering, the Bonbon Binalayan Hidden Falls is for you. As compared to other falls in Cebu, Binalayan is smaller but offers different heights and levels for you to jump from. It also has a swimming hole for anyone who’s planning to just chill and relax in nature.
RATES & HOW TO GET THERE?
RATES
Entrance Fee – Php 50.00 (Rate may change without prior notice)
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Barangay Bonbon, Samboan, Cebu, Philippines
- BY COMMUTE: From Aguinid falls, you can head to Barangay Bonbon since it is where the Binalayan Falls is located. You may rent a motorcycle or habal-habal on the way to the falls.
- BY CAR: Navigate via Waze or Google Maps and pin “Binalayan Waterfalls Samboan” as your destination. You can inquire for a parking space in the area and pay a fee.
4. Ponong Hidden Lake
Although it’s called a “lake,” Ponong Hidden Lake is actually a lagoon surrounded by mangrove trees. You can take a ride on a bamboo raft to discover the areas of the lake, and you can also feed the fish with approved fish food, of course.
RATES & HOW TO GET THERE?
RATES
Entrance Fee – Php 20.00 (Rate may change without prior notice)
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Barangay Bonbon, Samboan, Cebu, Philippines
- BY COMMUTE: From the Bato Terminal, you may take a tricycle heading to Brgy. Poblacion and inform the driver that you’re going to Ponong Lake.
- BY CAR: Navigate via Waze or Google Maps and pin “Ponong Lake Samboan” as your destination.
5. Balay’g Sawa Falls
Located in the very heart of Samboan, Cebu, Balay’g Sawa Falls is one of the must-visit destinations when you head to the south. It is a small waterfall with a natural pool within a lush green forest. The journey towards the waterfall is challenging especially for those who are new to trekking because of the uncleared and untouched pathways with branches and roots on the forest floor. Add to that is its name which literally means “Python’s House” when translated to Bisaya.
RATES & HOW TO GET THERE?
RATES
Entrance Fee – None
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Samboan, Cebu, Philippines
- BY COMMUTE: From the Samboan town center, you may hire a motorcycle or tricycle heading to the waterfalls.
- BY CAR: Navigate via Waze or Google Maps and pin “Balayg Sawa Samboan” as your destination. You may also follow the signs on the road pointing to the waterfalls.
6. Mt. Bartolina
Known for being the highest peak in the south, Mt. Bartolina offers beautiful panoramic views of Cebu, Negros, and even Bohol Island. It is located in Barangay Suba, Samboan and is great for mountain climbers and hikers.
RATES & HOW TO GET THERE?
RATES
Entrance Fee – None
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Barangay Suba, Samboan, Cebu, Philippines
- BY COMMUTE: From the Samboan town center, you may hire a motorcycle or tricycle heading to the Barangay Suba, Samboan.
- BY CAR: Navigate via Waze or Google Maps and pin “Mt. Bartolina, Samboan” as your destination.
7. Dao Falls
Hailed for being the tallest waterfall in Samboan, Cebu, Dao or “Dau” Falls is also in Barangay Suba and has an approximate height of 120 meters. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the waterfall, and it involves wading through watery areas and large boulders.
RATES & HOW TO GET THERE?
RATES
- Entrance Fee – Php 20.00 (Rate may change without prior notice)
- Tour Guide – Php 100.00 per pax
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Barangay Suba, Samboan, Cebu, Philippines
- BY COMMUTE: Take a bus going to Bato via Samboan and inform the driver that you’re dropping off at Dao Eskina. From there, you may hire a motorcycle or tricycle heading to the Barangay Suba, Samboan.
- BY CAR: Navigate via Waze or Google Maps and pin “Mt. Bartolina, Samboan” as your destination.
So, Sugboanons, know of any other natural attractions in Samboan, Cebu? Share to us in the comments below!
