Cebu’s lovely waterfalls may not be as immense, tall, or imposing as those in other parts of the country. But that does not mean that they are less mystical. Indeed, our humble island’s waterfalls all feature a plethora of mysterious rock formations, amazing water compositions, and magical surrounding environments. Aguinid Falls in the quiet municipality of Samboan, which is 150 kilometers away from Cebu City and 4 hours away from Argao, is one of these natural wonders.
Aguinid Falls is unique because it is not a single waterfall. Rather it is a long system of waterfalls that runs for a couple of kilometers along Tangbo River. Since it was promoted as an eco-tourism destination, locals and foreigners have witnessed this one-of-a-kind, multi-tiered waterfall system.
We had the chance to visit Aguinid Falls as we wanted someplace to refresh ourselves from the tropical heat. Aguinid falls was the best choice because of its wonderful features. The relaxing ambiance of the surrounding and the cool touch of the pure waterfalls.
After about 4 hours ride from our hometown (Argao) we reached the cite but we still need do 20 minutes of walking before we can reach the hidden paradise of Gaia. We arrived to the first tier, they simply call it “Level 1 Waterfall”. As the level suggest, there is a section of these level that has a shallow pool where most of the kids play around. This is the part of the falls where elders and disabled who are incapable of extreme activities – to continue for the next levels – stay to relax. Even though it is the level 1, the view is relatively amazing compared with the other levels.
This is also the place where we left my Grandmother because she can’t possibly come with us due to her age and physical restraints.
Just check out how lovely that waterfall is! Below is a relatively deep pool that is safe for swimmers to dive and play around. The size of the person taking her pose below the fall will give you an idea of the size of the Level 1 waterfall.
To get to the higher waterfalls, we needed to walk up that slippery, ramp-like rock on that same exact spot on where we sit to take a photo of ourselves.
On top of the first waterfall, we followed a shallow river that is bordered by tall, forest-covered unclimbable cliffs. You can notice the lime green color of the water as it reflects the thick forest above. Sans the sounds of human chatter and laughter, the rushing waters and the chirping birds all sing together composing a relaxing, enchanting melody of Mother Nature.
Rounding the bend, we came across the massive Level 2 waterfall, which is almost 100 feet high, we reckon. Cool and refreshing water flows down like a fast-creeping carpet.
Presently, locals painstakingly hacked small makeshift handholds and footholds on the rock face to make the ascent and descent easier. At this part, my mother was scared to climb because she has a fear of heights. I am always on the lead leaving my family and even the local guides behind as they assisted them in climbing and finding the handholds.
Reaching the top of the Level 2 waterfall, we found these lovely cascades that seem to form natural steps to farther waterfalls. All we needed to do was to follow the river upstream.
At this point, man-made structures and modifications are almost non-existent save for directional and information signs.
Here’s a tributary that leads to another part of the jungle. Local guides tell us that sedimentary soils found in these area consists of minerals that can help nourish and whitens the skin. We of course desperately grabbed a handful of it and rubbed it to our skins. After all, we have nothing to lose in trying!
The water has a very slight greenish color and is noticeably warmer in some parts. According to the local tour guides, it is because Tangbo River’s water is very rich in calcium and is alkaline in nature.
Since I am the one who had this much audacity in trying new things, I arrived at the small but nevertheless remarkable Level 3 Waterfall first. It has a tiny rocky-cavern where you can sit in and feel like an emperor of these wondrous palace. I am speaking based on my experience as I crawled and mounted at that point as you can see in the picture.
As we mentioned before, the river sits in the middle of an unclimbable canyon. Why unclimbable? Well, most of the canyon is made of soft, moisture-saturated soil. In fact, in many parts of the canyon, the roots of the trees break through.
Level 3 Waterfall seemed to be a dead end. However, there is a small channel beside it that leads to the upper falls.
And to proceed, you need to climb it! Don’t worry though. Locals have hacked small, inconspicuous hand holds that allow you to ascend the waterfall easily.
That’s the view from the top of the third waterfall. The edge where the guys are standing on is actually the lip of the waterfall.
We silently scrambled amidst the rushing water, withholding any conversation and enjoying the music and the touch of Mother Nature.
Can you imagine how skillful her hands are in carving this natural wonder?
Unlike the other lower tiers, Level 4 Waterfall was comparatively unremarkable; in fact, we didn’t know it was part of Aguinid’s tiers until we saw the sign that it was the Level 4 waterfall.
It has a nice pool where people can swim or soak around. Talk about Mother Nature’s very own jacuzzi!
We waded through more of the cascades, enjoying the feeling of the water’s rush around our legs. Remember that these are all natural steps.
Suddenly, it was there in all its glory, right in front of us. That’s the imposing Level 5 Waterfall of the series of Aguind falls. Just check out that stunning rock formation. We wouldn’t be surprised if we could see a beautiful enkanto (nymph or fairy) frolicking in the waters here. The place truly exudes magic!
The greenish pool below the waterfall is only waist deep at its deepest. Needless to say, diving is not allowed.
Together with a friendly female local who happened to be there, I climbed the waterfall to give you an idea of its size. It was a fairly easy climb since the rocks were, surprisingly, not that slippery. But the water current was extremely strong that if you wont hold a grip you could easily fall. With its strong large scale of water flowing down in that small chamber, it produces loud pounding noise and it was deafening.
The cavern where I’m in has many interesting rock formations. It’s a best spot to do a meditation, but sadly my family was in a haste so I couldn’t savor the moment right there.
Soon, more people arrived at the Level 5 Waterfalls; it was time for them to enjoy the sights and sounds in this area. We went back the same way we came in.
Going down the Level 2 Waterfall was pretty tricky. We couldn’t see the handholds and footholds due to the foam. We had to feel around for the holds with our hands and feet. Indeed, descending, not ascending, was the most challenging part of the adventure.
From the bottom of the waterfall, it was then an easy wade and trek back to the registration area.
Samboan’s Aguinid Falls is truly a wonder of nature and a great venue for a respite from the summer heat, city stress, and life’s problems. Mother Nature has several ways of healing, and one of them is enjoying the feeling of cool, clear, rushing water around you. And we are quite lucky to have that balm in our own mainland.
“I personally recommend you to spend your Summer Vacation at the Aguinid Falls”
Try our Bantayan Island Travel Guide and Camotes Island Travel Guide
Memento Vivere 