Samboan
A quiet town at the southern tip of Cebu with three waterfalls, a coral-stone church and a stone stairway to a Spanish watchtower. A great stop for slow, off-the-beaten-path travel.
Samboan sits at the very southern tip of Cebu, about 130-150 kilometres from Cebu City, facing the Tañon Strait and the island of Negros. It is a small, quiet town of around 20,000 people that most visitors drive straight past on the way to Santander or Dumaguete. That is a shame, because Samboan has three waterfalls you can visit, a beautiful old church and a Spanish-era stone stairway with a sea view.
Why go to Samboan
- Three waterfalls in one area: Aguinid, Binalayan and Dao, each with a different feel.
- Quiet and uncrowded. It is much calmer than Kawasan Falls or the busy south coast beaches.
- Spanish-era heritage: the coral-stone Saint Michael the Archangel church, a watchtower and the old stone stairway.
- A good stop on the way to Santander and the ferry to Negros.
Things to do in Samboan
Aguinid Falls
Aguinid Falls, in barangay Tangbo, is a multi-level cascade fed by the Tangbo River, described by local sources as five to eight tiers depending on how you count. A guided trek takes you upstream with ropes and rock scrambles, so it is more of a mini canyoneering adventure than a quick photo stop. Guides and safety gear are normally part of the package. If you have done the big canyoneering trip in Alegria, this is a gentler, quieter cousin. See Alegria canyoneering and canyoneering in Badian to compare.
Binalayan and Dao Falls
Binalayan Falls, sometimes called the Hidden Falls, is a single wide curtain of water reached by a short walk. Dao Falls is the tallest of the three and takes a longer walk through jungle, so wear shoes with good grip. Both charge a small fee that usually includes a local guide, and they may close on certain days or after heavy rain. Ask the tourism office or your habal-habal driver before you set out.
The church and the watchtower
The town's Saint Michael the Archangel church, built of coral stone, is one of the older Spanish-era churches in Cebu, and its ceiling paintings are worth a look. Nearby, the Escala de Jacob (Jacob's Ladder) is a stone stairway of about 147 steps dating from 1878, leading up to a restored coral-stone watchtower with a view over the Tañon Strait. Dress modestly in church, speak softly and ask before taking photos during Mass.
The town also has a small museum and a marine sanctuary, and the fiesta for Saint Michael is on 29-30 September. If you are visiting around then, expect music, food and crowds. A waterfall festival, called Dagayday, also celebrates the town's falls.
Where is Samboan?
Samboan, South Cebu
Directions open in Google Maps, starting from where you are. Its travel times are estimates, and ferries and island boats may not be included.
Getting there from Cebu City
- Go to the Cebu South Bus Terminal. See our bus terminals guide for how to get there and buy a ticket.
- Take a bus bound for Bato via Barili, or any bus heading to Samboan or Santander. The west-coast route passes Carcar, Moalboal, Badian and Alegria. The east-coast route goes via Oslob. Ask the conductor which you are on.
- Expect about 4-5 hours. Reported fares in 2025-2026 were about ₱150-₱220 one way, depending on the bus type. These are estimates; confirm at the terminal.
- Tell the conductor you are getting off in Samboan. In town, habal-habal drivers wait to take you to the waterfalls.
- Leave early. Buses start in the early morning and you want daylight for the falls. Plan your return bus before dark, as the last buses can be quite early.
Going on to Negros? The ferry port at Liloan in Santander is not far; see our Santander guide and Cebu to Dumaguete overland.
Getting around
The falls are spread out in the hills, so you need a ride. Habal-habal (motorbike taxis) are the usual way. A full-day round of the three falls was reported at about ₱200-₱300 per person in 2025-2026, but agree on the price, the stops and the waiting time first. A tricycle or hired van also works for a small group. See getting around Cebu for general tips.
Where to stay and eat
Samboan has only a few small inns and homestays, so many travellers stay in Moalboal, Badian or Oslob and visit Samboan as a long day trip or on the way south. If you stay in town, book ahead and ask the tourism office for suggestions. Food is simple: eat at small local restaurants and try the local snack palagsing, made from sago starch, coconut and brown sugar. Carry water and snacks for the waterfall walks.
When to go
The dry months from December to April or May are the safest for the trails. During and after heavy rain, rivers rise quickly and the falls can be closed, so check the weather first. See typhoon season travel if you plan a wet-season trip.
Tips for a good trip
- Fees reported for 2025-2026: about ₱300-₱350 for the guided Aguinid trek, and roughly ₱60-₱200 each for Binalayan and Dao Falls, plus small parking fees. Sources differ, so check on arrival.
- Use the local guides. They keep you safe and support the community.
- Wear water shoes or grippy sandals, quick-dry clothes and bring a dry bag for your phone.
- Never swim after heavy rain, and leave the water if the colour changes or the level rises.
- Take all rubbish out with you and do not write on rocks or trees.
- Bring cash. There are few ATMs in town.
Want more waterfalls? Try Kawasan Falls and Tumalog Falls, or read our Cebu waterfalls guide. Taking the slow road south? Moalboal to Oslob covers the stretch before Samboan.
Photo gallery
Tap a photo to see it full size. Gallery photos come from Wikimedia Commons; each photographer's credit shows when you open the photo.
Watch before you go
Last updated October 28, 2026
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From Tourist Booklet: https://touristbooklet.com/destinations/samboan/. Last updated 28 October 2026. Prices and times change, so check before you go.
