Aguinid Falls: Travel Guide 2022

Aguinid Falls is perfect for anyone who enjoys physical activities while being surrounded by nature minus exerting strenuous effort to have fun. If you’re a beginner at trekking, a workaholic who finds it hard to be active in their free time, or someone just looking for an easy, slow-paced adventure away from the city, Aguinid Falls is your next destination!

Foreign tourists have also marveled at the dreamy electric blue color of the waterfalls. Add this to the already quiet and calm atmosphere of the place and it’s as though you have found a hidden gem you can keep for yourself. 

It’s a memory you can look back on in time and go, “I can’t believe I got to feel that sort of peace in this lifetime.”

Samboan, Cebu is a Trip to the Past

Aguinid Falls is located in Samboan, Cebu. Samboan is a small municipality located in the Southwest of Cebu Island. Additionally, it is one of the oldest and well-preserved towns in Cebu. Hence, tourists and locals have used the words “unspoiled”, “peaceful” and “clean” to describe Samboan. 

Being in Samboan is like traveling back in time. This is because Samboan is home to waterfalls, rivers, caves, and other attractions that have existed since the Spanish Occupation in the Philippines – that’s over a hundred years old (the Philippines was under Spanish rule for 333 long years)!! 

Of course, the town has come a long way since then and has found ways to prosper by mixing the old ways with the new ones. 

Foreign tourists who lead fast-paced lifestyles and hail from busy and nocturnal cities will feel as though they’ve entered a different dimension in Samboan. On the other hand, locals will feel like they’ve stepped into their history books. 

What is there to expect at Aguinid Falls?

Some waterfalls are meant to be admired from afar while others are fun to bathe in and take beautiful photos of. Aguinid Falls, with waters of a striking blue hue, is meant to be explored– the locals have done a great job at designing a course that everyone can enjoy (well, kids as young as 7 years old may participate)! This course has 8 “levels”, which will be described in-depth in the next section.

Aguinid Falls, as mentioned earlier, would be perfect for beginners and older tourists whose daily schedules do not grant them enough free time to be active so they are fit and prepared enough to go on say, rock climbing activities, bungee jumping, or trekking up extremely high and steep slopes, and the like.

Hence, you will definitely have fun without feeling overwhelmed by the physical effort you have to put in!

The 8 Levels of the Aguinid Falls Course

A lot of people assume that the higher the level, the harder it is to do and complete– but this is a misconception. In our experience, the middle tiers were trickier than the others. 

So yes, each level is unique in its own way. There is something new to see and expect for each one! 

First Level

This would be the easiest of the 8 levels because it’s a short trek up an uneven path to the waterfalls. Thus, make sure to watch your step and be careful not to slip! 

Second Level

The rock you will have to climb up is around 10 meters high and is steep. As such, guides typically have a rope secured so visitors can hold on to it as they make their way up. However, if there isn’t any, guides will be right by you to ensure safety. 

Third Level

It is here where you can take photos of the lovely rock formations. The water is also nice and cool, and you can relax after the steep ascent the level before. 

Fourth Level

Another steep climb! There is a rope in place here, which will help you keep your balance as you focus your efforts on pulling your weight up the entire time. 

Fifth Level

As of March 2022, Aguinid Falls’ fifth level is still under repair due to damages brought by Typhoon Odette that struck Cebu City in December 2021. Prior to the typhoon, this level is known for the deep waters you can jump into (about 10 meters)!

Sixth Level

Tourists have described this level to be the most difficult. Why? You will be climbing up steep rocks while water from above gushes and falls onto you! Additionally, the rocks are slippery, and there is no rope to cling to.

However, the upside is, the guides have done this many times before and will help you complete this tier! 

Seventh Level

This is one of the easiest levels! So if you made it through Level 6, you will surely get past this level. 

Eighth Level

This is where your efforts are rewarded. Here, you will find something akin to a mini pool, with cascading (but not gushing) water around you. It’s a nice end to the course because it is where you can gather your bearings and take some more photos.

After getting to the last level, there is an exit you can walk to. If you avail of a travel package, the van can pick you up at this location.

Important Things to Remember Before Exploring Aguinid Falls

The entrance fee is Php 300 pesos (around 6 USD). For the interest of solo travelers, this fee is also inclusive of the helmet and water shoes (so you don’t slip and fall while trekking). 

It is necessary to have a minimum of 2 guides at each time (if solo, you still need 2 guides). These guides are locals who are more than capable to guide you as you go along the course. As a matter of fact, you may even request to have additional guides. 

The guides are not free! Indeed, you must pay them for their services. Know that there is no set price for this. Even so, it is best to not pay any lower than Php 300. After all, they are there to ensure your safety so you can make the most of your experience!

Aguinid Falls opens for visitors at 8 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. As it takes 4 hours to travel to Aguinid Falls from the heart of the city, visitors typically get up and leave at 5 a.m. so they make it to the location by 9 a.m. 

Allot 2 hours of time for the activity. If you’re starting at 9 a.m., you will most likely finish the course by 11 a.m. Indeed, this is ideal so that after changing into dry clothing, afterwards, you can have lunch!

What should I wear to Aguinid Falls?

1. If you want to avoid getting scratches, wear leggings. People typically wear shorts or swimsuits, but seeing as there are some branches sticking out here and there, you may get minor scratches on your legs if they are bare. It’s unlikely, but if you want to be extra careful, you can wear leggings instead.
2. It is not practical to get your nails manicured before coming to Aguinid Falls. Keep your nails short because you will be gripping and holding onto rocks and surfaces as you make your way up certain paths. 
3. Use a waterproof bag. We all want to take photos during our visit. However, it is impossible to not get wet during the activity. Store your phone and other valuables in a waterproof bag to keep them safe.

So, how do I get to Aguinid Falls?

There are four different ways which are by private car, taxi, Ceres bus or by booking a tour prepared by CSP.

For this article, we will cover the last three methods.

Taxi

If you are traveling from Cebu City, heading to Aguinid Falls by taxi will cost you approximately Php 4,000 in total (round trip– it is approximately Php 2,000 per way).

It is unlikely that drivers will agree to a one-way trip. Why? The likelihood of them meeting a passenger on the way back to the city is low, and driving back passenger-less is a waste of time and gas. 

However, if you still wish to ride a taxi on the way to Aguinid Falls, you may negotiate with taxi drivers on the spot, or, for your reference, contact a taxi company beforehand. Here is a list of different Taxi Companies in Cebu and their contact numbers: 

Ceres Bus

You may also travel to Aguinid Falls via Ceres Bus. Nevertheless, it will still take you about 4 hours to get there. 

To do so, here are the following steps:

1. Go to the South Bus Terminal. This is where you will find several buses headed to different areas. 
2. Head to the ticketing counter to pay. The fare to Samboan is around Php 400 (8 USD) for one-way. 
3. Find the bus for “Oslob-Samboan”. There are several personnel in the terminal who may help you. With that said, they tend to approach travelers first to ask where they are headed. Tell them you want to visit Aguinid Falls in Samboan, and they will direct you to the right bus! 
4. Walk to Aguinid Falls. The bus will not be able to drop you off right at the falls. Without a doubt, you will have to walk for about 15 minutes to get to the area. It’s not a dangerous area, so you do not have to worry.

Avail a tour package from CSP

This would be the most convenient way: guides will pick you up from your hotel and be with you the entire time. You will not have to worry about getting lost, or struggling with the language barrier (if you are a foreigner). 

In addition, there is a money-back guarantee, so in the rare event that, say, Aguinid Falls had to unexpectedly close for the day, you will be refunded in full!

This is the itinerary:

AGUINID FALLS TOUR

Length: 12 hours

Budget: Php 1450~

View more rates here

You may also get in touch with us through the following:

Restaurant Recommendation after completing Aguinid Falls

So you have completed the Aguinid Falls course. It’s noon, and you’re hungry from all the physical activity! CSP Travel and Tours recommends having your lunch at Bancogon Resort and Restaurant.

The restaurant offers affordable Filipino meals. There is nothing like chatting with friends over a delicious lunch, miles away from the city, hearing the waves crash upon the shore.

Another wonderful thing about the restaurant is that it also has a shower. Our tour guides can wait for your food to arrive as you change into dry, more comfortable clothing.

We ordered: Sizzling Pork Sisig (Php 200), Chicken Teriyaki (Php 220), Buttered Garlic Shrimp (Php 300), Sinigang na Baboy (Php 250) and Chicken Garden Salad (Php 220).

To view their menu, click here.

Media on Aguinid Falls

Since you are in the area, why not visit the Oslob Whale Sharks as well?

Summary!

1. Aguinid Falls is perfect for beginners and individuals who are not as active as others.

2. Travelers typically get up at 5AM so they can finish the course by noon, but there is no need to rush as it closes at 4PM.

3. It is necessary to have guides with you during the activity to ensure safety!

4. Solo travelers will be spending Php 2,000-5,000 in total.

5. The safest and most convenient way to get to Aguinid Falls is by booking a tour package.