The Cambugahay Falls have become Instagram famous over the past few years and when you see photographs of these amazing waterfalls then this will come as no surprise.
Cambugahay Falls is located on Siquijor Island, a mystical and beautiful island located to the south of Cebu in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines.
Siquijor Island has a growing reputation amongst travellers looking to avoid the main tourist trail in the Philippines and one of its main attractions is the beautiful Cambugahay Falls.
I have written a complete guide to Siquijor and so if you want more information and tips on visiting Siquijor Island, take a look at my Mini-Guide; Tourist Spots in Siquijor.
Equally, if you want advice on where and when to visit the Philippines then take a look at my Manual; Backpacking the Philippines for all the information you will need when booking your trip!
But for now, let’s take a look at one of my favourite waterfalls in the whole of the Philippines; Cambugahay Falls!
Cambugahay Falls
You only need to look at the photographs of Cambugahay Falls to understand why these Siquijor falls are becoming increasingly popular with both tourists and locals alike. However, there is much more than meets the eye with these falls!
The best way to get to Cambugahay Falls is by scooter and there is a small car/bike park near the entrance. Once you have parked, you descend a series of steps before you are greeted by the beautiful sight of Cambugahay Falls.
The one important thing to note about Cambugahay Falls is that this is not an impressive waterfall in the traditional sense. It is not particularly high or powerful. Rather, the beauty of Cambugahay Falls is in the jungle setting against the incredibly blue waters of the waterfall.
Cambugahay Falls actually comprises three tiers and is nestled in the jungle to the north of the town of Lazi. The water in these pools at each tier is incredibly blue and beautiful; it is very fresh and the perfect temperature for avoiding the heat and humidity of Siquijor.
After descending the steps to Cambugahay Falls, you will arrive at the lowest tier. This is the largest of the three tiers and usually the most popular because most visitors want a rest from the heat after having descended all those steps!
The first tier of Cambugahay Falls has something for everyone which is probably another reason for its popularity. Being the largest of the three tiers, it has a huge natural swimming pool of incredible, blue waters in which you can cool off and float around under the small but wide waterfall flowing from above.
The first tier of Cambugahay Falls also has various man-made structures for the adrenaline junkies amongst us!
Chief amongst these man-made structures are the two rope swings and accompanying platforms that have been built. Both swings send you into the middle of the swimming pool and are generally manned by locals who can provide very helpful demonstrations of where (and how!) to land. Watch them a few times and then have a go yourself!
In addition, there is a bamboo raft in the pool from which you can get some incredible perspectives of Cambugahay Falls which makes it the most Instagrammable place at the Falls.
While away a few happy hours chilling out by the first tier; channelling your inner Tarzan on the rope swings, floating around the idyllic pool or lazing on the side and watching the action unfold!
Don’t forget to visit the other two tiers as well though. These are smaller than the first tier but also generally quieter as they have slightly less going on and are further away from the entrance.
The third tier is the least developed of the tiers and is the favourite with the locals! There is still a large swimming pool up here as well as several cliff jumping spots near the falls themselves and another epic rope swing! Again, watch the locals and they will happily show you the best way to catapult yourself into the water.
I would recommend spending at least a few hours at Cambugahay Falls which is a great place to relax and unwind. Keep reading below for more information on how to get there and when to go.
How to get to Cambugahay Falls
Cambugahay Falls is located to the north of the town of Lazi, to the Southeast of Siquijor island.
As above, I would recommend heading to Cambugahay Falls by scooter and there is parking just near the entrance of Cambugahay Falls before you descend the stairs to the lowest tier of the falls. The roads all the way to Cambugahay Falls are in good condition which makes it a very pleasant journey.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi or a trike. Cambugahay Falls is approximately 25km (40 minutes) from Paliton Beach and the San Juan area if you are staying here and the same distance from the town and port of Larena to the north of Siquijor island.
Cambugahay Falls Entrance Fees
The Cambugahay Falls entrance fees appear to vary depending on the time of year and the time of day that you arrive.
When we went, the Cambugahay Falls entrance fees were 20 pesos per person ($0.50/£0.30) and were paid once we parked and before we headed down the stairs to the falls. We have heard that out of season and early in the morning you may be able to access it for free, but either way, we are not talking a lot of money!
In addition to the Cambugahay Falls entrance fees, there is usually a charge of 10 pesos ($0.20/£0.15) for parking your scooter if you have come by bike.
There is also a charge to use the rope swings which is mentioned below.
Cambugahay Falls Amenities
For a set of waterfalls, Cambugahay Falls offers a surprisingly large number of amenities which are predominantly offered by make-shift stalls and local vendors.
To use the rope swings or to hire a rubber tube and float around in the swimming pools, the cost is 50 pesos ($1/£0.75). For the swings, you pay 50 pesos for each swing but once you have paid for a certain swing, you can use that swing as many times as you wish for your 50 pesos fee. If you then wish to use another swing, you may have to pay another 50 pesos for unlimited swings on that swing.
For relaxing and changing, there are various small, sheltered huts around the edge of the falls as well as some changing huts. There is generally no charge to use these.
For food and drink, there are usually local vendors at the falls all day. The vendors seem to vary day by day but generally cold drinks and dry snacks (crisps etc) will be available every day.
When to visit Cambugahay Falls
Cambugahay Falls has no opening and closing times and so you can visit all year round at any time of the day.
The crowds tend to arrive from around 9 am, even in low season, so if you want the chance to have the Cambugahay Falls all to yourself then head down around 7.30 am.
Be aware that when it rains the water at Cambugahay Falls can turn brown from the mud being washed down the falls. So if you want to experience Cambugahay Falls at its best, with the incredibly clear waters, then don’t head to Cambugahay Falls the day after it has rained. A day or so later the water will have returned to its usual beautiful self!
Accommodation near Cambugahay Falls
If you are coming to Siquijor island to explore the Cambugahay Falls then I have picked out some of my favourite places to stay on the island depending on your budget.
The great thing about Siquijor island is that as it is relatively small, you can access Cambugahay Falls and everything that that amazing island has to offer from anywhere on the island.
Below are a few of my favourite places to stay but if you want more detail then take a look at my Mini Guide; Tourist spots in Siquijor for more details about accommodation and Siquijor in general.
JJs Backpacker Village
JJ’s is a great place to stay located right on the beach and in a popular backpacker part of Siquijor island.
This place has accommodation for every person and for every budget from dorms to rooms to bungalows.
JJ’s also has a great bar and restaurant with food and drinks served directly on the beach.
Located in the popular San Juan area of the island, which is close to Paliton Beach, it is around 25km (40 minutes) to Cambugahay Falls from this area by scooter.
As I mentioned above, the roads are in great condition all the way and the directions are pretty straightforward. JJ’s can help arrange scooter hire as well.
The Bruce
The Bruce is another great option just up the road from JJs and so also in the popular San Juan part of the island and close to the famous Paliton Beach.
The Bruce resort offers apartments, beach-front cottages and even a tree house for the perfect stay on Siquijor island.
The Bruce also boasts a large swimming pool, and free kayak hire and you are able to arrange scooter hire for your trip to help you explore the beautiful beaches in Siquijor.
There is no restaurant at The Bruce but it is located very close to some great bars and restaurants, many of which are mentioned in this blog and my Mini Guide; Tourist Spots in Siquijor including Dagsa which is over the road.
Tropical Fun-Ta-Sea
With a slightly larger budget, I would recommend a look at Tropical Fun-Ta-Sea. This slice of paradise is a great mid-range option and has a selection of incredible beach-side bungalows to stay in.
Tropical Fun-Ta-Sea also has its own restaurant and bar and can cater to your every need from airport pickups and parking, to scooter hire and water sports; they have you covered!
Tropical Fun-Ta-Sea is located slightly further south than JJs and the Bruce but still on the same coast; around 20km (30 minutes) from Cambugahay Falls.
Coco Grove Beach Resort
For those seeking luxury on Siquijor island, look no further than the incredible Coco Grove Beach Resort.
They offer a range of rooms from apartments to the penthouse and the resort itself is home to an incredible swim-up bar, beautiful swimming pools and two delicious on-site restaurants.
Coco Grove also has its own section of beach at Tubod Beach, which itself is home to the Tubod Marine Reserve and some of the best snorkelling on the island.
This is a luxury option with a higher price tag than the options above but still very reasonable compared to western hotels!
Food and Drink near Cambugahay Falls
I have also picked out some of my favourite places to eat and drink on Siquijor island.
For more ideas, take a look at my blog on visiting Siquijor!
Coco Grove Beach Resort
Coco Grove Beach Resort has two incredible restaurants which are well worth a visit for a fancy meal even if you are not staying at the Resort.
With its beachside location, the incredible setting adds to the atmosphere of the two great restaurants of Salamandas and Sunset which both offer fantastic food. Despite its step up in quality, the staff are incredibly friendly which makes this a lovely place to come for a well-earned treat!
Coco Grove is located on the west coast of the island meaning if you time it right, you can be eating whilst experiencing some of the most incredible sunsets on the island!
Dolce Amore
If you love Italian food, you will love Dolce Amore! Incredible food, great drinks, a beautiful setting and wonderful staff; this place has everything!
Located in San Juan, on the west coast of Siquijor Island and very close to JJs and Bruces, it’s perfectly located if you are staying in the area and if you are not, it is well worth a trip over to experience this lovely restaurant.
Monkey Business
Monkey Business is a fantastic beachside bar with sandy flooring and swings for seats. Throw in some ice-cold beers, great cocktails and some decent western food to soothe any lasting hangovers and you have a great all-rounder!
It is located on the same stretch of San Juan as the Bruce and JJ’s so do call in when you’re in the area!
Getting to Siquijor Island
If you’re heading to Siquijor Island then chances are you will be coming in by either plane or ferry.
Siquijor island has a small domestic airport, Siquijor airport, which provides direct flights to and from Cebu airport. The flights are usually daily and if time is against you then it is a good alternative to usual ferry routes; particularly if you are coming from or heading to Cebu.
Most tourists and visitors to Siquijor island is by ferry with regular connections to Bohol, Dumaguete and Cebu on a daily basis.
For more details on getting to Siquijor, check out my Mini-Guide; Tourist Spots in Siquijor.
Getting Around Siquijor Island
My favourite way to get around Siquijor island is by scooter. As the island is not very big, you can head from one side of the island to the other in a day without too much trouble at all.
There is one main circumferential road around the entire island to provide easy access and most of the roads on the island are in good condition providing easy access to the main tourist spots in Siquijor.
Hiring a scooter is really easy with nearly every hostel and hotel being able to arrange hire if they don’t have their own scooters. I would expect to pay around 250 pesos per day ($5, £4) to hire a scooter.
If you don’t fancy a scooter, then you can hire a taxi or a trike to take you to the tourist spots in Siquijor including Cambugahay Falls.
Again, for more details take a look at my full Tourist Spots in Siquijor – A Complete Guide.
Have fun at Cambugahay Falls
Siquijor island is a gem in the Philippines and I would definitely recommend adding it to your itinerary if it is not already.
Once there, you will be met with some of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines as well as some amazing waterfalls including the stunning Cambugahay Falls.
These falls are beautiful and are the perfect place to visit whether you just want to relax in the crystal-clear waters or you want a bit more adventure by taking to the rope swings and cliff jumping spots.
Cambugahay Falls was one of my favourite places in Siquijor, and in the Philippines generally, and I hope that you guys love it as much as I did!
Have you been already? If so, leave me a comment below and let me know how you got on!
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