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Dao Falls are among the many impressive waterfalls on the Philippine island of Cebu and offer an unforgettable experience in the middle of tropical nature. In this post you’ll find everything important for your visit to Dao Falls.
Contents
Location and How to Get to Dao Falls
Dao Falls are in Samboan, about a 1–1.5 hour scooter ride from Moalboal. If you don’t have a scooter, reaching the falls is a bit harder, as they sit off the main roads and public transport is barely available. At the entrance a small fee of 100 PHP (about €1.60) is charged, while parking is free.
What Awaits You on Site
One thing first: Dao Falls sit nicely far off the tourist trail around Moalboal, so you meet very few other foreigners here and also relatively few local tourists. A visit to Dao Falls is still something of a “hidden tip” from our point of view if you want to escape the crowds around the canyoneering at Kawasan Falls. Getting there on your own scooter is generally the best option!
Guided Tour
A guide is mandatory but free of charge. You are expected to tip, though, to support the work of the local guides. Before the hike you get a helmet, and life jackets are available if needed.
Gear
Especially recommended are non-slip water shoes, as the paths and rocks can be extremely slippery. If you go in flip-flops like we did, you have to expect some trouble, because they offer little grip on the slippery conditions. It can also get quite dangerous. So a well-meant tip: take the shoes on site! As soon as mud gets inside the flip-flops, it becomes extremely difficult and sometimes dangerous!
The Hike
The hike to the falls takes about 30 minutes and leads through dense jungle along a river. The path is a little adventure that ends with a steep section over rock cliffs up to the pool. The scenery is breathtaking – surrounded by lush vegetation and the calming rush of water. In general we found the route quite demanding, especially if you don’t take the water shoes on site and it has rained a few days before.
The Water Pool
Once you reach the waterfall you can dive into the clear water and swim. The natural setting makes this place especially impressive and invites you to linger. The main pool around Dao Fall is the only pool you can visit; the waterfall crashes down from a great height, which is quite impressive. Above there are more falls and pools that cannot be visited.
Conclusion Dao Falls Cebu
Dao Falls are without doubt a highlight for nature lovers and adventurers. Personally we liked Inambakan Falls a little better, though, because they offer a more varied landscape and larger pools for swimming. Still, a visit to Dao Falls is a worthwhile experience, especially if you are well equipped and ready for a little adventure.
Plan about two hours (not including travel) for the outing so you can fully enjoy the hike and the time at the waterfall.
Do you have any questions or additions about Dao Falls? Leave a comment!