Dao Falls

Dao Falls sits in the canyon country above Samboan, on Cebu’s southern tip, reached by a trek that crosses the river several times and works over slick rock in places. The trail cuts through the canyon before opening onto the falls’ blue basin — cold, clear water dropping into a pool deep enough for a swim once the hike is done.

• Expect river crossings and rock scrambling on the way in; water shoes with grip earn their keep here.
• The basin runs cold and clear, a solid reward for the trek once you’re in it.
• Hiring a local guide, standard practice at most Cebu waterfalls, puts trail knowledge in your favor and routes the fee to the barangay that maintains the trail.
• Pack out what you bring in — most of these barangay-run falls have no waste collection on site, so trash management depends on visitors carrying it back out.

Explore More in Samboan

• Samboan Heritage District
• Colase Marine Sanctuary
• Bugnawan Falls