Last Updated: March 18, 2022
Cambugahay Falls, Siquijor: Everything You Need To Know
Is the travel bug making you interested in the Cambugahay Fall in the Philippines? Then you’re definitely in the right place because this detailed guide includes everything you need to know about Cambugahay Falls on the Siquijor Island.
How to get there, how much does it cost, and where to stay are just a few of the things covered in this detailed guide. Read on to learn more about the most popular tourist attraction of Siquijor Island, and start planning your trip there!
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How to get to Cambugahay Falls in Siquijor
You will need your own transport to get to Cambugahay Falls, Siquijor. There’s no public transport to the waterfalls, and renting a moped or a bike is the most convenient option.
It’s worth noting that if you are traveling to Siquijor Island on a day tour, Cambugahay Waterfalls are included. But if you’re staying on the island for a while, you will need to organize the transport on your own.
Most locals get around on bikes and mopeds, and that’s generally the best thing for tourists as well. The roads in the Philippines are quite narrow and winding, and parking is usually on the side of the road. Also, rental agencies on the island only rent bikes and mopeds, so it’s unlikely you’d be able to rent a proper car.
It’s best to check with the resort you are staying at whether they offer any rental services. The island’s biggest resorts will rent mopeds and bikes to their guests, and this is great because it saves you a lot of hassle with deposits and passports. It’s also likely you’ll get a slightly better deal, than if you were to go directly to a rental agency.
Another thing to note is that there are only a few rental agencies on the island, so getting to one of them without a vehicle is just more hassle. Driving in the Philippines is not very dangerous, as long as you don’t go fast. The roads are quite narrow, curvy, and often steep, so they’re not really made for fast vehicles.
Cambugahay Falls Entrance Fee
Image courtesy of Francis Martin Hain
There’s no entrance fee to Cambugahay Falls. There’s a small parking fee but it’s just some 25 Philippine pesos, which is only about $0.5. Also, there’s only roadside parking here.
Visiting Cambugahay Falls is entirely free, but there are fees if you want to mess around the area and play with some of the stuff locals rent. There’s a charge for using the swing rope, but you pay once and then you can swing as many times as you want. It’s a thrilling experience, and definitely worth the small fee.
It’s also possible to rent a bamboo raft and various inflatables, but you should also know that you can bring your own inflatables and use them in the water. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend that, since it’s not exactly easy to transport a giant inflatable unicorn on a moped, but with a small electric air pump, everything is possible.
It’s worth noting that everything here is extremely cheap, and it’s definitely worth the money if you’re looking to have a good time. I think it’s around 50 pesos to use the swing, which is a little less than $1, plus keep in mind that the fee includes unlimited uses of the rope swing. Overall, you can have the time of your life here for less than $5 per person, which is easily the best value for money you can find.
Cambugahay Falls Opening Hours
Image courtesy of adam nicholson
The official working hours of the Cambugahay Waterfall are 7 AM to 5:30 PM. However, it’s worth noting that this time is designated by the locals who work here, so it is possible to arrive a little earlier. They might give you some grief for being early, but it’s likely that they’ll let you in.
Plan to spend at least a few hours here, if you’re not up for staying at the falls the entire day – the nature is breathtaking, there are lots of fun things to do here, and it’s just overall an incredible experience.
It’s best to arrive early in the morning if you want to have a place all to yourself. This is one of the busiest attractions on the island, and it’s almost always crowded. Keep in mind that pretty much all-day tours of this island include a trip to Cambugahay Falls, so large crowds are the norm here.
It’s possible to stay at the waterfall area until about 5:30 PM, which is the end of the workday for the locals. Additionally, the waterfall is open for 24 hours on Sundays, so it’s a good idea to plan a weekend visit if you don’t want your time at Cambugahay Falls to be limited. Sundays at the Cambugahay Falls are also pretty busy, with the most crowded times being between 11 AM and 4 PM.
Best Time to Visit Cambugahay Falls
The best time to visit the Philippines is between November and May. That’s the dry season on the islands, and it’s the most popular time for most tourists who are planning a trip to the tropical island.
It’s worth noting that it gets very hot in the Philippines during these months, so you’ll want to pack lighter clothes. In April and May, the humidity levels are pretty high, just like the temperatures – something to keep in mind, particularly if you’re dealing with curly hair.
The island state boasts a tropical climate that’s quite humid year-round, and May is the hottest month of the year. It’s worth noting that you can still enjoy your time on Siquoj Island even if you visit during the rainy season – the average temperature in the Philippines throughout the year is 26 degrees Celsius, which is warm enough for swimming and lounging on the beach.
However, there’s a possibility of typhoons between August and October, and the high amount of rainfall during the wet season means that it might not always be possible to travel to Siquijor Island. Because of that, it’s best to plan the trip during the dry season.
What to Pack
Presuming you’re traveling during the dry season, you’ll want to pack your lightest summer clothes. Temperatures get really high during the dry season, with May having an average daily high of 29 degrees Celsius.
Pack swimsuits, shorts, lightweight and airy t-shirts, flowy dresses, and sandals. It’s a good idea to bring a pair of water shoes as well, or at least something like Chaco sandals, which offer a decent amount of traction on wet and slippery terrain. There’s lots of water on Siquijor Island, so footwear that’s designed for wet terrain is a must.
What to Expect at Cambugahay Falls
Expect absolutely stunning nature, crowds of people, and very hot weather. The sun in the Philippines is no joke, especially if you are visiting in the dry season. Ample sunscreen is a must, even if you think the many trees near the waterfalls will provide enough shade. They won’t and you need to apply loads of sunscreen, otherwise, you’re going to end up with some really nasty sunburns.
Also, expect to be in a place that photographs really well. Whether you’re more of a landscape photographer or a selfie-pro, the setting near the Cambugahay Falls is just mesmerizing through the lens.
It’s worth noting that Siquijor Island is very drone-friendly, so be sure to bring a drone if you have one. You’ll be able to get some spectacular photos of the natural pool and the falls, and you can even get videos of your group on the rope swings!
Where to Stay in Siquijor Island
Siquijor is a fairly small island, so no matter where you stay, you should be able to reach the beautiful waterfalls within an hour. For quick and easy excess to this spectacular natural attraction, you should look into the resorts on the southern or eastern coasts of the island.
Maria and Lazi municipalities encompass most of the southeastern part of the island, and they’re home to some incredibly beautiful beaches, forests, and hiking areas. But there aren’t very many resorts in this part of the island – these municipalities are more popular with campers, so keep that in mind.
The western coast of Siquijor Island is where you’ll find the vast majority of the resorts. Coco Grove Beach Resort is the highest-rated resort on the entire island, and it’s still just a 3-star hotel, meaning you shouldn’t expect luxurious accommodation or an all-inclusive service.
That being said, it’s worth noting that the resort has several on-site restaurants that are generally affordable, and breakfast is included in the price of a room.
Coco Grove Beach Resort is one of many hotels on the island’s western coast. It’s only a 30-minute drive away from Cambugahay Falls, plus it’s close to a bunch of other tourist spots on the island. The Cantabon Cave, Butterfly Sanctuary, and Capilay Spring Water Park are all worth checking out, and they’re just a short drive away from the island’s western coast.
About the Author Roger Timbrook
Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!
