#ff9900;>Dao

[davehodgetts-blog]

The sky was perfect. It wasn’t all blue. The blinding-white clouds formed interesting figures and were moving at slow pace. It provided a minute shade every time it hovered above our smoothly-moving fast craft. The sea, on the other hand, was completely placid, reflecting the exact copies of the figures above it. The minor distortions created by the surface swimmers are very evident – I could see the finest ripple.

It was our fast craft’s horn that woke me from that real daydream. We were approaching Liloan Pier in Santander, so I had to get myself ready. In a moment, we were all allowed to disembark. I alighted last to avoid troublesome passengers rushing their way out of the boat.

When I stepped on the port, the squeaky-clean water below reminded me of my fantasies. I was thinking for an adventure. Since it was too early to return to the city, I decided to spend a good time nearby.

Way to Dao Falls

I reached Samboan town proper in less than 30 minutes. I was walking under the scorch when Kuya Arnold approached me, and then offered a ride to 4 waterfalls including Ponong Lake for ₱500. I asked other drivers too, and it seemed that they had standardized the rate. That wasn’t a bad price. The downside, however, is that I was alone. It would be perfect if I had someone with me to share the expenses with, as well as the experience.

Before reaching Dao Falls, this blue pool graces every traveller

Since I got no other option, I accepted the guide who was assigned to me. I did not let him carry my backpack because I knew I could not give him a decent amount. I just followed him in a very obvious pathway. Kuya Arnold, by the way, was left in the drop off area.

We crossed a river, trekked along a muddy slope, and shook our way across a bamboo-made hanging bridge.

I was completely awed when I finally had the glimpse of the waterfalls. The water slides peacefully through the slanting ravine, thus the plunge pool is shallow and calm. There wasn’t enough flat space for picnickers though. However, with just a little tactic, you can find a good place under any shade.

The main Cascade of Dao Falls

After taking some photos, getting a quick dip, and munching for a snack, I headed to my next stop

Trekking against the waterfall current at Aguinid Falls number 3

You need a little work out at falls number 3. You have to climbed against the rolling waters to get to falls number 4. Since this is a one-way climbed, you have to wait until a batch of those going down is done with their descent.

Entrance at Aguinid Falls for locals is also ₱20. The guide fee depends on how much you can shell out.

Getting a waterfall massage at Aguinid Falls no. 4

A small falls greets you before seeing the hidden falls of Binalayan

Before reaching the main cascade of Binalayan, a not-so-high falls greeted us.

The was water was cold as expected. The breezy surrounding complimented well, and gave me gooseflesh.

Similar to that of Dao Falls, the plunge pool of Binalayan Hidden Falls is also not that deep, so be extra careful when doing an undaunting stunt. I almost broke my heel bone here when I jumped.

Binalayan Hidden Falls

Ponong Lake

There are no ATMs in the town, so make sure that you bring enough cash for the entire trip.

Bring swimming attires to experience the cold and pampering pool below the cascades.

Mobile signal reception is decent in the town proper but is poor in remote areas like the waterfall vicinity.

To fully explore Aguinid Falls, you need to climb against some steep rocks with running water. Make sure that you always follow your guide’s direction.

You can do picnic at the floating raft in Ponong Lake. Bring food to share.

Waterproof your gadgets.

Travel in group to save on transport and guide fees.

Closest accommodations are available in Badian and Oslob.

You may also consider spending a beach camp in Moalboal or getting enough adrenaline rush by joining the Canyoneering in Badian.

Waterfalls hopping in Samboan: Dao, Aguinid, and Binalayan Hidden Falls appeared first on Freedom Wall.