Suroy- Suroy: Anniversary Special in Samboan x Guinatilan + Moalboal (Aguinid Falls)

     As promised, here's my blogpost about our trip in the southern part of Cebu, Anniversary Special!

Last year, Bam and I celebrated our first anniversary in Medellin and so for our second anniversary, we went down south in Samboan to chase waterfalls. Here's our itinerary:

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Day 1
6:00 am- South Bus Terminal
6:30- 10:40 am- Travel Time to Samboan
10:50- 12:20 pm- Aguinid Falls, Tangbo
12:20- 1:00 pm- Lunch in Poblacion, Samboan
1:00- 1:20 pm- Motorcycle Ride to Dao Falls, Suba
1:20- 1:40 pm- Motorcycle Ride to Guinatilan
1:40- 2:10 pm- Inambakan Falls
2:10- 2:40 pm- Motorcycle Ride back to Samboan
2:40- 4:00 pm- Hidden Falls, Binalayan
4:00- 6:00 pm- Bus Ride to Moalboal
6:00- onwards- Dinner, Panagsama Beach and more!
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Day 2
9:00- 10:00am- Breakfast
10:00- 12:00pm- Basdaku, Moalboal
12:00 pm- travel back to the city.

   Bam and I are both first timers in Samboan and we have no idea what to expect. Since I am in-charge with the itinerary, I made a lot of research and read a lot of blogs about the place. I even asked some of my friends who have been in the place so I'll have a little idea on how to go on with the trip.

   We took an air- conditioned bus from the South Bus Terminal with the signage that says BATO via BARILI. I've passed this route for about 2 times already but the furthest I've been to was only in Alegria and travel time was really long: 4-5 hours! Prepare yourself for a very long bus ride but don't worry, the view will entertain you. We told the bus conductor to drop us by Aguinid Falls and he immediately assured us that he knows where it was. The weather wasn't cooperating and we forgot to check weather forecasts! Bam told me that there was a storm coming but I was still hopeful that mr. sun will shine brightly later. Well, it rained a little but that didn't stop us from going on with our trip.

  The registration area is only a five-minute walk from the main road. We passed by a cemented basketball court, eateries, and a cock pit. Don't worry about getting lost, the locals are happy to show you the way.

   After we signed up, we payed the entrance fee, were assigned two guides (Kuya Robert and Ate Joanna) and immediately went to a little lecture. From there, one of the guides explained the activities we can do around the area, the do's and the don'ts, and reminded us that we have to behave. Finally, we started the trek. 

    Above is the Level 0. They added this level for the kids and to those who can't continue to trek and proceed to the next levels. The locals developed this area by putting rocks to create pools. Ate Joanna was kind enough to take our pictures for us. Although blurry, I'm still thankful she did.

    Level 1 of Aguinid Falls. The rocks where the water flows are made up of limestones. In the picture above, we had walk over this wet but not slippery part of the first tier of the falls and Ate Jonna snapped us a beautiful photo. Bam bought us a pair of hiking sandals and it made walking a lot easier and safe. We're not allowed to jump here. Water is shallow only.

   Level 2 is the complete definition of risky. Although the locals have carved holes to make it easier for the tourists to climb, safety is vital. There were guides waiting above the rock formation to usher us as we climb our way to the top and It was definitely like wall climbing only without the gear. Honestly, I found it easy. Hehe!

   Level 3 was also quite a challenge! We had to be really careful where to step for we might slip off and fall. We also have to make sure to get a grip from the roots and twigs for support. 

   Level 4. If you feel like jumping, this level is for you. The water is 7 feet deep, enough for a person to jump but we have to be extra careful. There are a lot of slippery parts in this area. Ate Joanna says this is because of the lotion that people wear.

   And finally, level 5! When we arrived, there were already people enjoying the water but later on, the beautiful piece of God's creation was all ours to enjoy. We climbed half of the rock formation, got our back massage and it was good! Thank you Ate Joanna for taking our pictures and Kuya Robert for being our third wheel. Ha! Ha! Jumping/Diving here is not advisable for the water is only 3 feet deep. The rocks are also slippery that's why we really took precautions.

   Going up the fifth level was easy breezy for me (and Bam, she says) but going down comes with the word tricky especially with the levels wherein we have to sit down and hold on to the holes. Thank God we were both safe! We thanked and tipped our guides with a pretty good price!

FAQ's
1. Bus fare from South Bus Terminal to Aguinid Falls, Samboan - 185.00 each (without student discount)
2. Entrance Fee- 20.00 (Locals), 40.00 (Foreigner)
3. Guides are purely voluntary- We tipped 100.00 for each

This post is getting lengthy, so I'll be blogging about the next trip to Inambakan Falls here or head on to the closest falls, the Hidden Falls of Binalayan, Samboan. Read it here!