Dao Falls 2021 Travel Guide: Samboan, Cebu

If you ask me where’s my favorite waterfall in Cebu, I’d tell you “Dao Falls”. With its blue-tinted waters and enchanting trails, a trip to this stunning waterfall is definitely worth it!

Here’s everything you need to know on how to visit the highest waterfall in Samboan, Dao falls without any tours.

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How to Get to Dao Falls

Dao falls is located in Samboan, Cebu and 1.5 hours drive away from Moalboal.

From Cebu City, Dao falls is four hours away. You can opt to rent a car or ride a bus heading to Bao or Lilon plying the Barili or Samboan route. Get off at Dao Eskina and ride a tricycle to the trailhead of the waterfalls.

Travel Tip: Check schedules and availability of your buses, ferries, taxis or flights to book online with 12Go Asia.

Here’s a map to Dao falls to help you plan your trip.

Fees

Here are the fees to be collected at the trailhead.

Environmental Fee: P20 (0.4 USD) per head
Parking Fee: P40 (0.8 USD)
Guide Fee: No fixed rate, it’s up to you how much you’ll pay

Dao Falls Trekking and Main Falls

Time To Reach the Main Falls: 25 to 30 mins

From the trailhead, you’ll pass by several coconut trees until you reach 100+ steps going down to river. From here, proceed to either walk on the bamboo bridge or use another trail. I was a bit skeptical about walking on the bamboo bridge but our guide assured us that it was strong enough.

After the bridge, you’ll walk along the river which becomes narrower as you get near the main falls. Depending on the season, the waters in the river can reach up to your waist so be sure to bring a dry bag to store important stuff and have a waterproof camera ready.

The trail is what sets Dao falls apart from all the other waterfalls in Cebu. You’ll be immersed in a jungle hike past canyon walls, bamboo railings and limestone paths to the beautiful main waterfall.

The Dao waterfall cascades down a limestone wall to a large Gatorade blue basin.

Travel Tips

Here are a few things to note when visiting Dao waterfall.

The trail is quite slippery. Use non-slip footwear.
Read our list of the best waterfalls to visit in Cebu.
The best months to visit are from November to April during the dry season for the best turquoise blue color.
Got a drone? Send it up and get a great view of the waterfall.

Where to Stay in Cebu

When planning your trip to Cebu, it’s best that you book months before your travel date. This is to ensure that you have a place to sleep the night in. Here are some that I’d recommend for you to book.

Budget

Cebu City

RedDoorz Plus near Mango Avenue Cebu – Check Price and Availability
Pillows Hotel Cebu – Check Price and Availability
Uncle Tom’s Cabin – Check Price and Availability
Escario Central Hotel – Check Price and Availability
Grazie’s Studio Apartment – Check Price and Availability

Mactan

Murals Mactan – Check Price and Availability
Liquid Soul Dive Hostel – Check Price and Availability
Taro Hometel – Check Price and Availability
Little Norway Guesthouse – Check Price and Availability

Bogo City

Acrige Apartelle – Check Price and Availability

Lapu-lapu

Zhamira Avior’s Condominium – Check Price and Availability

Oslob

La Lune Oslob Hostel – Check Price and Availability
House Rapunzel – Check Price and Availability

Badian

ADIVAYAN 315 – Check Price and Availability
Soul Travellers – Check Price and Availability

Moalboal

Beyond Island – Check Price and Availability

Mid-Range

Cebu City

Cebu R Hotel – Mabolo – Check Price and Availability
One Central Hotel – Check Price and Availability
Mandarin Plaza Hotel – Check Price and Availability
Harolds Hotel – Check Price and Availability
Alpa City Suites Hotel – Check Price and Availability
Allure Hotel & Suites – Check Price and Availability
Zerenity Hotel and Suites – Check Price and Availability
Summit Galleria Cebu – Check Price and Availability
St. Mark Hotel – Check Price and Availability
Cebu Hotel Plus – Check Price and Availability

Bantayan Island

Carl‘s Island Inn – Check Price and Availability
Kota Beach Resort – Check Price and Availability
Kandugyap House By The Sea – Check Price and Availability

Samboan

Carolina del Mar – Check Price and Availability

Argao

AJ Family Vacation Home – Check Price and Availability

Mactan

Soderberg – Check Price and Availability

Moalboal

Ocean Safari Suites – Check Price and Availability

Luxury

Cebu City

Bai Hotel – Check Price and Availability
Seda Ayala Center Cebu – Check Price and Availability
Marco Polo Plaza Cebu Hotel – Check Price and Availability
Red Planet Cebu – Check Price and Availability
Golden Prince Hotel & Suites – Check Price and Availability
Bayfront Hotel Cebu – Check Price and Availability
Quest Hotel and Conference Center Cebu – Check Price and Availability
Diamond Suites & Residences – Check Price and Availability

Moalboal

Tongo Hill Cottages – Check Price and Availability
Ravenala Beach Bungalows – Check Price and Availability
Oceanfront Paradise Resort – Check Price and Availability

Bantayan Island

Pearl of Santa Fe – Check Price and Availability

Airbnb Cebu

Aside from hotels and resorts, you can also opt to stay at an Airbnb.

Get your P2,200 ($44) Airbnb discount here!

Responsible Travel Tips

When traveling to one place, make sure you practice responsible tourism. Here are some tips to do so.

1. Respect the environment

Don’t litter. Please hold onto your trash until you find a garbage can.

2. Avoid single-use plastic

Bring your eco bag and refuse single-use plastic.

3. Shop local

Keep the traditional crafts alive and support local artisans. Buy from them. And try not to haggle, P20 may seem small to you but it can mean a lot to them.