Chasing Waterfalls is indeed one of our favorite activities here in Cebu province. We have visited a lot of waterfalls and for us, one of the best waterfalls is the Dao Falls. Among all the waterfalls that we have visited, so far this waterfall is the farthest and has the most challenging way. Nevertheless, the place is worth a visit.
WHERE IS DAO FALLS?
Dao Falls is located in Samboan, Cebu Philippines and it will take you about a 4-5 hour ride from Cebu City. Then, from the national road to the highland of Samboan, around a 20-minute ride.
Let's start our adventure!
We woke up early the next day and headed to our next waterfall destination, the Dao Falls.
After several hours of traveling, at last, we arrived safely. Google map was very helpful for us since we didn't know the location of the falls.
Greeted by the guides there, we paid 200 pesos for the entrance fee with the guide and gear included. No entrance fee for persons with disabilities.
The guides there oriented us on everything about Dao Falls. Looking at Rex, they were hesitant if Rex could pursue the hike up to the main falls since the way is quite challenging. Although the guides were discouraging him not to pursue the trek, Rex was still up for a hike upstream.
After the quick orientation, Ate Nita was the one who accompanied us.
Presenting the friendly and funny guide "Ate Nita"
Ready for a 30-minute hike!
According to Ate Nita, our tour guide, Dao was discovered by the locals already before but it was not yet accessible to anyone. When Governor Gwendolyn Garcia was boarding a helicopter and saw the amazing waterfall. She was amazed by its beauty, she told the mayor of Samboan about what she saw. It was then, that the wife of the mayor initiated her team to visit the place.
They began to develop the place by making stairs since the Dao waterfall is located in the highest part of the spot. No one could enter the Dao falls before because there was no way but because of the efforts of the mayor, her wife, and the locals, they made stairs on the cliff on the way to the waterfall.
We were lucky to have Ate Nita as our guide because aside from being funny, she was also very friendly and caring to us. We were having fun talking all throughout our trek to the falls.
By the way, we needed to wear our safety helmets to protect our heads from the falling objects from the cliff and life jackets because there were some areas wherein we needed to swim in order for us to proceed.
The way up was really challenging for both of us. However, we were enjoying the view and the magnificent creations of God.
In the first part of the trek, we had to descend the stairs toward the bamboo bridge. Ate Nita told us that there are about 165 steps in going down the steep hill.
Bamboo Bridge
Then, we continued walking and passed by a beautiful swimming spot. We couldn't resist ourselves from jumping.
Look at the beautiful river and majestic rock formations. We were amazed by the beauty of the different kinds of plants along the way.
Twenty minutes have passed, we saw this huge cliff. My mind was already overthinking. What if there's flood in the place? How can we escape?
Now, here comes the difficult part of the trek. Rex jumped into the water so he could go through. Thanks to Ate Nita for bringing his crutches and for always guiding Rex.
Look how beautiful the place is in the picture! It looks like a swimming pool because of its blueish color.
The obstacle didn't stop there. There were still more to go. But still thankful because we were halfway to the waterfall.
At this part of the trek, we had to climb the stairs that Ate Nita was talking about. Look how narrow the way is. I was a bit worried of Rex. However, Rex was really determined and I didn't see him anxious upon seeing the hard way up.
I think this area here has the hardest way so far. We were so careful upon climbing the stairs.
The happiness on our faces can be seen upon seeing the Dao falls from this area. We were almost there!
AT LAST... WE ARRIVED!
Ate Nita congratulated us for successfully reaching Dao Falls. She told us that it was their first time to have like Rex who visited their waterfall.
Indeed, the trek was so amazing for us. It's true that the beauty comes after the hardest climb.
I am always proud of Rex for reaching Dao falls and experiencing eco park adventure. Nothing can really stop a person from doing the things that he loves.
We are also grateful to our guide Ate Nita for sharing her life stories with us and how her job helps her to support her family's daily needs. The trek was enjoyable because of her funny stories.
Above all, God created this wonderful place so we have to take care of our surroundings and be a responsible traveler.
THANK YOU FOR READING THIS POST!
Sabukidblog is a blog of a couple who lives in the countryside of Cebu, Philippines. They decided to create a place where they could inspire their readers by sharing their life experiences, food trips, and travel adventures. They will also be sharing their simple life in the rural area.
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