Cambais Falls is one of the island’s most underrated waterfalls– find out how to get here, what to expect, and more!
This multi-leveled, aqua-blue waterfall and swimming spot is located in Alegria, Cebu, which is close to popular tourist hubs such as Oslob or Moalboal. This is a great alternative to the much more popular Kawasan Falls, which has equally blue water, a deep pool for swimming, and even a cliff jump!
How to Get to Cambais Falls
By far the best way to get to Cambais Falls is by motorbike. It will take roughly an hour from Moalboal to reach the waterfall. There isn't much signage indicating the way to the waterfall trail, so it's best to follow Google Maps.
It's a very scenic drive along the coast, passing canyoneering companies and the popular Kawasan Falls on the way. Once the maps direct you inland, it's an even more scenic drive up through the valley, past small villages, and into the jungle.
The pin below is the starting point, it's on the same winding mountain road leading to Inghoy National High School. Once you arrive at the horseshoe bend in the road below, you can park your bike next to a small bridge with overhanging trees. There is a small, weathered sign pointing to the trail that heads toward the waterfall where you'll begin the hike.
Google Maps Pin: "9°44'54.5"N 123°23'20.8"E"
Tip: If you don't have your own motorbike, you can also hire a Habal-Habal from Alegria (look for one in the town center). It will only take about 20 minutes or so to reach the falls. Expect to pay around 200 PHP.
Hike to Cambais Falls
After you've parked your bike, follow the small trail behind you. This trail cuts through some local banana farms and into the jungle. It isn't very difficult at all to follow and only taks about 15 minutes until you reach the official "Visitor Information Center"– which is essentially just a bamboo ticket office set up by locals.
Opening Hours: 7 am to 5 pm Mon-Fri
The entry cost is 50 pesos per person, which is very reasonable. The management also takes very good care to clean the area as there was little rubbish to be found at all.
My Experience at Cambais Falls & What to Expect
I rate this waterfall as one of the best in Cebu if you're looking to relax and beat the crowds. Both times I've been here there have only been some local kids swimming and jumping off the lower levels.
However, I have heard reports that the waterfall is no longer as "beautiful" as it once was after the typhoons at Christmas a few years back. When you visit, please let me know in the comments to help out other travelers.
Waterfall Level One
Cambais Falls has two main levels. The first is a large, deep turquoise swimming hole. There is also a tall waterfall off to the left and a more powerful, lower fall right next to it.
The swimming hole is quite deep on all sides. Just be mindful of any submerged rocks if jumping.
Level Two
You can climb with the fixed ropes on the right side of the waterfall to reach the top of the first level. After that, keep going up and you will see a bamboo staircase leading up to level two.
Due to the thick vegetation, level two has less light shining through. This is great for hotter days cooling off out of the sun. You can also swim at this level, but there aren't any cliff jumping spots.
Cliff Jumping at Cambais Falls
The first time that I visited Cambais Falls, I was shown the cliff-jumping spots by a local canyoneering team. When looking at the waterfall from the ticketing office, you will see the large trickling waterfall on the left. Here there is a fixed rope for climbing to the top of the limestone wall.
The halfway mark is clear with what looks almost like a small cut-out from the limestone. When jumping from here, take care to go straight out to avoid hitting the side. This jump is approximately 6 metres.
For those with more game, you can climb to the very top of this waterfall to tackle the big jump, which is almost 10 meters tall.
Is Cambais Falls Worth the Trip?
If you're looking for a beautiful waterfall paradise that you can have all to yourself, then of course. Personally, i think it's one of the best little waterfalls in Cebu.
There are plenty of small caves to explore, cliff-jumping spots, and deep swimming holes. The water in Cebu really is some of the bluest in the world. Cambais Falls is an epic jungle oasis definitely not to be missed.
Where to Stay to Visit Cambais Falls
The best place to stay is in Moalboal as it's close to all of the best things to do and all the epic attractions you'll want to add to your Cebu itinerary. However, if you're planning to travel around the island, then I'd also recommend staying at:
- Cebu City/Mactan
- Oslob
- Malapascua
- Sumilon Island
Here are my 4 top picks for hostels, resorts, and hotels in Cebu for each budget.
1. Ancelle Cristo Re Moalboal
Top-rated luxury resort situated on a private beach near Moalboal where you can snorkel with sea turtles. This hotel is run by three amazing sisters who use their proceeds to support a local orphanage.
2. Bai Hotel Mid-Range
Mid-budget resort in Cebu City with large rooms, daily buffet breakfast, and rooftop swimming pool. Located close to the Cebu International Airport.
3. Chief Mau Hostel
A great hostel with a relaxed backpacker vibe in the heart of Moalboal. Large rooms, an onsite bar, and tours can be booked straight from the front desk.
4. Sumilon Bluewater Island
Stay on a pristine private island with a beautiful white sandbar and crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkeling.
I hope that you've enjoyed this quick travel guide to visiting Cambais Falls in Alegria, Cebu. While you're here, make sure to check out some of my other blog posts for more adventure inspiration on the island.
- Siargao Travel Guide - discover the epic island of Siargao and why there are so many more things to do than just surfing
- Cebu Island Travel Guide - my ultimate adventure travel guide to Cebu
- Siquijor Island Guide - off-beat adventures in Siquijor
- Kawasan Falls - how to visit the Philippines' most famous waterfall
- 10 Best Islands in the Philippines - a roundup of my 10 favorite islands to travel to in the Philippines
- Accommodation Guides: Plan where to stay in Siargao and find great hotels in Cebu