The island of Cebu is an absolute gold mine when it comes to waterfalls, and Binalayan Falls (also known as Binalayan Hidden Falls) is one of many incredible waterfalls in Southern Cebu you need to add to your itinerary. Binalayan Falls is a super easy to access two-level waterfall, and an absolute paradise for cliff jumpers and adventure seekers.
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE PHILIPPINES
GETTING THERE & ENTRANCE FEE AT BINALAYAN FALLS
Don’t let its name deceive you, Binalayan Falls is the furthest thing from hidden. Located in the little town of Samboan on the south west side of Cebu island, Binalayan Falls can be easily found on Google Maps and is clearly signposted on the highway.
The sign on the highway leads you directly to the parking area of Binalayan Falls, just a few metres back from the roadside. Definitely not so hidden! The entrance fee is $1.25 USD (60 php) for foreigners and $0.83 (40 php) for locals, which includes a guide. There’s also a $0.20 (10 php) parking fee and an optional tip for your guide.
WHAT TO BRING TO BINALAYAN HIDDEN FALLS
Prepare for your trip to Binalayan Falls with our must have travel essentials.
Waterproof backpack & phone case: Earth Pak 35L or 55L Heavy Duty Backpack, IPX8 Waterproof Phone Case Included (click for price)
Quick dry microfiber travel towel: Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Travel Towel (click for price)
Action camera: GoPro HERO9 Black (click for price)
GoPro dome: TELESIN Dome Port Lens for GoPro Hero 9 (click for price)
Drone: DJI Mavic 2 Pro (click for price)
HIKING TO BINALAYAN FALLS CEBU
The whole hike including stopping for photos and videos only took around 20 minutes. It’s a really easy trek on mostly flat ground, amongst coconut trees and tropical rainforest.
There’s a few shallow river crossings and bridges, so it’s best to wear hiking sandals or flip flops to avoid soaked shoes. None of it is all that physically demanding though.
ARRIVING AT BINALAYAN FALLS
The first swimming area of Binalayan Falls is a small but picturesque pool with a tyre swing for a bit of fun and photo taking. We stopped here for a few minutes before moving on to the first level of Binalayan Falls.
This small but wide waterfall is a great spot for a swim, as it’s been dammed off to create a 5ft pool at the base of the waterfall.
After a few more photos, we took the stairs on the right side to reach the second level of Binalayan Falls – and the main attraction. The steps can be a little slippery at times, so take it easy and hold onto the railing.
We rounded one last corner where there was another staircase and a small waterfall. Just beyond this is the main Binalayan Falls.
Three separate streams cascade into the turquoise pool below from a height of around 50ft. There are a few caves in the rock face which you can even climb up to and sit in.
The pool at the bottom of the falls is large with plenty of room for swimming, with an edge a bit like an infinity pool. It makes for some very pretty pictures!
CLIFF JUMPING AT BINALAYAN FALLS
The max depth of the pool is only around 7ft, but this didn’t stop Carson, Neil (our guide) and some local children from jumping off from various heights. We don’t recommend it unless you’re an experienced cliff diver who knows when to tuck their legs, otherwise you run the risk of seriously injuring yourself upon landing.
The local kids treat Binalayan Falls like their own playground, climbing the rock face at rapid speeds and jumping from insane heights without fear. One of the older boys even jumped from the very top of the waterfall.
If you’re not so inclined to jump from great heights but you still want to join in on the fun, you can jump from the shorter platform on the left which is what Zowie did. It’s only around 10ft high, but even then she still had to tuck her legs and touched the bottom regardless.
CONTINUE THE ADVENTURE AT BALAYGSAWA FALLS
We spent a good two hours at Binalayan Falls having an absolute party of a time, and still had heaps of daylight left to hit up Balaygsawa Falls nearby. This is a relatively “new” waterfall attraction in Samboan but will no doubt be a huge hit with tourists after the pandemic. You can actually hike two hours from Binalayan to Balaygsawa, or take the lazy route like us and drive there. Read our complete guide to Balaygsawa Falls here.
READ: 23 BEST WATERFALLS IN CEBU
READ: 28 BEST TOURIST SPOTS IN CEBU
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WHERE TO STAY IN SOUTH CEBU
Southern Cebu is where all the adventure is at, from waterfalls and whale sharks to island hopping and diving. When visiting anywhere in the south, the best place to stay is Moalboal. It has the most accommodation options, and is a fun little town with dozens of cafes, restaurants and bars. Check out our top four picks below for where to stay in Moalboal.
BUDGET/HOSTEL: CHIEF MAU
Right on the main strip of Panagsama Road you’ll find Chief Mau, a fun and social hostel that dubs itself the chillest place in town. Clean, modern and affordable, boasting a restaurant, bar and billiards, Chief Mau is a favourite amongst backpackers
MIDSCALE: ADAM’S VIEW HOTEL
Simple but with all the amenities and facilities you need – including a massive pool – Adam’s View Hotel is our top pick for those looking for a little more luxury than a backpackers. Located in the main town, Adam’s View Hotel is right next to Gaisano Mall, but still close enough to the action of Panagsama Beach to remain convenient.
LUXURY: TURTLE BAY DIVE RESORT
If you have deep pockets and an appreciation for the finer things in life, Turtle Bay Dive Resort is the place for you. Tucked away on a private cove in the quieter part of town, this luxury resort is perfect for couples looking for a little exclusivity.
AIRBNB: LRS APARTMENT
We can personally attest to how great LRS Apartment is, having spent two weeks there. Aside from a beautiful private pool, the apartment itself is modern, well furnished and spacious enough for a couple. (And a cat!) It’s just a 5 minute drive from the hustle and bustle of the restaurants and bars along Panagsama Road, but far enough away to offer a little peace and quiet. We can’t recommend LRS Moalboal enough!
SEARCH ALL HOTELS & RESORTS IN MOALBOAL
MORE CEBU TRAVEL GUIDES
Bojo River Cruise Aloguinsan
Kawasan Falls Canyoneering
Montpellier Falls Alegria
Cancalanog Falls Alegria
Binalayan Falls Samboan
Balaygsawa Falls Samboan
Sumilon Island Oslob
Oslob Whale Shark Experience
Pescador Island Moalboal
Sardine Run Moalboal
Turtle Bay Moalboal
