Kulture Kaiwa

Explore 5 different levels of thrills, adventure and serenity at this underrated Cebu waterfall. Follow my guide on how to get to Inambakan Falls and what to do when you get there!

These falls in Cebu are ideal for the mid-level adventurer, y’know, the ones who don’t just want to float idly in the water for hours but also aren’t keen on any injury-risking activity. With 5 levels to explore and an incredibly hospitable tour guide, you’re sure to have the perfectly balanced day of adventure and serenity here.

Getting to Inambakan Falls

Based in Ginatilan, these falls are very easy to get to. We drove from our base in Moalboal but you can also stay in other nearby locations like Oslob for an easy journey in. The road to Inambakan Falls is well maintained, though there are some steep climbs and dips along the way. This made for some pretty scenic views over the mountains but also required our jam-packed van of 10 to switch off the aircon to avoid any back-rolling down the hills (I’ll admit I was doubtful we’d get outta there but our driver was full of confidence). If you’re on a scooter, habal habal, or using a regular car you’ll make it no problems.

Services and fees at Inambakan Falls

Inambakan Falls consists of five different levels that are all relatively easy to get to on foot, though it does get more difficult the further up you go. When you reach the entrance you’ll have to pay a small entry fee (around 50PHP/$1.30AUD per person) and 10-30PHP for parking. There are life-vests available for those who aren’t confident swimmers, though many of the areas can be enjoyed in the shallows. You also have the option of hiring a guide, which runs on a pay-as-you-feel system. I highly recommend getting yourself a guide for three reasons – 1. The ease of being shown where to step when you’re climbing or where to jump if you’re plunging into the water – 2. It’s a great way to contribute to the tourism of the area and support the locals and – 3. The added entertainment factor.

Our guide was 21yo Dave (he wouldn’t reveal his true name, I’m sure he works under many aliases) and he’s been working as a tour guide at the falls since he was 16, making his wages from keen tourists visiting the site each year. We were also accompanied by a second (and free of charge) guide; a friendly local dog who was keen on a dip in the pools.

Exploring Inambakan Falls: lower levels

The first section is a simple descent down a few sets of steps to reveal the most boisterous waterfall at the site. This level alone is reason enough to visit Inambakan, with a violent stream of water bucketing down into the vibrant blue pool below. Our visit was during the rainy season so there was plenty of water gushing down, even splitting into two streams over the cliffs edge above. You can climb aboard a large boulder situated directly under the falls if you wish to feel the pelting on your head and shoulders, or simply enjoy a nice dip in the cool water and revel in nature’s beauty.

Another reason to opt for a guide – they’ll go above and beyond to create the best photos that capture your experience for you. With witty tactics for humorous visual illusions and knowledge of all the best angles and posing locations, you’ll be sure to leave with a unique collection of memories to share with friends back home.

The next level was a bit of a climb but it’s mostly sturdy steps so pretty low difficulty in terms of climbing, but it’ll certainly get your heart pumping. The lush pool overlooking level one below is a pretty neat reward for your efforts and is the perfect spot for a photo shoot. Dave happily swam from position to position holding my brother’s phone above water as his own head bobbled below the surface. He was truly committed to getting us the best snaps possible and helped us climb up difficult areas for front-cover worthy photo ops.

Exploring Inambakan Falls: upper levels

Moving on to the upper levels it was mesmerizing watching Dave glide across the jungle floor with a natural ease while the rest of us stepped over stones and branches with utmost caution. It’s at these levels where the real fun begins and you can clamber up the overhanging rocks to launch yourself back into the crystalline water of the falls. Dave was flying from all directions with the nimble confidence of a professional diver. Watching him have his fun really hyped up the group energy and gave us the confidence to jump off ourselves.

Level 3 has the more tame, low-level heights for jumping, while level 5 is better suited for the more daring. It’s a bit of a scramble to get up to this level, especially if your shoes don’t have the best grip, but your guide will always go ahead and offer you a hand to grab when you need it. The scenery in this location is stunning – a picturesque private pool with an overarching cliff creating a small cave-like structure for you to swim in and around at your leisure. Really take a moment here to soak up the atmosphere and let the water seep every ounce of stress from you. Alternatively, take a different tactic and fulfill your adrenaline-seeking spirit by hurling yourself off the top of the cliff to really get your blood flowing.

Although it’s a perfectly safe drop, with your guide diving in first to show you exactly where to land yourself and giving tips to make you feel comfortable, the view of the vantage point alone was enough to make my stomach gurgle. A good half of our group had a great time facing their fears while the rest of us comfortably enjoyed the show. I wish I could say I was among the brave, but the capricious nature of my bathing suit was enough to keep me at bay. Word of advice for the ladies out there: if you’re keen to engage in any cliff jumping be sure to choose a secure set of swimmers to avoid shocking your company by emerging from the water in your birthday suit.

Reasons to visit Inambakan Falls

Unlike some of the more popular falls in the area, like Kawasan Falls, Inambakan usually has only a few groups passing through each day. We passed only two other groups on our way back to the car, which meant we practically had the place to ourselves and could take our time relaxing and splashing about.

Our visit to Inambakan Falls has been one of my favourite experiences in the Philippines so far. Climbing through the jungle, soaking in crystalline blue waters, and jumping off vine covered cliffs led by our charismatic guide, it’s truly a special place. If you’re travelling in Cebu and looking for a more secluded waterfall to escape the humidity, then I highly recommend adding Inambakan Falls to your itinerary.

After a more chill waterfall experience? Check out Tumalog Falls: The most beautiful waterfall in the Philippines