Cambugahay Falls
Page summary
Cambugahay Falls at a Glance
Cambugahay is the waterfall on every Siquijor postcard: three limestone tiers in Lazi, on the south coast, each spilling into a turquoise pool deep enough to swim in. The main pool has rope swings and bamboo rafts run by local operators.
Prices, fees and schedules in this guide were checked in October 2026. They change often, so use them as a guide and confirm with the operator or venue before you go.
It is on almost every island tour, which is both the appeal and the problem. Get there at opening and it is one of the best swims in the Visayas. Turn up at midday and you are sharing it with the tour vans.
Who Cambugahay Suits
Cambugahay is for swimmers, families with confident kids, and anyone who wants the classic Siquijor shot. There is no real hike, just a long staircase down from the road.
If you want a waterfall to yourself, go to Lugnason or Lagaan instead, or come here at 8am on a weekday. The steps and wet rocks are hard going for anyone unsteady on their feet.
How to Get to Cambugahay Falls
The falls are inland from Lazi town, a short way off the coast road and signposted from the junction. From San Juan it is about 30 minutes by scooter.
No scooter? A tricycle from San Juan with the driver waiting 30 to 60 minutes runs about ₱1,000 return. Or fold it into a full-day tricycle tour, usually ₱1,000 to ₱2,500 per vehicle depending on the driver and how many of you there are. Agree the price before you set off.
Photo: Lawrence Ruiz, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Park near the entrance, pay and sign the visitor book at the desk, then take the concrete steps down to the pools. Ferries and the departure fee are covered in the Siquijor travel guide.
Entrance Fee and Costs
Nothing here is expensive, but everything is charged separately and in cash. Bring small bills.
Entrance
About ₱50 per person. Older blogs still say ₱20, which is out of date.
Rope swings
₱20 per go, or ₱50 for unlimited swings. Different people run different swings, so you pay each one.
Bamboo rafts and life vests
A raft ride is about ₱100, though one guide quotes ₱50. Life vests are for rent, and worth it if you are not a strong swimmer.
Parking and extras
Parking is usually ₱10 to ₱20. Toilets, showers, changing rooms and tables can carry small extra charges. Local guides will offer to walk you round, and a tip is up to you.
Budget around ₱150 to ₱250 per person with a swing and a raft ride.
What to Expect at the Falls
The three tiers
Each of the three levels has its own pool, and you can wade between them across shallow limestone ledges. The main pool with the rope swings is the busiest. Climb to the upper tiers for smaller pools, where local families tend to gather.
Photo: Harry Fozzard, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Crowds
Tour vans from San Juan and Dumaguete start rolling in mid-morning. By late morning the main pool is crowded and there are queues at the swings.
Photo: Harry Fozzard, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Facilities
Around the pools you will find bamboo huts, tables and a few small stalls. Snacks and drinks, yes. A proper lunch, no.
Photo: Harry Fozzard, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Best Time to Visit Cambugahay
Be there for the 8am opening, ideally on a weekday. The falls close at 5pm. You get an hour or two of calm water before the first vans arrive, and that hour is the whole point.
The water is clearest in the dry season, roughly November to May. After heavy rain the pools turn murky and the flow gets stronger, and storms do not keep to a neat season, so check the forecast. Holy Week and long weekends are the busiest days of the year.
Safety and Practical Tips
Steps and rocks
The concrete steps and the limestone around the pools are slippery, and some rocks are sharp. Wear water shoes or sandals with real grip.
Swings and jumps
Ask the operator about depth before you swing or jump, and let go over the deepest part of the pool. After heavy rain, skip it.
What to bring
Small cash, a dry bag for your phone, water and a towel. Leave valuables where you are staying.
Leave no trace
Take your rubbish out with you, and skip sunscreen that leaves a film on the water.
Cambugahay Falls FAQ
How much is the Cambugahay Falls entrance fee?
About ₱50 per person. Swings, rafts, parking and facilities are paid separately.
What time does Cambugahay Falls open?
8am to 5pm. Arrive at opening to beat the tour groups.
How far is Cambugahay Falls from San Juan?
About 30 minutes by scooter or tricycle.
Can kids swim at Cambugahay?
Yes, with supervision. Rent a life vest for children and keep them off the swings unless they swim well.
Is Cambugahay Falls worth it?
Yes, if you time it right. Early on a weekday, it is the best waterfall swim on the island.
Explore Nearby
Back to the Siquijor travel guide. Nearby: Lazi for the church, convent and balete tree, Lugnason Falls for a quieter waterfall, and Salagdoong Beach further east.