Cambugahay Falls and its turquoise pools

Three tiers of turquoise water stepping down through the forest near Lazi, with rope swings, bamboo rafts and the best swim on Siquijor.

Area

Siquijor

Start from

San Juan or Lazi

Distance

about 20 km from San Juan

Time needed

half a day

Best season

All year; fuller after rains, clearest in the dry season

Difficulty

Easy

Transport

Scooter or tricycle; short walk down steps

Tickets & rules

Entrance or environmental fee; small fee for rope swings or rafts

Why go

Cambugahay is the picture people have in mind when they think of Siquijor: milky blue water spilling over limestone ledges into a chain of pools in the forest. You walk down a flight of concrete steps through the trees, hear the falls before you see them, and then the colour hits you.

There are three main levels, each with its own pool. Rope swings hang from the trees above the deepest one, and local guides help you launch yourself into the water, shouting encouragement and counting down. Upstream there are quieter pools and a bamboo raft that a guide can pull you across on.

It gets busy by late morning, but early in the day you can float in the top pool with only the sound of water and the occasional splash.

The story

The falls are fed by springs and streams that flow from the hills above Lazi. The water picks up calcium carbonate from the limestone, which gives it that milky turquoise colour and builds up the rocky terraces over time.

Cambugahay is managed by the local community, and the young men who help visitors on the rope swings are often from nearby villages. Fees go towards maintenance and local livelihoods.

For generations locals used the falls for bathing and laundry, and children grew up swimming in the pools. Some older people tell of spirits that live in the forest, and of the importance of asking permission, under your breath, before entering the water.

The falls are near the old town of Lazi, with its huge convent and church, and the ancient balete tree, so it is easy to combine them in one trip.

Getting there

Cambugahay is inland from Lazi, a short ride from the main coastal road. From San Juan, it takes about 30–40 minutes by scooter. Tricycles also run there.

From the parking area, roughly 130 to 140 steps lead down to the falls; it is steep but short, and the climb back up in the midday heat is the hardest part of the visit.

A suggested plan

1. 8:00Leave early to beat the crowds.
2. 8:45Walk down to the falls; swim in the top pool first.
3. 9:45Try the rope swing with a local guide if you like.
4. 11:00Walk up and continue to the balete tree and Lazi convent.
5. 12:30Lunch in Lazi.

Where to stay

San Juan or Lazi. Lazi is quieter, with a few simple places to stay close to the falls.

Good to know

• Go early; by midday tour groups arrive.
• Wear water shoes; the limestone is slippery.
• Bring a dry bag for your phone.