Getting Lost and Finding Dayhag Falls

Rice Fields in Sitio Ylaya

Sister had fun. Mission accomplished.

The original plan was to visit Aguinid falls in Samboan but after talking to the caretaker in Escuela Catolica who said that they have a waterfall in Boljoon, we decided to visit Dayhag Falls instead. After asking for directions, we drove off to find Dayhag Falls. We kept on driving and after it seems like we're almost at the end of Boljoon, we asked for directions from one of the passersby. Big mistake. It seems like not everyone in Boljoon knows where Dayhag falls was and we've been given directions to Aguinid falls all along. When we've reached the end of Boljoon, we decided to ask for directions to the Boljoon public market instead (as the caretaker said the waterfall is near the public market). When we got to the public market, there were no signages that point to Dayhag falls so we asked around again. Luckily, one of the habal-habal drivers know where Dayhag falls was so we were finally on the right way. After 30 minutes of driving, we've finally reached Sitio Ylaya. 

The waterfall has five levels. Levels one to three have dipping pools where most kids stay and play in the water. Levels four and five is where the fun starts. Level four has calcium deposits that added to the beauty of the waterfall. It looked a bit like the top level of Aguinid falls and I understood why some people would mistake Dayhag falls for Aguinid. There were bats inside the crevices but nevertheless, we took a dip on the shallow water pool.  

Level five wasn't as picturesque  as level four but we had fun rappelling up and down the waterfall. It wasn't very high but it was a challenge for someone who last rappelled in 2014 and has a fear of drowning (aka me -.-).  I should really get over my fear of drowning one of these days.

Welcome to Dayhag Falls!

Level four of five.

Level five of five.

How to get there: From Boljoon public market, drive to the bridge. You will see a signage that says Palanas. Turn right and keep right whenever you see a fork in the road.  When lost, just ask for directions to Dayhag falls or Sitio Ylaya.

Entrance fees: None as of writing

24 Hours in Negros Oriental: Pulangbato Falls

Enjoying the scenic motorcycle ride on our way to Pulangbato Falls, we were suddenly surprised when smoke emanated from the rocky wall. Kuya Robert told us not to worry as this was normal and that we were passing by Mount Talinis (aka Cuernos de Negros), an active volcano(Yikes!). Holding on to hope that the volcano won't erupt soon, we went on. 

On the other side of the road, water was boiling and the rocks were reddish. The air smelled strongly of sulfur but still, we went on. After a few minutes, we reached Pulangbato waterfalls. It wasn't as high as Casaroro but the red rocks surrounding the falls made it unique. Compared to Casaroro, Pulangbato falls was more accessible. A five-minute walk from the road would take you to the waterfall. There was also a cold and hot spring near the waterfall and food stalls as well. 

As there were lots of people on the waterfall, we took a few photos and headed to the cold spring, resting and relaxing after a long day. Kuya recommended that we should try the hot spring too and we did. The water was warm and relaxing. I got to taste the water accidentally and it tasted like sulfur and rust (O_O). I wouldn't recommend swimming in white clothing as these would get stained (ruined one of my favorite shirts).

Everything was red with a tinge of green!

We went back to Dumaguete City before it got dark and Kuya was kind enough to take us to OK Pensionne House to recharge before strolling around the Baywalk.

Related: 24 Hours in Negros Oriental: Casaroro Falls
                24 Hours in Negros Oriental: Dumaguete City

24 Hours in Negros Oriental: Casaroro Falls

Damaged Footpath

Despite our tight schedules, we managed to visit Negros Oriental last weekend. We caught an early bus ride to Liloan, Santander and from there rode the ferry to Sibulan port. With no itinerary in mind yet, we headed to the Baywalk to have breakfast and plan how we'll spend our day. We wanted to visit Casaroro falls and since it was in Valencia, we took a jeepney to Valencia. From Valencia, we asked for directions how to get to the waterfall and luckily, we met kuya Robert, who offered to take us to the waterfall. After a fifteen-minute trip, we arrived at the ticketing booth and after paying the 10 Php entrance, we started our hike to the waterfall. Kuya Robert was kind enough to go with us  as he said the footpath was damaged when typhoon Seniang made landfall in 2014. After climbing on boulders and passing through streams, we finally reached the breathtaking Casaroro Falls. 

The 100 feet waterfall as a beautiful sight to look at. With the lush greenery surrounding the waterfall,the rocks at the water basin and the clear water, we understood why this natural beauty became one of the most photographed waterfall in Negros.

Because we got the place to ourselves + two other adventurers. <3

Not knowing where to go next, Kuya Robert suggested that we should visit another waterfall in Valencia, Pulangbato waterfall. Luckily, Kuya Robert was excited to show us the tourist sites Valencia has to offer so we hired his services for the entire day.

Related: 24 Hours in Negros Oriental: Pulangbato Falls

                24 Hours in Negros Oriental: Dumaguete City

That Waterfall in Samboan

When a door closes, somewhere there is another door leading to things undiscovered.

So, the original plan was to swim with the whale sharks in Tanaw-an, Oslob. However, after seeing the hoards of people waiting for their turn since 1 AM and the thought that the whale sharks are probably already worn out with the sudden influx of tourists, we decided to ditch Oslob and look for fun and adventure somewhere else.

I didn't know the name of the waterfall, all I know is that there is another waterfall in Samboan besides Aguinid and it is somewhere in Brgy. Bon-Bon. With the help of locals, we trekked to the waterfall (we found out later on that it's called Binalayan Falls but it's widely known as Bon-Bon falls). There isn't a definite pathway to the waterfall and the way up is a bit steep and slippery but as long as you keep your balance and wear non-slip footwear (Thank you, Havaianas!), then you're good to go.

After 20 minutes, a few slips and the occasional, "Are we there yet?" from my little brother, we finally reached our destination.

The waterfall isn't as high as Mantayupan or Kawasan Falls but the fact that it isn't commercialized yet and that we have the waterfall to ourselves is good enough for me. :)

The steep way up. It was actually harder going down. T.T

I can see it now...weeee!!!

How to get there: One can reach Samboan by public buses or by private vehicles. Travel time from Cebu to Samboan is 3-4 hours, depending on speed, traffic and the number of stopovers made.