Hidden Swimming Holes of Siquijor: Beyond Cambugahay Falls

Cambugahay Falls is famous for a reason—turquoise water, vine swings, multiple tiers of beauty. It’s also famous for crowds: tour groups cycling through, Instagram queues, that feeling of swimming in a postcard that everyone else is also trying to photograph.

But here’s what most visitors don’t realize: Siquijor has dozens of other swimming holes. Some are waterfalls that rival Cambugahay with a fraction of the visitors. Others are secret pools known only to locals. Finding them requires effort. That’s exactly the point.

Why Seek Hidden Spots?

The Cambugahay Reality

Don’t get us wrong—Cambugahay is beautiful. But:

• Tour buses arrive throughout the day
• The rope swing has a queue
• Selfie sticks everywhere
• Hard to find a quiet moment
• More theme park than nature experience

The Alternative

Hidden swimming holes offer:

• Pools to yourself (or nearly)
• Jungle silence broken only by water
• The satisfaction of discovery
• Photos without strangers in frame
• Stories worth telling

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The Hidden Swimming Holes

Lugnason Falls (Zodiac Falls) — The Best Alternative

If you only visit one alternative to Cambugahay, make it Lugnason.

Why It’s Special:

• The island’s highest rope swing (9 meters)
• Brilliant blue-green water—locals call it “Gatorade falls”
• Access to 12 additional waterfalls with guide
• A fraction of Cambugahay’s crowds

The Experience:

1. 15-minute forest walk from parking
2. Main falls with deep swimming pool
3. Rope swing and rock jumping options
4. Optional 2-3 hour tour to 12 hidden falls

Difficulty: Moderate Best For: Rope swing enthusiasts, adventure seekers, photographers

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Lagaan Falls — The Beautiful Alternative

Lagaan delivers the multi-tier waterfall experience with far fewer people.

Why It’s Special:

• Multiple swimming levels connected by trails
• Small caves to explore while swimming
• Several rope swings at different heights
• Dense rainforest setting
• Upper pools with natural jacuzzi effect

The Experience:

1. 15-minute jungle trail to the falls
2. Explore caves at water level
3. Follow trail upstream for additional pools
4. Natural rock slide sections
5. Upper falls require climbing but reward with solitude

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Best For: Cave enthusiasts, families with older kids, photographers

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Remote Interior Falls

Beyond the semi-accessible falls, Siquijor’s interior hides waterfalls that few tourists ever see.

What Makes Them Special:

• Almost no tourists ever visit
• Requires local knowledge to find
• Pristine, untouched feeling
• Genuine adventure experience

How to Find Them:

• Must arrange local guide through accommodation
• Ask at stores in interior villages
• Inquire with longtime residents
• The search is part of the adventure

Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging Best For: Adventure purists, those avoiding all crowds

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Pisan Falls — The Maria Option

Located in the less-visited Maria municipality.

Why It’s Special:

• Very few visitors
• Local swimming spot
• Off standard tourist routes
• Easier to find than truly remote falls

The Experience:

• Ask locally for directions in Maria
• May encounter local families swimming
• Simple, authentic experience
• Combine with exploring Maria area

Difficulty: Moderate Best For: Those exploring Maria, wanting local atmosphere

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Locong Falls — The Quiet One

Location: Lazi municipality interior

Why It’s Special:

• Smaller but scenic
• Extremely quiet
• Near other Lazi attractions
• Quick detour worthy

The Experience:

• Short hike from the road
• Modest falls with refreshing pool
• Likely to be alone
• Combine with Lazi Church visit

Difficulty: Easy Best For: Quick dip, Lazi area exploration

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Cold Springs & Natural Pools

Not all swimming holes have waterfalls.

Tubod Cold Springs

• Near Tubod Marine Sanctuary
• Crystal clear freshwater
• Local hangout spot
• Genuinely cold—refreshing on hot days

River Pools Along Interior Trails

• Found throughout the interior
• Natural swimming spots in streams
• Ask locals for their favorites
• Often used by village kids

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Planning Your Hidden Pool Adventure

Option 1: The Semi-Hidden Day

Focus on Lugnason and Lagaan—easier to find, far less crowded than Cambugahay.

Time	Activity
8:00 AM	Lugnason Falls + 12-waterfall tour (3 hours)
11:30 AM	Light lunch in San Juan
1:00 PM	Drive to Lazi area
1:30 PM	Lagaan Falls exploration (2 hours)
4:00 PM	Return via coastal road

Option 2: The True Hidden Gems

Requires advance planning and local connections.

Preparation:

1. Arrive in Siquijor the day before
2. Ask accommodation owner about interior guides
3. Arrange guide for remote falls
4. Pack full-day supplies
5. Start at dawn

What to Expect:

• Full day adventure
• Significant jungle hiking
• Possibly taking wrong turns (part of it)
• Unforgettable memories
• Stories others won’t have

Option 3: The River Exploration

Rent a motorbike, explore interior roads, stop at every swimming spot you find.

Tips:

• Take roads toward Mt. Bandilaan
• Follow streams and rivers
• Stop when you see parked bikes near water
• Ask anyone you meet—“May waterfalls ba dito?” (Are there waterfalls here?)

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Comparing Swimming Spots

Location	Crowds	Difficulty	Scenery	Accessibility
Cambugahay	High	Easy	Excellent	Very Easy
Lugnason	Low	Moderate	Excellent	Easy
Lagaan	Low	Easy-Mod	Excellent	Easy
Remote Interior	None	Challenging	Pristine	Hard
Pisan	Very Low	Moderate	Good	Moderate
Locong	Very Low	Easy	Good	Easy

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Safety for Hidden Spots

General Rules

• Never swim alone in remote areas
• Check depth before any jump—always
• Watch for slippery rocks—they’re everywhere
• Know your fitness limits—be honest
• Bring more water than you think you need

Rainy Season Considerations

• Flash floods are real dangers
• Water levels change in hours
• Some spots become inaccessible
• Trails get dangerously slippery
• Check conditions before heading out

If Something Goes Wrong

• Phone signal is unreliable in the interior
• Mark your location before hiking in (screenshot maps)
• Tell someone your plans before leaving
• Carry basic first aid
• Know the nearest village direction

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What to Bring

Essentials

Item	Why
Water shoes or sturdy sandals	Slippery rocks everywhere
2L+ water	No stores in the jungle
Dry bag	Protect phone, wallet, camera
Quick-dry towel	You’ll use it multiple times
Swimwear	Obviously
Snacks	Energy for hiking between pools
Insect repellent	Mosquitoes love shady pools
Cash	Guide tips, small fees

Nice to Have

• GoPro or waterproof camera
• Extra change of clothes for after
• Small first aid kit
• Flashlight (for cave exploration)
• Waterproof phone pouch

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Etiquette at Hidden Spots

Leave No Trace

• Pack out ALL trash—including what others left
• Don’t disturb wildlife
• Stay on trails where marked
• Respect plants and trees

Community Respect

Remember these are local swimming spots:

• Greet locals warmly (“Maayong buntag” — good morning)
• Ask permission if swimming near homes
• Pay fair guide compensation
• Don’t be the tourist who ruins it for future visitors

Photography

• Ask before photographing locals, especially kids
• Share the pools with others—don’t monopolize
• Don’t spend an hour posing while others wait
• Consider others’ experience, not just your content

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A Perfect Hidden Pool Day

You left San Juan at 7:30, following a hand-drawn map to Lugnason Falls. The parking area was empty—just your motorbike. The forest trail was cool and quiet, birds calling overhead.

The first pool appeared through the leaves—impossibly blue, like someone poured sports drink into a jungle crater. You had the rope swing to yourself. Three jumps, each braver than the last. Then a teenager appeared—local kid who offered to show you “the other falls.”

Two hours later, you’d climbed through narrow rock passages, swam through partially submerged caves, discovered pools no Instagram tourist would ever see. Richard, your guide, knew every handhold. You tipped him PHP 500 and it felt like robbery—you’d pay ten times that for this experience elsewhere.

Afternoon at Lagaan Falls. A Filipino family was leaving as you arrived. Then silence. Just water and wind and birdsong. You floated in the pool, watching clouds through the jungle canopy, and understood what “hidden gem” actually means.

This is why you travel. Not the famous spots, but the secret ones. Not the crowds, but the emptiness. Not the photo, but the moment.

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Final Thoughts

Siquijor has hundreds of pools, streams, and waterfalls no tourist has ever swum in. The island rewards those who seek beyond the obvious, who are willing to get a little lost, who understand that the best experiences aren’t the easiest to find.

Cambugahay is beautiful. Go see it. But then go find something that doesn’t have a Wikipedia page, something that requires asking a local and following vague directions, something you’ll struggle to find again even if you tried.

That’s where the real Siquijor swimming happens. In the quiet places. The hidden ones. The ones you have to earn.

Now go get wet.

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For the famous waterfall experience, see our Cambugahay Falls photography guide. For more interior adventure, explore our mountain tour guide and Cantabon Cave spelunking guide.