Cambugahay Falls Photography: A Complete Masterclass

Cambugahay Falls isn’t just Siquijor’s most famous waterfall—it’s one of the most photogenic natural wonders in the Visayas. Three cascading tiers of turquoise water, framed by dense tropical foliage, with rope swings adding human drama to nature’s sculpture. For photographers, it’s a gift.

But like any well-known location, getting shots that rise above tourist snapshots requires technique, timing, and understanding what makes this waterfall unique. This guide covers everything from camera settings to composition strategies for creating waterfall images that stand out.

Understanding the Location

The Three Tiers

Cambugahay consists of three main pools connected by cascades:

First (Lowest) Tier: The most accessible and popular. This is where the main rope swing is located and where most visitors congregate.

Second Tier: Slightly less crowded, with its own smaller swing and a beautiful pool. Accessed by climbing past the first tier.

Third (Highest) Tier: The quietest, with the most dramatic waterfall. Fewer visitors make the climb.

For photography, each tier offers distinct opportunities:

• First tier: Action shots, swing photos, environmental portraits
• Second tier: Quieter compositions, more intimate scale
• Third tier: The most dramatic waterfall itself, nature focus

The Light Situation

The falls sit in a narrow valley surrounded by tall trees. This creates several lighting considerations:

Dappled Light: Midday sun creates harsh contrast between lit and shaded areas—challenging but not impossible.

Open Shade: The valley provides natural diffusion, especially on overcast days—ideal conditions.

Morning Light: Early morning light is soft and directional, but the valley blocks direct sunrise rays.

Mist Factor: Water spray creates mist that can catch light dramatically or cause lens flare problems.

Essential Gear

Camera Considerations

Any camera with manual controls works, but some features help:

• Weather sealing (mist is constant)
• High resolution (for cropping options)
• Good dynamic range (for handling contrast)
• Articulating screen (for low angle shots without lying in water)

Lens Selection

Wide Angle (16-35mm equivalent):

• Captures entire falls and context
• Creates sense of immersion
• Emphasizes foreground elements
• Best for environmental shots

Standard Zoom (24-70mm equivalent):

• Versatile for multiple compositions
• Good for swing action shots
• Allows tighter framing without lens changes
• The practical choice if bringing one lens

Telephoto (70-200mm):

• Compresses perspective
• Isolates details
• Captures swing action from safe distance
• Less essential but useful for variety

Filters

ND Filter (3-10 stops): Essential for long exposures in daylight. Without it, you can’t achieve silky water effects except in very low light.

Polarizing Filter: Reduces glare on water, cuts through reflections, enhances the turquoise color. Highly recommended.

Can You Stack Both? Yes, though vignetting may occur on wide angles. Test before committing to a shot.

Tripod

Non-negotiable for waterfall photography. Look for:

• Legs that can spread wide (for uneven ground)
• Low minimum height (for low perspectives)
• Stability (water adds motion blur at any shake)
• Waterproof materials (you’ll get wet)

Protection

• Waterproof camera bag or rain cover
• Multiple lens cloths (they’ll get wet)
• Silica gel packets (for humidity)
• Protective filter on lens

Camera Settings Guide

The Silky Water Look

Long exposures smooth moving water into dreamy silk:

Settings:

• ISO: 100 (lowest native)
• Aperture: f/8-f/11 (sharpest zone for most lenses)
• Shutter: 1-10 seconds (depending on water speed and desired effect)
• ND Filter: Required in daylight
• Focus: Manual, on primary subject
• White Balance: Shade or Cloudy (warms the scene)

The Formula:

1. Set ISO 100 and f/8
2. Meter the scene normally
3. Add ND filter stops to exposure calculation
4. Adjust shutter speed until exposure balances

Example: Without filter: 1/125s at f/8, ISO 100 With 6-stop ND: 0.5s at f/8, ISO 100 With 10-stop ND: 8s at f/8, ISO 100

Freezing Motion

For capturing sharp swing action and water droplets:

Settings:

• ISO: 400-800 (higher in shade)
• Aperture: f/4-f/5.6 (for faster shutter)
• Shutter: 1/500s minimum (1/1000s+ for sharp droplets)
• Focus: Continuous AF or pre-focused manually
• Drive Mode: Continuous high-speed

Tips:

• Track the swinger through the arc
• Anticipate the peak moment (arms spread, height of swing)
• Take many frames—delete later

Balanced Approach

For natural-looking water with some blur but frozen spray:

Settings:

• ISO: 100-200
• Aperture: f/5.6-f/8
• Shutter: 1/15s-1/60s
• Tripod: Recommended but handheld possible

This creates water that shows movement without the over-processed silky look.

Composition Strategies

First Tier Compositions

The Iconic Swing Shot:

• Position at water level or slightly above
• Swinger at peak height
• Falls as backdrop
• Include water reflection if calm

Environmental Portrait:

• Subject standing in water, looking at falls
• Wide angle to include full setting
• Subject smaller in frame emphasizes nature’s scale

Detail Shots:

• Rope swing when empty (waiting, anticipating)
• Water patterns in pool
• Roots and rocks as texture studies

Second Tier Compositions

Intimate Cascade:

• Move closer to the cascade between first and second tier
• Focus on water patterns and form
• Less about the grand view, more about water dynamics

The Empty Pool:

• If you arrive early, the second tier is often empty
• Mirror-like reflections possible
• More private, personal compositions

Third Tier Compositions

The Dramatic Falls:

• Highest drop, most visual impact
• Shoot from below looking up
• Long exposure transforms cascade into curtain

Rainforest Context:

• Pull back to include surrounding jungle
• Falls as element within larger ecosystem
• Works best in vertical orientation

Universal Composition Elements

Leading Lines:

• Fallen logs guide eye to falls
• Water flow creates natural direction
• Rocks can form foreground pathways

Foreground Interest:

• Mossy rocks
• Leaves floating in pools
• Roots reaching into water

Natural Framing:

• Overhanging branches
• Rock formations
• Light breaking through canopy

Timing and Crowds

The Crowd Problem

Cambugahay is popular. By mid-morning, expect 50+ visitors across all tiers. This creates challenges:

• People in every shot
• Long waits for swing turns
• Noise affecting concentration
• Less room to maneuver

Solutions

Arrive at Opening (6-7 AM):

• First 30-60 minutes are magical
• Often have the falls to yourself
• Soft morning light
• Worth the early wake-up

Weekday Advantage:

• Monday-Thursday noticeably quieter
• Skip weekend mornings entirely if possible

Work with People:

• Use long exposures where moving people blur or disappear
• Include people intentionally as subjects
• Focus on details that don’t include crowds

Explore All Tiers:

• First tier has most people
• Second and third are progressively quieter
• The hike up filters out casual visitors

Post-Processing Tips

Color Enhancement

The turquoise water color is real but may need encouragement:

• Increase vibrance slightly
• HSL adjustment to boost aqua/cyan
• Don’t oversaturate—the color should look natural
• White balance can shift toward cooler if too warm

Exposure Blending

High contrast scenes may need:

• HDR processing of brackets
• Luminosity masking for selective adjustment
• Shadow recovery without losing highlights

Sharpening Strategy

• Sharpen water edges, not the silky center
• Use masking to avoid noise amplification
• Long exposure noise reduction in camera or post

The Export

For social media:

• Slightly more contrast than print
• Consider the thumbnail appearance
• Add sharpening for screen display

Beyond Technical: The Artistic Approach

Tell a Story

What draws you to this place? What feeling do you want to convey?

• Wonder at nature’s creation
• Joy of the swing experience
• Tranquility of the pool
• Adventure in the climb

Let this guide your composition choices.

Embrace Imperfection

Not every shot needs to be perfect:

• Motion blur can convey energy
• Mist can add atmosphere
• People add life and scale
• Weather creates mood

Create a Series

Rather than hunting one “hero shot,” build a set:

• Wide establishing shot
• Medium environmental shot
• Close detail shots
• Action/human element
• Mood/atmosphere shot

Together, these tell the complete story of Cambugahay.

Practical Visit Tips

Getting There

From San Juan: 20-25 minute motorbike ride. Follow signs to Lazi, then signs to Cambugahay.

Parking: ₱20-30, informal lot near entrance.

The Walk: 100+ steps down to the falls. The return climb is warming.

What to Bring

• Camera gear in waterproof bag
• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Water and snacks
• Cash for entrance and parking
• Dry bag for phone/valuables

Entrance Fee

₱100 entrance fee, plus ₱50 for unlimited rope swing access (worth it for action shots). Parking is ₱20-30. Life vests available for swimmers who need them.

Etiquette

• Don’t block paths for extended shoots
• Share swing time fairly
• Pack out all trash
• Respect local guides offering services
• No loud equipment (generators, etc.)

Sample Photography Schedule

5:30 AM: Leave accommodation 6:00 AM: Arrive, descend to falls 6:15 AM: Set up at first tier, shoot empty falls 6:30 AM: First visitors arrive—capture with people 7:15 AM: Climb to third tier for dramatic falls 8:00 AM: Return to second tier for intimate shots 8:30 AM: Detail shots and final compositions 9:00 AM: Crowds significant—consider departing 9:30 AM: Exit, review images over breakfast

The Payoff

Cambugahay Falls offers something increasingly rare: a genuinely photogenic natural location that hasn’t been completely overrun. With planning, technique, and patience, you can create images that capture why this waterfall stops travelers in their tracks.

The turquoise water, the dramatic rope swing, the jungle frame—it’s all waiting for your lens. The only question is whether you’ll be there when the light and moment align.

Set your alarm. Make the descent. Embrace the mist.

Find more Siquijor photography inspiration with our guide to Instagram-worthy spots or plan your adventure day around cliff jumping at Salagdoong.