Suicide Adventure in Budlaan River to Kabang Falls

Out of boredom, my good friend Karl and I decided to try something new this summer – trekking! I’ve already done Osmeña Peak, Kawasan Falls, and Danasan, so we wanted to try something different. After reading blogs about Kabang Falls and hearing how challenging the trail could be, we were even more excited as first-timers. Little did we know, this adventure would become one of our most memorable, and borderline suicidal, experiences.

Budlaan, located in Talamban, Cebu City, is just an hour away from the city. It’s also the starting point for most hikers heading to Sirao Peak. For us, though, the main goal was simple: visit Kabang Falls, no special equipment needed. So after our Saturday shift, tired, sleepless, and barely rested, we headed straight to Talamban for our adventure.

How to Get There?

From Cebu City, take a jeep to Talamban for just 8 pesos. Get off at Sunny Hills Subdivision, then ride a habal-habal motorcycle for 25 pesos. Tell the driver to drop you at the starting point for Budlaan River/Kabang Falls. Once you arrive, start walking immediately and don’t waste time!

We didn’t hire a guide because locals claimed the trail was easy to follow using signs on the mango trees… don’t trust them. LOL.

On the way to the river, you’ll see lots of beautiful plants and flowers.. just take a moment to enjoy them (don’t mind our goofy faces).

The trail may not look steep in photos, but it will test your willpower. Pro tip: wear long pants or leggings. Thorny plants will scratch you mercilessly, and trust me, you’ll curse them the entire way if you’re wearing shorts.

It took about an hour to reach Budlaan River and the first set of big boulders. They don’t look that big in photos, but in reality, you’ll need all your strength to climb them. During summer, the river is shallow, so don’t expect a roaring waterfall.

At one point, we even thought we were lost because we couldn’t hear running water. A quick U-turn and a little asking around set us back on the right trail.

After some climbing and walking, we finally reached a mini waterfall. Behind it lies Kabang Falls, but don’t celebrate yet! You still need to climb a slippery big stone on the right side to reach the main falls. My knees and grip were weak, making it extra challenging.

And FINALLY, we effin’ made it! The water is refreshingly cool, and the view is breathtaking. Before jumping in, we took a group selfie to celebrate.” Teheeee

When we arrived, a group was already enjoying the falls with their guide. We had lunch and chatted a bit with the locals, who pointed out the next trail. But remember: never fully trust locals when they say it’s “just near.” What they meant was another mountain. LOL.

Behind the falls, there’s a small cave where you can hang out. Summer makes the water flow gentle, but the scenery more than makes up for it. In just about an hour from the city (excluding trekking), you can immerse yourself in nature’s beauty.

More photos in the waterfalls!

There’s also a cave where you can stay behind the falls. So go ahead enjoy before you’ll experience the actual suicide adventure. *evil laugh

You can just leave your things anywhere by the way.

See the boulders behind us? That’s where we were earlier.

After almost an hour at the falls, we had to move since it was already 2 PM. The next part of the trail was the steepest and most dangerous. Photos don’t do it justice as one wrong move and it’s a long drop. I had to crawl at some points, holding onto roots for dear life. Thankfully, Karl and Zee were there to help, or I’d probably be telling a very different story.

After more than two hours of struggle (and realizing we’d taken a wrong turn), we finally heard motorcycles and found a house. Relief doesn’t even begin to cover it! We returned to the starting point, exhausted but alive, celebrating with a bottle of Coke.