Samboan is just a small town and indeed far away from the city. But don’t let that be the reason why you should not visit this very interesting and lovely town of the south. It is jam-packed with natural and historic wonders that even in big towns cannot be seen. And since far from the city, rest assured of its clean, fresh air, unadulterated waters, and unexploited attractions. You cannot get enough of this small town with its big-time attractions.

Its position above a hill is pretty advantageous and a good place to chill and relax from the city’s hullabaloos. The coasts boast of crystal clear waters and rich marine ecosystem while the newly-asphalted Calderon Highway enables you to transverse the mountainous part of the town to the neighboring town of Oslob.

To start, here are some of the attractions that can be seen, observed, visited, adventured, and experienced and activities to be done.

Sak-Sak Festival

Sak-Sak Festival is an annual festival celebrated every September 30 in cognizance of the feast day of the town’s patron saint and angel protector, St. Michael the Archangel. The name was taken from palm trees that are teeming in the place and locally known as “sak-sak”. It is a street dancing competition and a showdown of the best dance steps, movements, costumes and choreography.

The town gives importance to these so-called “sak-sak’ for its great economic benefits derived and for its ornamental value.

Delicacy

The town has unique delicacies worth to be patronage. There are Torta Espesyal that are scrumptious with or without coco wine, the Samboan Cookies which comes out during feast days as snacks to the visitors and the Torta de Tangbo which is the finest delicacy in the place.

Natural Attractions

Colase Marine Sanctuary

A very rich marine ecosystem can be seen in Barangay Colase. Thanks to the efforts of the Samboanons especially the fisherfolks, the existence of this sanctuary became possible and by the strict management of the local government. Unbelievably, it exists for two decades already.

Take a dive or simply snorkel around the place; you will see tons of variety of fishes and other marine denizens. Feast your eyes with the colorful fishes and be wowed by the rare and unusual underwater delights as you swim. It is one of the most persevered and most diversified marine sanctuaries. Sharks, dolphins and whales often transverse the area and play the surface.

Beaches

Swimming is probably one of the priorities to be done when you are in Samboan. The beaches in coastal barangays like Tangbo, Dalahikan, Suba, San Sebastian and Poblacion. The experience is great, the waters are far better, the air is fresher and the surroundings are cool.

So, don’t forget to take a dip and enjoy.

Aguinid Falls

Another priced jewel, a long-kept secret from Samboan is the Aguinid Falls. It is now famous natural treasures of the municipality as it is composed of five different levels of water cascades in one Tangbo river and each level is unique.

Located in Barangay Tangbo, one’s adventure is not complete unless you reach the peak by climbing all falls in limestone walls, tracing it like Rapunzel’s hairs. Of course, you cannot climb without the intense desire, the adrenaline and without getting wet. Faint-hearted are not advisable to take such exhausting excursion.

Bonbon Falls

Another very impressive falls is the Bonbon Falls, located in Barangay Bonbon. Sometimes, it is called the “Triple Drop Falls” because three separate cascade of waters falling side by side with each other.

The waterfalls are still unexploited by commercial development so the natural setting like the lush greeneries and tall trees are still preserved, making it more beautiful and endearing to the tourists.

It is not so high and one can climb the peak by scrambling on the rocks at the side of the falls. Small caves are found along the climb. Rappelling is a good sport for adventure-type of person.

Ponong Hidden Lake

A unique spot to visit in the center of the town (Poblacion) is the Ponong Hidden Lake. It’s a natural formation but actually not a lake, but sort of a closed lagoon, where water is brackish.

Apart from the lake, there is one interesting discovery. Living in the lagoon is a certain kind of lake, locally called the “manolong”. It dives into the lagoon’s salty waters and stays there for a long time, especially to escape from the prying eyes of the hunters. Isn’t it an amazing way of self-defense?

Bala’g Sawa Falls

A smaller falls lies near Poblacion is the Bala’s Sawa Falls. Though smaller, it has a big lagoon, very ideal for swimming and can accommodate for families. As the name implies, it means “House of Snakes” but name alone cannot justify it since it has not been a threat to the people every since.

Mt. Bartolina

Mt. Bartolina is one of the famous mountains in Samboan, located in Barangays Monteverde. It’s peak is the highest in the south and from there, you can catch a magnificent view of the neighboring islands of Bohol, Negros, Siquijor, Bantayan, Mactan and even the Mindanao.

Calderon Highway

It is a newly-asphalted highway that transverses the mountainous parts of Samboan to the neighboring town of Oslob. It named after a famous Samboan Assemblyman Pedro Calderon. It is perfect for biking, riding and hiking while marveling at the exquisite wonder of natural environment.

Bato Wharf

The gateway to Negros Oriental is located in Barangay San Sebastian or also known as Bato. The shores of the opposite island are only at a very close proximity. On clear days, one can see figures of people on the shores of Negros.

Historical Heritages

St. Michael the Archangel Church

It is a Spanish-built church, made of coral stones, carefully and craftily formed the church’s façade. It is one of the oldest churches in entire Cebu and obviously, it is one cultural and historical heritage.

1879 Spanish Watch Tower

Another glorious Spanish structure is the 1879 watch tower which was constructed on purpose of checking Moro pirates who invaded the land for a period of time. It is made up of coral stones and considered the tallest and the most preserved watch tower in entire Cebu.

St. Jacob’s Ladder

It is also known as “Escala de Jacobe). It is a flight of stone stairs built in 1878 which leads up to an old watchtower on a plateau of Samboan. It has 147 steps, 300 year old and rises up to 200 meters above the sea level. From the top, one can get a clear picture of the Tañon Strait.

Sebastian Stone Walls

Another must-see heritage is the San Sebastian Stone Walls situated in Barangay San Sebastian, popularly known also as Barangay Bato. This is maybe the reason behind why the place was called “bato” (stone).

Samboan WWII Volunteers Monument

It is found at the center of Poblacion where volunteers during the WWII, who risked their lives for the freedom of the country, were honored.

Spanish Boundary Post

This is another intriguing structure which stands along the highway in barangay Tangbo, beside the Tangbo-Bonbon Bridge. This was once served as boundary limit of the old Poblacion but now acts as the boundary of barangays Tangbo and Bonbon. It is also made of coral stones.