A complete and up-to-date travel guide to visiting Kawasan Falls in Badian on the Island of Cebu, The Philippines. Includes everything you need to know about visiting Kawasan Falls from how to get here independently or on a canyoneering trip.
Kawasan Falls is one of the most picturesque tropical waterfalls on planet Earth. Although it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions, I’d still recommend visiting Kawasan Falls because it simply has to be seen to be believed.
In this travel guide, I’ll detail everything you need to know about Visiting Kawasan Falls in Cebu. I’ve also dedicated a section to finding all of the best, hidden Kawasan Falls levels for you to explore more than just the tourist route. Furthermore, I’ll also share the locations of the best waterfall cliff jumps so you can have an epic visit to Kawasan Falls on Cebu Island, The Philippines.
Featured in: Top Things to do in Cebu
About Kawasan Falls Cebu
Kawasan Falls is a 12-meter tall waterfall plunging into turquoise jungle waters in Badian, Cebu. It is said to be the most beautiful and consequently, the most popular Cebu waterfall and perhaps even in all of The Philippines.
The color of the water here really has to be seen to be believed. There's a reason Kawasan Falls is nicknamed the "Gatorade Factory". Surrounding the deep swimming hole are steep, limestone canyon walls. There is dense jungle vegetation growing all around the waterfall.
This main waterfall truly is a photographer's dream. However, for those who like to adventure, there is so much more to do and explore than just the main waterfall.
Kawasan Falls Canyoneering: The Best Way to Experience the Badian Jungle Canyons
By far, the best and most adventurous way to explore Kawasan Falls on Cebu is to join in on a canyoneering trip. This was one of my favorite adventure activities in The Philippines.
In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I even booked a second tour on my return visit to Cebu!
The best trip is a full-day canyoneering experience in Badian. I booked this same trip both times and honestly couldn't recommend it enough.
Not all Kawasan Falls canyoneering trips are equal. Different operators take different routes and different jumps. The one I'm suggesting takes the best route with a couple of epic cliff jumps of 12+ meters (optional).
Tip: There are many Kawsan Falls canyoneering trips to choose from, but they're not all equal! The Badian canyoneering trip has the best guides and offers great bang-for-buck since all fees are included– it's so good I've actually done it twice on my visits to Cebu!
Alternatively, if you also want to swim with the whale sharks in Oslob, you can purchase a combined ticket with the same company, offering really good value for only $15 more for both activities.
How to get to Kawasan Falls
If you're not into canyoneering (you're missing out), then it is possible to visit Kawasan Falls independently by renting a bike and driving here yourself.
As I mentioned, Kawasan Falls is located in Badian on Cebu Island. Badian is famous for deep jungle canyons with incredibly blue freshwater streams and rivers. Below are the most up-to-date options for how to get to Kawasan Falls from Moalboal and from Cebu City.
Kawsan Falls From Moalboal
If you're staying in Moalboal, the best way to get to the falls is to take a motorbike or tricycle taxi. It will take roughly 45 minutes to reach Kawasan Falls from Moalboal.
You could also take a local bus option for 20 pesos, which departs from "360 Pharmacy" on the main road. Tell the driver you want to go to Kawasan Falls and he will help you.
Cebu City to Kawasan Falls
Those looking to get to Kawasan Falls from Cebu City should expect a much longer journey. You can take a bus from the Southern Bus stand. However, this will take around 3 and a half hours. And then, this will only take you as far as Moalboal, where you will need to find additional transport to reach the Kawasan Falls and explore all of its incredible waterfall levels.
For those taking a motorbike, I've pinned the location below to help you navigate to it.
Once you reach the pinned location, walk past the ticketing office and onto the first of the waterfall levels.
Kawasan Falls Entrance Fee
To access the different waterfall levels at Kawasan Falls Cebu, you will need to pay an entrance fee. This now costs 55 pesos, and there is talk of implementing a compulsory tour guide. I can't confirm this as this is not what I experienced. However, if you find out that this is the case, please let me know in the comments.
Either way, the simple entry fee goes directly to the municipality of Badian and directly supports the community and upkeep of the falls.
Travel Tip: If you want a guide to take you to Kawasan you can book a Cebu waterfall day-trip that visits two other waterfalls too.
Related: Cambais Falls – Most Underrated Waterfall on Cebu
Exploring Kawasan Falls Cebu: The Waterfall Levels
At Kawasan Falls, there are three main waterfall levels. However, the cascading river flows much further up through the canyons deep into the mountains.
In this guide, I'll walk you through the three main waterfall levels at Kawasan Falls, as well as the fourth, swimming hole level where you'll also find a cliff jump spot and a rope swing. If you want to go any further up the Badian jungle canyons, you will need to book a canyoneering trip.
The Main Level - Kawasan Falls
I've already mentioned this level above. Being the largest and most scenic drop, it's clearly the main attraction at Kawasan Falls Cebu.
Due to its popularity, locals have built some industry around the waterfall. Visitors will find food stalls and even tables set up. There are also fixed ropes and a bamboo raft that you can pay a local to take you out on for photos beneath the plunging waterfall.
While this waterfall is breathtaking, the ambiance might be ruined by having to share the waterfall with the hundreds of people that visit the waterfall each day. If you don't make it to the falls early (I'm talking sunrise), you can still escape the crowds by hiking up the canyon to the other Kawasan Falls levels.
Here, you will find much fewer people, and some great jump spots too!
Above Kawasan Falls Level One
If you continue past the restaurants on the left-hand side of the waterfall, you'll see a path up to the next level.
As soon as you round the corner, you will see a spectacular view from above the waterfall. It was once possible to cliff jump from this spot. However, there have been some serious injuries, so the local authorities have banned all jumping at the main waterfall.
More Epic Waterfalls: Aguinid Falls | Inambakan Falls
Level Two
If you continue past the first viewpoint, you will see flowing streams of that famous blue Cebu water and some small bridges. Keep an eye out for crystal blue private lagoon pools for swimming in.
Soon after, you will see another set of small buildings with a restaurant.
Just by this restaurant is one of the best levels of Kawasan Falls. Here, there is a very large, wide swimming hole with a small waterfall on the left, and a large waterfall at the back.
Tip: Best Cliff Jumping Spot at Kawasan Falls
At this location, just the second level of Kawasan Falls Cebu, it is possible to continue up the right-hand side to jump off the larger waterfall. This is the tallest cliff jumping spot at Kawasan Falls at around 11 meters.
I'd suggest waiting to watch where the canyoneering groups jump if you want to attempt this yourself.
Remember to always check the depth and look for submerged rocks before cliff jumping.
Level Three
Keep walking on the right-hand side of the swimming hole, past the large waterfall cliff jump, and follow the path.
Soon, you will find a large, man-made waterfall that has made the rounds on Instagram.
While there isn't a swimming hole or much to do at this waterfall, it's certainly a great spot to check out and take some quick snaps.
Level Four
The fourth level at Kawasan Falls is one of my favorites. Shortly after the man-built waterfall, you will see a rope swing. It will set you back 10 pesos per person to use the swing but you can have as many turns as you'd like.
The rope swing launches directly into a wide, deep, crystal clear water hole. Just to the right of the rope swing is another deep swimming area, with a purpose-built cliff jump.
This cliff-jump is roughly 8 meters and is one of the last jumps on the canyoneering route. Even if you are not canyoneering, you can jump from this spot.
Just be mindful that the canyoneering teams are working their jobs, so if you're looking to jump, try to squeeze in between the tour groups.
Tips for Visiting Kawasan
Check out some of the helpful tips below for those visiting Kawasan Falls on Cebu.
- Make sure to take any trash you bring with you. While there are rubbish bins, they can often be overflowed from the sheer amount of tourists that come here. Better to take it back to Moalboal or Cebu with you. You can also help out by picking up any trash you see in the rivers or swimming holes.
- Beat the crowds and come early! This is true of most tourist hotspots in popular islands of the Philippines. We came at first light and had the entire main waterfall to ourselves for over an hour! The morning light is also beautifully reflected from the walls and the flowing waterfall.
- Bring a dry-bag and some shoes that you're not afraid of getting wet. You will be soaking after exploring the Kawasan Falls levels.
- Try some local honey. Sometimes there is a honey farmer selling fresh honey and he will let you try some.
The best time to visit Kawasan Falls Cebu
Like anywhere in Cebu, the best time to visit Kawasan Falls will depend on the Typhoon seasons. There are two main seasons in Cebu; Dry and Wet Seasons.
Dry season – December – June
Wet season – June – December
In my opinion, the best time to visit Cebu is in the shoulder season, between late December and early June. This maximizes the chance of great weather and you won't have to deal with the peak hustle of the crowds.
The waterfall flow and force will vary greatly between the seasons. If you're looking to see a strong, powerful Kawasan Falls and don't mind an hour or two of rain a day, then the wet season is great.
The dry season, however, will generally slow the flow down and is not the best time to visit.
Where to Stay in Cebu
The best place to base yourself is in Moalboal as it's close to all of the best things to do and all the epic attractions you'll want to add to your Cebu itinerary. However, if you're planning to travel around the island, then I'd also recommend staying at:
- Cebu City/Mactan
- Oslob
- Malapascua
- Sumilon Island
Here are the best hotel picks for each budget.
- Best Luxury Resort in South Cebu: Ancelle Cristo Re - the top-rated luxury resort situated on a private beach near Moalboal where you can snorkel with sea turtles. This hotel is run by three amazing sisters who use their proceeds to support a local orphanage.
- Best Resort in Mactan/Cebu City: Bai Hotel - a great mid-budget resort in Cebu City with large rooms, daily buffet breakfast, and rooftop swimming pool. Located verry close to the Cebu International Airport.
- Backpacker Hostel With a Vibe in Moalboal: Chief Mau - a great hostel with a relaxed backpacker vibe in the heart of Moalboal. Large rooms, an onsite bar, and tours can be booked straight from the front desk.
- Sustainable lodging in Malapascua: Villa Sandra - an awesome treehouse accommodation on Malapascua Island - an awesome place to scuba dive with Thresher Sharks
- ...10+ More Top-Rated Hotels on Cebu
Stay on Sumilon Island
Sumilon Bluewater - stay on a pristine private island complete with a beautiful white sandbar and crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkeling.
More Free Cebu & Philippines Travel Guides
I hope you've enjoyed this quick guide to visiting Kawasan Falls on Cebu. It really is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Trust me, I've seen a few!
While you're still here on my blog, make sure to check out some of my other guides. I've got loads more articles and photos for adventure inspiration on the island, so go check them out!
LakbayniVinkoy
Monday 14th of March 2022
Naka punta ako Nov 2021.malaking pag babago. Si Junjun nag aabang sa bago sa common fees since noon. Si junjun nagtayo ng bagong both at nag offer ng Compulsory tour guide na magkaibang fees. Si junjun ay supportado sa isang tao nag babalak tatakbo ng Mayor sa Badian.
Which is dapat sana ang mag singil ng Fee ang usual entrance na dati pa. at nag taas sila ng 55 per person maliban sa compulsory tour guide ni junjun.
Hope this year 2022 nag bago na.