How to Visit Kawasan Falls In Cebu, Philippines

After traveling around the world full time since 2018, Kawasan Falls is still one of the most picturesque tropical waterfalls I’ve ever seen. Although these days it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions on Cebu, I’d still recommend it, though what you can reach on your own has changed a lot since my first visit.

In this travel guide, I’ll detail everything you need to know about visiting Kawasan Falls from Cebu City, Moalboal, or other regions of the island. I’ve also dedicated a section to finding all of the upper waterfall tiers that I found, and 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!

Update: What's New at Kawasan Falls

• Typhoon Tino tore through southern Cebu in November 2025 and pushed rock and debris through the Matutinao river sections. In June 2026 the Cebu provincial government started a 110-million-peso rehabilitation of the site. Governor Pamela Baricuatro confirmed the falls stay open while it runs: "The area will not be closed. The rehabilitation will be done portion by portion so that tourism and people's livelihoods will not be affected."
• Only Level One is open to walk-in visitors. Levels two, three and four are reachable on a canyoneering tour and no other way. That has been the rule since the 2023 reopening.
• A life jacket is compulsory for everyone swimming at the main pool, a rope keeps you back from the base of the waterfall, and independent visitors are capped at a three-hour stay.
• Cliff jumping at the main waterfall is banned. The jumps upstream still run as part of the canyoneering route.
• The entrance fee is 200 PHP (US$3.50) per person and covers Level One only. Cash only, and there is no ATM on site.
• Canyoneering shuts down for a day or two after heavy rain. It happened in June 2025, October 2025, November 2025, February 2026 and again in July 2026. Message the operator before you make the trip down.

Planning: Quick Things I Learned About Kawasan Falls

Kawasan Falls is regarded as being 10-15 meters (33-49 feet) high but my estimates would put it at 12-meters tall.

This gorgeous waterfall plunges 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 water runs a hard turquoise that photographs look like they have been pushed in editing.
• There's a reason Kawasan Falls is nicknamed by locals and travelers as the "Gatorade Factory", it's just so blue!
• Surrounding the deep swimming hole are steep, limestone canyon walls.
• There is dense jungle vegetation (tropical rainforest) 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 Price and What You Actually Get

Canyoneering is the only way to reach the upper levels, so for most people this is the real decision, not the 200-peso gate fee.

Turn up at the canyoneering headquarters in Badian and the regulated rate is 2,000 PHP (US$35) per person, or about 2,100 PHP with the habal-habal shuttle out to the jump-off point. That covers the LGU-accredited guide, helmet, life vest, water shoes, a dry bag, every government and entrance fee along the route, and lunch at the end. Book online with hotel transfers folded in and you are looking at US$55 to US$80 per person depending on where you are staying.

The trip I have done twice starts from Moalboal, Badian or Alegria with free pickup, which is the version worth booking. Coming from Cebu City or Mactan adds three hours each way, so book a Cebu City departure rather than trying to meet the group yourself.

What is not included, and what to carry cash for

• Zipline to the canyon start - 600 PHP, optional, and it skips about 40 minutes of walking in.
• Water shoe rental - 100 to 150 PHP if you do not bring your own grippy closed-toe shoes.
• Snacks at the midpoint station - carry 200 to 500 PHP in small notes.
• Tips for your guide - not expected, but they work hard for it.

The logistics nobody puts on the booking page

• Start early - groups go off between 6:00 and 8:00 AM, and slots fill by mid-morning in peak season.
• Allow three to five hours - roughly 30 to 45 minutes walking in, then the canyon itself.
• You do not have to jump - every jump on the route has a climb-down or a walk-around, and the guides are used to people opting out.
• Basic swimming ability is the one hard requirement - you are in deep water repeatedly, life vest on.
• Minimum age is around seven to ten depending on the operator, so confirm before booking if you are bringing kids.

One thing to check on the day: canyoneering shuts down after heavy rain, sometimes for a day, sometimes a week. It happened in June 2025, twice in late 2025, again in February 2026, and most recently in July 2026. The Badian LGU posts closures to Facebook and the operators will tell you straight if you message them.

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.

Getting to Kawasan Falls From Moalboal

Moalboal to Kawasan Falls takes 30 to 45 minutes and splits into two price points. A habal-habal or tricycle runs 150 to 200 PHP (US$2.60 to US$3.50) and takes you the whole way to the entrance, which is what I do when I am carrying camera gear.

You could also take a local bus option for 20 pesos, which departs from "360 Pharmacy" on the main road. Say "Kawasan" to the conductor and he will flag it. The bus drops you on the highway at Matutinao, so budget a flat 1.5 km (0.9 mi) walk from there, or 20 to 30 PHP for a habal-habal to cover the last stretch.

Getting from 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, but lately travelers have been reporting 4+ hours due to Cebu traffic.

Board the Ceres Liner marked "Bato via Barili", not "Bato via Oslob", which loops the opposite way around the island. Barili buses run straight through Badian and cost 195 PHP non-aircon or 230 PHP aircon (US$3.40 to US$4.00). Ask the conductor for Matutinao and he will drop you at the church on the highway. From there it is a flat 1.5 km (0.9 mi) walk to the ticket office, or 20 to 30 PHP on a habal-habal.

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.

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Related: Cambais Falls – Most Underrated Waterfall on Cebu

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My Experience Hiking to the Kawasan Falls Waterfall Levels

At Kawasan Falls, I found three main waterfall levels. However, the cascading river flows much further up through the canyons deep into the mountains.

Everything below is what the upper canyon actually looks like, and it is now the canyoneering route rather than a walk you can do on your own. I explored all of it on foot before the restrictions came in, so I am leaving the detail here to show you exactly what the 2,000 PHP buys. Do not turn up expecting to walk it yourself.

If you want to go any further up the Badian jungle canyons without risk, 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. You’ll 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.

The catch is the crowd. Several hundred people come through here on a busy day, and the noise around the main pool carries. 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

You used to be able to continue past the restaurants on the left-hand side of the waterfall. There was a path up to the next level there.

I wrote this guide originally a few years ago but continue to update it, and I'll leave this information here for "educational purposes".

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.

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Nearby Waterfalls: Aguinid Falls | Inambakan Falls

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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.

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 long 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.

Review: Is Kawasan Falls Worth it?

I’ve visited Kawasan Falls multiple times now. The first was when the upper levels were still open for independent exploring, and again more recently after the restrictions came into place. And even with the changes, I still think it’s 100% worth the visit.

Yes, it’s busier than it used to be. And no, you can’t just wander off into the upper canyon trails anymore unless you book a canyoneering trip. But the main waterfall is still absolutely stunning. That insane Gatorade-blue water is real.

And if you get there early (like sunrise early), there’s still a real sense of magic before the crowds arrive.

If you’re after a more adventurous experience, canyoneering is still the way to go. Just make sure the tours are running when you visit. They often shut shop after bad weather, especially during rainy months. On my last visit, the activity was temporarily closed due to flooding, but thankfully it reopened a few weeks later.

For photographers, swimmers, or anyone seeing Kawasan for the first time, I’d say it lives up to the hype. Just know what to expect: you won’t have it all to yourself unless you get there early but it’s still one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Philippines, so yeah, go see it!

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 often overflow 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.
• No smoking or vaping anywhere at the falls, and staff will ask you to carry your own rubbish back out. Both were being enforced at the gate through 2026.
• Try some local honey. I noticed there was a honey farmer selling fresh honey here on both visits (at different times of year) and he will let you try some. I have asked my friend Angel and she has confirmed he is "usually there everyday".

The Best time to visit Kawasan Falls Cebu

Southern Cebu runs a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October. Badian and Moalboal both sit inside that pattern, which is worth knowing because northern Cebu has no pronounced dry season at all.

• Dry season – November to April
• Wet season – May to October

February and March are the sweet spot. The water runs its clearest blue, canyoneering rarely gets called off, and you are past the Christmas and New Year crush. April and May turn hot and busy with domestic holidaymakers.

The wet season trade-off cuts both ways. May to October gives you a heavier, more powerful waterfall and far thinner crowds, but the river silts up after a downpour and turns from turquoise to brown, and canyoneering gets suspended whenever the water comes up.

If your trip is short and canyoneering is the reason you are going, the dry months are the safer bet. If you are chasing the waterfall at full force and can be flexible on dates, the wet season rewards you.

Kawasan Falls FAQs

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!

• Siargao Travel Guide - discover the epic island of Siargao and why there are so many more things to do than just surfing
• Cebu Island Travel Guide - my ultimate adventure travel guide to Cebu
• Siquijor Island Guide - off-beat adventures in Siquijor
• 10 Best Islands in the Philippines - a roundup of my 10 favorite islands to travel to in the Philippines
• Accommodation Guides: Plan where to stay in Siargao and find great hotels in Cebu