Learn everything you need to know about visiting Kawasan Falls in The Philippines & discover 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 from Cebu City, Moalboal, or other regions of the island. I’ve also dedicated a section to finding all of the best, hidden waterfall tiers 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!
Quick Things to Know 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 color of the water here really has to be seen to be believed.
- 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 Is The Best Way to Visit the Badian Jungle Canyons
By far, the best and most adventurous way to explore Kawasan Falls 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 high (optional).
Tip: There are many Kawasan 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 USD 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.
Getting to Kawasan 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.
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. 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 200 pesos, which has risen a lot since the last time I was there.
If you want to use the raft underneath the main waterfall at Kawasan Falls, this costs 300 PHP.
While there were talks of implementing a compulsory tour guide, I have confirmed with my friend Angel who lives in Cebu that this is not currently the case. This is also not what I experienced.
Please, 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
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.
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 who 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.
Nearby 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 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.
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.
- Trash Disposal: Encourage eco-friendly practices but also mention any local initiatives or regulations regarding waste management.
- 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
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
The dry season, which lasts from November to April, is typically the most favorable time to visit. During this period, the weather is more predictable, and the risk of rain is lower. The wet season runs from May to October and brings more rain, which means you'll be wet but the waterfalls are very strong!
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 stay 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 my 4 top picks for hostels, resorts, and hotels in Cebu for each budget.
1. Ancelle Cristo Re Moalboal
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.
2. Bai Hotel Mid-Range
Mid-budget resort in Cebu City with large rooms, daily buffet breakfast, and rooftop swimming pool. Located close to the Cebu International Airport.
3. Chief Mau Hostel
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.
4. Sumilon Bluewater Island
Stay on a pristine private island with a beautiful white sandbar and crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkeling.
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
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.