You’ve probably heard about the different Kawasan Falls levels. Unfortunately, however, most tourists seem to miss the best parts of Kawasan Falls, favoring the crowded main waterfall.
For this reason, I’ve posted this write up for those looking to explore more of this incredible set of waterfalls in Badian, Cebu.
How to get to Kawasan Falls
Kawasan Falls is located in Badian on Cebu Island. Badian is famous for deep jungle canyons with incredibly blue freshwater streams and rivers.
If you’re staying in Moalboal, the best way to get to Kawasan 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.
Those coming 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. However, this will only take you as far as Moalboal, where you will need to find additional transport to reach the Kawasan Falls Levels.
For those taking a motorbike, I’ve pinned the location below.
Once you reach the pinned location, walk past to the ticketing office and onto the first of the Kawasan Falls Levels.
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Kawasan Falls Entrance Fee 2020
You might be asking “How much is the entrance fee to Kawasan Falls?” The Kawasan Falls entrance fee is 40 pesos for foreigners and 20 pesos for locals. This fee goes directly to the municipality of Badian.
If you want a guide or to experience Canyoneering through the many Kawasan Falls levels, you will need to book through a separate company. However, I’ve written up this piece in hopes that the people who don’t want to do the canyoneering can still explore some of the hidden Kawasan Falls levels and cliff jumps.
Canyoneering Through the Kawasan Falls Levels
If you have a full day and want to explore the best canyons in Badian, then I’d certainly recommend Kawasan Falls canyoneering. There are hundreds of small local canyoneering operators both in Moalboal and near the waterfalls.
I’ve done the canyoneering two times, and both times it was a blast. Operators actually take different routes, so I got to enjoy two different paths with epic jumps and waterfall slides.
Both times, I booked with this tour group online. It’s one of the highest-ranked canyoneering tours in Cebu, and actually costs less than $40.
The best time to visit Kawasan Falls
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.
Kawasan Falls dry season – December – June
Kawasan Falls wet season – June – December
The best time to visit Kawasan Falls be in the shoulder season, between late december and early June.
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.
How Many Waterfall Levels are there at Kawasan Falls?
At Kawasan Falls, there are three main waterfall levels. However, the cascading river flows 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.
The Main Level – Kawasan Falls
Kawasan Falls in Cebu, Philippines is by far the most popular waterfall on the island. This is a spot I’m sure you have on your list of things to do in Cebu.
The main waterfall is a large, 10 M+ waterfall that flows into a deep, aqua-blue swimming pool. 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.
Kawasan Falls truly looks like a scene from a movie.
However, the ambiance might be ruined by having to share the waterfall with the hundreds of people that visit the waterfall each day. Luckily, the upper levels have much fewer people, and some great jump spots too! Keep reading to find out.
The Hidden Kawasan Falls Levels
After paying your entrance fee and walking to the main waterfall, you’ll most likely be swamped by tourists and selfie sticks.
Rest assured, there are some great spots just further up, and you will most likely only have one or two groups at these locations.
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.
Kawasan Falls Level Two
If you continue past the first viewpoint, you will see flowing streams of that famous 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. There is 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, it is possible to continue up the right-hand side to jump off the larger waterfall. I’d suggest waiting to watch were 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.
Kawasan Falls 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.
Kawasan Falls 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 M 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.
Kawasan Falls Tips
Check out some of the helpful tips below for those visiting Kawasan Falls.
- 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. 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.
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