Ultimate Guide to the Incredible Kawasan Falls in Cebu, Philippines

As a day trip out from Cebu City I went to visit Kawasan Falls in the south. Kawasan Falls in Cebu is known as being one of the most beautiful Falls in the Philippines, and is well worth a visit. Read on for my guide on how to get to Kawasan Falls from Cebu…

“An easy two-hour journey”

So the staff at my hotel told me when I asked about how to get to Kawasan Falls from Cebu.

Not quite so.

But let’s roll back – why should you visit Kawasan Falls?

Kawasan Falls in Cebu

With its vibrant hue of Gatorade blue water, Kawasan Falls, Cebu, is arguably the most impressive waterfall in the Philippines, and it is also one of the most iconic waterfalls in the world.

Because of the falls’ wonderful setting, it’s an excellent paradise for anybody who enjoys and wants to get closer to nature. Visit and you can take a refreshing dip in the pure, crystal-clear spring water that flows from these magnificent waterfalls.

My journey to Kawasan Falls

I took the bus from the South Cebu Terminal to get to Kawasan Falls from Cebu, and it took over three hours. With the view of the Cebu coastline, villages and towns to keep me busy I didn’t mind.

Thinking it was a quick trip I didn’t bother with lunch before I got on so I made the most of the food sellers that came on peddling their wares. I tried the bako pies and the cake-like babingkas. When I say ‘tried’ I mean ‘gorged on’.

I asked the bus conductor to drop me off right outside Falls – no problem. I paid my 40 pesos to get in (about 80p) and followed the signs to Kawasan Falls. It was just a 1km walk up a dirt path, over a few bridges, past a few cocks and a sleepy goat too.

And then, I was there. At Kawasan Falls.

You definitely don’t need one of the guides at the gate, no matter how much they seem to think you do!

Things to do at Kawasan Falls

Here are some fun and interesting things to do at Kawasan Falls that you should not miss.

Canyoneering at the Kawasan Falls

Canyoneering is one of the most popular things to do at Kawasan Falls in Cebu, yet it’s also challenging – it’s not for the faint of heart. 

Canyoneering sounds scary, but with the right gear and a guide, it can be a very safe and enjoyable thing to do. The canyons of Kawasan Falls may be quite high, with jumps ranging from three feet to fifty feet in height. For as terrifying as the experience may seem at first glance, each jump is completely optional, and the guides will teach you how to do it properly.

Just BE CAREFUL.

Rafting at Kawasan Falls

You could pay to go on a raft, like these guys did, and they’ll take you over to the Falls and under it too. The water was breathtakingly cold in February when I was there so it’s a good idea if you’re in a group. The raft man was encouraging the group of lads to climb the Falls and jump in and then getting them to lie down and he drove the raft under the Falls giving them a cold Kawasan Falls massage. Judging by the high-pitched screams that echoed from them I’d say it wasn’t quite a spa experience.

Swimming at Kawasan Waterfalls

At Kawasan Falls, you may cool yourself and take a dip in one of the three large pools. You’ll be able to enjoy the biggest pools as soon as you step into the waterfall. Despite the frigid temperatures, the water is perfectly clear and a gorgeous shade of blue.

As you go up to the second and third tiers, you’ll see a plethora of small swimming pools. The pools may not be very deep or big for taking a decent swim, but they are unquestionably peaceful. These are perfect if you want to escape the typically large crowds at Kawasan Falls.

Hiking at Kawasan Falls

Kawasan Waterfalls is a massive natural waterfall complex that is divided into three unique tiers. You’ll have to trek up the mountain that the waterfalls are located on in order to reach the various levels of the waterfalls. This will take you between 45 minutes to an hour.

Aside from the fact that it is a great area to swim in, trekking through Kawasan Falls is the part that everyone enjoys the most. The thought of walking through natural springs, hearing exotic birds singing above, and having nature all to yourself is magical.

Enjoy a picnic at Kawasan Falls

Kawasan Falls is the ideal place to enjoy a picnic with your friends or family since food is allowed in Kawasan. As long as you don’t litter, you’re good to go. Store them or dispose of them appropriately, rather than just leaving them in the area. The first and second tiers of the waterfall have tables for hire, while the third tier has free tables.

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Where to stay at Kawasan Falls

There was a hotel there, Willy’s, and I think it would be an amazing experience to stay there overnight. I didn’t see inside the hotel so couldn’t personally recommend, but I’d do it if I went again.

Willy’s also offered food and drink at the tables and there were plenty of groups and families taking them up on the offer. I can’t actually find a listing online for Willy’s, just a Facebook page that may or may not be legit. Up to you to find them yourself!

How long will you stay at Kawasan Falls?

I stayed about three hours at Kawasan Falls, and then left for the journey back up north. Not before checking out the beach at the entrance though, and there was plenty of food for sale there too. I needed it after my swim!

If you’re visiting Kawasan Falls with friends or family, you’ll definitely need longer. Stay the whole day – relax!

How to get to Cebu Kawasan Falls?

The cheapest way to get around here is to take a bus. Getting to Kawasan Falls differs depending on where you are coming from. The following are three common starting points and how to get from those places to Kawasan Falls by bus.

Travelling from Cebu City to Kawasan Falls by bus

Cebu to Kawasan Falls is the route I did.

It is best to be prepared for a long journey from Cebu City to Kawasan Falls since it is the furthest away. In general, a trip from Cebu City to Kawasan Falls would take 1.5–2 hours, but it may easily take twice as long at rush hour and in the middle of the day. So, leaving early as possible is the best way to have a 2-hour trip.

You can reach Kawasan by heading to the Southern Bus Terminal and hopping on one of the numerous busses that are going to Bato through Barili (be sure it’s Barili, as otherwise going via Oslob would take considerably longer than going via Barili). It costs 150 pesos ($3) to take the bus.

Given the length of the ride and the fact that you will often be at a halt in traffic, it is suggested that you wait for an air-conditioned bus. When it’s hot outside, the non-AC busses can be very uncomfortable and sweaty.

Travelling from Moalboal to Kawasan Falls by bus

Ceres busses only travel on the main road. Therefore, if you’re staying at Panagsama Beach, you’ll need to take a tricycle to get to the main road. From here, hop on a bus that is going to Bato and get off at Kawasan Falls. To help you find the stop, you might want to ask the driver to show you where to get off. Keep a close eye out for canyoneering signage since that means you are getting closer to your stop.

Taking the bus from Moalboal should only take around an hour since there isn’t much traffic on the route. The cost of the ticket is simply 40 pesos (76 cents USD) per person.

Travelling from Oslob to Kawasan Falls by bus

It is a bit more difficult to go from Oslob to Kawasan Falls than from anywhere else since you will need to take two busses. Get on one of the busses that will take you to Bato. Then you’ll need to take a bus to Cebu City. The Ceres busses seem to run every 10 minutes, so you shouldn’t have to wait too long.

If you don’t have a lengthy wait, the bus ride should take no more than 2 hours. However, due to the change in bus routes and traffic, this trip may take longer.

What to take to Kawasan Falls in Cebu

If you’re visiting Cebu Kawasan Falls for the first time, you may be unsure about what to bring. Here’s a handy packing list for your trip to Kawasan Falls, just in case.

• Passport
• Travel insurance
• Small change
• Powerbank
• Adapter
• Chargers and cables
• GoPro or camera
• Phone
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Earplugs
• Scarf
• Crossbody bag or backpack
• Sunblock
• Bug spray
• Medication
• Water
• Snacks
• Baby wipes
• Hand sanitiser
• Toilet paper
• Sanitary items
• Swimsuit
• Ziplocks
• Breathable clothes
• Towels
• Sandals
• Sneakers

Is Kawasan Falls worth a visit?

Absolutely YES!

The beautiful, crystal-clear water makes Kawasan Falls stand out among other waterfalls in the Philippines. If you arrive early, before everyone else, you’ll get some great photos and just have a magical experience. Enjoy!

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