Kawasan Falls on the Cebu Island is one of the top tourist attractions in the Philippines. The sparkling turquoise waters, 3 levels of waterfalls, and the serene atmosphere surrounding Kawasan Falls are a few things that attract tourists throughout the year.
In our ultimate guide, we’ll discuss all aspects of the Kawasan falls in detail, right from the location of the waterfalls to useful tips on how to beat the crowd and enjoy the place in peace. Keep reading to know more about Kawasan Falls.
An overview
Kawasan Falls is a spectacular tropical oasis with sturdy bamboo rafts that give you a tour of the scenic waterfalls and the natural turquoise blue pool. The waterfall is located at the foot of the Mantalungon Mountain Range, and the highest point in the island is the Osmena Peak. The falling waters travel down from the Kabukalan Springs to the Matutinao River and terminate at the Tanon Strait.
Thanks to the clean waters of the Kawasan Falls, the Matutinao River has been awarded several times for having the freshest inland water in the country.
Here’s a map showing the exact location of the Kawasan Falls in the Philippines:
General information
Entrance fees
- Foreigners – PHP 40 per person
- Locals – PHP 20 per person
The height of the waterfalls
- First waterfall – 40 mt.
- Second waterfall – 20 mt.
Opening hours
- Opening – 9:00 AM
- Closing: 6:00 PM
Canyoneering tour
- PHP 1000 per person
Locker
- PHP 100 per person
Ride on the bamboo raft
- PHP 400 per person
Water bottle
- PHP 50
Table booking at the restaurant
- PHP 300 per person
How to reach the Kawasan Falls
Depending on your location on the island, there are several ways to reach the Kawasan falls. However, the most commonly used routes start from:
- Cebu City
- Oslob
- Moalboal
- Dumaguete
- Osmena Peak (the more adventurous way)
Let’s look at each route in detail now.
Cebu City to the Kawasan Falls
The Cebu City – Kawasan Fall bus route is one of the highly preferred routes to reach Kawasan Falls. There are several buses that ply daily on this route. You can take the bus traveling towards Barili from the South Bus Terminal.
Remember that there’s another bus that travels via Oslob; however, it doesn’t halt at the Kawasan Falls. If you’re confused about the bus routes, you can get in touch with someone at the bus station for more details. Locals in the Philippines are extremely helpful, so getting the right information shouldn’t be a problem.
Time taken to reach the Kawasan Falls from Cebu City – Approx. 3 hours
Bus fare – PHP 150/person for an air-conditioned bus
Oslob to Kawasan Falls
To travel from Oslob to the Kawasan Falls, you’ll first have to take the bus to Bato and then the bus to Cebu City via Barili.
Time taken to reach Kawasan Falls from Oslob – Approx. 1.5 hours
Bus fare – PHP 100/person
Moalboal to the Kawasan Falls
To reach the Kawasan Falls from Moalboal, you’ll have to take the yellow bus that leaves from the huge Moalboal market. Please note that the bus departs from ‘360 Pharmacy.’
Time taken to reach the Kawasan Falls from Moalboal – Approx. 45 minutes
Bus fare – PHP 20/person
Going from Dumaguete to the Kawasan Falls
Starting at Dumaguete City, you can take a tricycle to reach the Ceres bus stop. Board the bus to Cebus City and get off at Bato. Then transfer to a bus traveling towards Cebu via Barili or Badian. This bus will drop you at the Kawasan Falls bus terminal.
Time taken to reach the Kawasan Falls from Dumaguete City – Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes
Bus fare – PHP 100/person
From Osmena Peak to the Kawasan Falls
As already mentioned above, this route is for those who love adventure. You can get to the Kawasan Falls from Osmena Peak in Mantalungon. The first thing you need to do is get on a bus from Oslob or Bato to the Dalaguete Junction. You can then ride a motorbike to reach the foot of the Osmena Peak.
Most of the adventure lovers to take this route either want to catch a glimpse of the sunrise from the peak or camp there. You might need local tour guides on this trek. The local guides available here are mostly school going kids who’ll guide you.
They charge PHP 300 to PHP 500 per group. Once you reach the third Kawasan waterfall, you can soak your feet in the pristine blue waters and rest for a while before you head for the main entrance.
Time taken to reach the Kawasan Falls from Osmena Peak – Around 6 hours
Bus fare from Bato to Dalaguete Junction – PHP 100/person
Motorbike fare from Dalaguete Junction to the foot of the Osmena Peak – PHP 100/person
You’ve reached the Kawasan Falls bus terminal – Now what?
Once you get off from the bus, try to locate a large sign board with a picture of the Kawasan Falls and the text that reads “This way to Kawasan Falls.”
You may encounter some local people offering to be your tour guides; however, say no. They will cook stories and tell you that the road to the waterfalls is dangerous, so be alert. Don’t get fooled by them.
The memorable walk to Kawasan Falls
Once you get off the bus, it will hardly take you 15 minutes to walk to Kawasan Falls from the bus terminal. The first waterfall you’ll spot is the most popular one at the Kawasan Falls. If you’re hungry, you can grab some quick snacks at the restaurant next to the falls. But, make sure you’re using the tables only if you’re planning to eat at the restaurant. The restaurant might charge you for merely using the tables too.
If you’re an avid swimmer, the good news is that you can swim in the beautiful blue waters of the first waterfall. But, make sure you do it before the crowd starts building up. If you don’t plan to swim or if the first waterfall is overcrowded, you can walk further and visit the next two waterfalls that also allow you to swim. Moreover, they’re less crowded.
Canyoneering at the Kawasan Falls
This one is also for the adventurers out there. You can go canyoneering to the Kawasan Falls from the Kanlaob River. The activity also comprises cliff jumping from up to 30 feet in the river pools. Throughout the canyoneering tour, you’ll get to see magnificent views of nature, the waterfalls, lush-green trees on the island, and a lot more. It’ll take you around 2 to 3 hours to reach the Kawasan Falls.
Time taken to reach the Kawasan Falls from Kanlaob River – 2 to 3 hours
Canyoneering fare – PHP 1000/person
Things that’s are included in the canyoneering tour at the Kawasan Falls
Most of the canyoneering tours include the following:
- Tour guide
- Pick up and drop off from your hotel in Cebu City or Kawasan Falls parking to the jump-off location
- Life jackets and vests
- The entrance fee
- Aqua shoes
- Helmets
- Packaged drinking water
- Rope
- Waterproof drybags
- Snacks
- First-aid kit
The activity will begin at the river and end at the first waterfall. Make sure you prepare yourself physically and mentally before the canyoneering tour as you may have to jump from at least 30 feet. In some areas, you may also have to jump from 15-20 feet.
Best time of the year to visit the Kawasan Falls
Since the Philippines is affected by dangerous typhoons every year, the best time to visit the Kawasan Falls is the dry season and the worst time to visit is the rainy season. Moreover, the tropical country has primarily 2 seasons, so it’s a good idea to plan your trip to the Kawasan Falls around the warmest and coolest months.
| Dry Season | Late December to Early June |
| Rainy Season | Late June to Early December |
During the dry season, the waterfalls are really powerful and look gorgeous. Moreover, they’re not too busy. The typhoon season begins from July and goes up to September. So, make sure you don’t visit the falls during this period. The roads are very slippery during the rainy season and the weather conditions are unpredictable.
If you want to know the best time of the day to visit the Kawasan Falls, we recommend the early morning hours. During the day, the waterfalls get extremely crowded. If you want to enjoy the waterfalls without the crowd, reach the place before 9:00 AM. As much as possible, avoid weekends and public holidays.
Interesting tips for visiting the Kawasan Falls
Based on our personal experiences, we’ve put together some interesting tips to keep in mind before visiting the Kawasan Falls. Let’s look at them.
Don’t go with very high expectations
Even though the waterfalls are spectacular and the place looks incredible in pictures, you may encounter a lot of crowds that can impact your experience. But if you reach it before 9:00 AM, you may find the place silent and gorgeous at the same time.
If you want to beat the crowd, you have no choice but to reach the Kawasan Falls early. If you’re staying at a hotel near the falls, you can rent a motorbike. Also, make sure you plan the trip during the weekdays and avoid weekends.
The weekends are extremely crowded as the locals, in addition to the tourists, also come to visit.
Carry your snacks and water
Like most of the other top destinations around the world, it is expensive to buy bottled water and food from the restaurant. Moreover, from our personal experience, we can tell you that the food is not that great. It’s definitely not worth the price at which they’re selling it.
If not cooked food, you can carry bread, buns, and fresh fruits as they will remain fresh for a longer duration. Also, make sure you carry water bottles.
Don’t skip the second and third waterfall
Even though the first waterfall is the main waterfall, the other waterfalls are equally beautiful, and their views are breathtaking. They’re comparatively smaller, but the waters are pristine turquoise blue. The last one, i.e., the third waterfall also has a bamboo raft and a liana using which you can swing into the clear blue water.
Many people who visited have no idea that smaller waterfalls also exist. Moreover, many people skip the other waterfalls because the walk is steep. If you’re looking for a secluded spot at the Kawasan Falls to take a dip, the second and third waterfalls are perfect spots to enjoy the crystal-clear water.
Don’t get disheartened if you are unable to capture a good picture
As mentioned earlier, if you visit during the rush hours, it can be pretty difficult to capture a clear and beautiful photograph. You won’t find the natural pools of the waterfalls without a raft for even one hour. Every hour, there’s a new raft carrying people. So, if you’re planning to visit the Kawasan Falls to capture some breathtaking photographs, consider reaching the place before 9:00 AM. Also, use the long exposure settings on your camera.
Be prepared for the long queues for rafts
The Kawasan Falls do not have enough rafts to accommodate the crowd. So, prepare in advance to stand in long queues for a ride on the bamboo raft. During the afternoon, there are around 3 rafts on the waters; however, the queues remain long and the waiting time is almost the same throughout the day.
You cannot save money
If you think that you won’t have to spend any money during the trip, you’re wrong. Starting from the entry fees to the food and bottled water, everything is chargeable. Moreover, everything is expensive.
Rent a jacket
If you’re not too sure about your swimming skills, make sure you rent a life jacket.
Life jackets are easily available at PHP 50 per person.
Carry the following things
If the Kawasan Falls trip is an adventure trip for you, make sure you carry the following items in your bag:
- Sunscreen, especially if you’re planning to swim.
- A towel
- Extra clothes
- Sunglasses
- Water-bottle
- Snacks
- Cash
- Camera or Go-Pro
- Swimsuit
- Waterproof sandals or shoes
- Drybag
Where to stay in the Kawasan Falls
While the Kawasan Falls trip is a day trip, if you want to stay somewhere around, here’s a list of some good, budget hotels you can explore:
Badian Island Wellness Resort
If you’re planning a luxurious stay, the Badian Island Wellness Resort can be a great choice. It is located in a small island on the Southwest Coast of Cebu. The resorts aims at healthy living of the guests. After visiting, you can enjoy a relaxing massage or seaweed bath at the resort. The distance of the resort from the Kawasan Falls is almost 8 km.
Matutinao Beach Resort
The resort is located near the Badian bus terminal. It’s the best place if you want to stay very close to the waterfalls. The resort is quiet during the night, and view of the expansive sea from the resort is worth the price. The resort is located just opposite the road from the church. You can simply walk to the falls in the morning.
Marcosas Cottage Resort
The resort offers beautiful and cozy tropical cottages with great amenities. It is located in Moalboal close to the beach. It’ll take you almost 30 minutes to reach the Kawasan Falls from the resort in a car. The resort conducts various fun and beach activities from time to time.
Frequently asked questions about the Kawasan Falls
Is the walk to the Kawasan Falls difficult?
The walk to the first fall is pretty easy. Even though the walk is uphill, it’s not very steep. But, since the roads are not paved, they’re often uneven during the rainy season. They are slippery too, so you have to be really careful while walking, especially if you’re walking with an elderly in your family.
After the first waterfall, the walk to the second and third waterfalls in comparatively steeper.
Is there a place to store my belongings at the Kawasan Falls?
Yes, lockers are available. A tiny locker would cost you PHP 100 and can fit a small carrying bag. There are limited lockers for big bags and backpacks. So, don’t carry large bags.
What should I do first: canyoneering or waterfall visit?
You can visit Kawasan falls first and then go for the canyoneering tour.
The canyoneering tour is exhausting, so it would be challenging for you to walk through the waterfalls after taking part in the canyoneering activities.
Is the Kawasan Falls area kids-friendly?
Yes, however, keep an eye on your kids while they’re swimming as the waters are too shallow. If possible, carry floaters and make them wear life jackets to ensure their safety.
Do I need to book the canyoneering tour in advance?
You don’t really need to book the canyoneering tour in advance. Advance bookings are costlier than booking after arriving there.
In Summary
Kawasan Falls is truly a unique place with pristine turquoise blue water. If you reach the place before the crowd starts gathering, you’ll be lucky to witness some of the most magnificent views of your life. It is a place where you can relax by the blue waters, swim, hike, take part in thrilling activities such as cliff-jumping, and have a great time with your friends and family.
However, as we’ve already mentioned in the guide, don’t go with very high hopes. The crowd may disappoint you. Make sure you carry your own food and water as everything is very expensive. Ideally, it’s best if you don’t carry huge bags as there are limited lockers available for storing your items. A small bag should be fine. Check out our guide on the best sling bags to use for travelling and hiking.
If you really want to spend on something, rent life jackets if you’re planning to swim, especially with your kids. If you want a ride on the bamboo rafts, be patient and wait for your turn. And, if you’re really looking forward to the canyoneering tour, schedule the day trip to the Kawasan Falls in such a way that you have ample time to enjoy the canyoneering activities.
Don’t haste and try to cover all the places at once. Haste makes waste; if you are unable to complete the walk through the three waterfalls and the canyoneering tour in one day, split the activities between two days. We’ve also listed some places to stay nearby where you can spend the night.
Final thoughts on Kawasan Falls
In this ultimate guide, we’ve covered all the critical aspects and provided you with enough information to make your trip to the Kawasan Falls an enjoyable one. The place has a charm that cannot be explained in mere words. The incredible blue hues of the water will leave you stunned.
We hope you found our guide useful. If you have any other questions related to Kawasan Falls, feel free to write to us. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Also, if there are some tips that you would like to share with our readers, please post them in the comment section below.