Kawasan Falls are a series of turquoise waterfalls and lagoons that are both beautiful and fun to swim in. They are located on the southwestern side of Cebu in Badian and can be reached via motorbike or private car.
The best way to see them is on a canyoneering tour. This is a half-day activity and involves climbing, jumping, and sliding your way to the bottom of the waterfall.
1. Get there early.
When visiting Kawasan Falls, it's a good idea to get there early. This can help you avoid the crowds, especially if you're there for photography purposes!
To get to the waterfalls, you can take a bus from Moalboal or Barili (there are Ceres buses between Moalboal and Badian). The ride should only cost around 20 pesos per person.
Once you arrive, make sure to wave the driver or guide down so they know you're getting off at Kawasan Falls.
The main waterfalls are easy to find, but there are also some less well-known ones that are still great for a quick dip. These waterfalls are also less crowded so if you want to have some more privacy, this is the way to go!
2. Hike to the other waterfalls.
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Cebu, Kawasan Falls is a multi-layered waterfall system that's surrounded by tropical jungle. Its cold and clear water cascades through a series of waterfalls from Kandayvic Spring before reaching the Matutinao River.
If you're into adventure, you can go canyoneering at Kawasan Falls, which involves climbing, sliding, and jumping down the canyon. Click here to find out more about this fun and exciting tour!
After you've had your fill of canyoneering, hike to the other waterfalls. These are less crowded and offer a chance to swim, relax, and take photos.
3. Go canyoneering.
If you're up for a challenge, canyoning is the perfect way to explore the Kawasan Falls. It combines hiking, abseiling, and jumping into waterfalls, dreamily-coloured pools of water and natural slides that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
When it comes to safety, it's essential to find a canyoning guide that can reassure you and show you step by step how it all works. Fortunately, there are plenty of great guides around the world who have years of experience and will be able to give you all the information and advice you need to ensure you have a safe, memorable experience.
If you're up for a challenge, take a look at the different canyoneering tours available at the Kawasan Canyoneering Headquarters near Badian. Whether you want to try canyoning for the first time or you're an experienced adventurer, there's something for everyone!
4. Take a swim.
Kawasan Falls is a huge waterfall complex which includes three different levels. It's a great day trip from Moalboal and takes between 45 minutes to an hour to go through the entire thing - assuming you don't swim!
You'll have to hike up to the various waterfalls, across bamboo bridges and up steep rocks. The walking paths are quite slippery and I wouldn't recommend flip flops here.
The first level is the most popular, boasting a spacious swimming area of cool turquoise water and places to sit and chat with friends. The second level offers a 50-ft cliff jump and a deep plunge pool, and the third level has another natural swimming area with less people.
5. Take photos.
Known for its perfectly clear water cascading through multiple waterfalls, Kawasan Falls is one of the most popular tourist attractions in south Cebu. Located in Badian, it is an easy day trip from scuba diving hotspot Moalboal.
If you want to take photos at this waterfall, the best time is between 9am and 12pm on a sunny day. The sun will hit the falls in a golden glow, and the water will have a lovely soft blue hue.
The foliage surrounding the falls tends to shred the light, making it hard to get good shots. By arriving early and using long exposures, you can create a beautiful image without the distracting foliage.
There are a few levels of waterfalls to explore at Kawasan Falls, so it’s important to get there as early as possible. Otherwise, you’ll struggle to get a great photo of the first waterfall without other people in the frame!
