Table of Contents
You’ve lived in Cebu your whole life but have never made it out to Kawasan Falls. Well, it’s time to finally check it off your local’s bucket list. The falls are only about three hours from the city, but they feel like a whole different world once you arrive.
Get ready for a rejuvenating adventure into nature that you won’t soon forget. This travel guide will give you insider tips to make the most of your Kawasan Falls trip. You’ll learn the best times to visit, how to get there, where to stay nearby, what to pack, and everything in between. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be itching to book your tickets.
It’s time to explore one of the most magnificent natural wonders right here in Cebu!
Get to know the Kawasan Falls
Location and getting there
Kawasan Falls is located in Barangay Matutinao, Badian, Cebu. To get there, you can take a bus from Cebu City to Badian. The journey takes about 3 to 4 hours. Once in Badian, you can take a habal-habal or motorcycle taxi to Kawasan Falls. The ride takes about 30 minutes over unpaved roads in the mountains. The habal-habal fare is around P150 to P200 per person.
What to expect
Kawasan Falls features a series of stunning waterfalls located within the Matutinao River. The main waterfall is about 130 feet high, with turquoise-blue waters that are perfect for swimming and cliff jumping. The lush jungle surroundings and cascading falls make for a very scenic spot.
Activities
The major activities here are swimming, cliff jumping, and rappelling. The natural pools below the waterfalls are deep enough for swimming, with some areas over 6 feet deep. For the adventurous, there are spots where you can jump from cliffs that are 10 to 15 feet high into the cool waters below. Rappelling down the side of the waterfalls is also popular with thrill-seekers.
Facilities
There are basic facilities at Kawasan Falls, like picnic tables, toilets, and shower areas. Some local stores also sell snacks, drinks, and swimming gear. Overnight accommodations are limited, so most visitors come on day tours. For meals, some locals offer barbecue and fresh seafood by the falls.
Kawasan Falls is a natural wonder that provides a perfect escape from the city. The stunning scenery and activities make it a popular eco-tourism destination, so try to go early and on weekdays to avoid the biggest crowds. A trip here is guaranteed to leave you in awe of nature’s beauty.
How to get to Kawasan Falls
To reach Kawasan Falls, you’ll first need to travel to the island of Cebu in the Philippines. Kawasan Falls is located roughly 130 kilometers (or 81 miles) to the southwest in the mountains of southern Cebu. The journey will take around 3 to 4 hours one-way, depending on traffic and road conditions.
By Bus
The most affordable way to get to Kawasan Falls is by taking a bus from Cebu City’s South Bus Terminal to the town of Badian. Ceres Liner, Sunrays, and Cibubur Transit operate air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses that depart for Badian regularly throughout the day. The bus fare is around PHP 150–220 (USD $3 to $4) each way. Once you arrive in Badian, you’ll need to take a habal-habal motorcycle or tricycle to the entrance of Kawasan Falls, about 30 minutes away.
By van or taxi
For a more direct ride, you can hire an air-conditioned van or taxi to drive you from Cebu City to Kawasan Falls. The fare will depend on your negotiating skills but expect to pay between ₱1,700 and ₱2,100 (USD $30 to $38) for a one-way trip. While more expensive, a van or taxi will get you to the falls quicker and drop you off right at the entrance. For larger groups, a van may be worth the splurge.
By Tour
Joining an organized tour is the easiest way to visit Kawasan Falls, especially if you’re short on time. Day tours depart from Cebu City and handle all the logistics, including round-trip transport, entrance fees, and a local guide. Tours typically cost between PHP 1,500 and 2,500 (USD $30 to $50) per person and visit Kawasan Falls as well as neighboring attractions like Mantayupan Falls, Dalaguete Peak, and Osmeña Peak. Most tours provide hotel pickup and drop-off in Cebu City, as well as lunch.
Whichever way you choose to travel, the scenic journey through jungles, mountains, and rice paddies is part of the adventure in exploring the natural wonders of Kawasan Falls. Enjoy the ride and soak in the beautiful views along the way!
What to See and Do at Kawasan Falls
Swim in the private pools.
The main attraction of Kawasan Falls is its lush jungle scenery and crystal-clear turquoise pools, perfect for swimming. There are three tiers to Kawasan Falls with varying depths, so you’ll find a spot suitable for you whether you prefer paddling in shallow waters or plunging into the deep. The cool, refreshing waters provide an escape from the humid weather.
Cliff Dive
If you’re feeling adventurous, Kawasan Falls is also a popular spot for cliff diving. The highest cliff is about 20 meters high—not for the faint of heart! But don’t worry; there are lower cliffs to jump from if you want to start slow. The deep, deep waters of Kawasan Falls cushion your fall. Just take caution, especially during the rainy season when the water level is high.
Trek to the Top
For the best views, trek to the very top of Kawasan Falls. The hike takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your pace. The path can get slippery when wet so proper footwear is recommended. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the lush jungle greenery surrounding the falls. It’s the perfect spot for photos! You can then make your way back down and take a refreshing dip in the pools.
Other Activities
There are other activities you can enjoy in the area, like bamboo rafting along the Matutinao River and canyoneering. Kawasan Falls also makes a great side trip if you’re exploring Southern Cebu’s natural attractions like Osmena Peak. You can easily spend a whole day swimming, cliff diving, trekking, and enjoying other adventures at Kawasan Falls. Don’t miss out on this Cebu destination that offers a perfect blend of outdoor thrills amidst natural scenery.
FAQs about Kawasan Falls
How do I get to Kawasan Falls?
The falls are located in southern Cebu, about a 3-hour drive from Cebu City. You can take a bus from Cebu City to Badian town, then hire a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) to take you the remaining 30 minutes to the falls. The road is mostly paved but can get quite winding, so those prone to motion sickness should take caution.
How much are the entrance fees?
The entrance fee for Kawasan Falls is P20 for locals and P30 for foreigners. Parking fees are P20 for motorcycles and P50 for cars. Additional fees apply if you want to do activities like canyoneering, caving, or rafting.
What is the best time of year to visit?
The dry season, from January to May, is the best time to experience Kawasan Falls in all its glory. During the rainy months of June to December, the water current can get quite strong and the trails may be muddy and slippery. April and May tend to be the hottest months, so be prepared for large crowds escaping the summer heat.
Can I swim in the falls?
Yes, swimming in the cool turquoise waters is one of the main attractions of Kawasan Falls! There are several layers of falls you can swim under, with the largest having a deep catch basin perfect for cliff jumping. Life jackets are available to rent for those who aren’t strong swimmers. Exercise caution, especially during the rainy season, as flash floods can occur without warning.
Are there places to stay near the falls?
There are a few basic resorts located within walking distance of Kawasan Falls that offer air conditioning, wifi, and hot showers. Prices range from P800 to P2,500 per night. For a more scenic stay, you can rent a bamboo hut or pitch a tent at the Falls campsite. If camping overnight, be aware that the entrance gates are locked at 8 p.m., so you must arrive before then.
Coming to Cebu wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the natural wonder that is Kawasan Falls. With stunning turquoise waters and lush jungle surroundings, it’s no wonder why locals and tourists alike keep coming back. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask the friendly staff and locals at the falls. Enjoy your visit!
Conclusion
So as you wander home from Kawasan Falls, take a moment to reflect on your journey through this natural wonder. Remember plunging into those cool turquoise pools and hearing the roar of water crashing down around you? Let the memories of giant ferns and vibrant flowers sustain you until your next adventure. Amping sa laag!
Chris Soronio
1 comment