This is not for the weak and weary. Kawasan Falls is an unforgettable adventure! You are trekking through a huge gorgeous canyon with surrounded by lush greenery, refreshing turquoise waters, and ultimately jumping off 13 cliffs! Check out the YouTube video of my experience at the end of this article!
Three cascades of fresh cool water each falling into a deep natural pool just perfect for swimming on a warm day–this is Kawasan Falls. Located in the mountains of Barangay Matutinao in Badian, the waterfalls are among the most popular attractions in Cebu. If you’re vacationing in the province, don’t miss an adventure here.
The turquoise waters that flow through Kawasan Falls come from the Kandayvic Spring, which then course through the Matutinao River. Kawasan Falls can be a haven for those who want to enjoy the serene beauty of nature or an adventure playground for those who love to explore the wilderness.
How to Get There
Depending on where you’re coming from, you can trek, ride a habal-habal (motorcycle), or take a bus to reach Kawasan Falls.
From Osmena Peak
Many hiking enthusiasts head straight to Kawasan Falls after climbing Osmena Peak. There is a trail near the Mantalongan Market in Dalaguete that leads straight to Kawasan Falls in Badian. However, this trek is not for the faint-hearted as it takes 4 to 6 hours to reach the falls. If you’re not up for a long hike, you can rent a habal-habal for $20 (Php 1,000). The trip would then take just 2 hours.
From Cebu City
Take a bus going to Bato via Barili at the South Bus Terminal. At Badian, get off Kawasan Falls. You can ask the bus conductor to drop you off there so you won’t miss your stop. The bus trip takes about 3 hours and costs around $3 (Php 150). From the main road, take a short 10-minute trek to the falls in Barangay Matutinao.
From Moalboal
Badian is less than an hour away from Moalboal. To get to Kawasan Falls, wave down a southbound bus on the main road. Most buses pass by Kawasan Falls. Just tell the bus conductor to let you off either at the canyoneering entrance or the main entrance. The trip takes only 40 minutes and costs less than $2.
From Oslob
If you’re heading to Kawasan Falls after whale-watching in Oslob, take a bus ride to Bato then transfer to another bus that’s heading for Cebu City via Barili. Ask the bus conductor to drop you off at the entrance of Kawasan Falls in Badian. The two bus rides would cost only about $2 in all.
Extreme Adventure: Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls
Tourists who just want to relax and take a cool dip in the pools of Kawasan can head to the main entrance of Kawasan Falls. From there, they take a 10-minute walk and are welcomed by rows of food stalls and shops leading to the natural pools. Picnic tables, rafts, and cottages can be rented for a comfy place to rest and relax.
However, if you’re up for an adventure, go canyoneering. You can do this on your own or sign up for a pre-booked tour. The tour would cost around $30 to $40 and lasts anywhere from 4 to 6 hours. A word of warning though, you must be athletic and ready for challenging adventures if you are to go canyoneering. If you are going to do any cliff jumping, you will absolutely need a tour guide and they will provide you with a helmet, water shoes, and life-vest.
From the canyoneering entrance, you can take the zipline to the Matutinao River and be there as fast as the wind. Depending on the tour package you avail, the fee would be included in the canyoneering cost or you’d be asked to pay an additional fee of $15. Even with the additional fee, it’s worth the experience. An amazing aerial view of the valley is a great way to start your adventure. But if you’re acrophobic or prefer trekking, you can choose to take the 45-minute hike to the river instead.
Canyoneering downstream to the third waterfall is filled with adventure. You’ll be trekking through the rainforest on unsteady ground. Expect a lot of rocky patches and slippery slopes so make sure you have sturdy non-slip shoes. Expect to get wet as well so don’t wear anything that gets heavy when soaked with water. You can find people selling waterproof bags everywhere if you want to bring some dry clothes.
There are plenty of water slides and lots of swimming through canyons. Also, be ready for 13 different cliff jumps that reach up to 12 meters. If you’re not keen on high jumps, you can use the paths around the big ones.
Guides are friendly and patient and would happily cheer you on if you’re hesitating to take the jump. They also patiently lead you down the slopes if you choose not to jump from the higher cliffs. Moreover, they’re more than willing to take your pictures as you jump into action.
For the most part, water is just about knee-deep so you’d mostly be trekking through the canyon. Even something as simple as wading through water becomes an enchanting experience with the clear turquoise blue water and gentle sounds of the forest.
Towards the end of the canyon, go on the Tarzan swing and pretend that you’re a feral child in the wild jungles of Africa. The water here is deep enough for swimming and jumping off the rope swing. Right beyond this place is the second cascade of Kawasan Falls.
These activities are bound to use your stored energy. If you didn’t bring a snack with you, fuel up at the small food stand halfway through the course. If you have boundless energy, you can also put off snacking when you reach Kawasan Falls. The area is lined with food stalls and souvenir shops.
Want to see a glimpse of the adventure waiting for you?! Check out my experience:
Chill and Relax at Kawasan Falls
The canyoneering tour ends at the three-layered waterfalls of Kawasan. The two main cascades fall into deep natural pools that are perfect for swimming. There are no jumps here and even if there were, it might not be that safe as this place is where most of the tourists stay. So, just simply relax and float on the crystal blue waters.
The rush of cool water is a refreshing reward after a tiring adventure. You can also rent a raft that takes you straight under the waterfalls. If you sit or lie down on the raft, you can enjoy a relaxing hydro massage—a great reward for completing the grueling canyoneering journey.
Fees
$100 would be more than enough to enjoy a whole day in Kawasan Falls. Traveling there by bus or habal-habal costs only around $10 to $30. The entrance fee is less than $1, and bamboo rafts are just a little over $5. If you want to rent a cottage, the smallest one is worth approximately $30. Or just rent a picnic table at merely $10.
If you go to Kawasan Falls by trekking from Osmena Peak, all that trekking and canyoneering may leave you too tired to travel back to Cebu City. If so, just spend the night at the falls. There are rooms available with overnight rates starting at $20.
Adventurers who want to take the canyoneering challenge must allot $30 for the tour. This already includes registration and entrance fees, tour guide fee, life vest and helmet rental, and motorbike transport.
What to Bring for Your Kawasan Adventure
Cash. This is the only mode of payment accepted in most shops so you definitely need to bring local currency. $100 (about Php 5,000) would be enough, but you can bring some extra for souvenirs, food, and other side activities.
Small bills. It’s not required, but guides would appreciate tips. A 20-peso or 50-peso bill would already be enough. A 100-peso would put a huge smile on their faces. Tip more if they really did an awesome job. But again, tipping isn’t really required.
Swimsuit and sun protection. No explanations needed here.
Towel and extra clothes. These also serve as staples in any water adventure.
Sandals or water shoes. You’ll need a sturdy and dependable pair for canyoneering. The shoes must not let you down on water, on slippery slopes, and on rocky trails. Tour guides will provide this and helmets for you. If you’re not canyoneering, flip flops would do just fine at the pools.
Water and snacks. These are essential anywhere you go in the Philippines. The weather can be stifling especially during midday. You’d definitely need to hydrate throughout the day.
GoPro or waterproof camera. Leave your DLSR at home especially if you’re canyoneering. An adventure calls for a dependable action camera. Personally, I did bring my drone, but I don’t recommend this. It does not fly well in canyons and the tour guides report that many tourists lose it in the waterfall. My tour guide kindly carried mine but avoided the higher jumps to avoid damaging it.
Some Handy Tips
There are lockers at the first waterfall where you can secure your belongings for a fee of $3. They won’t fit big hiking backpacks though so best to leave those at the hotel.
There are plenty of guides in the area so you don’t really have to join a tour. The guide fees would be pretty much the same, but you’d have a more private adventure.
Women may want to wear shorts or swim tights over their bikinis or swimsuits. From my experience, there are some places where you’d be sliding down smooth rocks, and you definitely won’t want your bottom scratched.
Haggle for lower prices. Bargaining for discounts is common in the Philippines. If you didn’t join a tour, you can haggle for lower rates with the guides in the area. You can also try to buy souvenirs at lower prices.
No Comments