Is Kawasan Falls worth it? In short – Yes! Kawasan Falls canyoneering on the island of Cebu is for sure going to be highlight of your Philippine adventures! This is one of the best tours we did, traversing through the turquoise water early in the morning, working your way through the middle of the lush green valley is an incredible experience. Whether you’re doing a canyoneering tour from Moalboal or Cebu City, or just want to visit the waterfall without canyoneering, this gem is worth adding to your bucket list.
Below we share our unforgettable experience at Kawasan Falls, one of the Philippines best waterfalls & adventures, how we organised it, where Kawasan Falls are and everything else you need to know before embarking on this once in a lifetime adventure.
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Where Is Kawasan Falls?
There are lots of Kawasan falls in the Philippines, Kawasan means cascade, but the Kawasan Falls on Cebu are by far the most famous. You will find Kawasan Falls on the island of Cebu in Barangay Matutinao, the district of Badian on the southwestern coast of Cebu, it is about 2-3 hours from Cebu City.
Moalboal & specifically Panagsama Beach is a great town to stay in as a base if you’re visiting for canyoneering due to the amazing Sardine Run Snorkelling and the lively bar & restaurant scene.
Book your tour online here! We can’t recommend the canyoneering highly enough
Kawasan Falls Description
Kawasan falls is a multi-tier waterfall, and is often described as the best waterfall in the Philippines! It is famous for the canyoneering tours however if you don’t want to do the canyoneering skip to: Visit Kawasan Falls Without Canyoneering.
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Canyoneering Moalboal
You’re experience will start with signing your life away… no but seriously this can be dangerous and they do make you sign a waiver. You will be given a helmet and life jacket (and wet shoes if needed) then they will drive you to the safety briefing. The briefing takes 30 seconds then you’re ready to go. Make sure the life vest fits properly as you’ll most likely be jumping in the water.
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How Long Does The Kawasan Falls Tour Take?
The full canyoneering tour takes 3-4 hours where you’ll experience the rainforest like never before.
Zip Wire at Kawasan Falls
At the start of the tour you have a choice to walk 40 minutes to the start of the course or take the zip wire. The zip line costs an extra ₽700 (£10) each and we would highly recommend it as long as you don’t have a phobia of heights. You get a great view and skip the walk, which is needed in the 30-40 degree heat. If you’re on a tight budget perhaps walking is for you.
Jumps at Kawasan Falls
The first jump is 4m and pretty early on. After that you will clamber and swim through azure waters. Your guides will help you and take all your photos, they are amazing.
Book your tour online here! We can’t recommend the canyoneering highly enough
The second jump is a 7m high jump and the third 6m. After this you will have a short journey towards the final 10m jump. Take the time to listen to the rainforest and don’t forget to look up! This is seriously some of the best scenery around.
There is also a stop half way through with a 7\11 in the middle of the jungle – a small local shack selling some snacks. If you’re on a budget we recommend you don’t buy anything here.
The final 10m jump comes just before you get to the start of Kawasan Falls. This jump is high, but it will get the adrenaline pumping. (Also remember you don’t have to jump, there is a way to walk round if it’s too high for you).
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After the final jump you will come to the tranquil top pool and waterfall where you can take photos with the famous blue coloured waters. Then you will be lead down to the rope swing, this costs a little extra but it’s totally worth it!
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You’re final trek will be down to Kawasan waterfall itself, here your guide will let you swim and relax in the turquoise pool.
There is then a short walk back to the road where you will be taken back to the canyoneering centre and given lunch. We had buttered chicken and pancit; there were also options of pork and fish.
Take a Day-Trip from Moalboal to Pescador Island for some of the best snorkelling
How Much Does Kawasan Falls Cost?
The tour price was ₽2100 (£29 / $36) each
Extras:
- Zip wire ₽700 (£9.69 / $12.13)
- Rope swing ₽20
What To Take to Kawasan Falls?
- Wet shoes (or you can hire them)
- GoPro
- Phone in a waterproof case
- Swimsuit/shorts/clothes you can get wet
- Suncream
- Wallet
You can also rent a locker for a small cost, if you have extra bags or stuff but really you don’t need to bring too much stuff.
Visit Kawasan Falls Without Canyoneering
If clambering over rocks, jumping off of 10m ledges and the general craziness of canyoneering isn’t your thing then that’s not a problem! You can still visit the beautiful Kawasan Falls from the safety of a leisurely stroll. Just hike and swim in the beautiful clear water, your guides will take you directly to the end point of the falls and skip the canyoneering. Easy Peasy!
How To Get To Kawasan Falls Moalboal, Cebu
Cebu City To Kawasan Falls
Catch the bus to Moalboal from the ‘South Bus Terminal’ in Cebu City. You can book a grab to take you to the terminal. There is a small charge (₱20) for your taxi to enter the terminal but this will remove any hassle and they will drop you right outside the entrance.
The bus costs ₱200 or £2.85 each and takes roughly 2-3 hours weaving through the mountain towns after escaping the city hustle & bustle. You will be dropped off right outside Jollibee’s in Moalboal, from here it’s usually then best to take a tricycle to your accommodation. In the town of Moalboal or at your hostel you can then organise your canyoneering tour, they will then sort your transport to the falls & guides etc.
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Oslob to Kawasan Falls
If you’re heading there from a town in South Cebu such as Oslob or the port of Liloan, just catch a bus North towards Cebu City via Moalboal. Get off in Moalboal by the Jollibees then head to your hostel.
Moalboal to Kawasan Falls
If you’ve booked a guided tour from Moalboal or through your hostel your transport will be arranged and they will pick you up in the morning. However to cut costs you could arrange a deal to drive yourself to the start point.
Tip: Pick the earliest tour possible to avoid the crowds. The water was crystal clear on our tour as we were the first group through early in the morning.
DIY Kawasan Falls Tour
For the canyoneering you will still have to hire a guide as this is mandatory for most activities in the Philippines in order to help the locals find income, but you can still make your own way on a scooter to the canyoneering centre. The guides make this trip, they are super friendly, kind and great at taking photos!
If you don’t want to do the canyoneering, then you can drive yourself to the waterfall start and walk 15 minutes down the trail to the waterfall where you can swim and relax in the bright blue water.
What’s Nearby In The Local Area Of Moalboal
The region of Badian is also home to one of the best hikes on the island of Cebu, Osmena & Casino Peaks, similar to the Chocolate Hills of Bohol these hikes bring you up to a stunning viewpoint of the tropical rainforest. Another hour or so drive further down south also brings you to an abundance of waterfalls: Inambakan Falls, Dao Falls, Tumalog Falls. If you’ve got the time and budget, there’s loads to do in the area.
Best Moalboal Tours
Top Things To Do In Moalboal
We stayed 4 nights in Moalboal, this is enough time to visit the famous Kawasan Falls, see the Sardine Run and explore the coast. If you would like to head down to the South of Cebu to visit the islands waterfalls we would recommend staying a little longer. Here’s our highlights.
Top Pick: Kawasan Canyoneering
Jump from 10m and swim through a jungle canyon to the famous Kawasan Falls with its turquoise blue waters. Try and get an early tour to avoid the crowds.
Best Beach: Panagsama Beach
Here you can experience the sardine run, one of the only places in the world where you can snorkel with huge bait balls & turtles! For white sand visit the nearby Basdaku Beach
Best Hike & View: Osmena Peak
The short hike leads to beautiful surroundings of the Canyon and allows you to see the Rainforest from above.
Other Things To Do On Cebu
Best Places To Stay In Moalboal
$ Budget
Southpoint Hostel
A great place on Panagsama Road that is affordable if you’re on a budget. Equipped with a small restaurant run by the owners and aircon it’s perfect for backpackers. You will need to get a short tricycle ride down to the beach front.
$$ Mid-Range
Crazy Bears Hostel
With everything just a walk away, the location of Crazy Bears is perfect for solo and couple backpackers. With a/c and an onsite restaurant this is a great hostel for meeting fellow travellers.
$$$ High-End
Kasai Village Dive Resort
Equipped with a swimming pool, sea views, hot tub and restaurant Kasai Village Dive Resort has everything you need all in one place. Experience the perfect blend of tranquillity and adventure.
Spacing
Top Tips For Travelling Cebu
Below we share our favourite tips for travelling Cebu or you can check out our full Cebu Travel Guide.
- Cebu City is the second biggest hub in the Philippines, so expect chaos!
- Oslob’s Whale Shark swimming is really unethical for the animals!
- Moalboal is an amazing hub for backpackers for snorkelling and sunset drinks at Panagsama Beach
- When travelling around the Philippines in a tuk-tuk, tricycle or taxi, agree on a price upfront and try to have the right change handy.
- Use an E-sim like Airalo to stay connected and remove the hassle of a physical SIM
- Malapascua is home to some of the only Thresher Shark diving in the world
- Don’t skip Kawasan Falls, the canyoneering tour early in the morning was one of our major highlights
Final Thoughts on Kawasan Falls Moalboal
I hope the photos in this blog have sold you on trying the Canyoneering and demonstrated how unbelievably amazing Kawasan Falls is, we don’t usually like to just do the touristy things in a certain place however this one blew us away. Well worth the money, the adventure involves a motorbike ride, zipline, hiking, rock climbing, ledge jumps, swimming and waterfall exploring – an adventurers dream! If hardcode adventure isn’t your style then we think it’s still worth going to see the vibrant blue water at the waterfalls without canyoneering! So check it out and we hope you enjoy.
