Experience the exquisite turquoise waters at the iconic Kawasan Falls.
Among all of Cebu’s natural wonders, no place has garnered more acclaim than Kawasan Falls.
Located in Matutinao, Badian, the soothing, free-flowing freshwater and remote jungle backdrop make for a serene paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Many will agree that it is the best place to unwind in Cebu south. It welcomes millions of guests every year, making it one of the top tourist spots on the island.
It may seem hard to believe that a place like this exists, especially because of the crystal clear waters and spectacular landscape.
Kawasan Falls was even dubbed the cleanest waterfall in the country several years ago. Travel + Leisure has even added this attraction to its list of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world (2024).
While it has its fair share of complaints and concerns from visitors, like overpriced tour guides and poor infrastructure, it is definitely a Cebu South tourist spot worth visiting.
That being said, here is a quick overview of what to expect at Kawasan Falls.
THREE-LEVEL CASCADE
Kawasan Falls stands at a total of almost 40 meters, with three tiers that are each accessible in less than an hour. Guests can trek and climb through the multi–layered cascade by taking the constructed bridges and paved walkways.
You will pass through a massive forest and several smaller pools of water that are both deep and shallow. You can work your way up the tiers by either starting at the activity center, or going down through the Badian Canyoneering Adventure route.
One thing’s for sure, each level of the Kawasan Falls has something exciting for you to try.
- First level
Most guests convene here since it is closest to the highway. You can buy merchandise and swimming equipment at the activity center, then go on the trek to the first level.
The walk will take about 15 minutes, which makes it convenient for those who don’t want to go through the jungle, especially since the road is well paved.
In the jungle, you may encounter animals that are endemic to the island, which include Philippine long-tailed macaques, flying foxes, and the black shama (locally called Siloy), known to be endemic to the nearby town of Alcoy.
The main pool at the first level is where you will also find the famous “BADIAN” signage.
The waterfall in this level is recorded to be 14 meters high, while the water is 7 meters deep.
- Second level
The next level is about 10 minutes away, which you can access through a steep flight of stairs. Compared to the first level, the waterfall here is eight and a half meters high, while the water is four and a half meters deep.
It’s easier to swim around and take photos here, especially because of the picturesque scenery.
The water flows straight to two other pools you can swim in if you can reach them. You should definitely be careful when going there though, as the pathway in this area can get slippery.
It’s best to wear aqua shoes or hiking sandals with good traction for convenience.
- Third level
If you have the energy, you can proceed to the top tier of Kawasan Falls, which is arguably the most scenic and relaxing.
The third level consists of the Kabukalan Spring, which flows with cold water perfect for swimming. Guides have even mentioned that the water from the spring is clean enough to drink.
The third level has a tall diving board that guests can use to jump into the water. You can relax or sit close to the waterfall while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
There is a cottage and a few makeshift benches as well. You will definitely need time to rest and recharge, since you will have to go all the way back down when you are done.
If you prefer a one-way course, then you can instead book a canyoneering tour, which will take you to Kawasan Falls through the Kanlaob River.
This is a much longer trek (around three to four hours), where you will be passing through caves, canyons, and freshwater rivers.
Canyoneering is indeed one of the many outdoor recreational activities you should try when you visit Kawasan Falls.
Take note that this will require a lot of stamina and endurance, so this adrenaline-pumping activity may not be for everyone.
If you don’t want to go through all the rigorous trekking and cliff jumping, you can always go straight to the first level of Kawasan Falls and enjoy the scenery from there.
HOW TO GO DIRECTLY TO KAWASAN FALLS
The waterfall is accessible through the road next to the main church of Badian. A signage will guide you to the activity center.
At the activity center, you will have to pay for the entrance fee (Php 200 for 1 level), and a parking fee (Php 50 for four-wheeled vehicles, free for motorcycles). You will be greeted by several guides who will happily take you to the falls.
Aside from giving you a rundown of things to know about Kawasan Falls, the guides will also be assisting you on your journey, especially when you want to stop and take photos.
Take precautions as well since some tour guides can be quite pricey with their service. Make sure to ask them first about how much their service costs before hiring one to guide you through the falls.
It may be better to befriend a local who is already familiar with the route going to Kawasan Falls, especially if you only plan on going to the first level.
Tourists from around the world have been mesmerized by the beauty of Kawasan Falls, with many recognizing it as one of the world’s best waterfalls. If you see pictures of it online, you probably won’t believe this tourist attraction is real.
Once you get there, you will immediately fall in love with the place.
There’s a reason why Kawasan Falls remains to be an iconic attraction on Cebu Island. Canyoneering may be a rigorous activity, but sometimes it’s the best way to experience and appreciate the wonders of nature – especially at a breathtaking location such as this.
REFERENCES:
Carrick, Evie. 2024. “21 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in the World.” Travel + Leisure.
https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/nature-travel/most-beautiful-waterfalls-in-the-world.
