Cebu Waterfalls are some of the best waterfalls I have ever been to and I am sure many other tourists would agree when visiting Cebu Island in the Philippines!
Cebu is so diverse offering a mecca of adventurous things to do including epic waterfalls, panoramic viewpoints, swimming with whale sharks, island hopping, and much more!
I have put together this ultimate list of the 6 Best Falls In Cebu including where to find them, how much the entrance fees are and what to expect at each one.
OVERVIEW – CEBU WATERFALLS
Here is a quick overview of the 6 Best Cebu Waterfalls that you will find in this post:
- Kawasan Falls
- Aguinid Falls
- Binalayan Falls
- Dao Falls
- Inambakan Falls
- Tumalog Falls
6 BEST CEBU WATERFALLS
KAWASAN FALLS
Kawasan Falls in Badian is without a doubt the most popular falls in Cebu!
A visit to Kawasan Falls to do the canyoneering is the most adrenaline-pumping adventure to be had in the Philippines.
Whether it’s your first time canyoneering or not, the Kawasan Falls experience is not to be missed on your South Cebu itinerary!
Kawasan Falls is located just 45 minutes drive from Moalboal in South Cebu.
I recommend pre-booking a Kawasan Falls Tour Package online with Viator, which includes return transfers from your accommodation in Moalboal so you won’t need to worry about the logistics.
Upon arriving at the Kawasan Canyoneering Headquarters, we met our guide Raul who got us fitted into the required safety equipment such as water shoes, life jackets, and helmets.
We took a ride on the back of a motorbike to the top of the mountain and before we knew it we were completely submerged in the first rock pool.
Soon after, Raul made us sit down at the edge of a one-meter cliff before he gently pushed us backward over a small set of falls into another rock pool below.
At this point, I knew we were in for an epic adventure!
We then continued navigating our way through knee-deep water that was as clear as crystal. The water trail took us through some amazing caves and natural rock slides.
There were also numerous cliff jumps ranging anywhere from three meters up to fourteen meters.
Do note that if you are afraid of heights you’ve always got the option to walk around the cliffs instead of jumping.
When you reach the end of the canyon it will bring you to the famous Kawasan Falls.
You can spend as much time as you like as there are about five different levels of waterfalls and several big cliff jumps to keep you entertained.
There are also a few restaurants by the main waterfall to grab something to eat and drink at the end of your adventure.
Full Blog Post → Kawasan Falls Canyoneering
KAWASAN FALLS CANYONEERING TOUR
The best way to visit is to join the Kawasan Falls and Canyoneering Day Tour!
It includes transportation, lunch, all fees, snorkeling with sharks, the Sumilon Sandbar, and a fun guide!
AGUINID FALLS
Aguinid Falls is one of the most unique waterfalls in Cebu.
The multi-tiered Aguinid Falls is one heck of an adventure and I highly recommend adding it to your list of things to do.
These falls are not quite as popular as Kawasan Falls just up the road, but the word is spreading quickly about this awesome Cebu waterfall and it’s just as impressive, in my opinion.
Must Read → 3 Weeks Philippines Itinerary
Aguinid Falls is located in the small village of Samboan in South Cebu. From Oslob, it’s a 30-minute drive and from Moalboal it’s approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes drive to reach Aguinid Falls.
The entrance fee to Aguinid Falls is 300 pesos which includes compulsory safety equipment (wet shoes, helmet, and life jacket), two guides, and also the tip for the guides.
As I mentioned earlier, Aguinid Falls in Cebu is a multi-tiered waterfall with eight levels of falls to be exact. Eight freakin’ waterfalls, can you believe it?!
Although the locals say there are eight levels of falls, only six levels are currently accessible as they are still working to improve the trail to the higher levels.
This is not your typical waterfall where you take a short trek in, go for a dip and take photos, but rather an epic and very physical adventure that involves jumping, climbing ropes, and navigating your way through the cascading falls.
It took us around two hours to complete the Aguinid Falls tour but that included many stops to take photos. For the average person, it would take around one hour from start to finish.
Full Blog Post → Aguinid Falls
BINALAYAN HIDDEN FALLS
Binalayan Falls (also referred to as Binalayan Hidden Falls) is yet another one of the best Cebu waterfalls!
See More → 15 Things To Do In Cebu
Binalayan Falls is located in Samboan in South Cebu. From Oslob, it’s a 30-minute drive and from Moalboal it’s approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes drive to reach the falls.
There are half a dozen waterfalls in Samboan, South Cebu so if you plan it right you can visit more than one waterfall in one day.
An ideal one-day South Cebu itinerary from Moalboal is to first visit Aguinid Falls, secondly Binalayan Hidden Waterfalls, and thirdly Dau Falls.
Binalayan Falls entrance fee is 60 pesos which includes a guide and there is also a 10 pesos parking fee. Tipping your guide is completely up to you, but somewhere between 50–100 pesos would do.
There are a number of water crossings on the way to the main set of falls at Binalayan so it’s best to wear a pair of water shoes or flip-flops because your feet will get wet.
The first tier at these falls features a shallow crystalline rock pool, a rest area with some make-shift benches, and a tire swing hung from a tree.
It’s definitely worth taking a short break here in this tranquil little section of the trek.
The main falls boast a 5oft tall rock face and the flow of water is divided into three separate streams that fill the basin beneath.
There is a cave behind the falls from which you can climb up and jump, but it’s best to let your guide go first to show you how it’s done.
The water is around two meters deep so I wouldn’t recommend diving headfirst. I touched the sandy bottom with my feet when I jumped, even with my knees bent.
There is also a range of cliff jumping spots on the left-hand side of these Cebu falls, but even this is a bit sketchy due to the pool below being quite shallow.
Only jump from a height you feel comfortable with, even if the guide encourages you to jump from a higher level just say no.
Apart from cliff jumping, you can hang out in the crystalline waters at the base of the falls and explore the natural caves behind the falls.
Full Blog Post → Binalayan Hidden Falls
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DAO FALLS
My visit to Dao Falls in Samboan was low-key one of the best adventures I had in South Cebu and a visit to these Cebu waterfalls is an absolute must!
Dao Falls is best visited from Moalboal, which is 53km away and the drive takes around one hour and twenty minutes.
These falls are recognized as the tallest set of falls in the Samboan region and the jungle trail trek is an epic adventure in itself.
The entrance fee to Dao Falls is 60 pesos which includes a guide and the parking fee is an additional 10 pesos.
Trekking to Dau Falls from the parking lot takes around twenty to thirty minutes including stops for photos.
It isn’t a difficult trek by any means though do note that your feet will get wet along this jungle trail.
In most parts, it requires walking through knee-deep water and I recommend bringing a pair of slip-on waterproof shoes for these sections.
An impressive bamboo suspension bridge surrounded by coconut palms stretches across the river and on the other side is the beginning of the jungle trail to Dau Waterfall.
It wasn’t long until we were completely immersed in a dense jungle as we followed the canyon trail upstream which seemed to grow narrower the further we advanced. It was one of the most tranquil trails I have ever hiked along.
Vines cover the canyon walls and blue Gatorade-colored waters cascade seamlessly past us as we navigated our way toward Dao Waterfall.
The adventurous hike to Dao Falls, in my opinion, is what makes this location so unique. There are many turquoise rock pools along the way that are well worth stopping at for a quick dip and this is where you’ll likely get your best photos.
When you reach the top you’ll be graced with the epic sight of Dao Falls which towers 50 meters tall above the large catch basin.
Full Blog Post → Dao Falls
INAMBAKAN FALLS
Inambakan Falls in Ginatilan features blue Gatorade-colored springs and jungle surrounds.
There are multiple levels at Inambakan Waterfall which makes this one of the most epic falls in Cebu to explore.
Inambakan Falls is located in the small village of Ginatilan in South Cebu.
The entrance fee at Inambakan Falls is 50 pesos and an additional 10 pesos for parking.
The hike down to the main falls takes no more than 5 minutes from the jump-off point and the trail winds upstream until it emerges at the base of the 100-foot-tall Inambakan Falls.
My favorite feature of Inambakan falls is the milky blue pool of water in the catch basin which gets its color from the limestone cliffs that surround the falls. It seriously looks inviting enough to drink!
Once you’ve taken a dip in the milky blue waters at the main set of falls, continue hiking along the trail and up the stairs to the next few levels of these Ginatilan Falls.
You can stop in at the second level of Inambakan which features a shallow rock pool right at the top of the main set of falls.
Watch your step on the rocks at this spot as they are very slippery and it’s a long way down if you fall.
The level up from here was my favorite because there are several cliff-jumping spots into a number of refreshing rock pools.
I did a depth check first before throwing myself off different rocks into the crystalline waters of Inambakan Falls.
The lush jungle that surrounds the area contrasts beautifully with the water and adds to the tranquility of this natural attraction.
If you’re up for a full day of adventuring, definitely add Inambakan Falls to your list of waterfalls to visit!
Full Blog Post → Inambakan Falls
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TUMALOG FALLS
Tumalog Falls in Oslob is one of the most popular Cebu waterfalls!
A visit to these falls is typically combined with the Oslob Whale Shark Tour which is another great activity to add to your South Cebu itinerary!
There is one tour that I can recommend which is a full-day trip from Cebu City and it includes swimming with whale sharks in Oslob and a visit to Tumalog Falls.
This particular tour is the most top-rated Whale Shark + Tumalog Falls Tour with dozens of great reviews and thousands of bookings.
Book Now → Whale Shark + Tumalog Falls Tour!
The Tumalog Falls entrance fee is 20 pesos if you plan to visit without a tour and the opening times are Monday to Sunday from 6 am to 5 pm.
Tumalog Falls is quite unique, featuring a mellow curtain of water falling down the face of a monolithic limestone cliff. There is a large swimming area at the base of the falls where you can take a dip to cool off.
The color of the water in the basin is that classic milky blue tinge that the Philippines is most famous for!
The falls are surrounded by tall bamboo and mossy walls adding to the jungle vibes that you will find here.
A large cave can also be found on the left-hand side of the falls if you wish to explore deeper and get another cool perspective of Tumalog Falls from inside.
There are changing rooms and toilet facilities for guests to use and also a small sari-sari store if you wish to buy some water and light snacks.
Full Blog Post → Tumalog Falls
HOW TO GET TO CEBU
Cebu Island is located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines.
Cebu island is very close to the neighboring islands of Bohol and Negros Oriental which can be easily reached by plane or ferry.
BY PLANE:
There are daily flights to Cebu Mactan International Airport connecting domestic travelers from many destinations within the Philippines and also welcoming international arrivals from around the world.
Click here to search all flights to Cebu
BY FERRY:
There are many ferries operating in and out of Cebu Island that can be booked online in advance.
Visit the 12Go Asia website to search and book all of your transportation within the Philippines.
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BEST TIME TO VISIT CEBU
The best time to visit Cebu, weather-wise, is between April and July when temperatures are hot and there is barely any rainfall.
This is also high season in Cebu, so expect to see many tourists during these months.
I recommend visiting Cebu during the shoulder months of the high season between November and March which sees a bit of rainfall but usually only lasts for a couple of hours and the rest of the day is sunny.
Try to avoid the typhoon season which is between August and October.
GETTING AROUND CEBU
There are a couple of options on how to get around Cebu Island Philippines and they are by public bus, taxi, grab taxi, scooter, habal habal (motorbike taxi), tricycle, and Jeepney.
You can rent a scooter in Cebu City and Moalboal for as little as 300 pesos per day and make your own way around to the tourist destinations in Cebu.
If you are not confident driving a scooter, the other option is to ride in a taxi, grab taxi, public bus, Jeepney, tricycle, or habal habal in the main city areas.
For longer distance journeys, for example; from Cebu City to Moalboal, Cebu City to Oslob, or Cebu City to the north, it is best to take public buses as opposed to riding a scooter or taking a taxi.
From Cebu City to South Cebu the journey time is around 3 hours on the bus and the cost is between 150-200 pesos.
If you are traveling to North Cebu to visit Malapascua Island, Kalanggaman Island, and Bantayan Island, the bus journey is around 4 hours and the cost is between 200-250 pesos.
Alternatively, it’s possible to rent a car in Cebu and drive around the island at your own pace.
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CEBU WATERFALLS MAP
WHERE TO STAY IN CEBU CITY
There are two main tourist areas to stay in when visiting Cebu Island, one is in Cebu City in Central Cebu and the second is in Moalboal in South Cebu.
Cebu City is located on the Central East Coast of the island and it’s a great base for a day or two upon arriving and exploring some of the Cebu tourist attractions.
However, the majority of places to visit in Cebu are in South Cebu and the best place to stay is in Moalboal which is located on the Southeast coast of the island.
Cebu has hundreds of accommodation options to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay in Cebu City and in Moalboal to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
Luxury: Radisson Blu Cebu City
Radisson Blu Cebu is the best 5-star accommodation in Cebu City! The hotel is centrally and located features direct access to SM Mall, a large outdoor swimming pool, 3 dining options, and is close to the airport.
The rooms offer panoramic views of the city and are fitted with a flat-screen tv, a large memory foam bed, 24-hour room service, air conditioning, a spacious living area, and a private bathroom.
It’s perfect for couples, families, and friends.
Mid Range: Cebu Parklane International Hotel
Parklane International Hotel is a 3-star accommodation in the heart of Cebu City and is within walking distance of Ayala Center and other nearby attractions.
This property features an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center with a sauna, 3 dining options, and free wifi.
The rooms are spacious and fitted with air conditioning, flat-screen tv, a work desk, sofa seating, and a private bathroom.
Recommended place to stay for couples, friends, and families.
Budget: Murals Hostel & Cafe
I personally stayed at Murals Hostel on several occasions and can’t recommend this place enough!
Murals actually have 3 properties in awesome locations, one is in Mactan near the airport and the other two are in the city center.
There are dorm rooms, private rooms, and capsule-style rooms available perfect for solo travelers, friends, and couples.
There is also a really great co-working space at Murals Hostel & Cafe with high-speed wifi!
FOR MORE OPTIONS IN CEBU CITY, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
WHERE TO STAY IN MOALBOAL
Moalboal has hundreds of accommodation options to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
Luxury: Dolphin House Resort Moalboal
Dolphin House is the best luxury accommodation in Moalboal, located a stone’s throw away from the ocean. Features included a pool, a restaurant and bar, free wifi, and ocean views.
There are double rooms, triple rooms, family rooms, and bungalows available at Dolphin House Resort.
It’s recommended for families, friends, or couples looking for a luxurious stay.
Mid Range: Pescadores Seaview Suites
One of the most recommended places to stay in Moalboal, Pescadores Suites offers double rooms, twin rooms, and a garden villa.
There is an outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace, restaurant, mini-market, table tennis, billiards, board games, karaoke room, and wellness spa.
It’s a great place to stay for friends or couples.
Budget: Chief Mau Hostel
The best budget accommodation in Moalboal and is centrally located just minutes from the beach.
Chief Mau hostel offers dorm rooms and private rooms with free wifi. The owner Trish is super lovely and goes out of her way to make all of her guests feel welcome and comfortable.
There is a shared lounge with hammocks, a billiards table, and an in-house restaurant and bar serving up the best western food in Moalboal.
For solo travelers, couples, or friends on a budget, this is the spot for you.
FOR MORE OPTIONS IN MOALBOAL, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
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More Philippines Travel Guides
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FINAL THOUGHTS – FALLS IN CEBU
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions at all about Cebu Waterfalls, please leave me a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.
TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!
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THANKS FOR READING
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