Is Kawasan Falls open?
Kawasan Falls re-opened on the 26th of October 2023. It was closed for around 5 months for repairs after a typhoon swept through and caused some significant damages to the waterfall. This Kawasan Falls review is based on our experience there after the re-opening.
Is Kawasan Falls worth visiting?
In our opinion, and many others we have spoken to agree, Kawasan is NOT worth visiting. Over the past few years it has lost its natural beauty and has transformed into a theme park. Luckily, the island of Cebu is full of waterfalls, many of which are still untouched and beautiful.
Should I do the Kawasan Canyoneering?
Even though the Kawasan Falls and its canyoneering tours are extremely touristy, it is not hard to see why. The canyoneering tours offered are very fun to join and a great activity for those liking adventure and climbing.
Unfortunately, after the re-opening of the waterfalls, the price of canyoneering has increased quite a lot. It used to be around 1000/1500 pesos and is now from 3000 per person. Even though the canyoneering is a fun and unique experience we, as budget travellers, think this is quite a lot of money.
Can you visit Kawasan Falls without canyoneering?
Yes, you can visit Kawasan Falls without having to do the canyoneering. However, there are a few restrictions. As of the re-opening in October 2023, only the lower waterfall is accessible without doing the canyoneering. If you have read up on Kawasan falls, you would see there are three main levels which you visit at the end of your canyoneering tour. It used to be the case that you could also walk back up through, but in an attempt to control everyone, this is no longer allowed.
Why skip the famous Kawasan falls
Before we continue, we must say that we are just writing about visiting the main Kawasan Falls. Like we said, doing the Kawasan Canyoneering is a fun thing to do, if you have the budget and time. However, if you want to just see the main Kawasan waterfall, we highly recommend you not to go and visit it.
We were left bitterly disappointed with our experience at Kawasan Falls. From the get go it had red flags all over it. We believe the reason you visit a waterfall is for its natural beauty, succludedness, and peace. And this was far from any of those. Here is why.
Too touristy
Due to it being the most popular waterfall in Cebu, it naturally gets the most people that visit it. Typically the crowds can be avoided by getting there early, but if not it gets way too busy to be enjoyable. Swimming in the pools is not enjoyable as there is limited space for an unlimited amount of people.
Kawasan Falls themepark
During our visit, we felt like we were inside a themepark. Right at the entrance you get a debriefing like you are entering a jurassic park rollercoaster. “Please keep your hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times” sort of vibes. It is really over the top and controlling.
All of the old paths you use to be able to explore have all been blocked. In an attempt to control everyone there is only one way in and out, all concreted, guided and signed. Takes all the adventure out of it.
Once you reach the waterfall, you can’t swim unless you wear a lifejacket (which sadly is very typical for touristy spots in the Philippines). They are free to grab from the lifeguard tower, which is another downside. You wouldn’t dare swim too close to the waterfall or you’ll get whistled at and told to leave.
Price increase
The cost of visiting has gone up since the reopening. Entrance (without canyoneering) is 200 pesos + an extra 50 for parking. This use to only be 50 for entrance with free parking. There were whispers that the reason for this increase is because it is now a government run area, so most of the money you pay doesn’t even go to the hard working locals. Although this is still not much (around €4), it all adds up. Compared to other prices in Asia, this is quite high for a waterfall visit.
Visit these waterfalls instead!
We spent a few weeks in Cebu and visited about every waterfall we could find. After explaining why you should skip the Kawasan Falls, we should obviously give you some other options. So instead, we would definitely recommend to visit these two waterfalls!
Inambakan Waterfall
This is possibly our favourite waterfall in the whole of the Philippines. We came here late in the morning, spent 3 hours here and there were only 3 other people that visited throughout that time. It was absolutely stunning.
It is located further inland, a bit up into the mountains but still very accessible. The windy roads through the mountains offered amazing views over the coast of Cebu. From the parking area the waterfall is only a short 10 minute walk along a rugged path, which is also stunning.
Entrance and parking was paid at the start, which was 70 pesos per person + 20 for the scooter. They ask if you want a guide, but it is not necessary and you won’t be forced to pay for a guide. There is a lot of sitting areas and platforms so you can spend a lot of time here.
Dao waterfall
The waterfall itself is very beautiful, but not to the standards of the other ones. The highlight of this experience is actually the hike to the waterfall. The hike takes you through a canyon, which is quite unique. Dao waterfall is right at the end and is a great place to relax and cool down.
Unfortunately you are told you need a guide, and you have to wear a helmet on the walk. But since there are quite a lot of sharp rocks towering over you, it seems plausible. The hike itself takes about 30 minutes and is very doable.
The entrance is 200 pp, which includes the guide, and 20 for parking the scooter. For the same price as visiting the Kawasan main waterfall, you get so much more. The parking area is quite nice and has some little stalls for snacks/water.
How to get around
The best way to get between these waterfalls is by scooter. This is also handy if you are visiting other places in the area because everything is quite spread out. We hired a scooter for 1 day, left at 7am and arrived back our accommodation just before sunset.
Where to stay?
The best place to stay in Cebu when visiting these waterfalls is in either Oslob or Moalboal. These two bigger cities have many types of accommodation, restaurants, and possibilities to rent a scooter.
Wanting to book?
Follow the links below for all your accommodation, transport, & activity needs!
How to get to South Cebu
When we say south Cebu we are referring to the southern part of the island of Cebu. This part consists of several municipalities, the most famous ones being Oslob, Santander and Dalaguete.
From Cebu City
Getting from Cebu city to the south is relatively easy, as there are affordable busses going around the island frequently. Head to the South Bus Terminal and buy a ticket for either Oslob or Moalboal. These two cities are easy hubs to visit the waterfalls from. Just look for the neon yellow busses and tell the driver where you need to go.
From Dumaguete
From Dumaguete (on the island Negros) you can also get to south Cebu by ferry. There are a few options available that run at different times and from different ports. We took the cargo ferry as it was more convenient at the time and this trip only took us 1 hour.
Disclaimer: This blog contains affiliate links. When you book through our links we can earn a small commission, but the price you pay stays the same, it’s a win win! We’d really appreciate the support.
