Budlot Spring and Taginis Falls in Moalboal are one of Cebu’s secrets. Still largely unheard of, Taginis Falls and Budlot Spring are starting to generate interest thanks to word-of-mouth visitors. They may not be the tallest like Mantayupan, as impressive as Kawasan, or gushing with tonnes of water, but they are a lot of fun. For a bit of adventure, and to visit somewhere unique, Taginis Falls is one of the must-see waterfalls in Cebu.
A visit to Taginis Falls is like going to a natural waterpark, complete with a couple of slides and jumps. If chasing waterfalls is on your bucket list, Taginis Falls is an easy day trip from Moalboal and this hidden gem shouldn’t be missed. Located in the mountains, we drove through lush jungle, passing fields of corn and valleys filled with coconut palm trees. It’s a beautiful journey and will give you the chance to experience what it’s like to live amongst nature. We saw dogs and goats, children waved and adults smiled saying hello. This is life in the Philippines at it’s very best. In a series of articles showing day trips from Moalboal, Moalboal Eco Lodge share all you need to know about Taginis Falls and Budlot Spring. 
Lush green fields of corn on the way to Taginis Falls and Budlot Spring
Taginis Falls and Budlot Spring Visitor Information
Entrance Fee: FREE Parking Fee: FREE Toilets on site: No Food/Drinks for sale: No Difficulty level: Easy Footwear: Water shoes, walking sandals, flip-flips but be careful you don’t lose one Additional Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, not all waterfalls allow swimming so check first before you go From Moalboal, Tanginis Falls and Budlot Spring are located in Barangay Bala, Moalboal about 40 minutes away from our Eco Lodge (directions at the bottom of this post). It’s an easy journey and the drive was beautiful. We visited on an overcast, cloudy Sunday, and thought this was a really good time to visit. It wasn’t too hot for the scooter ride, and the photos still looked crisp and colourful. When we arrived, after parking our scooter we walked down a few steps and immediately saw a few locals hanging out in a natural rock pool known as Budlot Spring.
Budlot Spring consists of a couple of small milky blue pools where you can easily take a dip. It’s not a hot spring, so fresh is the best way to describe the temperature, however as most days in the Philippines are either hot, humid or a combination of both, it makes a refreshing change from sweating.
It’s pretty here; we were surrounded by trees, and the water flowed down over some rocks, and into a stream towards Taginis Falls. We didn’t stay here long as we could see more people arriving, so just took a few photographs. A lovely lady asked if we were here to see Taginis Falls, and gestured in the direction of the Falls. Our confused faces clearly made her feel sorry for us, and she kindly walked us in the right direction. We followed her for a few minutes over a small bridge, up a few steps and past Villa Budlot, headed right across a field, and down about 10 steps with a blue railing. At the bottom there was the first of a few surprises; a beautiful milky blue rock pool with lush green hanging vines. 
Beautiful milky blue pool with lush green hanging vines
After a few photographs and a few more steps, we arrived at a lovely small waterfall. It was picturesque and pretty, but behind us we spotted a large flat area with a stream flowing over it. Our friendly local guide was walking through the water towards friends from her town, all of them splashing and laughing, naturally we followed her.
Tip: Wear water shoes/walking sandals if you have them. Your feet will get wet, and you don’t want to lose a flip-flop. This will make for an uncomfortable walk back!
We didn’t know where we were going, we just trusted her, and we couldn’t understand why there was so much laughter because at first, this area didn’t look like anything special.
Our first impressions were wrong. 
The flat area which leads to Taginis Falls
Behold a lovely surprise! Running down the side of the stream is a small crevasse, and this is where the real fun begins.
People were jumping into the crevasse and sliding through the stream, the gap was just wide enough for an adult. It was like a child’s slide at a waterpark but you don’t fall very far. The water isn’t deep either, but it’s fun, and you can walk back to do it over and over. Tip: If you want to join in the fun, wear a pair of shorts which you don’t mind ruining. The rocks may not be smooth and can easily tear the lining of your shorts, or make a hole in the bum. I experienced this the hard way at Kawasan Falls, so be prepared!
We followed the stream a little further where we found another small slide slightly longer and wider (although not by much, so don’t get over excited!) Here we saw people jumping in and sliding down, some were laughing hilariously, they were having as much fun as they do at a Christmas party.
On a Sunday, this is a place for locals to hang out and have fun
For adventure seekers, there is more fun to be had! A few steps away is the actual waterfall. It isn’t a huge cascading fall, but nature is all around you and it's beautiful.
From a rock you can jump about six metres below into the waterfall pool. Everyone was giving it a try; girls jumped in gingerly, two children jumped without a care in the world, and boys would jump in with a splash, climb back up and jump again. 
Taginis Falls
We visited on a Sunday, a day when locals get together to socialise, hang out and have fun. As we were leaving, more were arriving with BBQ’s, drink and food. There are no eateries or refreshment stalls so if you want to live like a local, take food with you, and don’t forget your water.
Note: Take only photos, leave only footprints; there are no bins here so take your trash away with you. Be a responsible tourist, and don’t litter this lovely slice of nature. Tanginis Falls is very scenic and pretty. Surrounded by jungle with the roaring sound of flowing water, and locals’ laughter, it’s a lovely way to while away an hour or so. The perfect easy day trip from Moalboal! 
Everyone was so friendly and happy, their smiles were infectious
When is the best time to visit Taginis Falls?
A weekday will be the best time to visit if you want less people. On a Sunday, you will encounter many locals, so if you want to see how they live and be a part of their culture, a weekend is the best time for you. During the dry season, there may not be as much water flowing. During the wet season after a few weeks of heavy rain, the water should be thick and plentiful. Please note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, not all waterfalls are open and if they are, swimming may not be permitted, so check first before you visit. How to get to Budlot Spring and Taginis Falls From Moalboal, head north to the next Town/Municipality called Alcantara. As you pass through the main road with shops either side, you will come to two petrol/gas stations opposite each other, take the next right. Keep on driving for around 15 minutes, until you see a signpost on the left for Budlot Road. Take this road for a few minutes until you come to a natural end. Park at the top and walk down to Budlot Spring. Taginis Falls is a few minutes away across a field, if locals are here, ask them and they will happily show you or walk with you. Although the majority of the road is concrete, you will encounter off-road bumpy areas which can be a bit steep in parts. Drive slowly and carefully and you will be fine. Tip: Download Google Offline Map for the area, and type in Budlot Spring which will navigate you to your destination. 
Moalboal Eco Lodge - close to the amenities, but far enough away for a peaceful night's sleep
Where to stay in Moalboal
When visiting Moalboal, Moalboal Eco Lodge is the perfect place to stay. Located in the middle of a peaceful field, it’s close enough to amenities, but far away so you can have a good night’s sleep. There is plenty of space to observe physical distancing at the Eco Lodge. Nestled in amongst palm trees, bamboo and coconut trees, Moalboal Eco Lodge have Bamboo Nipa Huts suitable for solo travellers, couples and friends. We have two private rooms and a spacious 4-bed dormitory, a breakfast area, and a beautiful hammock/yoga/sunset deck. Bicycles are for hire if you wish to slow travel in the most environmentally friendly way, or you can rent a scooter. Take a look at our rooms! Visit our Eco Shop for all your plastic free, zero waste, palm oil free travel products!
For help regarding travel and Visa requirements, visit our Travel Information page
Want More Day Trips from Moalboal?
Montpeller Waterfall, Alegria Simala Shrine Castle Church, Sibonga Basdaku "White Beach", Moalboal Mantayupan Falls, Barili Lambug Beach, Badian Osmena Peak Hike, Dalaguete Interested in Diving? Swimming with Sardines in Moalboal, Cebu Freediving and Scuba Diving - Benefits of Learning Both Thresher Shark Diving, Malapascua, Cebu Heading to the Philippines? Check out these related posts! Bucket List Ideas and Experiences in the Philippines Fun Facts about the Philippines Is Oslob Whale Shark Watching Ethical? Jeepney Street Art in Moalboal Things You Should Know Before Visiting the Philippines 28 Things to Do in Moalboal, Cebu Must-Try Filipino Foods Wildlife of the Philippines Do you want to travel responsibly? Sustainable Travel: How to be a Responsible Traveller 12 Plastic Free & Zero Waste Travel Tips During Coronavirus Plastic Free & Zero Waste Toiletries: Space Saving Travel Essentials
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