Kawasan Falls, Badian is Cebu’s most famous waterfall, and an easy day trip from Moalboal. Did you know Kawasan Falls is a multi-level waterfall and it isn’t one but is actually three stunning waterfalls?
Although Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls is the most popular activity, and a highlight of many adventure lovers trip, thrill seekers looking for an additional adrenaline rush to start their canyoneering day can zipline to the first jump point! If you prefer to admire the falls without quite so much action, you don’t have to jump from a cliff to enjoy this natural beauty. Kawasan Falls has a walking path running alongside the river, so anyone can enjoy one of Cebu’s most beautiful waterfalls, and swim in its stunning turquoise jungle pool. If chasing waterfalls is on your bucket list of things to do in Moalboal and the Philippines, you definitely need to visit Kawasan Falls. Moalboal Eco Lodge share Kawasan Falls, Badian, a must-see Cebu attraction for anyone visiting South Cebu. 
Note: This article was written before the 2021 December Super Typhoon "Odette" which devastated much of the surrounding area. Strangely, Kawasan Falls is even more beautiful now, however it does look different to some of these photos.
Kawasan Falls is a must-see attraction in Cebu. Not only is it the most famous waterfall, it’s an extremely picturesque set of three waterfalls, and the subject of many Instagram posts. The water in the natural swimming pool is a stunning shade of turquoise, and remains this colour all year round despite the weather, unlike other waterfalls which are often affected by heavy rains. Does Kawasan Falls live up to the Instagram v Reality challenge? Yes, but this will depend on what time of day you visit. One of the bucket list tick off activities in Moalboal and Cebu is canyoneering at Kawasan Falls. This makes the waterfall very busy at certain times of the day, so if you only want to visit the waterfall without canyoneering, you will be disappointed if you are caught up with the canyoneering crowd. If you want to swim in one of Kawasan Falls' beautiful blue pools without jumping from a cliff, be sure to visit earlier or later in the day, then you will not be disappointed!
What is Canyoneering?
Canyoneering is a way of exploring a canyon by either walking, hiking, climbing, scrambling, jumping, rafting or rappelling/abseiling into a waterfall. At Kawasan, you will firstly walk 45 minutes through the beautiful jungle, then jump into the waterfall from cliffs of varying heights. Safety equipment and a guide are mandatory and you cannot do this sport on your own, or without the correct safety gear. There are two places to start your canyoneering adventure; either begin your day in Alegria and end up at Kawasan, or head straight to Kawasan and do it from here. 
Photo Credit: Badian Zipline Adventure
Badian Ziplining Adventure
For adrenaline junkies, instead of walking 45 minutes through the jungle, why not zipline 1km in one minute to the first canyoneering jump? The starting point is next to the canyoneering briefing area, and you will travel at a speed of 60km/h through the mountains of Badian. As the endorphins kick in, you will be buzzing for your morning’s adventure. Tip: For canyoneering, don’t take anything valuable because you will be climbing up rocks and jumping from cliffs into water. If you are taking a GoPro, carry it in a decent waterproof bag, along with your refillable water bottle and anything else you wish to take that won't break.
Visiting Kawasan Falls without canyoneering
I have visited Kawasan Falls many times and it’s always impressed me. The colour of the water is magnificent, and when you see photos on Instagram and Social Media, you may think it can’t possibly be that blue in real life. I am here to tell you that it is, and the stunning colour comes from the high amount of limestone deposits in the area. For an awesome day trip, Kawasan Falls can be easily twinned with nearby Lambug Beach. Our trip to Kawasan Falls begun by parking our scooter and walking through the entrance gate. We walked along a purpose built path beside the river for about 5-10 minutes to the ticket office. After paying a small entrance fee, we continued our journey passing lush trees, pretty flowers, and series of small waterfalls. 
The purpose built path along the river
Do you take the high road or the low road?
One of the many small waterfalls at Kawasan Falls
After about 10 minutes, we reached the first waterfall. Cascading 40 metres through the jungle, it’s the biggest and most commercial of the three.
We visited at 8am and were the only people here, so we were able to take the photos we wanted, and admire the beauty of the waterfall. 
The stunning first waterfall at Kawasan Falls
Sadly this sign was destroyed in the 2021 Super Typhoon Odette
This turquoise pool is unreal …. seriously unbelievable.
To manage your expectations, if you have seen photos on social media of people floating on a bamboo raft at Kawasan, this will have been prior to January 2018 when this activity was cancelled indefinitely. The Mayor of Badian was acting on persistent complains from tourists regarding overcharging despite multiple warnings. This first pool is the busiest of the three, and more people were starting to arrive so we decided to head up to the next level for a swim before it became too crowded. Walking up a set of concrete steps, we continued our journey passing more rock pools until we reached the second waterfall. 
Walking towards the second waterfall at Kawasan
It was absolutely beautiful here. The sun shone through the trees onto the rock pool, lighting up one spot like a halo.
We sat on the side for a while admiring this stunning view. Changing into our bathers, we stepped gingerly into the icy cold pool. I’m glad we wore water shoes because some of the rocks are a little slippery, and our shoes made it easier.
We sat on this rock in the middle of the 2nd pool admiring the jungle surroundings
Swimming towards the 2nd waterfall for our natural jungle massage
After lazing around on the rock for a few minutes taking in the jungle surroundings, we pinched ourselves and remembered we were sitting in the middle of one of the most famous waterfalls in the Philippines!
The roar of the 20 metre high falls was calling, so we swam towards it, getting as close as we could. The power of the cascading water was incredible, and it thundered over our shoulders giving us a natural jungle massage. We had been here nearly an hour now, and knowing there was a third level, we thought it was time to make our way there. 
Walking towards the 3rd waterfall at Kawasan
The small bamboo bridge
To the left is the large dam, and the steps straight ahead lead to the 3rd waterfall
The first small uphill section was a little muddy and slippery from yesterday's rain, but most of the 15 minute walk was easy. There was a small bamboo bridge which most people walked over. I decided to slide across it on my bum, and on the return journey I waded through the angle-deep river. We also walked past a huge dam wall and a rope swing which you can use to jump into the waterfall. 
Third waterfall - small and fun with a lot less people
Small natural waterslide at the 3rd level of Kawasan Falls
This canyoneering crowd jumped from the cliff then enjoyed the natural waterslide
The upper level is the smallest of the three but there is a surprise… a natural waterslide! We climbed up a few rocks and slid down until we crashed into the rock pool with a big splash. It was so much fun we did it a few times – but watch your swimmers! All of ours were ripped and torn from the rocks.
This level is a jump off point for canyoneering. One moment you will be the only one in the pool, the next your vision will be filled with people jumping from the cliff wearing orange lifejackets and yellow helmets. Tip: Wear an old pair of bathers or shorts which you don't mind damaging.
After a morning of fun at Kawasan, we all had big smiles on our faces having thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Feeling a little peckish on our walk back to the entrance, we bought snacks from food sellers. There is a choice of sweetcorn (sweet or salted), melon, empanada (a small pastry snack with either a sweet or meat filling), and a man selling a jar of honey.
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Moalboal Eco Lodge - the perfect place to stay for a quiet night's sleep but close to amenities
Where to stay in Moalboal
When visiting Moalboal, Moalboal Eco Lodge is the perfect place to stay. Located in the middle of a peaceful palm tree field with no traffic noise,, it’s close enough to walk to restaurants and the beach, but far away so you can have a good night’s sleep. There is plenty of space so you sometimes feel you have the place all to yourself. Nestled amongst many native trees and plants, Moalboal Eco Lodge have only three exclusive and beautiful Bamboo Cottages suitable for solo travellers, couples and friends. We have two private cottages, a spacious Deluxe Queen cottage with sofa, plus a shared breakfast area, kitchen with refrigerator, and a stunning hammock/yoga/sunset deck. Take a look at our rooms! Visit our Eco Shop* for all your plastic free, zero waste, palm oil free travel products! (*10% from every purchase is donated to help street dogs in Moalboal) Heading to the Philippines? These articles may be helpful! Fun Facts about the Philippines Is Oslob Whale Shark Watching Ethical? Jeepney Street Art in Moalboal Things You Should Know Before Visiting the Philippines Must-Try Filipino Foods
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