Although the province of Cebu has quite a number of waterfalls to offer its millions of local and foreign guests, it is the one located in Barangay Matutinao in Badian that gets the most attention of all.

Kawasan Falls is a three-tiered cascade that starts right at the foot of the Mantalungon Mountain Range, where the highest point in the island, the Osmeña Peak, is located. From the Kabukalan Springs, the waters make their way to the falls down to the Matutinao River and end at the Tañon Strait.

The Matutinao River has been awarded numerous times as the cleanest inland water in the entire country – and the clear turquoise waters of the falls is enough evidence to prove just that.

How to get to Kawasan Falls

There are many ways to enjoy the cool and refreshing waters of Kawasan Falls.

You can do:

The Easy Way

Simply hop on a bus bound for Badian (Bato via Barili) at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. You can take the Ceres Bus or Rough Riders Bus inside the terminal or the Librando Bus whose own terminal is located right across. Fare costs Php 120, one way, and takes around three hours to get you to the destination.

Stop over at the Matutinao Badian Church, about 10 to 15 minutes from the Badian Public Market. Or you can always tell the bus conductor or the driver where you want to be dropped off. Make sure you mention Kawasan Falls.

Entrance fee to Kawasan Falls is Php 10 per head and walking from the drop-off point to the first level of waterfalls takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your pace.

Make sure to check out the second and third levels which are less crowded!

The Adventurous Way

Another very popular route that locals take to get to Kawasan Falls is from Osmeña Peak in Mantalungon, Dalaguete, on the other side of the island.

After hopping on a bus bound for Bato or Oslob then dropping off at the Dalaguete junction, three hours and Php 100 later, you can then ride a motorcycle (habal-habal) for Php100 per person to the foot of the Osmeña Peak.

Most people who take this route would either want to catch the sunrise at the peak or camp their overnight then start the four-hour traverse trek before it gets too hot. There are local guides available, usually school-age kids, who will bring you to Kawasan Falls for Php 300 to Php 500 per group.

Depending on your pace, the hike usually ends at the third level of the Kawasan Falls at lunch time. You can then rest and dip your weary feet in the cool waters and then trek once more, for about an hour to get yourself to the entrance of the falls.

The Adrenaline-Pumping Way

If you are in for more thrills, why not try canyoneering in Kawasan Falls? If you are not yet familiar, canyoneering or canyoning is an outdoor activity which involves going down creeks and streams by walking, jumping, climbing, swimming or even abseiling. Pretty cool, huh?

Going this way is more expensive because you will need some equipment and a guide. Most guides will already include the following things in their packages:

• Guide
• Pick up and drop off from Cebu City hotel (or at least from Kawasan Falls parking area) to jump-off point
• Entrance Fees
• Life Vests and Jackets
• Helmet
• Aqua Shoes
• Waterproof Drybag
• Bottled Drinking Water
• Rope
• First Aid Kit
• Snacks

The activity will start from the river located in Alegria, Cebu and end at the first level of the Kawasan Falls. You will have to prepare yourself mentally and physically, as it involves jumping from as high as 40 feet. There are areas that will force you to jump 20 feet, whether you like it or not.

So that’s it.

Are you ready to experience Kawasan Falls in Badian right now?

Oh, we don’t recommend summer time to go and do it because there will be a lot of tourists although this has already been regulated by the local government. While a bit of rain will definitely make Kawasan Falls more alluring (more water, of course!), you don’t have to worry because the local government will prevent people from doing such activities if they think that it will be too dangerous because of flash floods.

Other than consider the weather, we suggest you just prepare your mental and physical self for the adventure ahead.

What other awesome things can I do after Kawasan Falls?

You can head out and camp at Terra Manna Resort or Lambug Beach in Badian. Or you can opt to travel a little bit more and go to Basdaku in Moalboal where you can skimboard, snorkel or even go diving!