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A relaxed day trip from Cebu City brings you to Kawasan Falls, a three-tiered cascade in south-west Cebu where you walk through riverside forest and swim in cool turquoise pools at the base. Hotel pickup is included, with time to explore the first and second levels of the falls at your own pace within the group.
An early start from Cebu around 06:00 takes you south through the island to Badian, arriving at Kawasan around 09:00 after roughly three hours on the road. A short trek beside the river takes you through forest to the first level of the falls, where you can swim in the natural pools, relax on the rocks and take photos at the base of the main cascade.
Guests who want more exercise can continue with your guide to the second tier for a steeper path and wider views over the gorge. After time at the falls you return along the trail to your vehicle and drive back to your hotel in Cebu City or Mactan in the afternoon, with arrival time depending on traffic and how long you spend swimming.
Kawasan Falls sits in the mountains of Badian at the southern end of Cebu Island, fed by natural spring water through a limestone gorge. The surrounding forest is lush year-round, with the famous turquoise colour of the pools drawing visitors from across the island.
The area is also known as the finish point for canyoneering routes, but this tour focuses on the falls themselves at a gentler pace. The riverside approach passes through tropical vegetation with the sound of rushing water growing louder as you near the cascades.
Basic mobility for a short forest walk on uneven ground is all you need, and comfortable swimming in cool water makes the day more enjoyable. No technical skills or previous hiking experience is required.
Sturdy sandals or trainers with good grip work best on the trail and wet rocks beside the cascades. If you prefer not to hike to the second tier, the first level pools offer plenty to enjoy without the steeper section.
Door-to-door transfers from Cebu and a guided visit to one of the island's most photographed waterfalls let you enjoy Kawasan without sorting transport or navigation yourself.
Forest paths beside the river are led at a comfortable pace, with guidance on the safest routes at each tier so you can explore one or two levels and make the most of your time at the turquoise pools.
Your day begins with hotel collection around 06:00 from Cebu City, Mactan or Mandaue, though the exact pickup window is confirmed once we have your hotel details and know your accommodation. Guests staying on Mactan island are often collected slightly earlier to keep the southbound schedule on track.
After roughly three hours on the road you typically reach Badian and Kawasan Falls around 09:00, giving you the morning and early afternoon to trek, swim and explore the cascades before the return drive to Cebu.
Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off from Cebu City, Mactan and Mandaue are included in your tour, so you do not need to arrange your own transport to the falls. Share your hotel name and address when you share your accommodation details so the driver can plan the most efficient collection route for your area.
On the day, your guide and driver stay with the group from pickup through the forest trek, time at the falls and the afternoon return journey back to your accommodation.
The walk from the parking area to the first level of Kawasan Falls follows a riverside forest trail that most guests find manageable in about 15 to 20 minutes. The path is uneven in places with roots and wet stones, so sturdy footwear with good grip makes the walk more comfortable.
Guests who want a longer outing can continue with your guide to the second tier, where the trail becomes steeper and offers wider views over the gorge. Your guide sets a steady pace for the group and allows rest stops at each level.
Swimming is the highlight at Kawasan Falls, where cool spring water fills natural pools beneath a three-tiered cascade. Most guests spend their time at the first level, which is the easiest to reach and offers the classic turquoise pools that Kawasan is known for.
If you continue to the second tier with your guide, you will find additional pools and viewpoints. Bring a swimsuit and towel, and allow time to dry off before the trek back to your vehicle for the drive north to Cebu.
This is a walking and swimming day rather than a technical activity, so no specialised canyon or climbing gear is required. Your guide leads the forest trek and can point out the safest routes beside the river and over wet rocks at the falls.
Life jackets are available at the water if you want extra buoyancy while swimming in the pools. Wear your own secure sandals or trainers for the trail, and bring a dry bag or waterproof pouch if you want to carry your phone near the water.
Meals are not included in your tour, so plan to bring snacks and a little cash if you want food and drinks during the day. There are small eateries and vendors in the Badian area near the falls where many guests buy lunch after swimming.
A light packed breakfast before the early pickup and snacks for the road help on this full-day trip. Your guide can suggest where to eat locally once you arrive at Kawasan if you have not arranged food in advance.
Wear comfortable clothes you can walk in, with a swimsuit underneath for the falls, and pack a change of clothes for the return journey. Sturdy sandals or trainers with good grip work best on the forest path and wet rocks beside the cascades.
Reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat and a refillable water bottle make the trek more comfortable in the tropical heat. A small towel and waterproof pouch for valuables complete a sensible kit for the day.
There is no minimum age on this tour and families with children often visit Kawasan together on weekend trips from Cebu. Young children should be closely supervised near the water and on uneven forest paths, especially if you choose to hike to the second tier.
The first level pools are the most accessible for mixed-age groups. Let your guide know if anyone in your party needs a slower pace or extra help near the water so the day can be tailored on the spot.
Heavy rain can make the forest trail slippery and may limit access to the upper tiers of Kawasan Falls for safety reasons. Your guide monitors conditions throughout the day and may shorten the route or focus on the first level if the path becomes hazardous.
Light rain often still allows a visit to the main pools, though rocks will be wetter than usual. Your guide will explain any changes on the day and help your group make the most of the visit regardless of conditions.
Groups are kept to one to five guests, which allows your guide to lead the trek at a comfortable pace and answer questions along the way.
Larger parties may need to split across separate departures. Your guide stays with the same group from hotel pickup through the falls visit and the afternoon return to Cebu City or Mactan.
About the centre
Badian
Based in Cebu, you'll find day trips and adventures across the island and surrounding waters, from waterfall walks and coastal viewpoints to guided canyoneering and boat trips to snorkelling spots. Experiences are run by local guides who know the routes, tides, and seasonal conditions, with options for shared coach tours and private day trips from the city.
Your guide handles logistics, transport arrangements, and the equipment you need for the session, so you can focus on the activity itself. Whether you're swimming alongside whale sharks off Oslob, exploring Kawasan's turquoise pools, or hopping between islands near Moalboal, you'll get clear briefings and on-the-day support from a team that works these trips every week.
Operated by Cebu Trip Tours, a partner of adventuro.
