5 of the Most Breathtaking Waterfalls in Cebu, Philippines
There are so many nature-enriching activities in the Philippines that we could write an entire novel on the subject! Spending three and a half weeks in the Philippines was an unforgettable experience, and not all the blog posts on the web could do this place justice! Or even come close to covering all there is to see and do in this magical place!
One thing I do want to highlight was Dustin and my time on the beautiful island of Cebu. Cebu is where we launched the beginning of our trip, and one of the Philippine Islands, we spent the majority of our time. From the moment our plane landed in Cebu City, Philippines, I knew we were going to be up for an epic adventure.
There’s no doubt that the island of Cebu itself is filled with incredible adventure and pristine nature. But, one of the most remarkable features of this place, surprising me most of all, were the abundance of breathtaking waterfalls on the island. Dustin and I were fortunate enough to visit five of them on our (what we now realize is) a short visit to this island, but if we had stayed longer, we would spend more time exploring and discovering even more waterfalls. The island is just littered with them – and yes – they are magnificent.
Here is a list of five of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Cebu, Philippines:
1. Cambais Falls
Cambais Falls in Cebu, Philippines//photo courtesy of Shutterstock
If you are heading into the hills of Alegria, Cebu (or plan on doing the canyoneering there), you should not miss viewing the incredible Cambais Falls. Visiting the Cambais Falls can efficiently be scheduled as a half-day or even full-day trip.
Cambais Falls is just south of Kawasan Falls and is far less crowded than it’s sister waterfall. If you’re coming from Kawasan, expect about a 30-minute commute or a 60-minute commute if you’re coming from Moalboal. Dustin and I came from Oslob, which was about a 2-hour commute for us.
One thing to take note of is, Cambais Falls is composed of two separate levels. On the first level, you’ll come across a vast, Gatorade-like blue pool. Not only is the pool itself impressive, but it’s also surrounded by exotic plants, rocks, and trees.
Take some time here to explore the caves, jump off some rocks, and swim in the pristine blue water.
On the second level, you’ll have to do some Spartan Race-type escapading (pretty sure I just made that word up). You’ll use a rope to climb up some small rocks, reach a bamboo ladder, then be greeted by another magical waterfall and swimming pool.
Also, be mindful there is a small entrance fee when you reach the ticket office. The cost is 50 pesos per person (just shy of one U.S. dollar per person). Worth it!
2. Kawasan Falls
Kawasan Falls is one of the most touristed waterfalls in Cebu. The falls are reachable by either hiking from the parking lot base, or, the more popular option, by canyoneering.
Thousands of tourists from all over the world flock to Cebu to participate in this epic adventure. With that said, you will run into some crowds—both local and international travelers come here.
Full disclosure, Dustin and I skipped this waterfall tour in exchange for a different canyoneering tour. While the interest in visiting Kawasan remained, we do not regret our decision. With the Alegria canyoneering tour, we got to experience the excitement of canyoneering through the jungle and floating down a beautiful canyon in luminescent blue water all while escaping the crowds.
Some people on our tour had previously done the Kawasan Canyoneering a day prior. They told us that they felt Algeria was much more adventurous with far more cliff jumps, water slides, and incredible scenery.
Read all about our time in Alegria:
3. Inambakan Falls
Getting my back massaged by Inambakan Falls in Cebu, Philippines
The Inambakan Falls are located in Ginatilan and are easily the most breathtaking waterfalls on the island of Cebu. Dustin and I spent almost half a day here, but it can quickly turn into a full-day venture if you decide to visit the higher falls.
Inambakan Falls is a multi-level trek to different pools and waterfalls. To visit the lower falls, it’s a 50-Philippino peso fee, and it does not require a guide. If you choose to hike up to the higher falls, though, it’s necessary to have a guide and therefore costs extra.
The lower and main waterfall is approximately 100 feet of crashing water. The body of water itself is again that beautiful Gatorade-blue color that’s just so mesmerizing to look at.
You can swim around the pool and even get a vigorous back massage by the waterfall’s incredible water pressure. Be prepared to run into some crowds, but know, there’s a REASON why people come here to check it out. This waterfall is arguably the most beautiful in all of Cebu, Philippines.
See also:
4. Binalayan “Hidden” Waterfall
Binalayan Waterfall in Cebu, Philippines//photo courtesy of Shutterstock
If you’re looking to spend a day out in the peacefulness of nature, you may want to add Binalayan Waterfall onto your Cebu itinerary. Binalayan Waterfall is located in Samboan, on the southwest side of the island.
In getting to the falls, it’ll be about a 20 to 30-minute journey on a peaceful dirt path through the jungle. You’ll come across palm trees lined with coconuts, and if you’re lucky, a guide will climb up and grab you one!
Once at the pool, feel free to swim in the refreshing water and even participate in some cliff-jumping!
5. Tumalog Falls
Since Dustin and I stayed in Oslob, Cebu during our week-long stay in Cebu, Tumalog was the closest and easiest waterfall to get to. And, in our humble opinion, it was one of the most impressive.
If you’re coming from the whale-shark swimming area, it’s only about a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride to get to the ticketing office of Tumalog Falls. Just like most waterfalls in Cebu, the admittance fee to the falls is 50 pesos (just under one U.S. dollar).
Another thing to note, it is quite the journey from the ticketing booth to the actual falls themselves. Be prepared to walk just under a half-mile, up and down hills, in the direct sunlight. There are some Filipino men on motorbikes there waiting to take you up the road for a small fee, but because Dustin and I felt we could use the walk, we declined the motorbike rides.
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If (when) I make it to the Philippines, these are definitely on my list. I love the color of the water – it’s breathtaking!
I am a waterfall lover and would want to visit them all, so I’m sure 1 week wouldn’t be long enough for me. The tougher the climb to reach the waterfall, the more I would love it. I think I would skip the cliff jumping though lol.
These look like great waterfalls to venture to. I’m sure after walking awhile to get to them, jumping in to the water is the perfect way to cool off!
I’ve been wanting to visit the Philippines for so long! Cebu looks excellent and those waterfalls just make me want to book a trip right away. Looks very peaceful and serene.