5 of the Most Breathtaking Waterfalls in Cebu, Philippines
There are so many nature-enriching activities in the Philippines that I 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 is my time on the beautiful island of Cebu.
Cebu is where I launched the beginning of my backpacking trip and where I spent most of my time in the Philippines. From the moment my plane landed in Cebu City, Philippines, I knew I was going to be up for an epic adventure.
The island of Cebu is undoubtedly filled with incredible adventure and pristine nature.
One of the most remarkable features of this place, surprising me most of all, was the abundance of breathtaking waterfalls on the island. Did you know that there are over 1,000 waterfalls on the island of Cebu?
I was fortunate enough to visit quite a few of them (what I now realize is) a short visit to this island, but if I had stayed longer, I would spend more time exploring more waterfalls. The island is littered with them – and they are magnificent.
Here is a list of the top 5 most breathtaking waterfalls in Cebu, Philippines:
Summary
What to know before you go
Cebu is home to some of the most stunning waterfalls in the world, I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Entrance fees range from 20-100 pesos. This money goes toward maintenance and upkeep so that generations to come can enjoy the beauty of these falls.
For an extra special experience, consider hiring a local guide to show you around – they’ll take you safely through hidden paths while introducing you to lesser-known nooks and crannies where cliff jumping is safest and possible. Just don’t forget to tip!
If convenience is what matters more than anything else, many hotels or hostels make arrangements with tour companies who can arrange everything for easy booking beforehand.
Cambais Falls
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 Cambais Waterfall can efficiently be scheduled as a half-day or even a full-day trip.
Cambais Falls is just south of Kawasan Falls and is far less crowded than its 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. I traveled from Oslob, which was about a 2-hour commute.
One thing to note is that Cambais Falls is composed of two separate levels. You’ll come across a vast, Gatorade-like blue pool on the first level. 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 rocks, and swim in the pristine blue water.
On the second level, you’ll have to do some Spartan Race-type escapade-ing. 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 that 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!
Kawasan Falls
Kawasan Falls is one of the most touristed waterfalls in Cebu. The falls are reachable by hiking from the parking lot base or canyoneering, the more popular (and fun!) option.
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.
I skipped this waterfall tour in exchange for a different canyoneering tour. While my interest in visiting Kawasan remained, I do not regret my decision. With the Alegria canyoneering tour, I was able 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 they felt Algeria was much more adventurous, with far more cliff jumps, water slides, and incredible scenery.
See also:
Inambakan Falls
The Inambakan Falls are located in Ginatilan and are easily the most breathtaking waterfalls on the island of Cebu. 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. Visiting the lower falls is 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 required to have a guide, which costs extra.
The lower and main waterfall is approximately 100 feet of crashing water. The body of water is again that beautiful Gatorade-blue color that’s just so mesmerizing.
You can swim around the pool and even get a vigorous back massage from 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.
Inambakan Falls is a solid four-hour journey from Cebu City. If you’re coming from Moalboal or Oslob, the drive will take less than an hour from each direction.
Binalayan “Hidden” Waterfall
If you’re looking to spend a day out in the peacefulness of nature, you may want to add Binalayan Waterfall to your Cebu itinerary. Binalayan Waterfall is located in Samboan, on Cebu island’s southwest side.
Getting to the falls will 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!
Tumalog Falls
Since I stayed in Oslob, Cebu, during my week-long stay in Cebu, Tumalog was the closest and easiest waterfall to get to. And, in my 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. 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.
Some Filipino gentlemen on motorbikes are waiting to take you up the road for a small fee, but because I wanted to walk, I declined the motorbike ride.
Bonus waterfalls to check out if you have time:
Aguinid falls
Interested in partaking in a thrilling adventure that is sure to make your trip on the island of Cebu unforgettable? Then you might want to check out Aguinid Falls!
With its five cascading levels, ranging from tranquil streams to wild rapids, this waterfall has quickly become one of Cebu’s most popular tourist attractions, trailing closely behind Kawasan Falls Canyoneering.
If time permits, you can even combine visiting the falls with an exciting swim alongside whale sharks – certainly something worthy of bragging rights when you get home!
Budlaan Falls
For an off-the-beaten-track adventure, take a trip to Budlaan Falls! Nestled in the hills just north of Cebu City, this gem awaits you.
Adventurers can enjoy cool and refreshing waters cascading down from rocky heights – with breathtaking views making it worth every step.
Best Places to Stay in Cebu
Oslob
Oslob is located in southern Cebu and is a great base for exploring some of the island’s most popular attractions. It’s home to many stunning waterfalls, making it an ideal place to stay if you’re looking for easy access to some of Cebu’s best outdoor activities.
The town also has plenty to offer, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and bars catering to tourists. Plus, plenty of affordable accommodation options are available in Oslob, ranging from hostels and guesthouses to beachfront resorts.
See also:
Moalboal
Moalboal is another great option for those looking for easy access to all that Cebu has to offer. Located just a few hours away from Oslob in western Cebu, Moalboal is known as one of the best diving spots in the country.
It’s also home to some beautiful beaches where you can relax and take in stunning views of nearby islands like Malapascua Island or Negros Island. Plenty of great accommodation options are available here, ranging from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to luxurious beachfront villas.
What to bring when visiting the waterfalls in Cebu, Philippines
Regardless of whether or not you choose to swim at the waterfalls you’ll be visiting, you will most likely get wet.
Most of the waterfalls on Cebu Island require some easy river crossings, and the trails can get slippery. You’ll want to keep your valuables in a waterproof bag and do the trek in shoes that offer traction and that you don’t mind getting soaked.
- Swimsuit
- Quick Drying Towel
- Water Shoes
- Flip Flops
- Waterproof Bag/Dry Bag
- GoPro Camera (this is my favorite waterproof travel camera!)
