The Philippines is known for its electric blue waters, pristine white beaches and vibrant green foliage. This archipelagic country in Southeast Asia is made up of 7,640 islands, many of which have countless waterfalls just waiting to be explored. Cebu, located in the Central Visayas region, is one of the most visited islands in the country. It offers the full tourist experience, with world-class diving, endless beaches – and must-see waterfalls.
1. Kawasan Falls
Kawasan Falls is famous for its Gatorade blue, multi-tiered waterfalls. You could spend hours exploring the area and still not see everything or get used to the colour of the water, which is created by limestone deposits.
The main pool has bright blue water with a thundering waterfall in the middle, while a bamboo raft tied to the side is a popular Instagram photo spot. Meandering upstream along a well-maintained trail with steps carved into the rocks, you’ll reach several other massive pools.
The area at the top of Kawasan Falls has a rope swing and a water slide, making for a super fun adventure. You can swim in all the pools, which is highly recommended as the water is nice and cool and being immersed in the bright blue water is a once in a lifetime experience.
You can explore Kawasan Falls on your own or hire a guide to take you on a canyoning tour, which costs around 1,000 pesos. There are a number of guide companies both at the falls and in town, so you have several options. If you choose to do the tour, you will be given all the equipment you need, including life jackets and helmets, and the guide will show you the safe places to jump off the cliffs
2 . Tumalog Falls
Located on the southeastern side of Cebu near the town of Oslob, Tumalog Falls is a popular spot for photographers hoping to capture the exotic beauty of the Philippines. The sheer size of this waterfall makes it one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Cebu.
Tumalog Falls cascades over a moss-covered rock face, giving the water a misty appearance as it plunges into a deep green pool below. The water flowing over the falls almost looks like it’s raining, and it’s easy to see a vibrant rainbow in the mist, adding to the magic of the place. The whole area is surrounded by bamboo, ferns and other lush jungle plants.
It costs 20 pesos to enter the waterfall area. You can choose to walk the 15 minutes from the road to the falls or pay 50 pesos each way for a habal-habal, a motorbike commonly used for transport in the Philippines.
3. Cambais Falls
When you visit Cambais Falls, you really feel like you are in the middle of the jungle. With electric blue water comparable to the famous Kawasan Falls, but a bit more secluded, this is one waterfall in Cebu you won’t want to miss. Located near the small town of Alegria in the southwestern part of the island, Cambais Falls is hidden among prehistoric ferns and lush palm trees.
It costs 50 pesos to enter the waterfall area, which consists of two distinct levels. The first level you enter has a large aqua-blue pool with a taller waterfall cascading over a mossy rock, and a shorter waterfall on the right that splits in two. Tangles of vines hang from a shady canopy, and lush foliage litters the surrounding cliffs. The water is quite deep, so you can take a dip in the refreshing blue water.
You can get to the second level by first scampering up a small ledge with the help of a rope, then walking up a handmade bamboo staircase. The second level tends to be less popular as it takes a bit more effort to get to, so you can often have the area all to yourself. When you arrive at the second level of Cambais Falls, you are greeted by another stunning blue pool with a rushing waterfall covered in thick foliage.
4. Montpellier Falls
Tucked away in the jungle near Alegria in southwestern Cebu, just south of Cambais Falls, Montpellier Falls is a hidden gem that most tourists do not even know exists. It is a great choice for those looking for a longer hike and you can practically guarantee to have it all to yourself.
The trail starts a few hundred metres above the sea, and as you walk down to the falls you get sweeping views of the Tanon Strait on the western side of the island. The trail is well marked and surrounded by lush foliage, tall palm trees and scattered small huts.
Montpellier Falls is a single waterfall of about 100 feet. It cascades down a smoothed limestone cliff and then into a pale green pool of water. Long palm branches, mossy rocks and thin bamboo trees surround the waterfall and you can see the sea in the distance. It is such a peaceful and tranquil place that you could easily spend the day relaxing to the sound of the cascading water without a soul in sight.
5. Aguinid Falls
Aguinid Falls is different from the other waterfalls in Cebu because of its captivating appearance and the adventuro us journey you can take here, with rock climbing, bamboo bridge walking, and cliff jumping into the pools.
The Aguinid Falls have eight different levels, five of which are accessible to tourists. The most breathtaking waterfall of all is the last one on level five. Here, crystal-clear water cascades over a limestone cliff that has been naturally smoothed by the constant flow. The surface of the rock is bulbous and appears to be bubbling, creating a truly astonishing sight.
A full tour of the falls takes about an hour, but if you want to take pictures and enjoy it all, it can take longer. After all, there is no rush to leave the aquamarine waters of the Aguinid Falls, a place to be truly enjoyed.
Due to its increasing popularity, the entrance fee is 300 pesos and includes water safety equipment, guide and tip.