by: Gueen Pilapil
Kawasan Falls, together with Tumalog Falls, is one of the most famous waterfalls in the Philippines. It’s less than an hour from Moalboal’s diving paradise.
Renowned for its beautiful turquoise water, Kawasan Falls is located at the foot of Mantalungon Mountain Range, about one kilometer from Badian National Road and at least four hours of trekking from Dalaguete’s Osmeña Peak. It’s cold and clear water cascades from Kandayvic Spring through layers of waterfalls before heading for Matutinao River and Tañon Strait.
Kawasan Falls consists of two main waterfalls, both of which are ideal for swimming with deep natural pools. The first cascade is about 40 meters high, while the less crowded second level is about 20 meters high and can be reached within 10 minutes of trekking.
P40 per person is the entrance fee. Bamboo rafts that can accommodate up to 20 people are available for rent on the P300 site, taking you to where the water drops for a massage of natural waterfalls. Cottages and picnic tables can also be rented, while those planning to stay overnight may choose to get a room that is as low as P1,000 for two. Food shouldn’t be a problem, at the restaurants in the area you can bring your own or order.
If you’re in extreme adventure, you might want to try downstream canyoneering from Kanlaob River down to Kawasan Falls in Alegria town. It involves long river trekking, swimming, rappelling, climbing and waterfall jumping, crossing and following picturesque forest trails, clean rivers, streams and waterfalls. A standard rate of P1,500 per municipality of Alegria was implemented.
How to Get to Kawasan Falls
There are different ways to get to the waterfall depending on where you are on the island. There are three of Kawasan Falls ‘ most visited cities from; Cebu City, Oslob, and Moalboal.
From Cebu City to Kawasan Falls
There are buses running every day from Cebu City to Kawasan Falls. You can take the bus to Bato (via Barili) from the South Bus Terminal. It’s important to hop on the bus that goes through Barili, as the other one runs through Oslob and doesn’t stop at Kawasan Falls. If you’re not sure which bus to catch, just ask the station or bus driver for someone. Most people are very friendly and helpful in the Philippines, so it shouldn’t be an issue!
You can always ask the bus driver when you hop on the bus if he can let you know when to hop off, so you don’t miss Kawasan Falls station. Riding in an air – conditioned bus costs 150 pesos, and it takes about 3 hours from Cebu to Kawasan Falls.
From Oslob to Kawasan Falls
If you’re traveling from Oslob to Kawasan Falls, take the bus to Bato first and then change the bus to Badian, Cebu City (via Barili). The bus journey takes about 1.5 hours and costs about 100 pesos.
From Moalboal to Kawasan Falls
Take the yellow bus that leaves to Kawasan Falls at Moalboal’s big market. The bus leaves near the “360 Pharmacy,” and make sure that it’s the right bus to ask the bus driver.
The bus will cost about 20 pesos and will take about 45 minutes.
From the bus stop to Kawasan Falls
Looking for a big sign with a picture of the waterfall and a text that says “This Way to Kawasan Falls” when you jump off at the bus stop at Kawasan Falls. You are likely to meet some people who ask you if you want a guide, please say no if this happens to you. They’re going to try to fool you by saying the road is dangerous and it’s hard to get there – that’s not true! Just follow the road and you’re not going to get lost!
Tips for a great time at Kawasan Falls
Don’t have too high expectations
Many of the pictures you see online show an untouched and peaceful place–so make sure you don’t go there with too high expectations. Sitting on a bus for 3 hours is not fun and then being disappointed because it didn’t look like the pictures. I recommend going there thinking it’s going to be packed with people and it’s going to be loud but very beautiful at the same time and you’re going to have a lot of fun!
Try to avoid the crowds
You need to be there early to avoid the crowds. If you live near the waterfalls or in Moalboal, it’s best to visit Kawasan Falls, so you can easily rent a moped or tricycle and go there in the morning alone. If you want to get there during the sunrise. Going from Cebu City or Oslob takes longer time or an expensive taxi ride. Going there during a weekday is obviously better than visiting during the weekend when the locals come to visit the falls.
Bring something to eat and drink
As with many other tourist attractions around the world, buying food and drinks on site is often more expensive and the food is often a disappointment. There is no exception to Kawasan Falls. Bring some fresh fruit, pandesal bread or buns, it’s both cheap and will stay fresh during both your bus trip and the time that you’re spending at the waterfall.
Don’t skip the other waterfalls
There are actually other waterfalls in the area to visit, and they are just above the famous Kawasan Waterfall. These waterfalls are slightly smaller, but they still have lovely turquoise waters. The one farthest up also has a raft of bamboo and even a liana from which you can swing into the water. Most people visiting Kawasan Falls don’t even know the other waterfalls are excising, or don’t bother getting up there because it’s a steep (but beautiful) walk. This also means that you and your friends will have less people and more room to hang out, which is great!
Aventurier 