Kawasan Falls
Milky turquoise water tumbling through jungle pools in southern Cebu, and the end point of the island's famous canyoneering run.
Quick answer
- What it is: a chain of waterfalls and pools on the Matutinao River in Badian, southwest Cebu.
- How to see it: walk in from the main road in Barangay Matutinao, or arrive at the end of a guided canyoneering trip.
- Getting there: about 3 to 4 hours by bus or car from Cebu City, or under an hour from Moalboal.
- Check first: typhoon damage in late 2025 led to rehabilitation work, so confirm the falls and routes are open.
- Best time: the dry months, early in the morning before the tour groups.
Why it is a wonder
The water at Kawasan is the colour people think has been edited: a milky, glowing turquoise. Spring-fed water from the hills tumbles through the forest of Barangay Matutinao in Badian, down several tiers of falls and pools on the Matutinao River, before reaching the sea on Cebu’s southwest coast.
The first and biggest falls drop into a wide pool where you can swim. Higher up, quieter pools hide in the trees. Kawasan is also where Cebu’s canyoneering trips end: a few hours of jumping, sliding and swimming down the river canyon above, finishing with a plunge into the falls.
Before you go
Typhoon Tino hit southern Cebu in November 2025 and pushed rock and debris through the river, and the provincial government began a rehabilitation project in 2026. Some pools, paths or routes may look different or be closed. Check with your operator or the municipality before you travel.
Beat the crowds
- Arrive early. Canyoneering groups reach the falls from late morning, and it gets busy around lunchtime.
- Walk past the first pool. The upper tiers are calmer.
- Avoid weekends and holidays, when day-trippers from Cebu City arrive.
Getting there
Buses from the Cebu South Bus Terminal heading to Badian via Barili take about 3 to 4 hours. Ask to be dropped at Kawasan Falls near the Matutinao church, then walk in from the road. From Moalboal, it is under an hour by bus, tricycle or scooter. See our guide to getting around the Philippines.
A perfect day
- Start early from Moalboal or Badian.
- Go canyoneering with an accredited operator, or walk straight in to the falls.
- Swim at the main falls and explore the upper pools.
- Head back to Moalboal for an afternoon snorkel with the sardines.
Through the seasons
- January to May: drier months, with the clearest water.
- June to December: rain can turn the water cloudy and the river dangerous. Canyoneering is cancelled when the river is high.
Respect the place
Use reef-safe sunscreen sparingly before swimming, don’t leave rubbish in the forest, and follow your guide’s instructions on every jump. The colour of the water depends on the river staying clean.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to go canyoneering to see Kawasan Falls?
No. You can walk to the main falls from the road in Barangay Matutinao in about 10 to 15 minutes. Canyoneering is an optional half-day adventure that finishes at the falls.
What is canyoneering at Kawasan?
A guided trip down a river canyon above the falls: you wade, swim, slide down rock chutes and jump into pools, wearing a helmet and life jacket. Go only with an accredited operator and guide.
Can non-swimmers do canyoneering?
Many operators take non-swimmers because life jackets are mandatory and most jumps have an easier way around. Tell your guide before you start.
Is Kawasan Falls open?
Typhoon Tino pushed rock and debris through the river in November 2025, and the province began rehabilitating the site in 2026. Check with the municipality of Badian or your operator before you go.
Can I combine Kawasan with Moalboal?
Yes. Moalboal is less than an hour away by road, so many people stay there and visit Kawasan as a day trip.
The Moalboal Sardine Run
A shimmering wall of millions of sardines, just a short swim off a Cebu beach, any day of the year.
We checked this guide against the 3 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
