Cebu Waterfall Hopping Day Trip with Kawasan and Inambakan Falls

Dao Falls in Samboan

The day starts at the far southern end of the route in Samboan, a coastal town known for its forested rivers. Dao Falls is a series of cascades and clear pools tucked into the jungle, reached by a short walk along the river. It is far less crowded than the famous falls of Cebu, so in the morning you may have the pools almost to yourselves.

The water is cool and very clear, and the lower pools are good for a relaxed swim while the upper tiers make beautiful photos. Spend around 45 minutes here. Rocks near the cascades are slippery, so wear shoes or sandals with good grip and follow your guide's advice about where it is safe to swim.

Inambakan Falls in Ginatilan

A short drive north in Ginatilan, Inambakan Falls is the most dramatic single drop of the day: a column of water about 30 metres high plunging into a deep, emerald pool surrounded by rock walls and greenery. A path with steps leads down from the road, taking only a few minutes.

Swimmers love the deep pool, and the mist near the base keeps the air cool. Is Inambakan Falls worth visiting? If you want a powerful, classic waterfall without the crowds of the bigger names, absolutely. Plan around 45 minutes to an hour. Life jackets can usually be rented on site for those who are less confident in deep water.

Kawasan Falls in Badian

Kawasan Falls is the best-known waterfall in Cebu and the highlight of many trips to the southwest. Fed by a clear river, it drops in several tiers into wide pools of milky turquoise water surrounded by jungle. The first and largest basin is only a short, flat walk of about 15 to 20 minutes from the main road.

Many travellers ask how to get to Kawasan Falls from Cebu City: it is about three hours by road, which is why combining it with other falls in one organised day makes sense. Plan about an hour to an hour and a half here. The best time to visit Kawasan Falls is the dry season from December to May, when the water is at its most vivid colour.

Mantayupan Falls in Barili

On the way back towards Cebu City the route stops in Barili at Mantayupan Falls, a twin cascade close to 100 metres high, among the tallest on the island. The two streams fall side by side down a cliff of green rock, and a lower cascade below forms a pool where you can cool off.

Concrete steps and viewing areas make it easy to see the falls from different angles, and the spray creates rainbows when the sun comes through in the afternoon. Around 45 minutes is enough. After heavy rain the falls are at their most impressive, though the water can be brown and swimming may be limited for safety.

The Southwest Coast Route and Practical Tips

The drive takes you across the mountains of central Cebu and down the southwest coast through small fishing towns and coconut groves, with views of the Tañon Strait and the island of Negros across the water. With about six hours on the road in total, an early start at about 4:30 is needed to fit in all four falls.

Meals are not included, so you stop at a local eatery for lunch along the way; seafood and vegetarian dishes are easy to find, while halal options are limited in this rural area, so bring snacks if you have special needs. From June to November rain can change water levels, and the guide may adjust the order or skip a fall for safety.