Cebu is famed among tourists for its beaches and diving. Before visiting, many imagine tanning on a powdery beach, sipping on a mango shake, and relaxing all day. However, the island’s breathtaking nature delightfully astonishes many visitors and allures them away from the shores and towards the famous falls in Cebu.
Cebu has over 20 unique waterfalls, all with their unique charm. Some are easily accessible by the side of the road, and others require a hike through the jungle. Discover towering falls with bright blue pools or uncover quieter, secluded waterfalls, where you will have the place all to yourself!
This guide explores the most famous falls in Cebu and highlights several hidden ones!
While Cebu is blessed with waterfalls across the island, the most impressive ones are concentrated in South Cebu, particularly between Moalboal, Samboan, and Oslob. These falls in South Cebu are known for their tranquil, aqua-blue pools and towering heights.
Most Famous Falls In Cebu
Listed below are the most impressive and famous falls in Cebu:
- Kawasan Falls
- Mantyupan Falls
- Tumalog Falls
- Dao Falls
- Inambakan Falls
- Aguinid Falls
- Binalayan Falls
- Budlaan Falls
- Cambais Falls
- Montpellier Falls
Dao Falls
Dao Falls is located in Samboan, approximately 1 hour south of Moalboal and is undoubtedly one of the most scenic waterfalls in Cebu. Upon arrival, you pay a ₱200 entry fee for a guide to take you on a 25-minute trek through luscious undergrowth and across crystal-clear waters towards the falls. During the walk, butterflies, fish and the occasional monitor lizard can be spotted!
The highlight is the falls at the end – a secluded blue pool surrounded by swooping birds and no litter or crowds to ruin the atmosphere. If you visit midday on a weekday, you might get lucky and have the place to yourself.
If you only have time to visit one of the famous falls in Cebu, make sure it’s this one!
Cambais Falls
With clear water and great jumping spots, Cambais is a popular fall and swimming spot in Alegria, easily accessible without a guide and has no entrance fee. The first part of the walk is along a concrete walkway that later veers off along the river into the undergrowth. Although the falls are not that impressive, the allure here is the refreshing blue pool to escape Cebu’s heat!
Binalayan Falls
Also known as Hidden Falls, this waterfall, located close to Dao and Aguinid Falls, requires a guide to reach. After a short trek, you will arrive at a secluded fall with multiple pools to swim in. The charm here is the cliff jumps – the guides will show you different adrenaline-filled jumps, ranging from 3 meters high to 15 meters. And if you are too scared, they might even jump for your entertainment, to show you it’s safe!
The entrance fee is ₱150 per person, and guides are mandatory, though they are extremely friendly and will happily take amazing photos of you!
Montpellier Falls
A tall, secluded waterfall with an enticing natural swimming spot in Alegria. Montpellier is one of the hidden waterfalls in Cebu, surrounded by towering palm trees and endless greenery. As it can be a little tricky to find, It is best to ask a local to guide you, as the main trail is inaccessible (as of 2024).
While it may not be one of the most famous falls in Cebu, its towering beauty and seclusion make it one of the best waterfalls to visit!
Photo by Charlie Sutcliffe
Inambakan Falls
Inambakan is a multiple-tiered, cascading fall in Samboan. Often gifted by a rainbow at the base of the falls, it is an aesthetic place to swim, jump and unwind. For a more secluded spot, you can opt for a short climb to one of the smaller cascades above. However, If you dislike mosquitoes, it’s advisable to stick to the main pool.
For the adrenaline junkies, the guide will show you an exhilarating jump from the side of the falls, that is bound to get your heart racing (see photo on the left)! Entry is ₱70 per person.
Tumalog Falls
Located just 10 minutes from Oslob’s main town, Tumalog is a large waterfall. The atmosphere is natural and relaxing, making it a great place to chill: It is impossible not to get enticed by the powdery blue pool and gentle flow of water down the rock face. The vast size of the falls allows you to find somewhere peaceful to swim, even during crowded times. The fall is more impressive during the wet season when there is more rain. Entry is ₱50 per person.Â
Mantayupan Falls
As the tallest waterfall on the island, boasting 98m in height, it is a gorgeous site in Cebu, easily accessible by the side of the road. Mantayupan is comprised of two falls, connected by a hanging bridge. Once you cross the bridge, you reach the tallest fall, which is cleaner to swim in. Entrance is ₱100 if you want to paddle and just ₱50 if you plan to stay dry.
It is best to visit here on a weekday, as it can become crowded on the weekends.Â
Kawasan Falls
Undoubtedly the most famous waterfall in Cebu, Kawasan is undeniably beautiful. The water cascades into a bright blue pool, attracting many visitors for a swim. The only downside to the falls is the mass crowds it attracts. If you want tourist amenities, it is for you, but if you crave somewhere more secluded, check out one of the other waterfalls on the island.
Most people opt for the exhilarating Kawasan Canyoneering adventure, involving swimming, trekking and cliff jumping, which concludes with a swim at Kawasan Falls. However, if you are afraid of heights, you can skip the canyoneering and pay a small entrance fee to visit the falls instead.
Budlaan Falls
Located in Budlaan, just 30 minutes from Cebu City, the walk to the falls is a great nature escape from the hustle and bustle of the nearby city! It’s fair to say, that while these falls may not be as stunning as the ones down south, coming here provides a great adventure.
Upon arriving at the falls, the ‘guides’ will try to convince you to pay ₱1000 to be shown the way. There is no entrance fee here or regulations, meaning you can turn down the guide. With only a 20-minute walk, it is relatively easy to find on your own: The friendly locals will happily help you if you get lost or need directions.Â
It is best to wear trainers, as the final section of the path is rather tricky with steep rocky terrain. We did do it in flip-flops, but that was a mistake!
Aguinid Falls
Imagine a waterfall with multiple layers and easy to climb – Aguinid is precisely that! The fall has 8 tiers, all made from a mineral that doesn’t get slippery! With ropes in place and protective gear provided, the guides will accompany you as you climb up each waterfall. It is a unique and exciting adventure, costing ₱350, located 1 hour south of Moalboal. During droughts, the first three levels might be dry due to the lack of rain, so it is often best to visit here during the rainy season.
Aguinid is one of the most famous falls in Cebu for adventure seekers!
Kanlaob Falls
Less of falls and more of a jaw-dropping swimming spot, Kanlaob had to make the list. The breathtakingly blue river has plenty of space to swim and refresh and is an excellent outing for a few hours. It is primarily locals that come here, meaning if you arrive during typical ‘work hours’, it won’t be busy!
Famous Falls In Cebu Checklist
Smaller And Less Famous Falls In Cebu
- Kwasan
Though the falls aren’t massive, they provide a tranquil nature escape for those looking to escape the city. It is located between Talisay and Minglanilla and is only accessible to those with a vehicle.
- Canaclanog
A hidden gem in Alegria, Canaclanog boasts a gorgeous natural swimming spot surrounded by vegetation. This deep blue swimming hole has a small waterfall at the far side. ₱50 entry
- Handigan Falls
A small fall in Malabuyoc that requires a short trek and local guidance to find.
- Busagak
A compact fall and section of the river, perfect for escaping the heat in Pinamungahan.
- Kabutongan Falls
An underrated canyoneering adventure in Ginatilan, far from the crowds. The guides take you across four levels, climbing and jumping from heights up to 14 meters. Unfortunately, reviews on Google Maps complain of pricing scams by the guides here, charging ₱1500 for entry.Â
- Bugnawan Falls
A secluded, laid-back natural beauty spot, found east of the famous Inambakan Falls. There is a ₱70 entry fee to access here.
- Sinungkulan Falls
A series of miniature cascading falls in Pinamungahan, with a shallow pool at the bottom to swim in.
- Dayhag Falls
A series of 5 falls with no crowds and just a ₱20 entry fee, perfect for a swim and a picnic. It is near the centre of the island, in Boljoon.
- Lusno Falls
A beautiful and off-the-beaten-track adventure in Ronda! From the parking, it is a 10-minute walk through lush green fields to the falls, with local kids guiding the way.
- Cambanog Falls
A beautiful and secluded spot, far from the crowds and noise, located further upriver than Lusno Falls. It is best to visit both these falls on the same trip.Â
- Himbabawood Falls
A local falls 1 hour from Cebu City. It is best to get a guide from Lava Mountain Resort to guide you, as the trail is slightly tricky and not for beginners.Â
Tips for Visiting Cebu's waterfalls
- Avoid Weekends if you can, particularly at the more popular falls
- Check the reviews on Google Maps for the prices people pay - Although most falls are government regulated, there are some which consistently try to charge tourists an outlandish price for a guide i.e Budlaan and Kabutongan
- Some of the popular falls down South close on a Monday for cleaning - check before you go
- Although not compulsory, tipping your guide is always appreciated.
- If you don't like crowds, skip the famous falls of Cebu (Kawasan and Tumalog Falls)
Cebu Tourist Map
Click to access our interactive Cebu map, highlighting the top activities, tourist spots and famous falls in Cebu. This epic resource will help you plan an unforgettable trip to this island.Â
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We are Em & Yul – An English & Filipino Travel Couple. Now based in Cebu, we frequently explore the best destinations, hidden gems and cultural attractions across the Philippines.Â
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