Getting to Kawasan Falls by Scooter
Kawasan Falls is Cebu's most spectacular waterfall — a turquoise, multi-tiered cascade hidden in a jungle canyon near Badian. The ride there is half the experience. Here's everything you need to plan the perfect day trip.
The Route
Starting from Lapu-Lapu or Cebu City, head south via the South Road Properties (SRP). The highway is excellent — wide, smooth, and well-signed. Follow signs through Talisay, Carcar, Barili, and Badian.
The falls are in Barangay Matutinao, Badian — about 3km off the national highway. Look for the turn-off sign in Badian town proper. From there, a rough road leads to the trailhead parking area.
| Starting Point | Distance | Ride Time |
|---|---|---|
| Lapu-Lapu / Airport | 95 km | 2.5 hours |
| Cebu City (IT Park) | 90 km | 2 hours |
| Moalboal | 18 km | 30 min |
Road Conditions
The highway is excellent all the way to Badian. The last 3km to the falls is a bumpy concrete road — passable on any scooter, just go slow. Parking at the trailhead is free. A guide is technically required for the falls (₱150) and worth it — the trail can be muddy and confusing.
Leave Lapu-Lapu by 6:30am to arrive at the falls before the tour groups from Cebu City arrive around 10am. The turquoise pool is dramatically more photogenic without 50 other people in it.
What to Expect at the Falls
A 15-minute walk through a river canyon brings you to the first tier — the main pool with the iconic blue-green water. The color comes from mineral-rich underground springs. Even in dry season it runs cold.
Canyoneering tours start from here — jumping off cliffs into the canyon pools above. If you want to do this, book in advance or arrange with guides at the entrance (₱900–1,200). It's a 3-4 hour adventure that finishes at the beach.
Practical Details
- Entry fee₱50 per person + ₱150 guide fee
- Opening hoursSunrise to sunset
- Best time to visitTuesday to Friday (fewer crowds)
- SwimmingAllowed — bring a change of clothes
- Fuel stopFill up in Carcar City (50km mark) — last reliable station
- LunchSeveral carenderias near the trailhead. Try the grilled fish.
Combine With Moalboal
Kawasan Falls and Moalboal are 18km apart — easy to combine in one day. Stop in Moalboal first (10am–2pm) for the Sardine Run snorkeling, then ride to Kawasan for a late afternoon swim. Head back to Cebu City by 6pm to avoid riding after dark.
Don't ride back after dark. The mountain sections between Carcar and Talisay have no lighting and some surprising potholes. Always aim to be back on the highway before sunset (6pm).
