Have you ever considered going on a Philippine waterfall adventure? Aside from tropical beaches, the Philippines is also home to equally breathtaking waterfalls that are sure to impress! On this blog, we listed down the Top 15 best waterfalls in the Philippines to introduce you to lesser-known gems that are worth exploring.
Take your Philippine adventure to the next level and find beauty in the unknown. Many of the destinations enlisted here are still undisrupted by human activities and remain absent from the typical tourist itinerary.
Discover majestic waterfalls, uncover secret trails and find off-the-beaten paths that are sure to blow your mind! Escape with nature. Let’s get started.
Top 15 Best Waterfalls in the Philippines
1. Asik-asik Falls : Waterfalls in North Cotabato
The water curtain falls called Asik-Asik Falls of North Cotabato | Photo: Jill Gulles | stock photo ID: 1688794129
From afar, Asik-asik Falls looks like a water curtain in a lush stonewall. Thus, it is also called “curtain waterfalls”. It measures 200 meters high and 140 meters wide. In the local Hiligaynon language, “asik” literally means “sprinkle”.
Asik-asik has a unique and exceptional beauty that creates an overall mystical feel. The place is completely undisturbed, unspoiled, and remains hidden from the public eye. It is nestled in a remote area, safely tucked in the lower slope of Mount Ragang.
Because of its inaccessibility and the peace and order situation in Mindanao, only a few are able to find their way to this waterfalls.
How to get to Asik Asik Falls:
- From Manila, you can take a flight to Cotabato City.
- At the city proper, take a van to Midsayap, North Cotabato with 1.5 hour travel time.
- Then take a 30-minute motor or “habal-habal” straight to the falls.
Asik Asik Falls nearby attractions: Lake Sebu, Blaan Cultural Village, Mambukal Hot Sulphur Spring Resort
2. Kaparkan Falls : Abra Waterfalls
The majestic Kaparkan Falls of Abra | Photo: Nesly Mateo | stock photo ID: 708366637
Kaparkan Falls is comprised of small basins of water comprised of layers of white limestone terraces. Given its very unique structure, it is also described or called as “water terraces”. Interestingly, it looks like an angel’s wings structure when viewed from the top.
It is best to visit Kaparkan during the rainy season, between July to October, to witness its abundant cascading waters. During the dry season, the water can be dry.
How to get to Kaparkan Falls: This is a long trip so make sure that you are fit for the adventure.
- You can take a bus from Manila to Abra (8-10 travel time).
- At the town proper, ride a tricycle going to DPWH headquarters. This is where you will register and attend a brief orientation.
- You will then ride a 4×4 monster jeep until the drop-off point where you will start your 15-minute trek to the falls.
Kaparkan Falls nearby attractions: 10,000 tulips at Layugan Gardens, Lusuac Spring in Lagayan, historical sites and churches in the towns of Bangued and Tayum, a famous souvenir shop in San Quintin that sells Gourd hats hand-made by a National Living Treasure, Mr. Teofilo Garcia. If you intend to stay longer, you may also visit the town of Vigan, Ilocos Sur which is nearby.
3. Kawasan Falls : Cebu Waterfalls
Kawasan Falls with excursionists on a bamboo raft
Kawasan Waterfalls consist of two main cascades both with deep natural pools ideal for swimming. The first cascade stands at approximately 40 meters while the second level has a height of approximately 20 meters and can be reached within fifteen minutes of trekking. This stunning waterfalls is tucked in a tropical forest in Badian in Southern Cebu.
Kawasan has now become one of the most popular waterfalls in the Philippines today. Countless photos and videos online have massively impacted Kawasan’s growing popularity, both to domestic and international tourists. For this reason, Kawasan is now crowded and very touristy.
Kawasan Falls Canyoneering
At Kawasan, experience an adrenaline adventure called “canyoneering”. Get ready to trek your way up the falls and descend through the canyon through water jumps, rapid slides and Tarzan swings – truly a real jam-packed adventure!
There are also a variety of local restaurants and cottages in the area. A bamboo raft is also operated here that can bring you inside the falls where you can experience a back massage from the gushing water of the falls.
The canyoneering adventure at Kawasan Falls
Kawasan Falls location: Badian, Cebu
How to get to Kawasan Falls:
- Take a flight to Cebu City.
- Then, take a bus to Badian with dropoff at Badian Church.
- At the drop-off point, you may ask the locals where to start your trek. There are also many operators that offer packages and equipment rentals in the area.
Kawasan Falls nearby attractions: Cebu has a lot of diverse attractions to offer – you may take a historical tour at the city proper, perhaps a panoramic tour at Busay, and beach paradise in its islands including Mactan, Camotes, Bantayan, Malapascua and more. Although, the closest to Kawasan is Moalboal and Sumilon.
4. Cambugahay Falls : Siquijor Waterfalls
The cascading clear turquoise blue water of Cambugahay Falls
Cambugahay Waterfalls is located on the mystical island of Siquijor. It is a humble town in the Visayas that is not yet frequented by tourists and holds so much richness in terms of culture and natural beauty. Today, Cambugahay has become one of the most instagrammable waterfalls in the Philippines.
Cambugahay is a three-level waterfalls of turquoise blue water perfect for swimming. It is open until 7:00 am to 5:00 pm daily and can be crowded by tourists at mid-day. If you want to enjoy the place solely on your own, come early or later – excursionists usually flock the area between 9:00 am until 3:00 pm. Aside from swimming, you can enjoy a couple of Tarzan-rubber swings, bamboo rafts as well as plenty of perfect spots for photo opportunities.
Experiencing the bamboo raft and Tarzan swing at Cambugahay Falls
How to get to Cambugahay Falls:
- From Manila, you can take a flight to Dumaguete City.
- From here, you can take a 1-hour ferry to Siquijor Port.
- Upon arrival at the Siquijor, you can either rent a motorcycle parked just outside the port to navigate this small island or you may also hire a tricycle to tour you around the island.
Cambugahay Falls nearby attractions: 4-century old Balete (Banyan) Tree, St. Isidore Church and Convent, Tubod Marine Sanctuary, Shell Museum and more. One of the most interesting highlights is the visit to a shaman or a Bolo-bolo Healer. A healing ritual involves using a clear glass of water, black stone and pipe. Using the pipe, the healer blows into the glass of water, moving it across the affected area of the patient’s body.
5. Tinuy-an Falls : Little Niagara Waterfalls in Philippines
The “little Niagara Falls of the Philippines”, Tinuy-an Falls
Dubbed as the ‘Little Niagara Falls of the Philippines,’ Tinuy-an Falls used to be the widest waterfalls in the country measuring 95 meters wide and 55 meters in height. It is located in the southeastern part of the country, in Mindanao.
This waterfall is able to maintain its raw beauty. Development is put to a minimum by providing only the basics – minimal cottages, few picnic tables, some small stores but not much more. There are also bamboo rafts that can bring you to the cascading waterfalls. Do not expect comfortable resort amenities or services because it does not exist here.
According to the locals, usually a rainbow appears as a reflection of the sunlight through the mist between 9:00-11:00 am so make sure to target this best time. Encounter a rainbow closest to you at Tinuy-an Falls.
How to get to Tinuy An Falls:
This is a long way to reach the destination so make sure you are on for the adventure.
- From Manila, you can take a flight to Surigao City.
- From the city proper, you can take a 5 to 6-hour bus to Butuan City.
- Then, ride a motorcycle ride or locally known as habal-habal to go direct to the falls.
Tinuy An nearby attractions: Enchanted River at Hinatuan
6. Cavinti Falls (formerly Pagsanjan Falls) : Waterfalls in Laguna
Cavinti Falls, formerly known as Pagsanjan Falls
This waterfall is definitely one of the most featured waterfalls in the country, published in most Filipino grade school books, charts and other paraphernalia.
With close proximity to the capital city of Manila, Pagsanjan is a magnet for those looking to make a quick excursion into nature without getting too far off the beaten path.
There are two ways to reach the falls, either by riding a rapid boat which is the fastest and the most convenient way; or the long and adventurous way. The second option is not for the weak so be sure you are fit for the challenge. Here, be ready to complete 586 steps of metal ladder, rappel over 90 degrees vertical tunnel, endure 30-minutes hike going to the falls and roughly an hour of return journey back to your starting point. This trail is not advisable for people with weak stamina and kids or elders.
Inside the falls is the Devil’s Cave where you can enjoy swimming while enjoying the current of the water, under the waterfalls.
Pagsanjan Falls (Cavinti Falls) Location
It was discovered by a resident of Pagsanjan but its geographical location is in Barangay Cavinti, Laguna. Thus, they changed its name in 2002 but Pagsanjan Falls remained to be more popular than the latter.
Pagsanjan Falls (Cavinti Falls) Entrance Fee
An entrance fee is collected at the Tourism Information Center inclusive of a DOT-accredited guide, rapel equipments, life vest and a bamboo raft going to the falls.
The adventure that awaits at Cavinti Falls – trek, rappel over the vertical tunnel and bathe under the waterfalls
How to get to Pagsanjan Falls:
- From Manila, ride a bus going to Sta. Cruz, Laguna (tell the driver to drop you at the jeep terminal to Cavinti).
- Then ride a jeep going to Cavinti.
- Take a tricycle going to El Pueblo Salvador or the Cavinti Tourism Information Center. This is where you will register and pay the entrance fee before the start of your trek.
Pagsanjan Falls nearby attractions: Rizal Shrine (ancestral home of the Philippines’ greatest hero), Makiling Botanic Gardens, Caliraya Lake where you can stay for glamping experience, Enchanted Kingdom theme park, Liliw (a community that makes footwear such as slippers, sandals and shoes at a factory price)
7. Maria Cristina Falls : Mother of All Waterfalls in Philippines
Dubbed as the “mother of all the waterfalls in Philippines”. Maria Cristina Falls is another popular waterfalls in the country along with Cavinti Falls (formerly known as Pagsanjan Falls).
It is towering over 320 feet above the forest canopy and Agus River. Aside from its grandeur, it is also the primary source of hydroelectric power in the city. Maria Christina Falls is also called “twin falls” because the water flow is separated by a rock creating two distinct streams.
How to get to Maria Cristina Falls:
- From Manila, take a flight to Cagayan de Oro.
- Then ride a bus going to Iligan City.
- From the town proper, ride a jeep bound to Buru-un, drop-off at Maria Cristina junction.
- From here, you can either start your trek to the falls or hire a habal-habal.
Maria Cristina Falls nearby attractions: Other waterfalls in the city
8. Tinago Falls, Iligan
The enchanting Tinago Falls
Tinago Falls is one of the most scenic and often visited attractions in Iligan. If you’ve been paying attention, the name Iligan should definitely ring a bell. Aside from Maria Cristina, Iligan City is home to a total of 23 waterfalls, making it home to the most number of waterfalls in the Philippines. For this reason, it is dubbed as “The City of Majestic Falls in the Philippines”.
Tinago literally means “hidden”. This waterfalls is hidden deep in a deep ravine which can be reached by walking approximately 500 steps of cemented staircase. The journey towards the falls unravels close encounter with its flora and fauna, including an orchestra of birds chirping. Its waters fall into a blue-green lagoon creating a serene and majestic scenery.
How to get there:
- From Manila, take a flight to Cagayan de Oro.
- Then ride a bus going to Iligan City.
- From the town proper, ride a jeep bound to Buru-un, drop-off at Maze Resort.
- From here, hire a habal-habal to bring you to the falls.
Nearby attractions: Other waterfalls in the City
9. Can-umantad Falls : Waterfalls in Bohol
View from afar at Can-umantad Falls
Can-umantad falls is located in the town of Candijay, approximately 2.5 hours travel from Tagbilaran city. This 3-tiered waterfalls is considered the tallest in Bohol. After a short hike, you can have the opportunity to refresh yourself in the cool water.
On your way to the falls at Candijay, you will have a glimpse of the authentic local life – the native plants that grow, the abundant coconut trees, the carabaos soaking in swamps, stray dogs and cats, the activities of residents and have a feel of its friendly locals. There are also a few elementary schools along the way where smiling faces of kids can brighten your day.
The local community is benefiting a lot from this ecotourism destination – local restaurants, sari-sari stores, coconut owners, locals as tour guides, drivers, etc.
How to get to Can Umantad Falls:
- From Tagbilaran City, take a tricycle to Dao Terminal.
- Then ride a van or bus to Candijay and drop-off at Candijay Public Market.
- From here, you can take a motorcycle ride or habal-habal going to Can-umantad then take a short trek going to the falls.
Can Umantad Falls nearby attractions: Cadapdapan Rice Terraces and the white sand beach of Anda. Of course, the classic Bohol attractions such as Chocolate Hills, Loboc River, Tarsier Sanctuary, man-made forest, Panglao beach, etc.
10. Bomod-ok Falls : Best Waterfalls in Sagada
The tall cascading water of Bomod-ok Falls
Bomod-ok is sure to give you a one-of-a-kind adventure and a knee-jerking 1 to 2 hours walk by foot!
The journey going to the falls looks easy – there are cemented pathways, clear foot trails and rice paddies. The breathtaking view of valleys and terraces and the cool weather add up to good trek conditions. But truly, never underestimate the trail because it is harder than initially thought. After a few minutes of walking, the reality of a difficult journey kicks in. But there is no turning back. You must keep going.
For Bomod-ok, the journey is as important as the destination. The combination of these two makes Bomod-ok a great destination. Along the way, you can observe the humble life of their community, where farming and tourism are the pillars. Some of them put up rest places and small sari-sari stores where they sell refreshments and some local snacks like banana cue, corn, lumpia, barbecue, kwek-kwek and more to aid the tired visitors in their long journey. It has also become a place to converse with other tourists and share stories with a stranger.
The 1-2 hour trek to the falls is filled with green scenery, good air, a glimpse of local life and memorable journey with some new found friends
After an extremely long walk, the real paradise opens up to you. The 200-meter waterfalls is hidden in the middle of a valley. The view is awesome! A plunge in the freezing cold water calms down tired muscles. You can bathe together with other more tourists who share the same journey as you. It’s indeed a happy ending to have that blissful bath as a reward for a not-so-typical adventure that opened your eyes to the life of a small community and all the stories shared along the way.
How to get to Bomod ok Falls:
- From Manila, take a bus going to Sagada, travel time can be upto 12 hours.
- From the town proper, ride a jeep bound for Banga-an and drop-off at Bomod-ok Information Center.
Bomod ok Falls nearby attractions: Hanging Coffins at Echo Valley, Lumiang Burial Cave, Sumaguing Cave, Bontoc Museum, sea of clouds at Kiltepan Viewpoint.
11. Aliwagwag Falls
Made up of 130 water cascades, Aliwagwag Falls in Cateel, Davao Oriental is a charming waterfall that anyone will surely enjoy. The water has swimmable depths and the overall scenery is so relaxing.
How to get there:
- Reaching Aliwagwag will require at least 3 transfers. That is, from Davao City proper, take a bus going to Mati City. Then, ride a van going to Cateel. Finally, take a habal habal til drop-off point to Aliwagwag waterfalls.
Nearby attractions: Aliwagwag Nature Park
12. Aguinid Falls
Located in Southern Cebu, Aguinid Waterfalls boasts 8 multi level waterfalls that offer exhilarating adventure to anyone who visits. Each level offers varying levels of beauty, thrill and difficulty.
It is best to trek to falls with a local guide for ease for finding the easiest and safest path. It is also advisable to bring along waterproof bags for you to best enjoy traversing from one waterfall to another. Having a good pair of aqua shoes is also recommended. There are some parts when it’s difficult to walk using slippers or by foot.
Out of the 8 waterfalls, the most picturesque one would have to be Level 5 and the most thrilling would probably be Level 2. Curious? Go see it and see for yourself which level is truly the stand out. You can spend the entire morning just soaking in the beauty of Aguinid Falls.
How to get there:
- From Cebu City, take a Ceres bus at South Bus Terminal bound to Samboan, Cebu. Simply tell the driver or conductor to drop you off the trail to Aguinid Falls. For public transport, the travel time is approximately 4.5 hours or more.
- You may also rent a car or hire a private car for one whole day – this is a more convenient yet pricier option too. Depending on your budget and preference, getting a private car will certainly allow you flexibility of time and ease of transferring from one amazing waterfall to another especially on this part of Southern Cebu, where there many to explore.
Nearby attractions: Dao Falls, Kawasan Falls, Inambakan Falls, Oslob, Moalboal, so much more.
The cascading waters of Aguinid Falls Level 2
13. Dao Falls
Same with Aguinid Falls, Dao is also found in Samboan, Southern Cebu. Out of the countless beautiful waterfalls in Cebu, Dao Falls has got to be one on the top list! In my view, Dao can easily rank second to Kawasan Falls in beauty and adventure.
Not only does the main falls is stunning but every minute of that trek is a beautiful experience – expect a picturesque view anywhere you look. You’ll pass by forests, canyons, rivers, natural slides plus its turquoise blue water – its beauty is exceptional!
How to get there:
- Take the same route as Aguinid Falls and hire a habal-habal going to Dao. The distance from Aguinid is not too far at approximately 6 km away.
Nearby attractions: Aguinid Falls, other waterfalls in Southern Cebu including Kawasan Falls, Inambakan Falls and more. You can also easily access nearby popular destinations like Moalboal Oslob.
The beautiful view at Dao Falls in Samboan, Cebu
14. Inambakan Falls
Inambakan came from the Cebuano word “ambak” which means to jump. It is a 5-level waterfalls located at Ginatilan, Southern Cebu. As the name suggests, it offers great spots for adrenaline junkies who wish to jump off to a waterfall.
Inambakan requires a little bit of trek of medium difficulty level. Man made steps and handrails can be expected but its steep slopes make the trek exhausting. For this reason, make sure you are physically fit for the trek and bring lots of water to keep you hydrated.
You’ll certainly crave for a refreshing plunge after a demanding trek!
How to get there:
- From Cebu City South Bus Terminal, ride a public bus that travels to Samboan (via Barili). Tell the driver to drop you off Ginatilan town proper. Then hire a habal habal to bring you to Ginatilan waterfalls.
Nearby attractions: Moalboal, Oslob, Badian, other Southern Cebu waterfalls
Inambakan Falls in Ginatilan, Cebu
Mantayupan Falls
Out of all the waterfalls enumerated here, Mantayupan waterfalls is perhaps the easiest to reach. The tourism development of the site allows easy access straight to the waterfalls. Forget about the unknown trails, tiring walk, muscle pain or getting lost – a cemented pathway and a concrete hanging bridge will point you directly to the main waterfalls.
The area is wide and it offers a straightforward glimpse of the entire waterfalls, thus allowing the most picture-perfect view of the waterfall. A snack area is located in the vicinity.
How to get there:
- From Cebu City South Bus Terminal, ride a public bus that travels to Samboan or any bus that travels to south of Cebu. Drop off at Ginatilan Shamrack then hire a habal habal all the way to the waterfalls.
Nearby attractions: Oslob, Moalboal, Badian, Algeria and many more waterfalls in Southern Cebu waterfall like Aguinid, Dao, Inambakan,
Mantayupan Falls in Barili, Cebu
Philippine Waterfalls Adventure: Explore Waterfalls in the Philippines
There you go, these are the 15 most beautiful waterfalls in the Philippines.
Have you been to any of these waterfalls? Which one is your favorite? Perhaps, you can add more to my list? Comment down below or get in touch with us in case you want us to customize a Philippine waterfall adventure for you!
Escape With Nature: Visit these Waterfalls in the Philippines
Visiting waterfalls is about putting yourself out there – trekking your way up, feeling the sheer force of nature, taking a cold plunge and immersing yourself at that moment.
Explore the wilderness. Escape with nature and experience something you haven’t experienced for a long time. Bring home a great story and an amazing encounter with the environment.
Being one with the waterfalls can sometimes be one of the most incredible feelings! And certainly, the waterfalls in the Philippines will not disappoint. Go give it a try!
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