I've visited Kawasan Falls before, and its beauty never fails to amaze me. I'm someone who prefers visiting different places, but when I went to Badian earlier this year, I couldn't pass up the chance to visit Kawasan Falls again. The charm and wonder of its aquamarine waters look surreal, and as cliché as this sounds, simply watching its magnificence brings me so much calm. I'm a Cebuana, born and raised in the city, and witnessing the beauty of Cebu always makes me feel proud and happy. 

Kawasan Falls: Paradise or a Tourist Trap

Whether you are a local or a foreign tourist thinking about visiting Kawasan Falls, you might be wondering if the place is a paradise or just another tourist trap. Let me save you the lengthy scroll: Kawasan Falls is a paradise. The photos below are proof, and nope, I didn't edit them because why would I?

Why is Kawasan Falls a paradise? It is clean, and the water is truly turquoise. The water is not a scam.

Yes, many tourists indeed visit the place. BUT the area is also very large, so the size of the crowd isn't something that would bother you.

Whether you love adventure or relaxation, you will enjoy the place. The falls themselves are a magnificent sight, and I'm not just saying this because I'm a Filipino. I don't know how to best describe how I felt just observing the water and enjoying the view. Let me just say that the place has a good energy. You know when you get to a place, and somehow, the heaviness in your chest instantly lifts? That's how it was for me, and I'm not being dramatic here. I highly commend the local government unit in charge of the place, especially for keeping it safe and clean at all times. 

Feast your eyes. 

Kawasan Falls: What You Should Know (Costs & Access)

You will hike for approximately 15 minutes before reaching the falls themselves. This depends on how fast you walk, but the hike isn't challenging, and the road leading to the falls is decent. You won't have to climb either, unless you want to avail yourself of their canyoneering activity, which I didn't.

Considering all these factors, though, I would say that the place isn't suitable for seniors or anyone suffering from osteoarthritis or similar conditions. I loved the short hike, though. It's part of the charm of visiting Kawasan Falls. I went alone, and it was such a serene experience, hiking while listening to the birds, the wind, and the flowing water.

There are no big restaurants, cafés, or modern establishments within the falls area because it is protected, so I suggest bringing your own water and snacks. There are local vendors selling local doughnuts, buko juice, bottled water, and banana cue near the falls, but that's about it. Don't expect a snack bar. However, there are proper restaurants along the highway and in the central part of Badian.

The water at the falls is cold AF. If that's not your thing, a spring would be a better destination for you.

You will have to pay a minimal fee. I didn't spend more than USD 5 on the entrance and environmental fees to access the falls area. This included the free use of a life jacket, which was handed to me once I reached the main falls area. I spent about USD 8 in total, including my motorcycle fare, which cost USD 4 for a round trip from the central part of Badian.

Kawasan Falls has three levels. The first is accessible to everyone who has paid the entrance fee, while the second and third are for those who avail themselves of the canyoneering package. If you're interested in canyoneering, the price is PHP 2,100, or a little over USD 40. That's the standard fee, which already includes a tour guide, safety gear, and shuttle transfers.

Is there a parking area near Kawasan Falls? Yes, but the designated parking area is along the highway and costs PHP 50. Just prepare some extra cash in case there are additional fees.

Depending on the number of visitors, the LGU may limit your stay to three hours to manage the crowd. Thankfully, I didn't experience this. In fact, they don't seem to be too strict about the time limit as long as the crowd density is manageable.

                                                    Same coin banks but made of bamboo tree. 

I also bought a cacao fruit. Just in case you don't know, chocolates are made out of cacao fruit - from its beans. 

Where to Stay in Badian

I am adding this detail because Badian is far from Cebu City. You will have to stay somewhere in Badian because travelling back to the city and exploring the place on the same day is almost impossible and exhausting. You want to remember being relaxed and able to enjoy the place, not how tired you are on your trip. 

Are you someone who doesn't like crowded places? Do you prefer staying in a quiet place? Do you value safety and cleanliness? Then we're the same. Also, I am someone who would rather spend more on my food and activities than on a fancy place. However, cleanliness is the most important feature of the place that I consider when I'm looking for a place to stay. 

I've been using a lodging booking app and found TGH Guest House Badian, a humble place to stay in  Sima, Poblacion, Badian, Cebu.

I love TGH because it offers clean and quiet accommodation with a touch of nature's goodness. It is located right next to a spring and a ginormous Balete tree - a great sight while you're having your breakfast, which I did, and I am not disappointed. The bedrooms are clean and spacious. TGH offers free drinking water and toiletries as well.

Though simple, the house is safe, well-maintained, and within walking distance from the heart of Badian, where everything is within reach. That includes the main supermarket and convenience stores. I'm not saying these are all next door, but a little walk of no more than 10 minutes is good. 

They offer delicious breakfast for only 275 PHP, a little more than USD 5, which you can enjoy on the terrace while listening to the birds' morning songs and the gentle lapping of the nearby waters.

‎The owners are very responsive to requests and questions, and very accommodating. While the house can be challenging to find and the road going to the main house is a little rough, don't take it negatively. It's actually a bonus that TGH is not right on a street. It's like a beautiful secret behind the noise of the main road. Also, the neighbors could get a bit loud, but it's not always the case. Welcome to the Philippines. lol You can still definitely relax while staying in TGH. 

TGH Guest House Badian is this big orange house. 

                                            So glad they gave me iced tea as a welcome drink

These come with the room for free, and I got two twin beds for a little more than USD 20 for a night!

I had grilled pork for my dinner. This is just a few meters outside the house. 

My 275PHP (per set) breakfast at the TGH Guest House Badian.

Lots of freshly cooked and fresh goods at the local market. 

 

The natural spring right in front of the house. This is a common place enjoyed by locals, especially children, for free.

If you are visiting Cebu, I highly recommend visiting Kawasan Falls. No, I am not from Badian, and I do not work for TGH or anyone from the LGU, lmao. Also, while you're in Badian, don't miss Lambug Beach. Not the best in Cebu, but a good one, especially if you just wanna chill. 

It's not difficult to get to Badian, Cebu. Just go to Cebu South Bus Terminal and buy a bus ticket for Badian. That is if you are commuting. If you have your own vehicle, Badian is ready to welcome you. From the town center, you may commute going to the Kawasan Falls area for 100PHP, around USD 2. 

I hope you'll enjoy Kawasan Falls and staying in Badian, Cebu just like I did. 

love lots,

Tin