12 Best Things to Do on Cebu: The Best Waterfalls in the Philippines
Cebu is easily one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines, and it’s one of my personal favorites, as traveling to the island is all about seeing as many beautiful turquoise-blue waterfalls as you can!
Things to Buy Before You Travel to Southeast Asia
Prior to visiting Southeast Asia for the first time, I highly recommend reading through my separate article where I talk about a few necessary things that you will want to make sure you have before traveling—most notably, things I wish I had known about before my first trip.
Read My Separate Post: Things to Buy Before Visiting Southeast Asia
Why Am I Recommending These Viator Tours?
One of my favorite things about booking through Viator is the reserve-now-and-pay-later option. As long as you’re booking more than three days in advance, you have the option to book ahead and cancel in the future if you change your mind.
12 Best Things to Do on Cebu
The following list is written in no particular order of best or worst, but rather, the waterfalls are placed in order of how to see them when you leave Cebu City heading south.
That being said, this list is very extensive, and it’s likely not practical for most people to check every one of these waterfalls off in a single trip. However, there are a few waterfalls that I’ve labeled as must-dos!
Furthermore, you need to bring cash before visiting any waterfall! Someone will likely be sitting at every entrance/ trailhead telling you there is a small fee, and if you have a car, they may also tell you there is an additional parking fee!
Personally speaking, I found all of the constant fees a little annoying for what seemed like should be free. However, I can’t be too disappointed because that’s just the reality of the culture.
1. Mantayupan Falls
Mantayupan Falls is the beautiful, towering, turquoise-blue waterfall shown in the photo here.
For the purposes of this list, I placed Mantayupan Falls second because it makes for an easy stop on your way across Cebu to the southeastern part of the island, where many of the waterfalls are located.
All said, Mantaypan Falls is a must-see waterfall on my list!
Google Maps Directions: Mantayupan Falls
2. Kawasan Falls
Kawasan Falls is why everyone wants to come to Cebu!
That being said, I would dedicate half of your day to visiting Kawasan Falls, and to add to this, I recommend visiting Kawasan Falls first thing in the morning.
It can get very busy as the day goes on, and visiting early is essential if you want beautiful pictures without other people in them. The photo below would not have been possible if we hadn’t visited shortly after sunrise.
It’s important to note that, as beautiful as Kawasan Falls is, it unfortunately turns into a huge dining area surrounding the water come lunchtime.
In any case, Kawasan Falls is definitely still a must-do!
Google Maps Directions: Kawasan Falls
3. Kanlaob Falls/ River Canyoneering (Kawasan)
The Kanlaob River is the same river where Kawasan Falls is located, but this tour is one of the best ways to see many secluded waterfalls and pools that you would otherwise not have the opportunity to see.
It is on this tour that you will have the opportunity to get unique photos and cliff-jump from various heights, with the most expensive option including roundtrip transportation from Cebu City!
Google Maps Directions: Kanlaob River
4. Kabutongan Falls
Kabutongan Falls is also must-see waterfall!
You can cliff jump, swim in this beautiful pool deep blue pool, and explore the cave behind the waterfall!
All said, Kabutongan Falls was easily one of my favorites during my time on Cebu!
Google Maps Directions: Kabutongan Falls
5. Inambakan Falls
Inambakan Falls is another spot that made for a really fun swimming experience, especially in the early morning, as we were the only ones there!
To add to this, I highly recommend visiting all of these waterfalls early in the morning, since this will always be the least crowded time to visit.
Google Maps Directions: Inambakan Falls
6. Dao Falls
Out of all of the waterfalls on this list, you could consider Dao Falls the biggest hike.
At that, Dao Falls is only about a 10-15 minute walk, but compared to any of the other waterfalls, it’s the most significant hike.
All said, Dao Falls is definitely a must-do if you can catch it right away in the morning.
Google Maps Directions: Dao Falls
7. Binalayan Falls
Binalayan Falls is a really fun waterfall to visit!
Our guide even cliff-jumped from the top. But if you see that small hole in the middle of the waterfall below, that’s actually a cave that you can climb through on the right and jump out of the small hole in the middle.
Binalayan Falls is easily a must-see!
Google Maps Directions: Binalayan Falls
8. Tumalog Falls
Tumalog Falls is one of the most secluded waterfalls compared to others that are closer together on this list. The falls are located on the south side of Cebu, down a steep hill that most people choose to pay someone on a bike to take them up and down.
I put Tumalog Falls toward the end of this list because it makes the most sense to visit Tumalog as you work your way around south Cebu, not because it’s the worst waterfall on this list.
Google Maps Directions: Tumalog Falls
9. Osmeña Peak (Tallest Peak on Cebu)
If you have a rental car, Osmeña Peak is a very accessible trail.
However, if you’re relying on the bus or shuttles to get around the island, I recommend booking your transportation Osmeña Peak below, as it’s easily the most hassle-free way to get to the trailhead.
Google Maps Directions: Osmeña Peak
10. Oslob Whale Shark Tour
The Oslob Whale Shark Tour is an incredible experience, but it may make you question if you should be supporting the industry.
Basically, hundreds of visitors are packed into boats that travel a short distance offshore to swim with the whale sharks. Morally, it does not feel right to be a part of this mess, but if you are going to go, it’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
That being said, please follow the rules and don’t touch these beautiful animals.
Google Maps Directions: Oslob Whale Shark Tour
Snorkeling Advice
Before flying to the Philippines, buy your own quality mask and snorkel. There will be more than one opportunity where you will be snorkeling/ diving during your trip.
If you rely on rental masks, you will be given an uncomfortable one that has been used thousands of times, along with a chewed-out snorkel. Take it from someone who lives in Hawaiʻi; bring your own Mantis mask and snorkel! They are the best and most comfortable masks on the market, by far!
11. Bohol Day Trip
Just because you’re visiting Cebu doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the neighboring island of Bohol.
Day trips from Cebu to Bohol are quite common, and I couldn’t recommend one of the private tours below any more highly!
12. Kalanggaman Island
Kalanggaman Island is one of the most beautiful places that you see in drone photos of the Philippines.
However, the island is located far off-shore, meaning that the only way to experience this paradise is by booking one of the tours below.
Additionally, the two tours that include Malapascua is one of the best values that you can find.
Hiking Checklist - Philippines
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in the Philippines.
Tips/ Things to Expect on Cebu
Bring cash for every waterfall/ adventure that you want to do. Read my section at the top of the list to learn more.
Plan for very few ATMs when you get out of Cebu City. I put this right after the first because almost everywhere around Cebu will be cash only.
Renting a car will help you make the most of your time. Simply put, we would not have been able to see as many waterfalls as we had without a rental car!
Do not plan to do very much hiking. Even Osmeña Peak, which we were expecting to be our first real hike, is nothing more than a 10 minute walk to a beautiful viewpoint of Cebu’s west side.
Travel with your own mask and snorkel. Read my section under the Oslob Whale Shark tour to learn more.
Watch out for the buses! The buses used for public transportation drive crazy fast, probably twice the speed limit! You need to watch out for yourself and anyone with you because they will NOT slow down when you are walking on the side of the road.
You can get a lot of good and cheap food at the bake shops. There are bake shops in almost every town around Cebu, and if you are looking to get quick, good food, find one of these shops. They make for a great easy meals in the morning.
Safety
Wherever you go, always wear some sort of foot protection, and be cautious about drinking the water. Some beaches that look clean may have hidden trash that can cut your foot! I had my bad experience on Palawan.
Overall, if you use general common sense when in a foreign country, I think you’ll easily see that Cebu is a very safe place to travel!
