Best Waterfalls in the Philippines — Complete Guide

The Philippines has some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Southeast Asia — from the multi-tiered curtains of Tinuy-an (the country’s widest) to the turquoise pools of Kawasan, the firefly-filled canyon of Sohoton, and the remote giants of Davao that few travellers ever reach. Here are the Philippines’ most beautiful waterfalls and how to find them.

Kawasan Falls, Cebu — The Most Famous

Kawasan Falls in Badian, southwest Cebu is arguably the most photographed waterfall in the Philippines — and deservedly so. Three tiers of clear, powder-blue water tumble into pools deep enough for swimming. The colour comes from the limestone riverbed, which gives the water a distinctive turquoise tint even in the rainy season.

Getting there: From Cebu City, take a bus south to Badian (3.5 hours) or join a canyoneering tour from Moalboal. The canyoneering route — jumping, sliding, and swimming down the Matutinao River to reach the falls — is one of the best adventure activities in the Philippines. Entry fee: ₱50. Bamboo rafts available in the pool area.

Best time: Year-round, but water flow peaks June to November. The canyoneering route runs dry-season only (November to May) for safety — river levels make it too dangerous in the wet season.

Tinuy-an Falls, Surigao del Sur — The Widest

Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig, Surigao del Sur is often called the “Niagara of the Philippines” — a three-tiered waterfall that stretches 95 metres wide. The volume of water cascading over its wide curtain is extraordinary, and during the wet season, the roar is audible from a kilometre away. Bamboo rafts carry visitors through the mist to the base of the falls.

Getting there: Fly to Surigao City or Butuan, then travel overland to Bislig (approximately 3–4 hours from Surigao, 4–5 hours from Butuan). Local tricycles and guides are available in Bislig. Entry fee: ₱50. The falls are inside a small protected area with basic facilities.

Best time: August to October for maximum water flow. Accessible year-round but the wet season brings the most dramatic volume.

Aliwagwag Falls, Davao Oriental — The Tallest

Deep in the interior of Davao Oriental, Aliwagwag Falls is among the tallest waterfalls in Southeast Asia — a series of 84 cascades dropping a total of 340 metres through dense forest. It’s remote, which is exactly why it’s so spectacular. The falls are within the Pujada Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape, accessed via Cateel municipality.

Getting there: Fly to Davao City, then travel overland to Cateel, Davao Oriental (approximately 4–5 hours). From Cateel, hire a habal-habal (motorbike taxi) to the falls (45 minutes on rough road). A guide is strongly recommended.

Mag-aso Falls, Bohol — Hidden Gem

Most visitors to Bohol see the Chocolate Hills and miss the island’s magnificent waterfall. Mag-aso Falls near Antequera drops in a wide curtain into a natural rock pool — easily swimmable, cool, and usually far less crowded than Kawasan. A short jungle walk leads to the falls through native forest.

Getting there: From Tagbilaran City, take a jeepney toward Antequera (45 minutes). Local tricycles continue to the falls site. Day trips combining the Chocolate Hills and Mag-aso Falls are a logical pairing.

Maria Cristina Falls, Lanao del Norte — The Powerhouse

Maria Cristina Falls near Iligan City falls 98 metres in twin curtains — and powers a significant portion of Mindanao’s electricity grid. The falls are accessible and spectacular, particularly when the National Power Corporation releases water during the wet season. A viewing area provides close-up access to the twin falls.

Getting there: From Cagayan de Oro, bus or van to Iligan City (1.5 hours). From Iligan, tricycle to the Maria Cristina Falls compound.

Cambugahay Falls, Siquijor — The Swing Falls

Siquijor Island’s Cambugahay Falls is a series of turquoise cascades with rope swings hanging from the trees above each pool — you swing out and drop into the water like something from a film. The water is cool, clear, and the setting in the middle of the island’s forest interior is beautiful. A favourite with backpackers doing the island circuit.

Getting there: From Siquijor Town or San Juan (main tourist areas), rent a motorbike and follow signs to Lazi — Cambugahay is just outside the town.

Tumalog Falls, Cebu — The Curtain

Near Oslob (famous for whale sharks), Tumalog Falls spreads in a wide, shallow curtain over a moss-covered cliff face into a cool swimming pool. The falls are best in the morning before the tour buses arrive from Cebu City. Usually combined with the Oslob whale shark experience as a day trip.

Pagsanjan Falls, Laguna — The Classic

Pagsanjan Falls (also called Cavinti Falls) near Manila is the Philippines’ most historically famous waterfall — it was used as a filming location for Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now. The experience centres on shooting the Pagsanjan Gorge rapids by bangka canoe, guided by local boatmen who have navigated the gorge for generations. The falls are accessed through a cave-like passage in the cliff.

Getting there: From Manila, bus or van to Sta. Cruz, Laguna (approximately 2–3 hours depending on traffic), then tricycle to Pagsanjan town. Day trips from Manila are widely available.

Find More Philippines Waterfalls

OutdoorLifePH lists waterfalls across all Philippine islands — searchable by region, accessibility, and difficulty. Browse the Philippines waterfalls directory to plan your adventure.