The Philippines is far more than a beach destination. Tucked into its jungles, mountain ranges and river valleys are some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Southeast Asia — many of them still relatively unknown outside the country. After 40 years of exploring these islands, here are the waterfalls worth making the effort to reach.
A Word Before You Go
Philippine waterfalls are not theme parks. Most require a hike to reach — sometimes a short one, sometimes a serious trek. Facilities at most sites are minimal — a basic entrance booth, maybe a toilet block, and not much else. Bring water, proper footwear, a change of clothes and cash. Entrance fees are almost universal so always bring cash as card payments are rarely accepted. Always visit as early in the morning as possible — the most popular falls get crowded by mid-morning and the experience is significantly better before the tour groups arrive.
Kawasan Falls, Cebu
The most famous waterfall in the Philippines and arguably the most photogenic. Kawasan’s three tiers of electric turquoise-blue water surrounded by dense jungle have made it one of the most photographed natural attractions in the country. Located in Badian in southern Cebu, about three hours from Cebu City. The falls themselves are beautiful and worth visiting — but the real experience is canyoneering. The guided canyoneering tour takes you through the canyon above the falls, swimming through gorges, sliding down natural rock chutes and cliff jumping into pools of impossibly blue water before arriving at the falls themselves. If you’re reasonably fit and adventurous, don’t just visit the falls — do the full canyoneering experience.
Tinuy-an Falls, Surigao del Sur
Known as the Niagara Falls of the Philippines and with good reason. Tinuy-an is approximately 55 metres tall and 95 metres wide — one of the widest waterfalls in the country — with three tiers dropping through thick jungle. The bamboo raft experience, which takes you right to the base of the falls for a natural shower, is not to be missed. Located near Bislig City in Surigao del Sur, Mindanao. The journey to get there requires some effort but the falls are extraordinary and rarely as crowded as their Cebu counterparts.
Aliwagwag Falls, Davao Oriental
Sometimes called the Stairway to Heaven, Aliwagwag holds the title of the tallest waterfall system in the Philippines — over 130 cascading drops set within a lush eco park that also features ziplines, a skywalk and hanging bridges. Located in Cateel, Davao Oriental. The surrounding Aliwagwag Eco Park makes this a full day out rather than just a waterfall visit.
Tinago Falls, Iligan City
Iligan City calls itself the City of Majestic Waterfalls and Tinago — which means hidden in Tagalog — lives up to the name. You descend more than 500 steps through the jungle to reach the aquamarine blue pool at the base. The effort involved keeps the crowds manageable and the falls feel genuinely secluded despite being close to the city. The colour of the water, like many Philippine waterfalls, has to be seen to be believed.
Maria Cristina Falls, Iligan City
The other great waterfall of Iligan, Maria Cristina is famous for being one of the primary power sources for Mindanao — its cascade feeds the Agus VI Hydroelectric Plant. The falls are powerful and impressive on their own terms, and the surrounding park has picnic areas, a canopy tour and a zipline. A completely different experience from Tinago but worth combining both on the same day if you’re visiting Iligan.
Pagsanjan Falls, Laguna
One of the most famous and most visited waterfalls near Manila, Pagsanjan involves a boat ride upstream through a dramatic river gorge before you reach the falls themselves. The bancamen — the boatmen who pole and paddle through the rapids — are extraordinary to watch. The falls are impressive and the gorge is stunning. Be aware that this is a heavily visited site, particularly on weekends — go on a weekday if possible.
Hulugan Falls, Laguna
A more hidden alternative to Pagsanjan for those based in Manila, Hulugan is a 70-metre plunge waterfall in Luisiana, Laguna with a large swimming pool at the base. The trek is manageable and the falls are significantly less crowded than their more famous neighbour. A solid weekend day trip from the capital.
Katibawasan Falls, Camiguin
Camiguin Island is one of the most underrated destinations in the Philippines and Katibawasan is one of the reasons to go. A 250-foot plunge waterfall with a relatively easy approach — the area around the falls has been developed enough to make access straightforward without losing its natural character. Cold, powerful and surrounded by lush vegetation.
Casaroro Falls, Negros Oriental
If you want a waterfall that earns its reward, Casaroro is the one. Located in Valencia near Dumaguete, reaching it involves descending 335 steep and frequently slippery steps before trekking through the river itself. The falls — a 100-foot plunge hidden in a narrow gorge — are among the most dramatic in the Visayas. Not recommended during the rainy season when the river crossing becomes genuinely hazardous. For everyone else it’s one of the most memorable waterfall experiences in the country.
Ditumabo Falls, Aurora
Known as Mother Falls, Ditumabo is a 140-foot waterfall in San Luis, Aurora reached by a 30-minute trek that involves river crossings and rock scrambling. The basin is deep enough for swimming and the surrounding jungle is pristine. Visit early — it gets crowded later in the day.
Seven Falls, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
Lake Sebu is home to seven waterfalls spread across a mountain landscape that is also home to the T’boli people, known for their colourful culture and traditional weaving. The falls can be viewed from above via a thrilling zipline — a genuinely spectacular way to experience them. A destination that combines natural beauty with cultural depth in a way that few places in the Philippines can match.
Getting There
Philippine waterfalls are spread across every major island and most require some planning to reach. Many are several hours from the nearest airport. Hire local guides wherever they are offered — they know the conditions, the safe swimming spots and the routes that aren’t on any map. And always check the weather before you go — a waterfall that is beautiful in dry season can become dangerous after heavy rain.
Browse our full directory of Philippine waterfalls and start planning your next adventure.
