The Philippines is one of the world’s great waterfall destinations — and most travellers have no idea. Tucked behind jungle trails, plunging from volcanic mountainsides, and flowing through ancient river canyons carved by millennia of tropical rain, the country’s waterfalls range from gentle swimming holes perfect for families to thundering multi-tiered giants that stop you in your tracks. Here’s a guide to the best waterfalls in the Philippines across all three island groups.
Kawasan Falls, Cebu — The Most Beautiful in the Philippines
Kawasan Falls in Badian, southern Cebu, is the waterfall that most Filipinos would name first — and they’d be right to. Fed by cold spring water rather than surface runoff, the tiered falls maintain their brilliant turquoise colour year-round, cascading into a series of natural pools surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. Most visitors reach Kawasan as part of the Kawasan Canyoneering route — a full-day river trek involving cliff jumps, swimming through canyon pools, and a final rappel before arriving at the falls. It’s one of the best outdoor experiences in the Visayas, and the falls themselves are worth every step of the journey.
Aliwagwag Falls, Davao Oriental — The Giant
Aliwagwag Falls in Cateel, Davao Oriental is one of the tallest and most unusual waterfall systems in Southeast Asia. The falls cascade down more than 84 tiers over a kilometre of river, through a dense UNESCO-protected rainforest that teems with wildlife. The full experience involves a short jungle hike and the crossing of several hanging bridges — the falls are dramatic from any angle but overwhelming at their base. Mindanao has several world-class waterfalls, and Aliwagwag is the standard against which the others are measured.
Tinuy-an Falls, Surigao del Sur — The Philippine Niagara
Tinuy-an Falls near Bislig in Surigao del Sur spans 95 metres wide across three tiers — earning its nickname as the “Niagara of the Philippines.” The sheer curtain of white water is most powerful during the rainy season when the river is in full flood, but the falls are accessible and impressive year-round. Bamboo rafts carry visitors across the pool at the base for a closer look — it’s a rare waterfall where getting soaked is the whole point.
Pagsanjan Falls, Laguna — The Classic
Pagsanjan Falls near Pagsanjan town in Laguna is one of the most famous waterfalls in the Philippines, and the approach — a bangka ride up the Pagsanjan River gorge, paddled by skilled local boatmen through rapids and overhanging cliffs — is as memorable as the falls themselves. The final approach passes through a narrow canyon before the main fall drops 90 metres into a misty pool. Swimming is possible (with a life jacket), and the return journey downriver through the rapids is genuinely thrilling. Pagsanjan is a two-hour drive from Manila and makes a superb day trip.
Bomod-Ok Falls, Sagada — The Mountain Cascade
Bomod-Ok Falls near Sagada in Mountain Province is reached by a scenic 1.5-hour hike through pine forest and rice terraces — one of the finest waterfall walks in Luzon. The falls themselves drop 200 metres in two tiers into a cool pool surrounded by forest. The hike descends sharply toward the valley floor and the climb back up is the hardest part, but the combination of highland scenery and the waterfall reward makes this one of the most satisfying full-day hikes in the Cordillera.
Our waterfall listings span the entire archipelago — explore Jawili Falls, Tarugan Falls, Iglibog Falls, Nagpana Falls, and Hinulugan Falls — each with photos, access routes, and best-time-to-visit notes.
Browse our full directory of waterfalls in the Philippines — 199 falls across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Also explore our guides to hiking trails, camping spots, and beaches in the Philippines.
