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The famous Kawasan Falls is situated some four hours from Cebu City in the sleepy little barangay of Matutinao in the town of Badian. Badian is famous for a system of waterfalls which has two major drops, a huge water source squirting thousands of liters of fresh (and very cool) water every day, and an adventure trail which takes you deep into the heart of barangay Matutinao.

Kawasan falls is a very fresh and clean water, there are three waterfalls in Kawasan falls.The first one is the big one, the second one is not so big, the third one is not very easy to get to. It’s off the trail so be careful. If you want to enjoy the water you can always find a hidden place to swim and cool off. Getting away from the crowd and exploring the area and then take a dip in the water, relax and enjoy the beauty of Kawasan Falls.

How To get to Kawasan falls

From Cebu City to Kawasan falls, you can go to south Bus terminal Cebu. The bus fare is about 120 peso per person Always ask the driver if the Bus stop in Matutinao Badian Church Look for the sign on the bus “Bato via Barili” (not Via Oslob since that bus won’t pass Kawasan falls at all).

How Long Is the Bus Ride?

4 to 5 hours so just relax and enjoy the ride until you get to your destination. You will pass many provinces and you will get the opportunity to see what life is like in the smaller and simpler provinces.

Whale sharks in Oslob is very famous not just because of the presence of whale sharks in the sea. It's because you can swim with them and you can get close enough with the gentle giants, but there’s a limit of how close you can get to the whale sharks. A lot of marine biologists are present each day to monitor the safety of the whale sharks and to ensure that nothing bad that could harm the whale sharks will ever occur.

Is it good to swim with the whale sharks in Oslob?

Yes, it is safe to swim together with the whale sharks. There’s a limitation on how close you can get with the whale sharks and there’s a marine environmentalist on the site at all times to check if there’s anything that was done that could probably harm the whale sharks. They are stationed there to keep an eye to ensure the safety of the whale sharks.

There are regulations too that must be observed at all times and the tourists will be briefed about what to do and what are the things you could possible do when you are already in the area for the whale shark watching.

What are the regulations or rules?

• All whale shark watchers must undergo orientation at the Briefing Center on the rules for interaction with whale sharks

• Whale shark watchers are limited to 30 minutes (I think this applies to those in boats)

• Life guards will be on site during whale watching hours

• Dive Centers bringing visitors must be accredited with the Municipality of Oslob (Turtle Bay Dive Resort is accredited)

• No feeding of whale sharks by unauthorized personnel

Cebu City is a very well-known place for every tourist both local and foreigners. It’s because of Cebu’s beautiful places and attractions to visit. Aside from the Sinulog Festival that would attract lots of people, there’s wonderful beaches too that has been known worldwide because of its stunning beauty.

Here’s a list of beaches to visit in Cebu City for every tourist who wants to relax and have fun in the beach.

Beaches in Cebu City

Tingko Beach in Alcoy – is one of the most popular public beaches in Cebu. Located along the South National Road, Tingko is perfect for overnight trips with good friends, weekend adventures with colleagues, or day trips with the whole family.

Malapascua Exotic Island Dive & Beach Resort - it is the first-ever dive shop to open on Malapascua Island, Daanbantayan in 1998. Owners Dutch national Dik de Boer and Filipino wife Cora put up the resort after falling in love with Malapascua.

Logon Beach in Malapascua Island – Located in the northern part of Cebu. The beach has really fine white sand and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming. You could also do other activities on the island like wreck diving and scuba diving with the thresher sharks. You could also do wakeboarding in Malapascua.

Sta. Fe Beach in Bantayan Island – Bantayan is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The beaches are simply beautiful. You can stroll from the seashore and enjoy the beauty of the crystal-clear waters of the sea.

Tulang Diot in Camotes Island – For just 10 PHP entrance fee, you can enjoy the area with a feeling of owning the island since the place isn’t crowded. The place has crystal-clear waters and beautiful white sands.

Hidden Beach in Aloguinsan – If you want to have fun and relax at the same time, then this is the best place for you. It’s clean, greenery and uncrowded. Literally the hidden beach of Aloguinsan! Perfect for unwinding and for those who wants a peaceful and quiet time in the beach.

The twin city tour would be the perfect adventure you could ever have when you are visiting Cebu City and if you want to know more of the history and culture of the City. Twin city tours are a tour package that composes of a tour with the tourist destination and attractions for both Cebu and Lapu-Lapu City for just a day. Yes! you could have so much fun for just a day with this awesome tour.

All of these can be done with the help of Cebu Tours, a certified and credible tour agency in Lapu-Lapu City. With just one phone call or email, you could have a response from their hard-working staff right away or you could send them a message on their Facebook page!

Places included on your tour:

Lapu-Lapu Shrine – Located at Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City, the Lapu-Lapu shrine is a (66 ft) bronze statue built in honor of Lapu-Lapu, a native leader who defeated Spanish soldiers, led by the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, in the 1521 Battle of Mactan.

Alegre Guitar Factory – Alegre Guitars is the most famous Guitar Factory in Pajac-Maribago Rd, Lapu-Lapu, and is owned and managed by Fernando M. Alegre.  Alegre’s quality guitars are made of indigenous materials, from the specific type of wood used through to the shell ornaments and inlays, which make each one a unique instrument.

Basilica del Santo Niño – Commonly known as Santo Niño Church, Basilica del Santo Niño is a minor basilica in Cebu City Philippines that was founded in 1565. It is the oldest Roman Catholic Church established in the country, and was built on the spot where the image of the Santo Niño de Cebú, a statue depicting the Child Jesus, was found by Spanish explorers, led by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, in 1655

Magellan’s Cross – Magellan's Cross is a Christian cross erected by Portuguese and Spanish explorers, as direct by Ferdinand Magellan upon arriving in Cebu in the Philippines on April 15 1521.  This cross is housed in a chapel next to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño on Magallanes Street, just in front of the city center of Cebu   City.  The Cross itself, is preserved within a glass case.

Taoist Temple – Built in 1972, the Cebu Taoist Temple is located in the Beverly Hills Subdivision in Cebu City, Philippines. The temple was built by Cebu's substantial Chinese community. With an elevation of 300 metres (980 ft) above sea level, the temple is a towering, multi-tiered, multi-hued attraction accessible by three separate winding routes.

Fort San Pedro – It is a military defense structure built by the Spanish under the command of Miguel López de Legazpi, first governor of the Captaincy General of the Philippines. It is located in the area now called Plaza Indepedencia, in the pier area of the city.

Heritage of Cebu Monument – is a tableau of sculptures made of concrete, bronze, brass and steel showing scenes about events and structures related to the history of Cebu. The construction of the monument began in July 1997 and it was finished in December 2000.

Yap San Diego Ancestral House – The Yap-San Diego Ancestral House in Parian, Cebu City is said to be the first Chinese house built outside of China. It was built during the country’s Spanish colonial era where the Chinese were required to live in the Parians of a city. The ancestral house is constructed out of coral stones and wood. It was built sometime between 1675 and 1700 and was originally owned by a Chinese merchant named Don Juan Yap together with his wife, Doña Maria Florido

Mactan Shrine – The Mactan Shrine is located in Mactan Island. It is dedicated in honor of Lapu-Lapu, Ferdinand Magellan, and the Battle of Mactan that was happened during 1521.

Uphill Destinations:

Temple of Leah – This temple was built in 2012 as a symbol of the undying and unconditional love of Teodorico Soriano Adarna to his wife Leah for 53 years.

TOPs – Located at Brgy. Malubog, Busay, Cebu City which offers a fascinating panoramic view of Cebu City and of its neighboring islands, Mactan and Olango. Perfect time to visit is during night time, the view is so stunning and beautiful.

Kawasan falls canyoneering is a very famous activity for both local and foreign travelers. The whole activity will take around 3 hours but can take 4 hours for a bigger group.

You can choose between downstream canyoneering which is from Kanlaob River in Algeria to Kawasan Falls or upstream canyoneering, Kawasan Falls to Kanlaob River. If you are a beginner, I suggest downstream first since upstream is pretty difficult. In downstream, you'll be jumping, swimming and walking while in upstream, replace that jump with a climb.  

Travel Tips:

Most of the tours will recommend you to a morning start as it takes 3-5 hours to finish the activity. The last possible time to start is around 2 or 3 pm so that you can finish Canyoning before sunset.

Wear trainers, strapped shoes or rent some water booties for 20PHP (prices will vary with different companies) since there will be lots of slippery rocks on the trail.

There’s a BBQ stand and the smell of it will absolute entice you to buy. Chicken, Pork Skewers, Sausages are 50 PHP ($1) and there’s soft drinks too!

Your guide will take a dry bag that you can pop essentials in, but otherwise you are welcome to bring your own.

Take a GoPro with you or you can rent one, just ask where you can possibly rent a GoPro. A lot of epic and stunning views that is worth taking pics for in the area, most of them are instagram-worthy!

Have an extra battery with you on your dry bags, your guide can hold it for you.

When you reach Kawasan Falls, you can eat foods again since there’s a lot of foods for sale in the area. You can chill and relax here after a long trekking, climbing and jumping.

You can rent a bamboo raft that can take you around the turquoise pool and even under the waterfalls!

The DON’Ts for your Kawasan Falls Canyoneering Adventure:

DON’T just jump anywhere you feel, wait for your guide to tell you when to jump and when not to.

DON’T throw your trash anywhere, please! Just put it in your pocket, and throw it afterwards when you see a trash bin. A little act like this will absolutely help the community keep the area clean.

Cebu and Lapu-Lapu City is a very well-known destination for every traveler who visit Philippines. With almost 7 million visited Cebu last year 2017, Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City were visited by lots of tourists each year because of the beautiful places it has. If you wish to experience the amazing twin city tour, you came to the right place.

Cebu City:

Fort San Pedro – it is a military defense structure built by the Spanish under the command of Miguel López de Legazpi, first governor of the Captaincy General of the Philippines. It is located in the area now called Plaza Indepedencia, in the pier area of the city.

Magellan’s Cross – An octagonal building decorated with murals containing a large wooden cross that commemorates the Portuguese conquistador Ferdinand Magellan who planted a wooden cross upon converting the original inhabitants to Christianity.

Sirao Flower Farm – Sirao Flower Farm or also known as “Mini-Amsterdam” of Cebu is situated in a mountain barangay of Cebu City. A huge part of the farm is filled mostly with brightly colored Celosia flowers which gives an incredible floral display along with the various flowering plants in the area.  

Sky Experience Adventure (Crown Regency) – Adventure seekers may head to the top floor to experience a breathtaking view of this modern city. You may also opt to join in the extreme rides that literally puts you on the edge of the city, or you may walk around the edge of the building (don't worry, safety cables are attached) to experience this once in a lifetime experience. All of these you can enjoy for a small fee.

Taoist Temple – is a Taoist temple located in Beverly Hills Subdivision of Cebu City, Philippines. The temple is built by Cebu's substantial Chinese community in 1972.  

Temple of Leah – This temple was built in 2012 as a symbol of the undying and unconditional love of Teodorico Soriano Adarna to his wife Leah for 53 years.

TOPS Lookout – located at Brgy. Malubog, Busay, Cebu City which offers a fascinating panoramic view of Cebu City and of its neighboring islands, Mactan and Olango. Perfect time to visit is during night time, the view is so stunning and beautiful.

Basilica del Santo Niño – The Basílica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebú commonly known as the Santo Niño Basilica, is a minor basilica in Cebu City in the Philippines that was founded in the 1565.

Lapu-Lapu City:

Mactan Shrine – The Mactan Shrine is located in Mactan Island. It is dedicated in honor of Lapu-Lapu, Ferdinand Magellan, and the Battle of Mactan that was happened during 1521.

10 Thousand Roses and Café – It is located at the end of Cordova Tourism Center, just right next to Lantaw Floating Restaurant. It is owned by Miguel Cho, an interior designer. His intention in putting up the cafe is to create a romantic ambience that would be perfect for couples, a place precise for a beginning of a happily ever after.

Guitar Factory – One of the remarkable guitar-makers in Cebu is the Alegre Guitar Factory. The shop is owned and managed by Fernando M. Alegre. It is by far the most impressive-looking guitar factory in Abuno, Lapu-Lapu City. Its world-class guitars never cease to impress seasoned guitarists and musicians.

Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant – is conveniently located at Day-as Cordova, Mactan Cebu, Philippines. Perfect place to eat for those who loves swimming and the smell of the sea breeze with the seaside ambiance it has.

Cebu Happy World Museum – The Cebu Happy World Museum in Cordova is not your typical run-of-the-mill museum since it displays optical illusions that allow visitors to interact with the exhibits. The museum aims to let Cebuanos and Filipinos, in general, experience something out of the ordinary without having to go through the hassle of travelling to a place far, far away.

Canyoneering is one of the famous activities you can do in the small and quiet town of Matutinao, Badian just south of Cebu City. You may find that there are several canyoneering adventure tour operators just like Cebu Tours which are based in Lapu-Lapu City and booking for a private tour with them would totally help you with your tour.

The start-off or meeting place for nearly all these canyoneering adventure tours is at Badian, Cebu. But the jump-off of the actual canyoneering is at the town of Algeria, Cebu of which your tour guides will take you there. It is also where registrations are done. The 4 to 5 hours activity will then be a downstream canyoneering that will end at Kawasan Falls, Badian Cebu.

Travel Tips:

Don’t jump anywhere just because you feel like jumping, ask your guide first if it's safe to jump on such area.

Wear proper and comfortable footwear, the trail isn’t easy to walk and there’s a lot of slippery stones.

Always listen to your guide, your guide is familiar with the trail and the area so it’s better to follow your guide.

Badian canyoneering activity is popular locally and internationally so better start your canyoning activity early.

Bring lots of bottled water or a huge one. Stay hydrated.

Pack your things on a dry bag and you can let your tour guide hold it for you.

You can ask your tour guide to take photos of you and your group, don’t hesitate to ask for help.

And lastly, please don’t throw your trashes anywhere. Keep it inside your bag or pocket and throw it once you saw a trash can in the area. A simple act like that is a big thing in keeping the area clean and neat.

How to get to Badian?

From Cebu City, take any public transportation or taxi to take you to South Bus Terminal, just a few blocks from Elizabeth Mall (EMall). Inside the South Bus Terminal, ask someone where is the bus that is bound to Bato. The people in there will surely lead you to the right bus with a warm smile.

Make sure you took the bus that is bound to Bato via Barili NOT Bato via Oslob since Bato  via Oslob buses won’t pass Kawasan falls at all.

QUICK TIP: Take the yellow buses (Ceres), they are air-conditioned buses and the bus fare is around 120 to 150 PHP ($2 to $3). The bus ride will be around 3 hours.

Remind the conductor or the driver to stop at Kawasan Canyoneering Headquarters at Matutinao Beach Resort, just across a roman catholic church.

Going back to the City