Kawasan Falls and Mantayupan Falls in One Day from Cebu

The main draw here is simple: you get two very different waterfalls in one long day. Mantayupan offers a quiet countryside stop with two drops, while Kawasan Falls gives you the bigger swimming experience, several levels, and the chance to sit beneath falling water for a natural massage.

I like the small group of no more than 10 and the practical all-in package. Hotel pickup, transport, lunch, and a local Kawasan guide are covered, so you can focus on the scenery instead of arranging several rides. I also like the drive itself, which passes rice fields, old Spanish houses, and rural villages.

The drawback is the schedule. Ten hours and about two hours on the road to Mantayupan make this a demanding day. Mantayupan may also feel less rewarding than Kawasan, with steps and rails that can have black ants around them. If you want only one waterfall, Kawasan is probably the better use of your time.

Key points to know before booking

• Two waterfalls in one day: Visit Mantayupan first, then continue south to the larger Kawasan Falls.
• A 7:00 am start: The early departure helps fit the two sites into roughly 10 hours.
• Short walks, not a full trek: Mantayupan requires a brief walk, while Kawasan involves an easy 30-minute route.
• Swimming and water massage: Bring a swimsuit and dry clothes if you want to enter the pools or try hydro massage beneath the falls.
• Small-group attention: The vehicle and guide service are limited to 10 people, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
• Lunch is covered: A picnic lunch is served by the falls, but drinks are not included.

Two waterfalls, two different moods

This trip works because the stops are not duplicates. Mantayupan Falls feels like a first look at the rural side of Cebu. Kawasan feels more like the main event, with multiple water levels, wooden huts, bridges, local activity, and pools made for cooling off.

You leave Cebu at about 7:00 am and spend around two hours reaching Mantayupan. That drive is a real part of the experience, not just dead time. You pass rice fields, older Spanish-era houses, and green countryside. The view gives you a break from the city and helps explain why a waterfall trip takes most of a day.

The route also means you should not book this expecting a quick morning outing. You will be in the vehicle for a good part of the day, but the included pickup and drop-off remove the stress of finding transport between separate sites.

Mantayupan Falls and its two water levels

Mantayupan Falls has two sections, one about 14 meters high and the other about 98 meters. A small hydroelectric system serves the nearby town, giving the site a practical purpose beyond its looks.

A short walk takes you from the arrival area toward the falls. The water can look bluish green when sunlight reaches the rock walls, and the surrounding countryside gives the stop a calm, open feel. This is a good first waterfall because it lets you stretch your legs after the drive without demanding a hard hike.

I would keep your expectations measured here. Mantayupan is not as large or polished a stop as Kawasan, and the usable area may feel limited. Black ants have been reported around the steps and rails, so watch where you place your hands and feet. That does not ruin the stop, but it is worth knowing before you arrive.

You may also find Mantayupan less appealing if your main goal is swimming. The tour description gives more attention to the pools and water massage at Kawasan. Treat Mantayupan as a scenic countryside introduction, not necessarily the highlight of the day.

The easy walk into Kawasan Falls

After Mantayupan, the route continues south to Kawasan Falls. The walk to the falls takes about 30 minutes and is described as easy and enjoyable, though you still need a moderate level of physical fitness for the full day.

The path crosses wooden bridges and passes wooden huts. You may see local people doing everyday chores, including laundry, and children playing in the water. These details make the route feel connected to village life rather than separated from it as a formal attraction.

Some bridges are described as abandoned, so the walk is not a paved city promenade. Wear shoes with a secure grip and take your time. The tour does not call for a strenuous climb, but wet surfaces, steps, and bridges can still make the walk tiring.

The walk is also part of the reward. You do not simply step from a van into a viewing area. You move through the countryside, hear the water before reaching it, and gradually arrive at the falls. For me, that makes the first sight of Kawasan more satisfying.

Why Kawasan is the stronger stop

Kawasan Falls has three water levels, giving you more room to look around, swim, and choose how active you want to be. The water is known for its striking blue color and cool temperature. That combination makes the pools especially welcome after the walk and the drive.

You can spend free time relaxing in the natural pools. If you choose the hydro massage activity, the falling water can pound your shoulders and back while you hold position beneath it. It is an entertaining part of the visit, but bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes. You will not want to spend the ride back in wet clothing.

The scale is the clearest difference between the two stops. Kawasan has the larger setting, more water levels, and more opportunities to get into the water. One direct piece of advice: if you are most interested in swimming and the falls themselves, save your energy for Kawasan.

The water may be cool, even in warm weather. That is refreshing for some people and a shock for others. You do not have to spend all your free time in the pool. Sitting near the falls, taking in the sound, and letting your clothes dry can be just as pleasant.

A picnic lunch beside the falls

Lunch is included and served as a picnic by the falls. This is one of the tour’s useful touches because you do not have to leave the site to find a meal or spend time arranging food during a tightly timed day.

The meal received particularly strong praise, with descriptions of it as delicious. Exact menu details are not provided, so advise the operator of dietary requirements when booking. Drinks are not included, so plan to buy or bring them according to the tour arrangements.

Eating near the falls also keeps the day centered on the setting. You can have your meal, rest after the walk, and return to the water rather than rushing straight back to the vehicle. The picnic format may be less comfortable than a restaurant lunch, but it fits the nature-focused purpose of the outing.

Guides, transport, and group size

The group is capped at 10 people, which is a useful middle ground. You get more personal attention than on a large coach excursion, but you are not paying for a fully private experience. Named guides in the feedback include Michelle, Michael, and Jozef, with particular praise for their polite and attentive service.

A local Kawasan guide is included. That matters on the walk, where practical help around the route and water area is more useful than a long speech about the site. The tour also includes hotel pickup and drop-off, plus transportation for the full outing.

One account describes pickup arriving on time in a large private 12-seat van. The tour itself is limited to 10 people, so the vehicle may have some extra space, though the exact vehicle can vary. The important point is that you are not expected to arrange separate transport between Cebu, Mantayupan, and Kawasan.

Pickup details are important because the information lists a 7:00 am start and says pickup is offered. Confirm the exact pickup point with the operator when booking, especially if your hotel is outside the regular service area.

Is $105.13 a fair price?

At $105.13 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see a single waterfall. It becomes more reasonable when you count what is included: hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, a local Kawasan guide, lunch, and access to two waterfall areas in one day.

The price also buys convenience. Organizing the same route independently would mean finding transport for a long out-and-back day, arranging the two stops, and sorting out lunch. A small group can be worth paying for if you prefer not to negotiate rides or manage timing in an unfamiliar area.

Still, value depends on your priorities. If you dislike long drives or only care about swimming at Kawasan, a shorter Kawasan-focused trip may suit you better. Mantayupan adds variety, but it also adds travel time and a stop that some people may find less impressive.

For a visitor with limited time in Cebu, the package offers a clear benefit: two major waterfall stops without a second planning day. The strong praise for the food, guides, and Kawasan water experience adds to the value, though the mixed view of Mantayupan keeps this from being an automatic choice for everyone.

Who will enjoy this day trip?

I would recommend this experience to you if you want nature, swimming, and an organized day outside Cebu. It suits people who enjoy short walks and do not mind spending several hours on the road to see more than one place.

It also works well for couples, families with children who are accompanied by an adult, and small groups that prefer a guided outing. Children must have an adult with them, and everyone should have a moderate level of physical fitness.

You may want to skip it if you need a relaxed schedule, have difficulty with a full day of driving and walking, or want a quiet waterfall with very few other people. Kawasan is a popular local getaway on weekends and holidays, so the setting may feel busier at those times.

The tour is also less suitable if you are not interested in getting wet. You can enjoy the scenery without swimming, but the pools and hydro massage are a central part of the Kawasan stop.

Practical preparation for a smoother day

Wear footwear that can handle a short walk, bridges, steps, and damp ground. The route is not described as difficult, but comfortable shoes will make the 30-minute walk and the time around both falls easier.

Pack a swimsuit and a change of clothes if you plan to use the pools or hydro massage. Bring drinks as well, since they are not included with lunch. Dietary requirements should be provided at booking.

The tour requires at least two people per booking and accepts a maximum of 10 participants. Confirmation is normally provided at booking, though reservations made within one day of departure are confirmed as soon as possible, subject to availability.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the experience begins. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not refunded or accepted, so check your plans before the deadline.

Should you book Kawasan and Mantayupan Falls together?

Book this tour if you want the easy option for seeing two waterfalls in one day, value hotel transport and included lunch, and like the idea of a small group with a local guide. Kawasan Falls is the clear highlight, with three levels, cool blue water, swimming, and hydro massage.

Think twice if Mantayupan sounds like an unnecessary detour or if you want a slower day. Its two water levels and rural setting are pleasant, but the stop may feel smaller, and the long drive makes the day tiring.

My practical verdict: this is a good-value choice for a first waterfall day from Cebu, especially for visitors who want the route handled for them. Go for Kawasan, appreciate Mantayupan as the quieter opening stop, and pack swimwear, dry clothes, sturdy shoes, and your own drinks.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, with a listed start time of 7:00 am.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off, along with transportation during the tour, are included.

How many people can join the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 10 participants. A minimum of two people per booking is required.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A picnic lunch by the falls is included. Drinks are not included.

How difficult are the walks?

The walk to Mantayupan Falls is brief. The walk to Kawasan Falls takes about 30 minutes and is described as easy, but participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness.

What should I bring for the hydro massage?

Bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes if you plan to take part in the hydro massage activity beneath the falls.