Kawasan Falls and Mantayupan Falls in One Day from Cebu

Kawasan Falls is the main event here: cool blue-green water, three levels, and a short walk through rural Cebu before you reach the pools. Mantayupan Falls gives you a quieter first stop, with two drops and a glimpse of village life.

I like the small-group limit of 10, which should make the long drive and waterfall visits less cumbersome. I also like that hotel pickup, transport, a local Kawasan guide, and lunch are included, so you do not have to piece the day together yourself.

The trade-off is the travel time. You spend about two hours reaching Mantayupan, then continue south to Kawasan, all within a roughly 10-hour day. Mantayupan is also less polished, with one report of black ants on the steps and rails.

Key points to know before booking

• Two very different waterfalls: Mantayupan is a brief countryside stop, while Kawasan offers three levels, larger pools, and more time for swimming.
• A long but simple day: The tour starts at 7:00 am and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transport, lunch, and a local Kawasan guide.
• Short walks, moderate fitness: The route includes a brief walk at Mantayupan and an easy 30-minute trek to Kawasan.
• Small-group attention: The maximum group size is 10, with guides such as Michelle, Michael, and Jozef named in the tour feedback.
• Bring swim gear: A swimsuit and change of clothes make sense if you plan to take part in the waterfall water massage.
• Strong food reviews: The included picnic lunch received repeated praise, a useful perk on a full day away from the city.

Leaving Cebu for Mantayupan Falls

Your day begins at 7:00 am with hotel pickup. That early start matters because the waterfalls are south of Cebu’s main urban area, and the first drive to Mantayupan takes about two hours.

This is not just dead time in a van. The route passes rice fields, old Spanish houses, and green countryside. You get a look at village life as the city gives way to smaller communities. If you prefer tours that show more than a single attraction, this road trip adds useful context.

Transport is included, and the vehicle used for one departure was described as a large private 12-seat van. The group limit is 10 people, so you are not being packed into a full-size coach with a crowd. Still, this is a long road day. If you get restless on drives, bring water, a light layer, and something to read.

The tour price is $105.13 per person. That is not the cheapest way to see a waterfall, but the cost covers hotel transfers, transport, lunch, and guiding. You are paying for convenience as much as for the falls. Organizing two distant waterfalls independently would mean arranging a vehicle, finding the entrances, handling the roads, and sorting out lunch.

Mantayupan Falls and its two-level drop

Mantayupan is reached after a brief walk rather than a demanding hike. The setting is rural and green, with fresh air and a quieter feel than the better-known Kawasan stop later in the day.

The waterfall has two drops, about 14 meters and 98 meters. A small hydroelectric system has been installed here to serve the nearby town, giving the site a practical local role beyond sightseeing. Water collects in a pool below, described as bluish green when sunlight reaches the rock walls.

That color is one of the visual rewards of the stop. Mantayupan is not simply a place to take a quick photograph and leave. You have free time to look around and, depending on conditions and the day’s arrangements, enjoy the water.

You should keep your expectations in check. Mantayupan is the smaller and less impressive stop of the two. One account found the area cramped, with black ants covering parts of the steps and rails. That may not define every visit, but it is a fair reminder that this is a natural site rather than a polished resort.

I would treat Mantayupan as a worthwhile introduction to the day, not the reason to book it. The short walk, countryside setting, and tall upper drop give you variety. Kawasan is where the day becomes more memorable.

The 30-minute walk into Kawasan Falls

After Mantayupan, the route continues farther south to Kawasan Falls. The approach takes about 30 minutes on foot and is described as easy and enjoyable. You pass wooden huts and abandoned bridges, with local scenes along the way, including people doing laundry and children playing near the water.

That detail matters. The walk is not only a transfer from a vehicle to a swimming hole. It takes you through a lived-in area where the falls remain part of everyday community life. You get a small look at how local people use the surroundings, rather than seeing only a managed attraction built for day trippers.

The route may still require care. Wooden structures and old bridges are part of the setting, and the tour asks for a moderate level of physical fitness. You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable walking for half an hour and handling uneven outdoor ground.

Wear shoes with a good grip. The supplied information does not specify a required type of footwear, but a waterfall path, bridges, and wet areas are poor places for smooth sandals. Keep valuables protected from splashes, and follow the local guide’s instructions near the pools.

A guide from the local Kawasan team is included. Guides named in the tour feedback include Michelle, Michael, and Jozef. Their roles are especially useful here, since a local guide can help direct you along the route, explain where to go, and keep the group moving without turning the walk into a rushed march.

Three levels, cold pools, and waterfall massage

Kawasan has three water levels, giving you more to see and do than at Mantayupan. The main appeal is simple: cool freshwater, dramatic falling water, and time to relax beside the pools.

The water is described as an amazing blue color and refreshingly cool. That coolness is welcome after the walk, especially in Cebu’s warm climate. You can spend free time near the falls or swim in the natural pools if conditions and local instructions allow.

A popular activity here is sitting beneath the falling water for a natural massage. One of the strongest accounts of the day singled out the water massage as an especially memorable part of the visit. If you want to take part, bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes. Drinks are not included, so carry money or arrange your own refreshments as needed.

The falls can be busier on weekends and holidays, when local people use the area as a getaway. The small group helps your own party stay manageable, but it cannot make the site private. If you want a calmer experience, the 7:00 am start is helpful, though the exact crowd level can change.

Do not expect a silent wilderness setting at Kawasan. The huts, bridges, local activity, and other people are part of the experience. For some visitors, that makes the place feel more genuine. For others, it may be less peaceful than the photographs suggest.

A picnic lunch beside the water

Lunch is included and served as a picnic by the falls. This is one of the tour’s practical strengths. You do not lose time searching for a restaurant, and you can eat close to the main attraction rather than leaving the area.

The food received especially warm praise, with comments describing it as delicious. That is worth noting because lunch on a full-day waterfall trip is not a minor detail. After an early start, a long drive, and two walks, a proper meal changes the feel of the afternoon.

You should advise the operator of dietary requirements when booking. Drinks are not included, so plan for that separately. The information does not specify the exact menu, so do not book based on a particular dish.

The picnic setting also keeps the focus on the day outdoors. You can eat, rest, and enjoy the sound of the falls without adding another transfer. Just remember that the area remains natural and public, not a formal dining venue.

What the $105.13 price really covers

At $105.13 per person, this is best judged as an all-in day trip rather than a simple waterfall entrance. The price includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transportation
• Picnic lunch
• A local Kawasan guide
• A small group capped at 10 people

That package has real value if you are staying in Cebu and want a straightforward day without hiring a private vehicle. The pickup service removes the need to reach a distant meeting point early in the morning. The included lunch saves you another decision during a busy day.

The price is harder to justify if you only want Kawasan Falls and are comfortable arranging your own transport. Mantayupan adds a second waterfall, but it also adds driving time and may feel underwhelming beside Kawasan. One practical approach is to ask yourself if you value the countryside route and the convenience of having the whole day handled.

The group size is a good middle ground. A private tour would give you more control, while a large coach might be cheaper but less personal. With no more than 10 people, guides can usually give clearer instructions and keep track of the group more easily.

Fitness, clothing, and useful preparation

The tour calls for a moderate physical fitness level. The walks are short rather than strenuous, but you should be steady on your feet and prepared for outdoor conditions.

Pack:

• Swimsuit and a change of clothes
• Comfortable shoes with a secure grip
• Water and money for drinks
• Protection for phones and other valuables
• Any food-related information needed for dietary requirements

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The supplied details do not give a minimum age, so families with young children should check before booking.

The tour uses a mobile ticket, and confirmation is normally received when you book. If you reserve within one day of travel, confirmation arrives as soon as possible and remains subject to availability. A minimum of two people per booking is required.

The cancellation terms are friendly if your plans may shift: you can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this tour if you want to see two waterfalls without managing the transport yourself. It fits visitors who enjoy a full day outdoors, are happy with a long drive, and prefer a small group to a large bus.

It is also a good choice if you want more than a postcard view. The rice fields, old houses, village activity, wooden huts, and local guide add a human side to the route. The day gives you time to swim, rest, eat beside the falls, and enjoy the countryside.

I would hesitate if you dislike early starts, long road journeys, or natural sites with uneven paths. I would also think twice if your only priority is the biggest and most scenic waterfall, since Mantayupan may feel like an unnecessary detour.

Kawasan receives the stronger praise and offers the fuller visit. Mantayupan earns its place by adding variety and a quieter rural stop, but you should see it as a supporting act.

Should you book Kawasan and Mantayupan in one day?

Book it if you want a handled-for-you day from Cebu, with transport, lunch, guiding, swimming, and two waterfall stops in one package. The small group, praised lunch, helpful local guides, and memorable Kawasan water massage make the $105.13 reasonable for many visitors.

Skip it if you want a short outing, dislike long drives, or would rather spend all your time at Kawasan. The most honest description is this: Mantayupan adds scenery and local atmosphere, while Kawasan provides the main payoff. Bring swim clothes, accept the road time, and this is a practical way to trade Cebu’s city streets for cool water and rural views.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 10 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 7:00 am.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Transportation is included in the tour price.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A picnic lunch by the falls is included.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 10 people.

How difficult are the walks?

The tour includes a brief walk at Mantayupan Falls and an easy 30-minute trek to Kawasan Falls. A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended.

What should I bring for the water massage activity?

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