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The top 5 waterfalls to visit in the Philippines are Kawasan Falls in Badian, Cebu (turquoise pools and canyoneering), Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig, Surigao del Sur (about 95 meters wide, the widest in the country), Pagsanjan Falls in Laguna (reached by a canoe ride through a gorge), Aliwagwag Falls in Cateel, Davao Oriental (about 340 meters over 84 tiers, among the tallest in the country), and Maria Cristina Falls in Iligan City (98 meters high, nicknamed the “twin falls”). Kawasan and Pagsanjan are the easiest to reach from Cebu City and Manila; the three Mindanao falls reward a longer trip.
Short on time? Book a guided day trip with pickup to the two most accessible falls.
The top 5 Philippine waterfalls at a glance
| Waterfall | Location | Known for | Best for | Getting there |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kawasan Falls | Badian, Cebu | Turquoise multi-tiered pools | Swimming, canyoneering | About 3 hours by road from Cebu City |
| Tinuy-an Falls | Bislig, Surigao del Sur | About 95 m wide, 55 m high | Bamboo rafting, morning rainbows | Fly to Butuan, then road to Bislig |
| Pagsanjan Falls | Cavinti and Pagsanjan, Laguna | Canoe ride through a river gorge | A classic day trip from Manila | About 3 hours by road from Manila |
| Aliwagwag Falls | Cateel, Davao Oriental | About 340 m over 84 tiers | Remote nature trips | Long road trip from Davao City |
| Maria Cristina Falls | Iligan City, Lanao del Norte | 98 m twin falls that power a hydro plant | Easy city visit, pair with Tinago Falls | About 9 km from Iligan City |
Watch: Philippine waterfalls in 60 seconds
Top 5 waterfalls in the Philippines
Kawasan Falls, Cebu
Badian, Cebu · Visayas
Kawasan’s milky turquoise water is the most photographed in the country. The falls drop in several tiers along the Matutinao River, with a big main pool where you can swim or ride a bamboo raft under the cascade. Most visitors now arrive the adventurous way: canyoneering downriver, jumping, sliding and swimming through the canyon before finishing at the falls.
Good to know: it’s about 3 hours by road from Cebu City and pairs easily with Moalboal or Oslob. Full details in our Kawasan Falls canyoneering guide.
Tinuy-an Falls, Surigao del Sur
Bislig · MindanaoAt about 95 meters wide and 55 meters high, Tinuy-an is said to be the widest waterfall in the Philippines, which is why it’s nicknamed the “Little Niagara.” The white-water curtain flows over three main tiers, with a fourth hidden from view. Come in the morning: a rainbow often forms in the mist between about 9 and 11 AM. A bamboo raft takes you right up to the curtain for a water “massage.”
Good to know: the falls are co-managed by the Bislig tourism office and the Manobo Tribal Council. The entrance fee is small (reported at about ₱50), with extra for rafts and life vests. Fly to Butuan, then travel by road to Bislig.
Pagsanjan Falls, Laguna
Laguna · Luzon
Also called Magdapio Falls, Pagsanjan is famous for the journey as much as the waterfall. Boatmen paddle and push wooden canoes upstream through a deep, green gorge, past many smaller falls, to the main cascade. There you can ride a raft behind the curtain of water. Parts of the film Apocalypse Now were shot along this river.
Good to know: it’s the easiest big waterfall day trip from Manila, about 3 hours away. A Pagsanjan Falls day tour on Klook includes transport and the canoe ride.
Aliwagwag Falls, Davao Oriental
Cateel · Mindanao
Aliwagwag is often called the tallest waterfall in the Philippines, with a total height of about 340 meters spread over 84 tiers that look like a giant staircase. It sits inside the Aliwagwag Protected Landscape, and a road runs right past the lower cascades, so you can see it without a hard hike.
Good to know: it’s remote, a long drive from Davao City, so plan an overnight stay in the area. Bring your own food and water.
Maria Cristina Falls, Iligan
Iligan City · Mindanao
At 98 meters, Maria Cristina is one of the most powerful waterfalls in the country. A rock at the top splits the flow in two, which is why it’s called the “twin falls.” It powers the Agus VI Hydroelectric Plant, so the amount of water you see can change depending on how much is released.
Good to know: it’s about 9 km from Iligan City and easy to visit in half a day. Combine it with Tinago Falls, a hidden falls reached by a long staircase down a ravine.
More waterfalls worth visiting
| Waterfall | Location | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Tinago Falls | Iligan City | Hidden falls at the bottom of a long staircase; pair with Maria Cristina |
| Asik-Asik Falls | Alamada, Cotabato | Water springs straight out of a green cliff face |
| Cambugahay Falls | Lazi, Siquijor | Turquoise tiered pools with rope swings; see our Siquijor itinerary |
| Casaroro Falls | Valencia, Negros Oriental | Tall, narrow falls in a gorge near Dumaguete |
| Tappiya Falls | Batad, Ifugao | A swim at the end of the Batad rice terraces hike |
| Inambakan Falls | Ginatilan, Cebu | A quieter southern Cebu alternative to Kawasan |
Exploring Zamboanga del Sur? See the waterfalls in our Pagadian tourist spots guide.
Book your waterfall trip
Guided tours include transport, entrance fees and local guides. Klook bookings often include free cancellation.
Best time to visit Philippine waterfalls
- For safety and easy trails: the drier months, roughly December to May, are best for hiking, canyoneering and road trips.
- For the biggest flow: falls are fuller during and just after the rainy season, but trails get slippery and flash floods are a real risk.
- Time of day: go early to beat crowds and, at Tinuy-an, to catch the morning rainbow.
See our guide to the best time to visit the Philippines.
Waterfall safety tips
- Wear aqua shoes or sandals with grip. Rocks are slippery.
- Use life vests on rafts and in deep pools, even if you can swim.
- Only jump where guides say it’s safe. Depths change with the water level.
- Bring cash for small entrance, environmental and raft fees.
- Leave no trace. Take your trash home and use reef- and river-safe sunscreen.
Waterfalls in the Philippines: FAQ
What is the most beautiful waterfall in the Philippines?
Kawasan Falls in Badian, Cebu is often called the most beautiful waterfall in the Philippines for its turquoise pools. Tinuy-an Falls in Surigao del Sur, the widest in the country, and Aliwagwag Falls in Davao Oriental are close contenders.
What is the tallest waterfall in the Philippines?
Aliwagwag Falls in Cateel, Davao Oriental is often cited as the tallest, with a total height of about 340 meters spread over 84 tiers.
What is the widest waterfall in the Philippines?
Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig, Surigao del Sur is said to be the widest waterfall in the Philippines, at about 95 meters wide and 55 meters high. It’s nicknamed the “Little Niagara.”
What is the best waterfall near Manila?
Pagsanjan Falls in Laguna is the best-known waterfall near Manila, about 3 hours away by road. You reach it by a canoe ride upstream through a river gorge.
How do I get to Kawasan Falls from Cebu City?
Kawasan Falls is in Badian, about 3 hours by road from Cebu City. Take a bus from the Cebu South Bus Terminal or join a tour with pickup, often combined with canyoneering, Moalboal or Oslob.
Why is Maria Cristina Falls called the twin falls?
A rock at the top of Maria Cristina Falls splits the water into two streams, so it’s called the twin falls. The 98-meter falls in Iligan City also powers the Agus VI Hydroelectric Plant.
When is the best time to visit waterfalls in the Philippines?
The drier months, roughly December to May, are safest for hiking and canyoneering. Falls have more water during the rainy season, but trails are slippery and flash floods are a risk.
Can you swim in Philippine waterfalls?
Yes, most popular falls, including Kawasan, Tinuy-an and Pagsanjan, have pools where swimming is allowed. Wear a life vest in deep water, follow local guides, and get out immediately if it starts raining hard.
Ready to chase waterfalls? Start with the easiest day trips from Manila and Cebu.
Cebu-born travel writer raised between Cebu and Dumaguete, now based in Zamboanga del Sur, Mindanao. Gio writes Best Philippines Travel Guide to help first-time visitors travel the islands with confidence.