Kawasan Falls and Mantayupan Falls in One Day from Cebu

Two falls, one smooth day.

This Kawasan and Mantayupan outing is a simple way to trade city noise for cool water, countryside roads, and a couple of easy walks to the falls. I like that it keeps things relaxed with short hikes and a small group limit, plus you get hotel pickup and drop-off.

I especially like the guided, on-the-ground support. Guides like Michelle and Michael (and local guide Jozef in at least one group) help you time your swims and move through the stops without feeling rushed. I also like the picnic lunch served by the falls, and the chance to enjoy Kawasan’s multiple levels and that optional water massage under the falls.

A fair consideration before you go: Mantayupan can feel tighter and there may be bugs on the steps and railings, so it helps to plan for that and focus on what you really want. If you’re chasing the cleaner, bigger-feeling swim spots, keep Kawasan as your main goal, and treat Mantayupan as the scenic bonus.

Key things to know before you go

• Two waterfall stops in one day: Mantayupan first, then Kawasan, each with multiple water levels.
• Small group size (max 10): easier pacing and more attention from your local guide.
• Scenic countryside drive: old Spanish houses, rice fields, and green backroads en route to Mantayupan.
• Mantayupan has two drop levels: about 14 meters and 98 meters, plus a mini hydro-electric setup for the town.
• Kawasan trek with local life along the way: wooden huts, abandoned bridges, and everyday chores you’ll pass right near.
• Optional hydro massage at Kawasan: bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes if you plan to do it.

Why this Kawasan and Mantayupan day trip feels good from the start

The whole appeal here is that it’s a full waterfall day without turning it into a “plan-it-yourself” headache. You start around 7:00 am, then get driven out into the countryside, with guides handling the flow so you can focus on water, views, and a couple of short hikes.

The day is built around small moments that add up. You get time to actually stop at each falls, not just pose for a quick photo. And because you’re in a group capped at 10, the pace stays human. That matters when you’re doing slippery terrain, changing water levels, and trying to enjoy the scenery instead of sprinting between spots.

Also, the tour includes lunch plus transport. That’s not a minor detail in a waterfall day, because water activity can burn your energy fast, and you do not want to be guessing where to eat once you’re already soaking wet.

The ride to Mantayupan Falls: countryside first, then the walk

Before you even reach the falls, you’re seeing real Cebu backroads. The drive is about two hours from the city, and it runs through scenes like old Spanish houses and rice fields, with green countryside stretching out beyond the road.

That ride is more than filler. It’s your transition from concrete to cool air. It also helps you arrive with calmer expectations. When you hit Mantayupan, you already feel like you escaped the city, even if the day is still busy.

Once you arrive, you take a brief walk to the falls. This is a moderate-fitness-style day overall, but the Mantayupan portion is described as a short, manageable walk. If you’re comfortable with uneven ground and a bit of climbing, you should be fine.

Mantayupan Falls: two levels, bluish green water, and the mini hydro setup

Mantayupan Falls is known for its two major water levels, around 14 meters and 98 meters. When the sun hits the falls, the water can look bluish green, and the color is one of the first things you’ll notice.

Here’s a detail I love because it gives the stop a bigger meaning than just scenery: Mantayupan includes a mini hydro-electric system installed to support the small town nearby. So while you’re soaking up the views, you’re also seeing how local infrastructure connects to the water that’s falling in front of you.

In practice, this stop is about taking in the look of the falls from where you can access it, then settling into the natural pools. You’re not just doing a waterfall photo stop. You’re spending time enough to cool off and actually enjoy the water.

One caution, though: Mantayupan can be less forgiving if you’re sensitive to bugs and insects, since some parts may have black ants on steps and railings. You’ll still likely have a good time if you go in ready for it, but I’d pack insect repellent and wear footwear that feels secure on the steps.

The trek toward Kawasan: wooden huts, abandoned bridges, and local errands

After Mantayupan, the day pivots to Kawasan, and the route between them includes a trek segment that’s described as about 30 minutes and easy to enjoy.

This is not just a nature path. You pass through areas with wooden huts and across abandoned bridges, and you’ll likely see everyday life along the way: locals going about chores like doing laundry, plus kids splashing and playing nearby.

That matters because it changes the vibe from purely scenic to genuinely human. You’re seeing how people live near the water and how weekends and holidays make these areas feel like local gathering spots.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes authentic moments, this portion is often the one you remember most. Even if the falls are the headline, the walk gives you context for why these waterfalls matter to locals, not just to tourists.

Kawasan Falls: three levels and the “cooling off” part

Kawasan Falls is the bigger draw for most people, and it’s described as having three water levels, which means you’ll have more chances to find the spot that fits your comfort level. In other words, you’re not stuck with one view and one platform.

When you reach Kawasan, you’ll get free time to relax in natural pools. This is where the day turns from sightseeing to the thing you came for: swimming and cooling off.

Also, Kawasan is known for a strong sense of atmosphere. You hear water, feel the mist, and the pools invite you to slow down. If you want a day trip that’s active but not exhausting, Kawasan is exactly that.

Hydro massage at Kawasan: bring the right clothes

There’s also an optional hydro massage activity at Kawasan. If you plan to do it, you should bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes.

This is one of those practical details that makes a big difference. The whole point of a waterfall day is water time, but the “after” matters too. You’ll feel better if you can switch into dry clothes before your ride back.

Lunch by the falls: when included food is actually worth it

One reason this tour works as a one-day plan is that lunch is served as a picnic by the falls. That means you’re not forced to leave your water time to chase a meal.

The lunch included is described as delicious, and it fits the setting well. Eating near the falls also helps you recharge without losing the flow of the day.

Two practical notes:

• Drinks are not included, so plan on bringing what you’ll want for hydration.
• If you swim before lunch, rinse off as best you can before eating, and keep your clothes and phone protected.

Price and value from Cebu: what you get for $105.13

At about $105.13 per person, this isn’t a cheap outing on paper, but it’s not just paying for “pretty water” either. You’re paying for a whole day package that includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transportation
• A local guide at the Kawasan stop
• Picnic lunch
• The time and effort it takes to handle two waterfall areas in one day

For a waterfall itinerary, the biggest hidden cost is logistics. That’s where tours like this usually earn their value. You avoid figuring out routes, timing, and where to find the right starting points for each falls.

You also get small-group attention, which tends to help with pacing and making sure you’re at the right places for swimming time.

If you like to do things efficiently and you’d rather spend your energy enjoying the falls than planning transport, this price can feel fair. If you’re traveling super light and you already know exactly how to reach both sites on your own, then the value depends on how much you care about guidance, lunch, and a worry-free schedule.

What the 10-hour day really feels like

The tour runs about 10 hours (approx.), starting at 7:00 am. A day like this is usually structured like this in real life: early drive, short hike and pool time at Mantayupan, then a trek segment and longer swim time at Kawasan, followed by the return.

Because you’re doing two waterfall stops, you should expect the day to feel active even if the walks are described as short. The time adds up quickly when you factor in moving between areas, changing your plans based on water conditions, and taking breaks to cool down.

I recommend keeping your expectations flexible. If you want a quiet, private nature retreat, a group day trip will feel less secluded. If you want a well-run, one-day nature break with real swimming time, this format tends to work nicely.

Who should book this, and who should think twice

This tour is a great fit if you:

• Want one-day convenience from Cebu with pickup and transport
• Like guided pacing, especially when moving between different waterfall areas
• Enjoy swimming in freshwater pools and want time at both Kawasan and Mantayupan
• Appreciate a small group experience, max 10, instead of a big coach crowd

It’s a trickier fit if you:

• Are bothered by insects in outdoor areas, since Mantayupan steps and railings may have black ants
• Are mainly chasing the biggest, cleaner-feeling swim spots, where Kawasan tends to be the stronger match for many people’s tastes

If you’re in the first group, you’re likely to leave happy. If you’re in the second, you can still go, just go with a clear priority: treat Mantayupan as the scenic and cultural warm-up, and focus your swim energy on Kawasan.

Quick packing checklist that matches this kind of day

Based on what’s specifically supported for this experience, you’ll want:

• Swimsuit and a change of clothes (especially if you’ll do hydro massage at Kawasan)
• Something to protect you from insects for Mantayupan’s steps
• Clothes you don’t mind getting wet, because you’ll be in and around water
• Water since drinks are not included

Also, if you’re traveling with kids, they must be accompanied by an adult. If you have dietary requirements, you should advise them at booking.

Should you book this Kawasan and Mantayupan day trip?

Yes, if you want a structured, low-stress way to see both falls in a single day, with real pool time and lunch handled for you. The small group size, guided stops, picnic lunch by the falls, and Kawasan’s multi-level swimming make it a strong value for a convenient day trip.

I would book with extra care if you’re insect-sensitive or you know you prefer one “main” waterfall experience. In that case, you may enjoy the Mantayupan stop less, but you can still build the day around Kawasan, especially if you’re open to the hydro massage option.

FAQ

What time does this tour start?

The tour starts at 7:00 am.

How long is the Kawasan Falls and Mantayupan Falls day trip?

It runs about 10 hours (approx.).

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

What meals are included?

A picnic lunch is included.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Is hydro massage available at Kawasan Falls?

There is an optional hydro massage activity at Kawasan Falls. If you plan to do it, you should bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes.

What physical fitness level do I need?

The tour is for travelers with a moderate physical fitness level.

Are children allowed?

Children must be accompanied by an adult.