Kawasan Falls and Mantayupan Falls in One Day from Cebu

Two waterfalls in one day is what makes this trip so appealing. You start with Mantayupan Falls for a calm, scenic walk, then head to Kawasan Falls for the kind of swimming-and-photo spot that feels like a reset button for your whole trip.

I love how this is built around short, doable hikes, with time to actually enjoy the natural pools instead of just rushing for views. I also like the small-group setup, capped at 10, where guides can keep an eye on everyone and help you time your moments. One drawback to plan for: Mantayupan is the smaller stop, and the steps and rails can be buggy, so you’ll want to move carefully and be ready with the right mindset.

Quick hits

• Two falls, one day: Mantayupan first, then Kawasan, so you get both styles of waterfall scenery.
• Short walks, real swim time: Expect brief hiking plus free time to relax in freshwater pools.
• Small group, better flow: Max 10 people means less crowding and more personal attention.
• Kawasan has 3 levels: More ways to splash, including spots for water massage.
• Lunch by the falls: A picnic lunch is served on site, with drinks not included.
• Guides matter: Guides named Michelle and Michael (plus Jozef) are described as professional and attentive.

Why This One-Day Combo Works From Cebu

If you want waterfall time without losing half your day to complicated logistics, this format is smart. You get two very different falls in one outing, and you keep moving at a relaxed pace, with room to cool off when the heat hits.

Mantayupan feels more local and “in the countryside,” while Kawasan is the big payoff with multiple drop-offs and more places to hang out. That mix is great for families, couples, and solo travelers who want a full day outdoors but still prefer an easy structure.

The day also has a natural rhythm: a morning drive, then waterfall stops, then a lunch break that keeps you from having to hunt for food. It’s a good plan if you want nature, not stress.

7:00 am Pickup and The 2-Hour Drive to Mantayupan

The tour starts at 7:00 am, which matters. You’ll miss some of the later-day crowd energy, and you’ll likely feel less rushed when you arrive.

After pickup, you’ll ride about two hours out of the city toward Mantayupan. Along the way, you pass old Spanish houses, rice fields, and green countryside, so the journey already feels like part of the experience, not dead time.

What I like here is that the transportation handles the heavy lifting. You don’t need to coordinate rides or figure out timing between stops. The trade-off is that you should treat this as a true full-day commitment, about 10 hours total.

Mantayupan Falls: Two Water Levels and a Practical Short Walk

Mantayupan is your first waterfall stop, reached after the drive. The walk is described as brief, and you’re not expected to do anything intense right away. That makes it a good warm-up, especially if you’re trying to keep your legs fresh for Kawasan later.

This falls has two water levels, listed as 14 meters and 98 meters. There’s also a small hydro-electric system in the area that supports the needs of the local town. If you like context while you watch scenery, this is a nice detail to know because it connects what you’re seeing to the place around it.

Visually, Mantayupan is described as bluish green, with sunlight hitting the walls of the falls. It’s a different look from the more famous, louder waterfall vibe at Kawasan, so it helps the day feel varied.

A real consideration: steps and bugs

One note I’d take seriously: Mantayupan can be a bit uncomfortable underfoot. There’s mention of black ants on the steps and rails, so go slow where you plant your feet and avoid grabbing railings unless you really need to. If you’re wearing sandals, be extra careful, because the ground near waterfall steps can be slick.

The Kawasan Trek: Wooden Huts, Abandoned Bridges, and Local Life

Once you shift to Kawasan, the day turns more adventurous. You’ll do a 30-minute easy trek that’s more about atmosphere than athletic effort.

The path includes wooden huts and abandoned bridges, and it runs through areas where locals are doing everyday things like chores and laundry. Kids may be splashing nearby, which adds a lively, lived-in feeling you won’t get at a totally staged tourist viewpoint.

This is a key reason the tour feels worth it. You’re not just dropped at a single waterfall and told to have fun. You get a short “walk through the place” moment, and that makes the waterfall stop feel earned.

That said, it’s still a hike. Even if it’s considered easy, you’ll want moderate fitness, especially if it’s humid or you’re doing this right after a long ride.

Swim Time at Kawasan Falls: Three Levels and Water Massage

Kawasan Falls is the main attraction, and it shows. The falls has three water levels, which means you get multiple spots to choose from depending on how adventurous you feel.

You’ll have free time to swim in freshwater pools and relax. This is where the day becomes personal. Some people want a quick dip, others want to stay put and soak in the view, and the best part is you can do either without feeling like you missed your chance.

There’s also an optional activity tied to the falls: hydro massage under the falls. If you plan to try it, the tour recommends bringing a swimsuit and a change of clothes. Even if you’re not sure you’ll want to do it, I’d pack for it. Waterfall days have a way of turning “maybe later” into “okay, yes.”

Picnic Lunch by the Falls (and What About Drinks)

Lunch is served as a picnic by the falls. It’s a welcome break because it keeps you in the waterfall zone instead of switching locations for food.

Based on what people say about the included meal, the lunch tends to land as a real positive. Expect it to be more satisfying than the usual “snack lunch” vibe, and it’s timed so you can rest your legs before more water time.

One important detail: drinks are not included. So if you’re someone who drinks a lot in heat, plan ahead. Bring whatever you normally like for staying hydrated, or buy drinks on your own where available at the site. This is one of the easiest ways to avoid an annoying surprise later.

What Makes the Small-Group Size Matter

This is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, and that has a noticeable effect on how the day feels.

First, it helps with pacing. When your group is small, the guide can slow down or explain without the whole line falling behind. Second, it makes the swim and photo breaks easier. You’re less likely to feel like you’re constantly sharing the same narrow spot.

Guide quality is also part of the value. In the feedback, guides named Michelle and Michael come across as professional and knowledgeable, and Jozef is described as attentive and caring. You don’t have to “translate” the experience for yourself. You get help when you need it, and that makes the trip calmer.

Price and Value: What You’re Paying For at $105.13

At $105.13 per person, this tour isn’t a budget bargain, but it also isn’t trying to be luxury. The price makes sense when you look at what’s included.

You get:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transportation
• A local Kawasan guide
• Picnic lunch
• Two waterfall visits with short hikes and time to swim

If you tried to DIY it, you’d likely spend money on transport alone, and you’d still need to solve timing between Mantayupan and Kawasan. A guide also helps you get through the day without awkward gaps, especially when you want to switch from walking to swimming to eating smoothly.

So for me, the value question comes down to this: do you want a hassle-free day that’s built around nature, with food handled and a guide who knows the local flow? If yes, this price is reasonable for a full day.

What to Bring: Swim Gear, Footwear, and Comfort Items

This tour is outdoors, wet, and sometimes step-heavy. Pack like you expect to be on your feet and in and around water.

I’d bring:

• A swimsuit if you might do hydro massage
• A change of clothes for after you get wet
• Non-slip footwear you’re comfortable walking in for short hikes
• A small towel or quick-dry cloth (if you have one)
• Sun protection, because the waterfalls are outdoors and the morning drive turns into sun time quickly

Also keep in mind that Mantayupan steps can have issues like bugs on rails. You don’t need to panic, but you should dress and move smartly. Long pants can help if you’re sensitive to bites, but don’t overheat yourself. Aim for comfort.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This is a great fit if you want waterfall scenery with short hikes and actual time in the water. I’d especially recommend it to anyone who:

• wants a one-day outdoor break from Cebu without complicated planning
• likes swimming in freshwater pools
• prefers a small group over big bus crowds
• values having lunch included so the day stays on track

It also works for people with moderate physical fitness, since you’re doing short walks rather than long strenuous trekking. Kids need an adult with them, so if you’re bringing a family, this is still doable but plan for attention and pacing.

If you’re someone who dislikes any kind of stepping on uneven surfaces, you might feel more challenged at Mantayupan than at Kawasan. In that case, you can still enjoy the scenery, but you’ll want to take your time on the walkways.

Should You Book This Kawasan and Mantayupan Day Trip?

I’d book this if you want a full waterfall day that feels guided, simple, and naturally paced. The biggest wins are the two-stop combo, the time to swim, and the fact that hotel pickup, transportation, and lunch are handled for you.

Skip or reconsider if you know you’re bothered by small, practical inconveniences. Mantayupan can bring issues on the steps and rails, and this is still a day that starts early and runs about 10 hours. You’ll need to be okay with getting wet and doing a short trek.

If that sounds like your kind of day, this is a strong choice. You’ll get the countryside drive, two waterfall vibes, and enough time in the water to actually feel like your day changed.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour start time is 7:00 am.

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

The duration is about 10 hours.

How many people are in the group?

The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Is lunch included, and what kind of lunch is it?

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

Is there an activity under the falls, and do I need swim gear?

If you participate in the hydro massage activity, the tour recommends bringing a swimsuit and a change of clothes.

What fitness level do I need?

You should have a moderate physical fitness level since the day includes short hikes.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, it is not refunded.