KAWASAN FALLS

Kawasan Falls Escapade!

(Brgy. Matutinao, Badian)

When we say Kawasan Falls first thing that comes into our mind is the serenity and the relaxing aura of the place. Oh well, truly a place as such is better than any laboratory made vitamins. The first time I went here was when I was still a kid, the memories are kinda vague already so a revisit is what it takes to refresh everything!

However, I am a very thrifty traveler so the cheaper the expenses will be, the better (lol). I and my “equally thrifty friends” are up for some fun and adventure. We arrived at the bus station at around 6 o'clock in the morning, an air-conditioned bus was the only available at that time so we took it. It was okay because the difference of the fare between an air-conditioned and non air-conditioned bus isn't that huge at all. The fare for the air-conditioned bus is one-hundred and thirty one pesos only (131). As for the non air-conditioned bus, I'm guessing it's around one-hundred and eleven pesos only.

The trip took about three hours from Cebu City to Brgy. Matutinao, Badian. Brgy. Matutinao is the exact barangay where Kawasan Falls belongs. The moment you get down the bus a bunch of tour guides will meet you. They are just locals residing near the area, and they will present identification cards to gain your trust.

For my own opinion, a tour guide is not necessary since the way to Kawasan is just straight. Also, there are lot of people who are on their way to Kawasan so you can just follow their trail. Along the way there will be houses as well so you can ask directions from the locals if you're feeling lost or unsure. However, if you feel the need of assistance from a tour guide (because they may be of help of your luggage too), just make sure to haggle with them until you come up with a fixed price before you go on your journey to the falls to avoid being overcharged.

Trekking will take more or less 25 to 30 minutes. It may sound tiring, but trust me, you wouldn't feel that, because on your way will be magnificent views of nature. God's works are evident even before you reach your destination. Below are the views I didn't miss to capture on our way to Kawasan. It will surely satisfy the cravings of your eyes for extremely wonderful sights.

Those were just some of the views that will keep you from getting tired and bored on your way to Kawasan Falls. However, if you feel like resting, there will be spots where you can pause for a bit. The fresh air and enticing sight of nature will surely soothe your senses, enough to re-charge your energy to keep going.

 

Our first stop. It's a waiting shed and it serves as the entrance to Kawasan where you will have to pay a small amount of 10 pesos and free of charge to children below seven years of age.

It's our second stop (and that's my friend right there). It's kind of a mini shed where you can relax for a short while and simply savor the scenery.

Kawasan Falls has three levels. The first level has the longest flow of water, and the place where you can find a lot of people especially during weekends and holidays. Small cottages surrounding the area are worth three-hundred pesos only (300 Php). There are also rooms if you plan on staying overnight.

The above photo is one of those places where you can spend the whole night. This one is the nearest to the first falls.

View of the first falls.

If you want to go near and enjoy the flow straight from the falls you can take the bamboo raft. It is worth 300 pesos as well (not per person), and good for at least an hour. If you don't have a life vest with you, you can rent from there too. It's worth 50 pesos each.

After taking pictures we proceeded to the second level of the falls. Another minutes of trekking and climbing. You have to be cautious, as the path going up is a bit slippery. There are still places to stay up there, although not as many as on the first level. There's a nipa hut worth 700 pesos, it's a non air-conditioned one, but as for me, an air-conditioned room is no longer necessary. If we were to stay overnight then, we would have opted for that. Also, there are cottages as well if you are only planning to stay just for the day.

A view of the second falls.

We were unable to proceed to the third level because we don't have much time. According to the locals, the way going up there is much steeper since it's the innermost source. Besides, we still have plans to go back to MOALBOAL. Moalboal by the way is the place before Badian, it is known for its white sand beaches, but they are more famous for abundant diving spots and snorkeling such as Pescador Island.

I hope my documentation is of much help to those who are planning to add Kawasan Falls to their itinerary.

Good luck to your journey and to God be all the glory!