Cebu: Inambakan, Kawasan, and Mantayupan Falls Day Trip

If you’re eyeing a day of natural beauty, adventure, and some serious photo ops in Cebu, this tour promises a solid way to tick all those boxes. It’s marketed as a 12-hour trip that hits three of Cebu’s most famous waterfalls—Inambakan, Kawasan, and Mantayupan—and includes transportation, guides, and a splash of adventure. We haven’t done it ourselves, but from the info available, it’s a pretty good deal for anyone looking to see some of Cebu’s best natural sights in one go.

What we really like about this tour is the focus on authentic experiences—swimming in clear waters, exploring lush surroundings, and capturing those perfect waterfall shots. Plus, the guides seem to know their stuff, helping with safety and photo tips. A potential snag? The itinerary can be a bit tight—so if you’re after a leisurely, unhurried pace, this might feel rushed. Still, it’s perfect for travelers who want to pack in a day and come away with memorable scenery and stories.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of adventure and scenery, don’t mind a bit of walking, and want a hassle-free way to visit multiple waterfalls with transportation included. If you’re traveling solo, in a couple, or with friends, the private group aspect keeps things flexible and personal.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Convenience: Transportation, guides, and entrance fees are covered, with safety gear included.
• Three Distinct Waterfalls: Each spot offers unique sights—serene Inambakan, vibrant Kawasan, and towering Mantayupan.
• Active and Relaxing: Opportunities for swimming, trekking, cliff jumping, and taking stunning photos.
• Time Management: The day is structured to maximize sightseeing, but may feel rushed if you like long, slow visits.
• Authentic Guides: Knowledgeable guides help enrich the experience, especially with photography tips.
• Value for Money: At $107, the tour combines transportation, entry fees, guiding, and activities—good value for a full day’s worth of adventures.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Cebu’s Waterfalls – What You Can Expect

Starting Point and Pickup

The tour begins early, with six different pickup locations around Cebu, including Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Moalboal, Oslob, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, and Mandaue City. This flexibility is handy and reduces travel stress, especially if you’re staying in one of these popular spots. The guides typically ask you to wait in your hotel lobby around 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup.

The Journey to Ginatilan and Inambakan Falls

The first stop is Ginatilan, about 1.5 hours from Cebu’s main areas. Here, you’ll visit Inambakan Falls, known for its multi-tiered cascades and lush surroundings. This part of the trip offers a chance to stretch your legs, admire the serene scenery, and get your first taste of Cebu’s waterfall charm.

According to reviews, guides are helpful in making the experience smooth. One traveler noted how the guides helped with photos, which can be especially useful if you’re traveling solo or want that perfect social media shot. Expect about an hour and a half at this spot, which includes walking, swimming, and snapping photos of the multi-tiered fall.

Kawasan Falls in Badian – The Highlight

Next is Kawasan Falls, arguably the most famous in Cebu, thanks to its striking turquoise waters and popular canyoneering scene. The falls are lively and scenic, and you’ll have around 1.5 hours here. The tour mentions activities like trekking, swimming, and even raft rides beneath the falls, making it a lively, refreshing stop.

One reviewer praised the guides’ knowledge and helpfulness, citing Antonio’s exceptional assistance in taking photos and guiding visitors around. This suggests that the guides are not only safety-conscious but also eager to enhance your experience. Expect plenty of chances to swim in the cool waters and take photos amid the vibrant scenery.

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Mantayupan Falls – The Tallest

The final stop is Mantayupan Falls in Barili. Known for its impressive height, it offers a different mood—more majestic and less crowded. You might explore an easy trek, swim in the water, and enjoy a picnic if you bring one. The surrounding scenery is well-maintained, providing excellent photo opportunities of the cascading waters.

A review highlights how visitors appreciated the scenic views and the well-kept area, making it a fitting finale for the day. The guides usually help with picture-taking and pointing out scenic spots, so you’ll leave with a collection of great photos and memories.

The Practicalities—Transport, Timing, and Costs

The trip is designed to be seamless, with round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned private vehicle**, which makes for a comfortable ride between stops. You’ll have a dedicated guide at each site, ensuring safety and providing insights—an element that adds value and enhances your understanding of the local environment.

The entire day lasts about 12 hours, but actual time at each waterfall is roughly 1.5 hours, allowing for walking, swimming, and photos. The price of $107 per person includes all entrance fees, safety gear, and transport, which on paper is quite reasonable considering the full day of activity. There are no hidden costs, but personal expenses, meals, and insurance are not included—so bring some cash for snacks or extra drinks.

What Travelers Say

While reviews are limited, one traveler expressed some disappointment about missing a waterfall due to ongoing cleaning, which resulted in a partial refund. This highlights the importance of understanding that some parts of the itinerary may be affected by maintenance or other factors.

Conversely, another reviewer found guides to be “very knowledgeable” and helpful with photography, making the visit more enjoyable. The overall rating of 4.2 based on nine reviews suggests most customers find value in the experience, though a few note frustrations with the itinerary not always aligning exactly with expectations.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This tour is well-suited for those who want a comprehensive, guided experience of Cebu’s waterfall scenery without the hassle of planning individual transport and entry tickets. It’s perfect if you don’t mind a fairly packed schedule and enjoy a mix of adventure and relaxation.

Not suitable for pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, wheelchair users, or non-swimmers, as some activities involve walking, swimming, or moderate physical effort. Also, travelers who prefer a slow-paced, unhurried day might find this tour a bit tight on time.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This day trip offers a fantastic way to see Cebu’s most beautiful waterfalls in just one day, especially if you value convenience, guided insights, and the chance to swim and take photos. The knowledgeable guides and scenic stops make it a worthwhile choice for adventure seekers and scenery lovers alike. While it’s not a leisurely, unstructured experience, it packs in enough highlights to make it a memorable part of your Cebu journey.

If you’re looking for a straightforward, well-organized way to explore multiple waterfalls without the worry of logistics, this tour hits the mark. It’s also a good value considering the transport, guide, and entrance fees included. Just keep in mind the potential for a busy schedule, and be prepared for some walking and swimming.

For travelers wanting a snapshot of Cebu’s natural beauty with the help of friendly guides, this trip is hard to beat.

FAQ

What does the tour include?
The tour includes professional guides, private air-conditioned transportation, entrance fees, safety equipment, and swimming opportunities at each waterfall. Transportation between sites is also covered.

How long is the trip?
The entire day lasts around 12 hours, with approximately 1.5 hours allocated to each waterfall stop. Timing may vary depending on traffic and group pace.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included. Travelers should bring water and snacks if desired, but there are no catering services provided as part of the package.

Can I participate if I’m not a good swimmer?
While swimming is part of the experience, you can choose to stay on the sidelines or enjoy the scenery without swimming. However, be aware that swimming opportunities are part of each stop.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
It’s generally suitable for those comfortable with walking and some physical activity. However, it’s not recommended for pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, or wheelchair users.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, camera, sunscreen, water, and insect repellent are recommended. Be prepared for some walking and outdoor exposure.

In brief, this Cebu waterfall day trip offers a balanced mix of adventure, scenery, and ease of organization. With friendly guides, scenic stops, and plenty of swimming, it’s a great way to get a taste of Cebu’s natural beauty—especially if you’re keen to see multiple waterfalls without the hassle of planning it all yourself.

You can check availability for your dates here: