Cebu: Inambakan, Kawasan, and Mantayupan Falls Day Trip

REVIEW · CEBU

Cebu: Inambakan, Kawasan, and Mantayupan Falls Day Trip

4.2 · 9 reviews From $105 Operated by Cebu AATravel and Tour · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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Three major falls, one long day, and a whole lot of water to look at. This Cebu trip strings together Inambakan, Kawasan, and Mantayupan so you get variety, not repeats, from tiered cascades to a tall, dramatic drop.

What I like most is the hands-on approach: you get help with safety gear and real time guidance so you can spend less energy figuring things out and more energy cooling off and taking photos. I also like that you’re not just watching from dry land, you get swim time at each stop.

One possible drawback to plan for: if a waterfall is temporarily closed for maintenance, the day can shift, and the cost/value question can get tricky. That’s rare, but it’s worth asking about before you go and knowing where the backup plan sits.

Key points that matter

Cebu: Inambakan, Kawasan, and Mantayupan Falls Day Trip - Key points that matter

  • Three falls in one day, so the scenery changes instead of feeling repetitive
  • Swim opportunities at each waterfall, with safety equipment included
  • Guides who help with photos, including named guide Antonio and Jiovanie in reviews
  • Private, air-conditioned car, which makes the travel time feel shorter and easier
  • Reasonable walking, described as moderate, plus lots of time in and out of water

Three Waterfalls in One Day, and Why That Plan Works

Cebu: Inambakan, Kawasan, and Mantayupan Falls Day Trip - Three Waterfalls in One Day, and Why That Plan Works
If you only have a single day in Cebu, this kind of route makes sense. You’re not gambling on one waterfall being perfect, you’re getting three different moods in a single stretch of the island: a quieter tiered cascade, the famous swim-and-raft scene, then a taller falls moment in a park setting.

The value comes from how the trip is built. You get round-trip transportation from designated meeting points, entrance fees, and between-waterfall transfers, so you avoid the usual stress of coordinating rides, tickets, and timing. You also get a professional guide, and that matters on waterfalls because the “right spot” is often the safest spot, and it’s rarely obvious without local help.

Just know this is a water-and-photo day. You’ll be wet at least part of the time, you’ll want decent traction for slippery surfaces, and you’ll need to be comfortable with a moderate amount of walking between viewpoints and swim areas.

Price and What You Really Pay For

Cebu: Inambakan, Kawasan, and Mantayupan Falls Day Trip - Price and What You Really Pay For
The listed price is about $105 per person. On paper, that can look like “a lot for a day,” until you break down what’s included. You’re paying for three things that are hard to DIY: transport over multiple towns, admission to the sites, and a guide who keeps the day organized and safe.

You still have extra costs to consider. Meals are not included, and personal items are on you. Also, one review mentioned tolls were requested as extra. That’s not something I’d count on, but it’s a good reminder to carry a little buffer money just in case.

Is it worth it? If you want to hit all three waterfalls without turning the day into a logistics puzzle, yes. If you’d rather spend more time at one place, or you’re picky about exactly how your day is timed, you may want to ask how the schedule is managed before committing.

Inambakan Falls, Ginatilan: Five Tiers and a More Peaceful Feel

Cebu: Inambakan, Kawasan, and Mantayupan Falls Day Trip - Inambakan Falls, Ginatilan: Five Tiers and a More Peaceful Feel
Inambakan is your first stop, in Ginatilan, and it’s described as a serene five-tiered cascade surrounded by lush greenery. This part of the day is where you can slow your pace a bit. Instead of rushing straight into the most famous swim spot, you get a calmer start that still feels scenic and photogenic.

Here’s what you can do at Inambakan:

  • Take a dip in the cool waters
  • Enjoy a scenic trek to viewpoints
  • If you want adrenaline, you can do cliff jumping (for the adventurous)

The benefit of starting here is that it sets your expectations. You learn how the area feels, how the ground is near the falls, and how the swim access works. Your guide also helps you locate places where photos look good without putting you where you shouldn’t be.

The main consideration is comfort and footing. Even though the walking is labeled “moderate,” you’ll likely move over uneven, wet areas. Bring comfortable shoes and be ready to take it slow until you’re sure where you can stand safely.

Kawasan Falls, Badian: The Turquoise Swim and the Bamboo Raft Moment

Cebu: Inambakan, Kawasan, and Mantayupan Falls Day Trip - Kawasan Falls, Badian: The Turquoise Swim and the Bamboo Raft Moment
If you came for one waterfall that feels like a postcard, it’s Kawasan Falls in Badian. This is the world-famous stop, known for striking turquoise waters and natural pools where the whole experience centers on swimming and getting that unforgettable waterfall color in your photos.

At Kawasan, you can:

  • Swim in the natural pools
  • Relax in the water while you watch the falls
  • Snap photos from the best viewpoints
  • Add a bamboo raft ride under the falls

That raft detail matters because it gives you a different angle and a different kind of fun than just standing in the water. It also helps the day feel more like an experience, not only a sightseeing stop.

One reason this stop feels worth it is the mix of activities. Even if you’re not the biggest swimmer, you still get time to enjoy the setting, take pictures, and watch other people enjoy the raft and swim zones. It’s also where your guide’s photo help really shows. In reviews, people specifically thanked guides for taking pictures and guiding them to good spots.

The thing to watch for is crowd energy and timing. This is a major waterfall, so you’ll want to follow your guide’s instructions closely about where to go first and how to move safely around the water.

Mantayupan Falls, Barili: A Taller Drop and a Park Setting for Chilled Time

Cebu: Inambakan, Kawasan, and Mantayupan Falls Day Trip - Mantayupan Falls, Barili: A Taller Drop and a Park Setting for Chilled Time
The last stop is Mantayupan Falls in Barili, and it’s described as one of Cebu’s tallest waterfalls. It’s also set in a peaceful, well-kept park, which changes the tone of the day. After the big swim focus of Kawasan, Mantayupan gives you a chance to reset, take calmer photos, and enjoy the moment in a more structured space.

At Mantayupan, you can:

  • Swim in the refreshingly cool water
  • Take a light picnic
  • Enjoy photos of the towering cascade

This is also the stop where guide support shows up in a very practical way. One review thanked Antonio for being outstanding with pictures and for guiding them around the final waterfall. That kind of direction is exactly what you want at Mantayupan, because you’ll get better shots if you know where the viewing and moving paths are.

A realistic consideration: since it’s a tall waterfall, the area can feel dramatic, but it also means you’ll be around mist and wet surfaces. Keep your towel ready, and pace yourself so you don’t rush into slick steps while you’re busy taking photos.

Guides, Safety Gear, and How the Day Feels Organized

Cebu: Inambakan, Kawasan, and Mantayupan Falls Day Trip - Guides, Safety Gear, and How the Day Feels Organized
This trip is built around guidance. You’ll have a professional guide, plus safety equipment included. Reviews also call out how guides manage safety, not just photos. Jiovanie is mentioned for making sure everyone stayed safe, sharing local customs, and even telling stories.

That storytelling part matters more than it sounds. When someone gives you context for what you’re seeing, the waterfalls stop being generic scenery and start feeling like place. You’ll notice details more, and you’ll ask better questions as the day goes on.

You’ll also be in a private and air-conditioned car, which is a big deal in Cebu heat. It makes the ride between stops far easier, and it keeps you from spending the day sweaty in transit.

The only caution is that one review flagged concerns about the clarity of the stop plan and even mentioned not feeling secure with the driving. I can’t verify how that played out for everyone, but it does tell you something useful: if you’re sensitive about driving, mention it upfront and sit where you feel most comfortable.

What to Pack: The Stuff That Saves Your Day

Cebu: Inambakan, Kawasan, and Mantayupan Falls Day Trip - What to Pack: The Stuff That Saves Your Day
Waterfalls days can go sideways if you forget the basics. Here’s what this trip specifically recommends bringing, and I agree with all of it:

  • Swimwear
  • Towel
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen
  • Water
  • Insect repellent
  • A hat to protect from the sun

Light clothing is also recommended. You’re likely to change from walking to swimming mode more than once, and light layers dry faster and feel better.

Also, pay attention to the “not allowed” list. No smoking, no plastic bags, no alcohol and drugs, and no littering. If you’re bringing a snack or anything in a bag, keep it simple and keep it clean.

Who This Trip Fits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

Cebu: Inambakan, Kawasan, and Mantayupan Falls Day Trip - Who This Trip Fits Best (And Who Should Skip It)
This tour is not for everyone. It’s listed as not suitable for:

  • Pregnant women
  • People with back problems
  • People with heart problems
  • Wheelchair users
  • Non-swimmers
  • Anyone who can’t safely handle a water-based day

That’s not just paperwork. Waterfall days mean uneven ground, slippery surfaces, and active movement between viewpoints. Even the moderate walking can become harder once you’re wet and tired.

If you are a confident swimmer and you’re comfortable with changing conditions, you’ll get the most value because swimming is part of every stop. If you love photos, you’ll also benefit from the guide help, because the day is designed around seeing and capturing the falls from good angles.

If you’re not a strong swimmer, I’d skip this one and look for a different kind of Cebu day that keeps you on safer ground. This route’s structure expects you to be able to get into the water.

The Day Flow, Realistically

You should expect a full day with multiple waterfall transitions. The trip’s core logic is simple: start at Inambakan, move to Kawasan for the famous swim-and-raft scene, then finish at Mantayupan.

Transport between locations is included, and entrances are handled, which reduces the “where do we go next” friction. Your guide also helps coordinate swimming opportunities at each waterfall, so you’re not left wondering how long you’ll get in the water.

One more note from reviews that affects how you should think about the day: some people said there wasn’t a clear plan on the stops, and meals weren’t offered for the daily trip. So if you want lunch at a certain time, plan your expectations and carry a little strategy for when you’ll eat. Meals are not included, so you might need to rely on what’s available at stops or your own timing.

Should You Book It? My Take

Book this tour if you want maximum waterfall variety in a single day, and you’re okay with a water-focused outing. The biggest strengths are the private air-conditioned ride, included entrance fees, and the way guides help with safety and photos. Named guides like Jiovanie and Antonio come up in reviews for a reason, they’re doing real on-the-ground work, not just pointing.

Skip it or reconsider if any of these are you:

  • You don’t swim, and you want a dry sightseeing day
  • You have mobility or medical limits that make wet, uneven terrain hard
  • You need a rigid timetable and hate schedule uncertainty
  • You might be upset if a waterfall is closed and your route gets shortened, because that scenario can change the value math

If you fit the sweet spot, this is a strong way to see Cebu’s waterfalls without turning your trip into a transportation scavenger hunt. You’ll come back with swim memories, photo angles, and three distinct landscapes instead of one.

FAQ

How many waterfalls are included in this trip?

The day trip covers three waterfalls in one day: Inambakan Falls, Kawasan Falls, and Mantayupan Falls.

What is included in the price?

Included are a professional guide, a private air-conditioned car, entrance fees to all sites, round-trip transportation from designated meeting points, safety equipment, swimming opportunities at each waterfall, and transportation between waterfalls.

What is not included?

Meals are not included, and personal expenses and insurance are not included. The tour also notes that you should bring your own personal items like water and other essentials.

Do I need to be able to swim?

Yes. The tour is listed as not suitable for non-swimmers, and swimming opportunities are included at each waterfall.

What should I bring to be comfortable?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, a camera, sunscreen, water, and insect repellent.

What activities can I expect at the waterfalls?

You can swim at each waterfall. At Inambakan you can also do cliff jumping if you want. At Kawasan you can enjoy a bamboo raft ride under the falls.

Is this trip suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with heart problems, wheelchair users, and non-swimmers.

What languages are available?

The tour is listed as being available in English.

FAQ

What’s the cancellation window?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are there any rules about what I can bring or do?

You should not smoke, bring plastic bags, bring alcohol or drugs, or litter during the trip.