Kawasan Falls plus Mantayupan in one day keeps you moving. You get the countryside drive, two waterfall hikes, and time to cool off in natural pools without the stress of planning it all yourself. I like the small group size (up to 10), and I like that you’ll have a local guide plus hotel pickup and drop-off built in.

The two standout parts for me are the swimable waterfall time at both stops and the chance to watch everyday life during the Kawasan hike, not just snap photos and leave.

One thing to weigh: Mantayupan is smaller and can feel more crowded on weekend-style schedules, and one past guest noted black ants on the steps and rails, so bug spray can be smart.

Key highlights at a glance

• Up to 10 people means less waiting and more personalized guide attention.
• Two waterfall hikes in one day, with free time to relax and swim in natural pools.
• Mantayupan’s two water levels (14 m and 98 m) and a mini hydro electric setup make for a neat story.
• Kawasan’s 3 water levels plus a possible water-massage moment under the falls.
• Picnic lunch by the falls, included, so you do not have to hunt for food on-site.
• Moderate fitness needed, since you’ll walk to each waterfall and back.

One-Day Plan for Kawasan and Mantayupan Falls Without the Headache

This is a good day trip if you want waterfalls, swimming, and scenery, but you do not want to piece together rides, entrance details, and timing. You start early, ride out to the countryside, then do two short hikes with time to hang by the water.

The whole experience runs about 10 hours, starting at 7:00 am. You’ll be out long enough to feel like you got away from the city, not just visited two quick lookouts.

Best of all, you are not doing it with a huge crowd. This tour caps at 10 travelers, which helps the day feel calm, especially when you’re changing locations or taking the trails at a slower pace.

Price and what you actually get for $105

At $105.13 per person, it is not the cheapest thing you can do. But you’re paying for the parts that usually cost you time and logistics: hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, and a picnic lunch.

You also get a local Kawasan guide and a guided route between the falls. Drinks are not included, so budget a little extra if you tend to buy bottled water on hot days.

If you tried to DIY this, you would likely spend money on rides and still lose the benefit of having someone keep the day moving. For many people, this price looks fair because it buys you convenience plus guided access to both waterfall areas in one shot.

The Early Start: Pickup and the Drive Through Old Houses, Rice Fields, and Green Roads

The day begins at 7:00 am with pickup. From there, you’re looking at about a 2-hour drive to Mantayupan Falls, passing through old Spanish houses, rice fields, and countryside greens.

That drive is not filler. It’s part of why this trip works. You’ll feel the air change as you leave city pace behind, and you’ll have a clear sense of where you are headed before you start walking.

Once you arrive, you won’t have to “figure it out.” The guide keeps you organized so you can focus on the falls instead of asking, Where do we go? How far is it? What time do we eat?

Mantayupan Falls: Two Water Levels and Bluish-Green Sunlight

Mantayupan Falls is your first waterfall stop, and it sets the tone. You get a brief walk to the falls, so it’s not an all-day slog right at the start.

Here’s a neat detail worth paying attention to: Mantayupan has two water levels (14 meters and 98 meters). There’s also a mini-hydro electric system installed there to serve the needs of the nearby town, which gives the area more meaning than just scenery.

The water color is described as bluish green, and the sun hitting the falls changes what you see. In other words, Mantayupan can look different minute to minute as the light shifts.

What I like about Mantayupan on this schedule

Because the hike is brief, it’s a good “warm-up” waterfall. You arrive, you stretch your legs, you see the falls up close, and you still have energy left for Kawasan later, which is usually the bigger highlight for most people.

One consideration from real experience

One past guest felt Mantayupan was not their favorite portion of the day, calling it smaller with black ants around steps and rails. That does not mean the trip is bad, but it is a practical warning.

If ants bother you, bring basic protection: bug spray, and wear shoes with good grip. You’ll be standing on steps and rail-adjacent areas while you move along, so staying comfortable matters.

The Transition Day Part: Short Walks, Local Life, and Staying Present

Between Mantayupan and Kawasan, the day keeps moving, but it does not feel like a race. You’re doing short hikes at each stop, with time built in to relax.

The big “people factor” comes during the Kawasan approach, where the trail goes past wooden huts and across abandoned bridges. You might pass locals doing chores, see children splashing, and notice how this area functions as a weekend escape for residents.

This is one of the reasons the day feels authentic. You are not just in a tourist bubble. You’re moving through real village space, which makes the falls feel grounded in the place, not staged for visitors.

Kawasan Falls: A 30-Minute Trail With Views, Huts, and Abandoned Bridges

Kawasan Falls is the headliner. The trail to it is described as an easy 30-minute trek, and it has character.

You’ll go through wooden huts and across abandoned bridges. That route is part of the experience, not just the hallway to get to the water. Along the way, you get quick glimpses of everyday life, which can make the walk fly by.

Then you reach Kawasan, which has three water levels. That matters because it gives you multiple spots to play, pause, and decide how much “action” you want today.

And yes, this is a popular local getaway on weekends and holidays. So expect it to feel lively when you arrive, even if your group stays small.

Swimming and the “water massage” moment

Time at the falls includes the chance to relax in natural pools, and there is an optional hydro massage activity where you can sit under the flow.

If you plan to do that, bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes. Your plan is simple: get wet once, enjoy it, then dry yourself before the next walking section or before pickup drop-off later.

One review called the water massage under the falls epic. That’s exactly the kind of thing you remember later because it’s physical, refreshing, and very different from just looking.

Picnic Lunch by the Falls: What Included Food Means for a Full Day

Lunch is a picnic served by the falls. That is a big deal on a waterfall day because you avoid the usual trap of traveling, getting hungry, then waiting around while someone figures out where to eat.

You’ll also have better timing control. Eat when the group is ready, not when a restaurant seat becomes available.

Past guests praised the lunch as delicious, so you can go into the day expecting more than bland snack energy. Since drinks are not included, I’d still keep water in mind, especially if you’re prone to heat fatigue.

Practical tip: plan to eat in a way that does not slow you down. You’re in the middle of a hike-swim-hike sequence, so aim for something you can digest easily before getting back in your shoes.

Your Guide Makes the Difference: Small Group Attention That Keeps the Day Smooth

With a group capped at 10, you feel the difference when you move between stops. There’s less time spent waiting for late arrivals, and the guide can actually talk to you.

Guides noted in past experiences include Michelle and Michael, described as polite, professional, and knowledgeable. Another guide mentioned was Jozef, also described as attentive.

You can use this to your advantage. If you want the best spots to swim or you’re unsure about footing on slick areas, ask your guide on the spot. In a small group, those answers tend to be quicker and more specific.

And if you have any dietary needs, the tour asks you to advise them when booking. That is worth doing early so the picnic setup can match your needs as much as possible.

Gear and Comfort Tips That Matter for These Waterfalls

You will be walking to waterfalls and spending time in and around natural pools. That means comfort and traction are your two best friends.

Here’s what I’d bring based on what this day involves:

• Footwear with grip, because you might be on steps and uneven areas.
• A swimsuit plus a change of clothes if you want the hydro massage option.
• Bug spray, especially as one past guest warned about black ants at Mantayupan steps and rails.
• A small towel or something that helps you dry faster, so you can enjoy the ride back without feeling soaked the whole time.

Also, bring the right mindset. This is not a museum visit. It’s a day of water, mist, and walking.

If you accept that, you’ll have more fun, and you’ll stop treating every wet moment like a problem.

How Much Time You’ll Spend Where (and How to Pace Yourself)

The day runs about 10 hours, starting at 7:00 am. Mantayupan is reached after a roughly 2-hour drive, and you get a brief walk once you arrive.

Kawasan is reached with a 30-minute easy trek. You’ll then spend time enjoying natural pools and the multi-level falls, including the option for hydro massage under the flow.

The pacing here is a smart balance. You get enough movement to feel active, but not so much that your legs are wrecked before Kawasan.

If you want maximum enjoyment, pace your swim time. Don’t sprint from pool to pool for the first 10 minutes. Take a few minutes to settle, test the water, and then move to the next level when you feel ready.

This helps you avoid the classic waterfall-day issue: you rush early, get cold or tired, then spend the rest of the day wishing you had slowed down.

Value Check: Is This Worth Booking vs DIY?

If you have your own transport and you love routing on the fly, DIY can be cheaper. But this tour wins on time and sanity.

You are getting:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transportation
• Picnic lunch
• A local guide
• Two guided waterfall stops with swim time

That combination is hard to replicate without extra hassle, especially because you’re doing two locations in one day and doing hikes to each.

The $105.13 price makes more sense when you remember that you’re not paying separately for a guide, a driver, and lunch. You’re buying one organized plan that lets you enjoy the waterfalls instead of managing the schedule.

The small-group limit also adds value. It’s easier to get help, easier to ask questions, and easier to keep the day from getting chaotic.

Should You Book This Kawasan and Mantayupan Falls Day Trip?

I’d book this if you want a straightforward, no-planning day that hits two waterfall areas and includes lunch and pickup. It’s especially good if you like swimming in natural pools and you appreciate a guided approach with a small group.

I would hesitate if you know bugs and crowded steps bother you, since Mantayupan may not be your favorite spot and one past guest flagged black ants around steps and rails. Also, if you hate any kind of hiking, this might feel like too much, since you do have short walks at both stops and a 30-minute trek to Kawasan.

If you’re in that sweet spot where you can do moderate walking and you want the best shot at a “wow” waterfall day, this tour is a solid choice.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 7:00 am.

How long is the day trip?

The duration is about 10 hours.

Where is the tour located?

The experience is associated with Tagbilaran City, Philippines, and it is offered as a day trip from Cebu.

Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You’ll have a picnic lunch included.

Is there a local guide?

Yes, the tour includes a local Kawasan guide.

Can I swim at the waterfalls?

Yes. The plan includes free time relaxing in natural pools at both waterfalls.

Is drinks included with lunch?

No. Drinks are not included.

Do I need to be physically fit?

You should have a moderate physical fitness level, since there are short hikes and walking to each waterfall.

Is there a hydro massage option, and what should I bring?

There is hydro massage activity available. If you participate, it’s recommended that you bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes.

Final thought

Kawasan and Mantayupan in one day is a smart way to get real waterfall time without turning your holiday into a logistics project. With the small group size, included lunch, and built-in guide support, you’re set up to enjoy the water and the walk as one day package.