The Philippines, an archipelago known for its stunning natural beauty, boasts a plethora of breathtaking waterfalls that captivate the hearts of locals and tourists alike. From the lush greenery of the forests to the refreshing cascades of water, these spectacular waterfalls offer an unparalleled experience in nature’s embrace.

Now, let’s dive into some of the most remarkable ones across the islands.

What’s Inside

• Kawasan Falls
• Pagsanjan Falls
• Aliwagwag Falls
• Tinago Falls
• Pulang Bato Falls
• Tinuy-an Falls
• Maria Cristina Falls
• Cambugahay Falls
• Seven Falls
• Kaparkan Falls
• Merloquet Falls
• Asik-Asik Falls

1. Kawasan Falls

First up on the list is Kawasan Falls in Cebu, situated inside the mountains of Barangay Matutinao, Badian. It’s a popular tourist destination and is known for its alluring turquoise waters. Kawasan Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall that promises a rejuvenating retreat for nature enthusiasts. Trekkers will delight in the scenic hike through the dense foliage, rewarded with the sight of pristine turquoise waters cascading down three levels of natural rock formations. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also do activities such as canyoneering and bamboo rafting.

Related: 13 Fun & Extreme Activities to Do in the Philippines

2. Pagsanjan Falls

Initially called “Magdapio Falls,” Pagsanjan Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the Philippines. This stunning natural beauty is located in Laguna, and is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Laguna. It boasts a height of approximately 300 feet, with water cascading down into a deep gorge.

To reach Pagsanjan Falls, visitors typically embark on a thrilling river adventure that starts at the town of Pagsanjan. Here, tourists board native wooden canoes called “bancas” manned by skilled boatmen known as “bangkeros.” The journey upstream involves navigating through narrow gorges, passing by towering cliffs, and immersing in the sights and sounds of the surrounding rainforest. The highlight of the adventure is the “shooting the rapids” experience, where the banca skillfully maneuvers through the turbulent waters towards the base of the falls.

3. Aliwagwag Falls

Situated in the province of Davao Oriental, Aliwagwag Falls is a breathtaking cascade comprising a series of 84 tiered waterfalls. It is often known for its staircase-like boulders and boasts an impressive height of around 1,110 feet (340 meters), making it the highest waterfall in the Philippines. Visitors can marvel at the mesmerizing sight of water flowing gracefully down the terraced slopes while enjoying activities such as swimming and river rafting in the pristine waters below.

Aliwagwag Falls is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. In addition to its stunning natural beauty, the area surrounding the falls offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, providing a complete outdoor experience for visitors.

4. Tinago Falls

Hidden deep within the dense forests of Iligan City in Lanao del Norte, Tinago Falls lives up to its name, which translates to “hidden” in English as it was kept hidden for many years. To reach this enchanting waterfall, visitors must trek down a steep 500-step staircase, adding a sense of adventure to the journey. This 240-foot waterfall is known for its blue-green pool of water, perfect for swimming and relaxing amidst the serenity of nature.

Tinago Falls is surrounded by lush greenery, providing a serene ambiance that is perfect for unwinding and connecting with nature. You can also explore the surrounding area, which offers opportunities for trekking and birdwatching.

5. Pulang Bato Falls

Pulang Bato Falls is a hidden gem tucked away amidst the lush landscapes of Valencia in Negros Oriental. Its name, which translates to “Red Rock Falls” in English, is derived from the striking reddish hue of the surrounding rock formations. On top of that, the water in Pulang Bato Falls comes from the mountains, so you can enjoy a cool temperature while you swim.

Located approximately 15 kilometers from Dumaguete City, Pulang Bato Falls is accessible by both private and public transportation. You can hire a rental service if you wish to go there, but trips going to Pulang Bato can also be included in some booked tours so you will have to check that.

6. Tinuy-an Falls

Located in the municipality of Bislig in Surigao del Sur, Tinuy-an Falls is often referred to as the “Niagara Falls of the Philippines” because of its wide curtain-like cascade. It’s also said to be the widest waterfall in the country.

Since Tinuy-an Falls is found in a remote area surrounded by lush greenery and towering cliffs that haven’t been introduced much to modern developments, you can easily bask in its raw, unharmed beauty. To go here, you can contact a travel guide or a habal-habal driver that can help you with your itinerary. You can also opt to go there using a car as Tinuy-an Falls can be found on Google Maps.

For activities, you can enjoy swimming, trekking, and bird watching. If you’re feeling adventurous and aren’t in a rush, bamboo rafting is available for visitors who want to get a closer look at the cascades of Tinuy-an Falls. During certain times of the day, rainbows form in the mist created by the cascading waters, adding to the enchanting atmosphere.

Related: 17 Must-Visit Underrated Destinations in the Philippines

7. Maria Cristina Falls

Recognized as the second largest and one of the most famous waterfalls in the Philippines, the majestic Maria Christina Falls is located in Iligan City. It is often called the “Twin Falls” due to its two streams of water plunging down a 320-foot precipice. Aside from its natural allure, Maria Cristina Falls also serves as a significant source of hydroelectric power for the region, making it both a scenic wonder and an essential part of local infrastructure.

8. Cambugahay Falls

Nestled in Siquijor’s lush forests, Cambugahay Falls is a hidden gem with three cascading tiers, inviting visitors to swim in its refreshing blue pools. To get to Cambugahay Falls, you can ride a tricycle going there or choose to rent a motorbike if you can drive a motorcycle yourself.

There is an entrance fee of 20 Php, which is also the parking fee. For activities, they offer rope swing or bamboo rafting that each costs 50 Php. It’s a must-visit destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature’s embrace.

9. Seven Falls

@margatuzon Views from Lake Sebu's Seven Falls 🍃 #fyp #travel #travelph #lakesebu #southcotabato ♬ The Shadow – Shankar Bidhudi

Video Source: @margatuzon on TikTok

Located in South Cotabato, the Seven Falls is a series of majestic waterfalls located within the lush forests of Lake Sebu. Each of the Seven Falls offers its own unique beauty, with cascading waters plunging into emerald pools below. You can explore the falls via zipline or trekking trails, allowing you to marvel at the breathtaking scenery from different vantage points. It’s also worth noting that Lake Sebu’s zipline, which lets you explore Seven Falls, is the highest zipline in Southeast Asia with a height of 600 feet. So if you do like thrilling experiences, give this one a try!

10. Kaparkan Falls

Nestled in the rugged terrain of Tineg, Abra province, Kaparkan Falls is another hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Also known as the “Mulawin Falls,” this waterfall is unique for its terraced rock formations.

The way to Kaparkan Falls may be a bit long as you will have to endure a bumpy, muddy ride along unpaved roads and trek to get there. But like always, the wait and bumpy ride will always be worth it once you set your eyes on the picturesque falls that offer a serene escape into nature’s embrace, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

The best time to visit Kaparkan Falls is during the rainy season (From July to September) since the water is abundant.

11. Merloquet Falls

@soriano.philip Merloquet falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in Mindanao. The picturesque image of this attraction is really breathtaking as ever. The experience was really awesome with the water dropping to an elevated flat rock.  #pinasmuna #pinasmunatayo #explorepilipinas #projectph82 #pinoytravel #travelingpinoy #pinoygram #travelph #travelgram #photooftheday #igersph #travelislife #safetravelph  #safetravelpinas #fyp #itsmorefuninthephilippines #grammerph #wanderlust #travelpinas  #pinoytraveler #tiktoktravels  #choosephilippines #photography  #pilipinas  #wanderph #instagram   #wowphilippines #fyp  #reels #tiktok ♬ This part of my life is called peace – CONTENT CREATION TIPS

Video Source: @soriano.philip on TikTok

Now let’s head to Merloquet Falls, located in Zamboanga City. It’s accessible by a drive through the countryside and a trek through the verdant jungles. Merloquet Falls is best known as a two-tiered waterfall with a stunning curtain-fall cascade on its base, creating a unique and captivating scene to watch.

12. Asik-Asik Falls

Last but not the least on the list is Asik-Asik Falls, which is located in Alamada Region of North Cotabato. Asik Asik Falls stands out as a truly unique natural wonder in the Philippines. Its mysterious origins, discovered around 2010, add to its allure, with no definitive explanation for its sudden appearance. The falls, with its 60-meter high rock mountain adorned with thick vegetation, present a dramatic spectacle.

Asik-Asik’s distinguishing feature is its cascading water streams, emerging from several holes in the rock face, resembling a natural water curtain rather than traditional cascades. The water flows directly into a shallow river below, providing a refreshing spot for visitors to bathe, especially children.

Getting here can be a bit of a challenge as it will entail a bumpy ride and a long hike just to be able to see this incredible waterfall. But oh well, the sweat will be worth it!

It’s just amazing how the Philippines is home to these natural wonders. Each waterfall offers a unique experience, promising an adventure filled with natural beauty, tranquility, and awe-inspiring sights. So where are you off to next?