One of my good friend Stephanie and I decided to get out of town, so we went to visit my Grannies place in Badian (southern town in Cebu, Philippines) where Kawasan Falls is located, even thought I was there 3 times in summer this year, it never grow old on me. I always love going there. The waterfalls always makes me feel like I am in paradise. Stefi, who was extending her stay in Philippines volunteered to drive us. So, we packed camping tents, pillows and blankets, we really didnt know where we will stay for the night, but it doesnt matter. I just want to get out of the city. We were on the road for 3 hours until we reached the town of Badian. This town is really close to my heart - this is were my mom was born and raised.
We stopped by at the Badian Public Market to gather some food supplies, at least we know we have something in case we cant find a place for dinner. Stefi brought her 2 year old kid - Crista with us, so we prefer to be safe than sorry. The market was a typical town market, with live stocks and mostly home made produce, the good thing is there were a lot of fresh fruits and they were cheaper compared to the ones we get in the City and a much better quality. When we got to Matutinao (the actual place of the waterfalls), it was almost 5pm, so we decided to find a place near the waterfalls and head to the falls early in the morning. It would be difficult for us to go up to the waterfalls with a kid when its about to get dark, the road can be slippery and dangerous. It wouldn't be fun.
We woke up very early the following morning, perhaps it was the excitement but I was thinking it was the growing noise of the waves splashing on the rocks just outside our beach front cottage. But whether it was excitement or not, believe I was itching to go the moment I stood up from the bed. So, we head to the waterfalls right away, we skirted our way following the source of the river. Crista was getting excited too, she kept asking if we were there yet. I could sense her excitement as well as irritation every time we passed on something that resembles a waterfalls in a piled up rocks in the river and she thinks we are there but then gets disappointed that we still have to walk further more.
We walked for about 20 minutes and we arrived to the first level waterfalls, it is beautiful and high, higher than the waterfalls from the other levels. When we got there, there were already people who reserved cottages and some already started swimming. We were thinking we will be the first to arrive there and get the best spot - it would feel like we outsmart everyone else, but we were late. Anyway, we went up further to the second level waterfalls. It was a steep climb and luckily we had Alan with us to carry Crista when it gets really steep. Although, we were already panting with our tongue out when we reached the second level, we were very happy that we were the first to get there. I guess people only stay on the first level to avoid the climb.
We swam a bit on the second waterfalls and then decided to go up to the third level. It was a steeper climb, at some point we had to stop to gather our energy and then walk again. When we got to the third level, I was about to die. I didn't know if it was the heat of the sun or my trembling knees that felt like I just climbed Mt. Fuji. But after a dip in the water, I felt refreshed and energized again. The water was so cool and the swimming area is much better compared to the other levels. The day went by like a flash and we really enjoyed out time at Kawasan Falls. And even if I been there many times before I could still go there with excitement many times over, again and again. The only thing is that there are a lot of mosquitos in the area, so you either keep moving or stay in the water. Also, there are people local people following you all the time. It's get very intimidating that it feels like someone is watching your every move and then they keep asking you to try the bemboo raft and then tell you to pay for it, some of them will keep following you and then assume that they are your tour guide and ask you a certain fee. So be clear that you dont want their assistance in the beginning. Don't be fooled!
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| first level waterfalls |
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| second level waterfalls |
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| Little Crista |
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| Alan and Crista |
We swam a bit on the second waterfalls and then decided to go up to the third level. It was a steeper climb, at some point we had to stop to gather our energy and then walk again. When we got to the third level, I was about to die. I didn't know if it was the heat of the sun or my trembling knees that felt like I just climbed Mt. Fuji. But after a dip in the water, I felt refreshed and energized again. The water was so cool and the swimming area is much better compared to the other levels. The day went by like a flash and we really enjoyed out time at Kawasan Falls. And even if I been there many times before I could still go there with excitement many times over, again and again. The only thing is that there are a lot of mosquitos in the area, so you either keep moving or stay in the water. Also, there are people local people following you all the time. It's get very intimidating that it feels like someone is watching your every move and then they keep asking you to try the bemboo raft and then tell you to pay for it, some of them will keep following you and then assume that they are your tour guide and ask you a certain fee. So be clear that you dont want their assistance in the beginning. Don't be fooled!
The Kawasan Falls just recently voted as the Best Waterfalls in the Philippines 2016.
