Cebu is home to countless waterfalls and hidden swimming spots, many of which require some effort to find. Kanlaob Falls, however, is an exception. As part of the well-known starting point for canyoneering to Kawasan Falls, it’s surprisingly easy to access but often overlooked.
Unlike the adrenaline-filled jumps and slides of canyoneering, Kanlaob Falls offers a completely different vibe. This small, cascading waterfall flows into a shallow pool, making it a perfect spot to relax. Locals gather here to lounge on the rocks, cool off in the water, and take turns swinging off the rope swing.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know before visiting Kanlaob Falls in Cebu, including how to get there and what to expect when you arrive.
Kanlaob Falls Complete Guide
Kanlaob Falls is a small, hidden gem in Alegria, Cebu. Unlike the more famous waterfalls in the area, it remains relatively unknown. This makes for a relaxed experience—there are no mandatory guides, just a simple entrance fee before you walk in and explore.
During the dry season, the waterfall itself was little more than a trickle, gently cascading into a crystal-clear pool below. Despite its size, we had a great time swimming, cooling off, and chatting with the locals who were hanging out there.
Next to the falls is a bamboo ladder that goes up into a cave with a rope swing, which hangs from a tree inside. I took a few turns plunging into the refreshing water, while Chloe enjoyed wading along the rocky shore.
Kanlaob Falls also doubles as an entry point for the famous Kawasan Falls canyoneering route. Because of this, you may encounter a park ranger like we did. The ranger is there to ensure that visitors don’t wander into the canyoneering area without a guide.
How to get to Kanlaob Falls
Kanlaob Falls is located in Alegria, Cebu, about an hour’s drive from Moalboal along the coastal highway.
Once you turn inland from the coastal road, the route goes up into the mountains. This mountain road used to be in rough shape, but during our visit, it was in the process of being paved. By the time you visit, the road should be completely done and in excellent condition.
The final stretch takes you through a picturesque countryside road lined with palm trees. It’s one of those drives where you’ll want to take your time, soak in the views, and maybe even pull over for a few photos. That’s what we did!
Kanlaob Falls: Our Experience
Our adventure to Kanlaob Falls took us into the hills above Alegria, following the same river system that eventually feeds into the famous Kawasan Falls.
As we pulled up to the entry booth, an attendant flagged us down, instructing us to park our motorbike before entering. Just as she said that, a local zoomed past the booth on their motorbike without stopping. A coincidence I found funny, but as a guest in someone’s backyard I’ll do what they ask.
After parking and paying the entrance fee, we started the short descent toward the falls. I half expected to be assigned a mandatory guide, as is common at many spots in Cebu, but to my surprise, that wasn’t the case. What struck me even more was the crowd. It was a little busy, but almost entirely with locals. It was a super laid-back vibe.
At the bottom of the trail, a wooden sign marked Kanlaob Falls, but at first glance, I didn’t actually see a waterfall.
We followed the river upstream, eventually spotting a small cascade trickling down a rocky surface. I would hardly classify it as a waterfall. It was more of a gentle slide, but that didn’t stop a local kid from repeatedly jumping in, getting out, and laughing hysterically during every jump.
We continued following the trail up the river until we reached a small guard shack. A security guard stationed there firmly told us not to go any further upstream, though we could swim in the pool below.
At the time, we didn’t think much of it. We were just there to swim and relax. But a few days later, when we went on our canyoneering adventure to Kawasan Falls, we realized why he had been so insistent. Kanlaob Falls is actually one of the entry points for the Kawasan Falls canyoneering route! When we started our canyoneering trip, we ended up passing through these same falls we had visited earlier.
As for the upper section of Kanlaob Falls, this area was definitely more scenic. The river widened into a shallow, green pool, where another (albeit tiny) waterfall flowed over a rocky limestone ledge.
On the far side of the river, a bamboo ladder led up into a small cave, where a rope swing dangled from a tree branch, waiting for the next person to take the plunge.
We eased into the cool water, mindful of the shallow areas. It wasn’t until I saw a local climb the ladder, grab the rope swing, and launch herself into the pool that I worked up the confidence to try it myself. It’s nice when someone else is there to lead by example, especially when in unfamiliar territory.
I swung low before letting go, crashing into the water with a splash. It was a fun little swing, and soon enough, a group of locals arrived, taking turns swinging out from the cave and into the pool.
We spent the next hour or so just chilling by the shore, chatting with the locals, and going for relaxing swims in the river. Kanlaob Falls definitely wasn’t the most dramatic waterfall we’ve seen in Cebu, but that’s what made it special—no crowds, no pressure, just a laid-back spot to unwind.
Where to Stay in Cebu
For most travelers, Moalboal is the best place to stay. It’s close to the Sardine Run, White Beach, and within range of Kawasan Falls Canyoneering.
Moalboal has a good mix of resorts, hostels, and food spots, making it a solid base for exploring Cebu.
If you’re planning to stay longer than 5 days, I recommend doing what we did by splitting your time between Moalboal and Oslob.
Oslob gives you easier access to whale shark watching, Sumilon Island, and nearby waterfalls like Tumalog and Binalayan. This way, you cut down on travel time and get to see more.
Here’s where we stayed at and recommend in Cebu:
- Moalboal: 3 Sisters Guest House 2 is just off the main strip in Moalboal, but still within walking distance of everything. We appreciated the security and cleanliness of the accommodation and ate breakfast there every morning of our stay.
- Oslob: Melronz Inn is situated a bit outside the town center, making it quieter and more relaxed. And the best part is that it’s located right on the water, with its own private ocean access.
What to Pack for Cebu
- Water Shoes: If you plan to go canyoneering, a solid pair of water shoes like these are needed. If not, you can always wear crocs or even your sneakers if you don’t mind them getting wet!
- Snorkel: With sardine run in Moalboal and whale shark watching in Oslob, it helps to have your own snorkel set like this one for the best experience! Plus, you won’t need to worry about renting a snorkel, which may be of… questionable quality.
- Sunscreen: For some reason, sunscreen is expensive in the Philippines and I’ve even encountered places selling fake sunscreen that doesn’t work! So I recommend bringing your own sunscreen to Cebu.
- Dry Bag: With all the sand, salt, and water flying everywhere during our adventures, I was so glad to have a dry bag to keep all my things safe from the elements!
- Travel Towel: In my opinion, a travel towel like this one is super necessary for a trip to Cebu! It packs down nicely and was there for me anytime I went swimming, or just needed to brush sand or dirt off.
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Are You Following Our Cebu Blog Series?
During our 7-day adventure in Cebu, we found some of the island’s most stunning natural wonders—milky blue waterfalls, limestone hikes, and incredible snorkeling spots. To help fellow adventurers, we’ve put together guides to the best places we found. You can check them out by clicking the links below.
- Start your planning here: Cebu Travel Guide
- Our Ultimate Guide to Cebu: 15 Incredible Things to Do in Cebu
- Our favorite waterfall (+ secret adventure) in Cebu: Inambakan Falls
- Hike to the highest point in Cebu: Osmeña Peak
- Our favorite hike in Cebu: Casino Peak
- Our favorite day tour in Cebu: Kawasan Falls Canyoneering
- The hottest hot spring we’ve ever visited: Mainit Hot Spring
- How to see the Moalboal Sardine Run without a tour
- Oslob Whale Shark Watching Complete Guide
- How to get from Cebu City to Moalboal
- How to get from Moalboal to Oslob
- How to rent a motorbike in the Philippines
I hope you enjoyed our guide to Kanlaob Falls in Cebu. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions 🐸
