Why the Philippines Has Some of Asia Best Waterfalls
The Philippines combination of volcanic geology, heavy rainfall, and dense tropical forest creates waterfall conditions that rank among the best in Asia. From easy tourist falls 20 minutes from a highway to multi-day jungle expeditions, the range is extraordinary. Here are the 25 best.
Top 5: Easy Access
- Kawasan Falls, Badian, Cebu -- three tiers of turquoise water into natural pools. 30-minute walk. Go before 8am. Beauty: 10/10.
- Pagsanjan Falls, Laguna -- shoot the rapids in a native boat. A classic Philippines experience. Beauty: 9/10.
- Tinago Falls, Iligan City -- 220-step descent to an enclosed lagoon with a 75-metre waterfall. Most dramatic setting in Philippines. Beauty: 10/10.
- Maria Cristina Falls, Iligan -- 320 metres wide, 98 metres high, a major power source. Beauty: 9/10.
- Katibawasan Falls, Camiguin -- 76-metre waterfall into a large pool. Easy hike. Beauty: 8/10.
Top 6-10: Moderate Difficulty
- Aliwagwag Falls Compostela Valley -- 84 tiered falls over 4 km, claimed tallest waterfall system in Southeast Asia. Beauty: 10/10.
- Asik-Asik Falls Cotabato -- water emerging from a 70-metre wide cliff face draped in ferns. Otherworldly appearance. Beauty: 10/10.
- Casaroro Falls Negros Oriental -- 30-metre high in narrow gorge, 340-step descent. Beauty: 9/10.
- Bomod-ok Falls Sagada -- 2-hour trek through rice terraces. One of the Philippines most beautiful hikes. Beauty: 9/10.
- Ditumabo Mother Falls Aurora -- 3-4 hour hike through primary forest. Worth the effort. Beauty: 9/10.
11-25 Extended List
Limunsudan Falls Iligan -- two-tiered 70m tallest accessible trail in Philippines (10/10). Kabigan Falls Pagudpud (8/10). Tamaraw Falls Mindoro 40m roadside (8/10). Mag-aso Falls Bohol (7/10). Aguinid Falls Samboan Cebu 7-tiered with ropes (9/10). Cambugahay Falls Siquijor rope swing (9/10). Pinipisakan Falls Bukidnon (8/10). Busay Falls Davao (8/10). Sibalom Natural Park falls Antique (8/10). Binangawan Falls Mountain Province (8/10). Nagtabon falls Palawan (7/10). Pamagsalan Falls Samar (7/10). Pulangbato Falls Negros Oriental (8/10). Binalayan Falls Cebu cold spring (7/10). Bargasan Falls Ilocos Norte (7/10).
Book waterfall trekking tours via our adventure tours section.
