Best 14 Waterfalls To Visit In The Philippines in 2020 [Updated]
Written and updated by Dezza, 22 October 2019.
This is part 3 of my four-part series on the groups of tourist attractions that are the most popular in the Philippines. In parts 1 and 2 of this four-part series, we first looked at the best 8 beaches to visit in the Philippines in 2019.
Then last week, we looked at the top 8 volcanoes to visit in the Philippines in 2019.
This week we will take a look at the best 8 waterfalls in the Philippines. However, since writing this original article, there are six more waterfalls that I have been to that I want to include in this article.
Therefore, I have revised this article to the Top 14 best waterfalls in the Philippines.
One of my favourite comedians uses a line in his routine which says something along the lines of “how can you be angry at a waterfall?”.
He was trying to make a particular point in his routine but what he said is really true. How can you be angry at a waterfall?
Waterfalls have a very therapeutic effect on us. It’s like hearing rain gently falling on a tin roof when you’re trying to get to sleep.
For me, in particular, there is nothing more relaxing than watching the water flow gently down a cliff or rock face, finding its way, through gravity, to get from point A to point B.
The Philippines is blessed with numerous waterfalls due to the geology and terrain of the country. Trying to determine the best 14 waterfalls that I have visited was not an easy task.
There is quite a number of waterfalls that I didn’t include here, and there are many more that are on my “to-do list”.
Anyway, of the waterfalls I have personally visited, let’s take a look now at what I think are the best 14 waterfalls you should visit in 2020 (in no particular order).
Some of these waterfalls are without a doubt the best places in the Philippines.
1). Cambugahay Falls (Siquijor)
Cambugahay Falls is located on Siquijor Island and is a majestic triple-level waterfall which is very popular among tourists and locals alike. With sensational sulphur blue water, this spectacular looking waterfall has crystal clear water.
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are two platforms at the lower level with a Tarzan rope for those willing to take the plunge. There are also rubber rings and bamboo rafts available if you’re feeling a little more conservative.
The trail down to the waterfalls is paved and has about 136 steps and only takes about 5-10 minutes to walk down, so it doesn’t take to much of a hike to get there.
Google Maps: Cambugahay Falls
2). Casaroro Falls (Valencia, Negros Oriental)
Casaroro Falls is one of the most stunning waterfalls I have been to. This is a spectacular waterfall that is approximately 30 meters high and is touted as the most photographed waterfall in Negros – and it’s easy to see why.
There is a paved trail with 335 steps taking you down to the waterfall. This trail is very steep and shouldn’t be underestimated, especially on the way back up.
The hike back up takes slightly longer because it is very steep and you find yourself needing to stop every 20 or so steps to take a breath. However, this also gives you the opportunity to admire the beautiful scenery.
All in all, you could do the entire trek down and back, stop for photos and relax for a bit in about two hours. This means you can take your time and make a relaxing trip out of it.
Google maps – Casaroro Falls
3). Katibawasan Falls (Mambajao, Camiguin).
This was the very first waterfall that I visited in the Philippines way back in 1998. This waterfall, located on Camiguin Island, is absolutely amazing at around 70 metres in height, which is still the highest waterfall I have seen.
A thin stream of water gracefully falls into the basin below and provides a spectacular effect. The basin is surrounded by lush foliage which includes elegant ferns and orchids.
This really is one of the most spectacular waterfalls I have seen in the country. The best part about it is that there were hardly any tourists there. This was 20 years ago so things may have changed now.
Google Maps: Katibawasan Falls
Katibawasan Falls is probably still my favourite waterfall in the Philippines. It is definitely the tallest I have visited and holds a special place in my heart.
4). Pagsanjan Falls (Pagsanjan, Laguna).
Pagsanjan Falls (also known as Cavinti Falls), is the most famous waterfall in the Philippines. This is known as a plunge waterfall and is very powerful. The most popular way to see it is to take a canoe up through the rapids. I
f you are feeling game there is a bamboo raft that takes you right across to the actual waterfall and the cave located behind it, known as Devils Cave.
As you pass through the waterfall, you get to appreciate the full ferocity and power of it. The sound of the water as it crashes down is so loud that you can’t even hear people shouting at you.
Google Maps: Pagsanjan Falls
The mighty Pagsanjan Falls. The power of this waterfall is something to behold.
5). Buntot Palos Falls (Pangil, Laguna).
Buntot Palos is another very powerful waterfall. It takes quite some effort to reach this waterfall as you take a 2-hour hike through some pretty inhospitable terrain.
However, it is well worth the effort. Such is the power of the waterfall you can hear it from quite some distance away before you even reach it. This is a horsetail type waterfall in which the water spreads out the further it falls.
The basin then flows into another waterfall which doesn’t have a viewing area so is quite dangerous. This is a truly majestic waterfall.
Google Maps: Buntot Palos
Buntot Palos Falls is another powerful waterfall with the water crashing onto the rocks below, and then cascading peacefull into the basin.
6). Mag-aso Falls (Kabankalan, Negros Occidental).
I was absolutely blown away when I came across this waterfall hidden in the mountains of Kabankalan. This waterfall is three waterfalls in one and is very elegant.
This is a cascading style of waterfall with the water trickling down the rock face. The water in the basin is an amazing turquoise colour and almost looks like the ocean.
The water then flows from the basin into a stream which then, in turn, cascades over more rocks creating gentle rapids.
Google Maps: Mag-aso Falls
Mag-aso Falls are very tranquil and peaceful compared to some of the other beasts. And how’s the color of the water!
7). Hulugan Falls (Luisiana, Laguna).
This is right up there as one of my favourite waterfalls in the Philippines. Hulugan Falls is more of a curtain style waterfall and is probably 40 to 50 meters in height and about 15 to 20 metres in width.
There is a little bit of hiking involved to get there however, it is nothing too strenuous and definitely worth it. The basin into which the waterfall flows is quite large and can be deep in parts.
This then flows into a few multi-tiered mini-falls before blending into the river. It really is a great place to chill out for an afternoon in relax in the bosom of nature.
Google Maps: Hulugan Falls
Hulugan Falls is only a few hours drive from Manila.
8). Batlag Falls (Tanay, Rizal).
This waterfall is amazing as it has a separate series of about three waterfalls across a rock face 30 to 40 meters wide and approximately 20 meters high.
The first waterfall is more like a horsetail waterfall, whereas the other two waterfalls are more of a cascading style of waterfall.
One of the other two waterfalls has a rock shelter beneath it allowing you to be able to go underneath the waterfall yet be protected by the rock. Just like Mag-aso Falls, Batlag Falls has amazing turquoise colour water in its basin.
Being located in Tanay Rizal, this is a place that can be easily accessed from Manila.
Google Maps: Batlag Falls
Batlag Falls is an elegant multi-tiered waterfall that has several main areas from which the water flows. Truly magical.
9). Tamaraw Falls (Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro).
Tamaraw Falls is a very unique waterfall in that the stream actually flows under the main highway. This is a tall and elegant waterfall that cascades down the rock face in a few stages from two distinct falls.
The stream it creates in its basin then runs beneath the highway leading to another waterfall on the other side of the road.
However, there is no viewpoint for this section. You only get to watch the water disappear over the ledge. This really is one of the more unique waterfalls I have been to.
Google Maps: Tamaraw Falls
Tamaraw Falls starts off as two waterfalls then blend into one by the time the water hits the basin.
10). Ambon-Ambon Falls (Panguil, Laguna).
Located on the other side of the mountain from Buntot Palos Falls is Ambon-Ambon Falls. Like Buntot Palos, this is part of the Pangil Eco Park reserve.
Ambon-Ambon Falls is definitely one of the more accessible waterfalls I have recommended in this blog. There are several water crossings involved in reaching Ambon-Ambon Falls which really does add to the adventure of it.
The good thing about it is that when you reach the main waterfall, you can get access right up amongst it. It really is a spectacular waterfall when you get to experience the water splashing down on you.
Google Maps: Ambon-Ambon Falls
The trek to this waterfall is relatively easy and is one of the best waterfall adventures I have been on in the Philippines.
11). Bomod-ok Falls (Sagada, Mountain Province)
Located in the vigorous mountain ranges of Mountain Province in Northern Luzon, Bomod-ok Falls is a spectacular waterfall at around 50 metres in height.
Set among huge boulders and sensational rock formations, this is truly a majestic waterfall that will leave you spellbound as the water plummets down the cliff face into the river below.
It requires a fair amount of trekking to get to but it is well worth it if you don’t mind hiking and a little bit of adventure. You can read more details here in this comprehensive guide to Bomod-ok Falls.
Google Maps: Bomod-ok Falls
12). Matabangka Falls (Paete, Laguna)
Matabangka Falls is located in the sleepy little town of Paete in Laguna. This is one of the most unique waterfall experiences in that you can tie it in with a great day trip exploring the historic town of Paete.
Matabangka Falls itself is a twin waterfall with some of the most refreshing water you’re ever likely to experience.
You can start off by visiting Tatlong Krus which is a religious monument overlooking Laguna Bay, then take the short trek about halfway down the mountain to Matabangka Falls and relax with a picnic lunch and a swim.
From there you can trek down to the town Paete and take a casual walk around town looking at all the souvenir shops with the traditional local wood carvings and take in the nearly 500-year-old St. James Church.
Google Maps: Matabangka Falls
13). Malibiclibic Falls (Cavite)
Cavite province is not really renowned for its waterfalls however if you are looking for the nearest waterfall to get to from Manila, then this would be it.
Malibiclibic Falls is located at the foothills of Mt. Mataas na Gulod in Bailen, at the point where three rivers meet. To reach the falls, there is a trek of about 1.5 km and it takes just over an hour.
This is a triple layer waterfall that emerges from a huge gorge that has some sensational rock formations that have been formed by thousands of years of erosion.
The waterfall can be quite difficult to find so please watch my vlog for more details.
Google Maps: Malibiclibic Falls
14). Baslay Hot Spring (Dauin, Negros Oriental)
Baslay Hot Spring, also known as Twin Springs, might not be one of the most spectacular waterfalls in this list but I’m including it because it is part of a geothermal area that makes the whole experience here totally mind-blowing.
The water that flows into the stream comes from two sources – one is cold and fresh coming from Mt. Talinis, and the other comes from the Cuernos de Negros mountains, which is an ancient volcano.
As a result, the water is actually boiling hot! You can barely dip you toe it without scolding it!
Even with the cold mountain water coming together (from the waterfall pictured below) with the geothermal waters, the water is still steaming hot. This really is a unique experience which is why I have included it here in my top list of waterfalls.
Please take a look at my vlog for more details on how to find this place as it isn’t easy.
Google Maps – Baslay Hot Springs
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