Waterfalls in PhilippinesPhilippines

The Philippines' falls are spread across three main islands. Mindanao holds Maria Cristina Falls, a historic hydroelectric source that shaped the development of Iligan City, and Tinuy-an Falls, a wide, tiered curtain in Surigao del Sur nicknamed the Niagara Falls of the Philippines. Cebu's Kawasan Falls is the turquoise finish line of the island's most popular canyoneering route, reached by wading and rappelling down a series of smaller drops. Pagsanjan Falls, on Luzon, is best known as an Apocalypse Now filming location and is typically visited by dugout canoe paddled upstream against the current.

When to go

The dry season, roughly December-May, offers the clearest water and safest conditions for canyoneering at Kawasan and boat trips to Pagsanjan, though flow is at its lowest. The wet season, June-November, particularly through the typhoon-prone months, brings heavier, more turbid flow and can close canyoneering routes entirely.

Getting around

Kawasan Falls is reached by a short drive or bus from Cebu City to Badian, then hiked or rafted downstream. Tinuy-an and Maria Cristina are best reached via domestic flights to Mindanao followed by a hired van or tricycle. Pagsanjan is a few hours' drive from Manila, with the final approach by boat.

Entry requirements

US, UK, Canadian and EU citizens can enter visa-free for up to 30 days, provided they complete the free eTravel registration online within 72 hours before arrival.

Entry rules checked September 2026. They change without much notice — confirm with the official government source before you travel.