Two waterfalls in one day feels like cheating.

This trip out of Cebu is a small-group nature reset, capped at 10 people, with hotel pickup and drop-off and short walks between the viewpoints and swim areas. You’ll get a picnic lunch served near the falls, plus time to cool off in the natural pools.

What I like most is the way the day balances movement and downtime. You’re not racing through sights; you hike to the falls, enjoy the water, then actually get time to relax. One thing to consider: Mantayupan can feel less satisfying than Kawasan, and one past group flagged black ants on steps and rails there.

Key things I’d clock before you go

• Max 10 people means you get easier guide attention during the two hikes and swim breaks.
• Mantayupan’s two water levels (14 and 98 meters) come with a mini hydro-electric backstory for the local area.
• A 30-minute trek toward Kawasan passes wooden huts and abandoned bridges, with real everyday village scenes along the way.
• Kawasan’s three water levels give you options for the feel of the water during your swim and hydro massage time.
• Drinks aren’t included, so plan on buying your own once you’re out there.

How this day trip works: the 10-hour rhythm from Cebu

This is a full-day outing that runs about 10 hours, starting at 7:00 am. The structure matters: you spend the early part of the day traveling and then you’re quickly into the two waterfall experiences, with breaks built in for swimming and resting.

Because it’s a small group (up to 10), you’re not stuck waiting behind a big crowd at every turn. That usually makes the day feel calmer, especially during the short hikes where pace can matter.

Also, you get transportation and pickup/drop-off handled for you, so you’re not spending your morning negotiating rides or trying to figure out timing on local roads. That’s a big value point when you’re aiming for waterfalls, not logistics.

The drive to Mantayupan: 2 hours through countryside and old houses

You’ll head out on a 2-hour drive from the city to Mantayupan Falls. The route is described as passing old Spanish houses, rice fields, and green countryside, which turns a “transfer day” into part of the experience.

For me, this kind of scenery matters because it sets expectations. You’re trading city pace for a slower, rural feel, and that makes the falls feel like a real payoff rather than just a stop.

At this stage, it’s also worth remembering the tour expects moderate physical fitness. Nothing here is described as extreme, but you do have short walks on uneven waterfall paths.

Mantayupan Falls: bluish-green water and the hydro-electric connection

Mantayupan Falls is where you start the day’s waterfall time with a short walk to the falls. It’s described as having two water levels, 14 and 98 meters, and there’s also a mini-hydro electric system installed to service the needs of a small town.

That detail changes how you look at the water. You’re not just seeing a pretty cascade; you’re seeing how locals live with and use the river system.

The water is described as bluish green, and the description notes sun hitting the walls of the falls. Expect that cool, green color when light hits at the right angle, which is one reason people love Mantayupan’s photos.

Practical consideration: one past guide-led experience included a heads-up about black ants on Mantayupan steps and rails. You can’t control that, but you can plan to move carefully on the stairs and avoid letting yourself get distracted there—focus on footing first, then the view.

The walk to Kawasan: 30 minutes of huts, bridges, and real village life

After Mantayupan, you head further south to Kawasan Falls. The trek toward Kawasan is described as about 30 minutes and easy, with a route through wooden huts and across abandoned bridges.

This is the part of the day that feels most human. As you walk, you’ll pass everyday scenes: locals doing chores like laundry, children splashing, and the general rhythm of village life continuing while visitors come and go.

Even if you’re there for the swim, I’d treat this walk as part of the attraction. It’s also where your guide helps you understand what you’re looking at, which is why the guide role matters so much on this outing.

Kawasan Falls: three levels, swimming time, and hydro massage options

Kawasan Falls is the main event, with three water levels for different ways to experience the falls. More levels usually means more chances to find the spot that matches your comfort—some areas feel more intense, while others can be more relaxed depending on where the water hits.

There’s also a hydro massage activity option, and the tour advice is straightforward: if you want to do it, bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes. That’s a key tip because waterfall time is wet time, and you’ll want to avoid ending the day uncomfortable.

One strong theme from feedback is how refreshing the water feels. People called out the water’s striking blue color and a surprisingly cool, refreshing swim experience, which matches why Kawasan tends to be the favorite stop.

Lunch by the falls: picnic food that actually fits the day

You’ll be served a picnic lunch near the waterfalls. When a tour includes food, it can be a throwaway item, but here the included lunch is repeatedly described as delicious.

That matters because your day is long—about 10 hours—and you’re hiking and swimming. A good meal keeps you feeling human instead of running on snacks and stubborn willpower.

Also, note that drinks aren’t included. So if you’re the kind of person who hates thinking about hydration until you’re already thirsty, plan to budget for water or other drinks during the day.

What the guides do (and why small-group pace helps)

This tour includes local guidance—specifically a local Kawasan guide—and the day is set up for small-group attention. That’s not just a comfort perk; it helps during transitions between stops and around the water areas.

Feedback includes named guides like Michelle and Michael, described as polite, professional, and knowledgeable, which fits the role you want when you’re walking through less-touristy paths and water sites. Another guide named Jozef was also mentioned as attentive, which is what you want when you’re trying to enjoy the falls instead of second-guessing where to stand or when to move.

In a group of up to 10, the guide can keep an eye on the pace and help everyone stay together, which reduces the chance of losing momentum (or getting stuck waiting).

Timing and effort: what 2 hikes feel like in real life

You’re looking at short hikes to reach the falls, plus swim breaks and lunch. The tour requests moderate physical fitness, so it’s best if you’re comfortable walking on uneven natural paths and stairs around waterfall areas.

The day also runs early. Starting at 7:00 am means you’ll likely get moving before you’re fully awake, so I’d treat that as part of the deal. If you sleep lightly, bring earplugs or plan your night so you can handle an early start.

The upside is that the day is concentrated. You’re not spending half your day doing nothing but transfers; you’ve got scenery, then walking, then water, then lunch by the falls.

Price and value: what you get for about $105

At $105.13 per person, the value is mostly in what’s packaged together. You’re paying for transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided experience, plus an included picnic lunch.

If you tried to DIY this, you’d likely spend money on multiple rides and still risk timing headaches between waterfall locations. Here, the order and time flow are handled, which is worth real cash when you only have one day and you want both Kawasan and Mantayupan.

The other value lever is the group size. Paying a bit more (instead of joining some massive bus tour) can make the day easier to manage around swimming stops and walking sections.

Who should book this Kawasan and Mantayupan combo

This tour makes the most sense if you want a one-day nature reset without dealing with driving, routing, and timing. You’ll enjoy it most if you like waterfall time but also want a guided walk that shows the local side of where you’re going.

It’s also a good match if you’re okay with a moderate amount of walking and want both falls in the same day rather than splitting it across two trips.

If you’re a “waterfall only” person, you might appreciate that Kawasan is the bigger, more satisfying stop for swimming, while Mantayupan can be a bit more rough-and-real around steps. One feedback note even suggested skipping Mantayupan for the cleaner, larger feel of Kawasan, so it’s fair to keep expectations grounded.

Should you book this one-day waterfall tour?

I’d book it if you want two waterfall experiences in one shot with pickup, lunch, and guidance handled. The small group size, the chance to swim at Kawasan’s three levels, and the option for hydro massage make it feel like more than a quick photo stop.

I’d think twice if you’re sensitive to rougher terrain near waterfall steps, because Mantayupan can involve stair rail areas where ants were specifically flagged by one group. If that would bother you, you can still enjoy the day—just be careful where you step and focus on Kawasan as your main swim time.

If you want an easy, organized way to escape Cebu’s pace for one day, this combo is a practical choice.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 7:00 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 10 hours.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum group size of 10 travelers.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Is lunch provided?

Yes, lunch is included as a picnic lunch.

Is the hydro massage activity included?

The tour mentions hydro massage activity as an option. If you plan to do it, bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes.

Are drinks included?

No, drinks are not included.

What fitness level do I need?

The tour is listed for travelers with a moderate physical fitness level.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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