Best Day Trip from Moalboal with Kids: Kawasan Falls, Osmeña Peak & More

4 days ago
6 min read

Looking for the perfect day trip from Moalboal? From the turquoise waters of Kawasan Falls to the breathtaking views at Osmeña Peak, this family-friendly itinerary packs some of southern Cebu's best highlights into one unforgettable day.

Turquoise waters of Kawasan Waterfall, rocks and rainforest

Kawasan Falls

We met our driver in Panagsama Beach at 8:00 am and set off towards Kawasan Falls, one of Cebu's most famous waterfalls. The drive from Moalboal takes around 30-40 minutes, making it an easy first stop for the day.

After arriving, we paid the ₱200 per person entrance fee, collected our included life jackets and made the short walk to the falls. The water was an incredible turquoise colour, and swimming in the falls was so fun.

We arrived before 9:00 am, and it was still relatively quiet. By about 10:00 am, however, the crowds had really started to build. If you can, I'd recommend arriving as early as possible—so you can enjoy the waterfalls without the crowds.

Child on a swing rope over bright blue water in a jungle, Philippines

Travel Tip: On the walk back from Kawasan Falls to the carpark, stop at the rope swing over the turquoise lagoon. It costs just ₱10 per person and is a fun little extra, especially if you're travelling with kids.

Mother and daughter sitting on a bamboo raft on bright blue waters, surrounded by rainforest at Kanloab Falls, Cebu, Philippines

Kanlaob Falls

After visiting Kawasan Falls, we continued on to Kanlaob Falls, a much quieter waterfall, there was only a few local kids playing and jumping in.

When we arrived at around 11:00 am. It was peaceful, relaxing and a great place to cool off without the busy atmosphere of Kawasan Falls.

We spent about an hour here swimming, taking in the beautiful scenery and enjoying the amazingly turquoise waters.

Cambais Falls

After parking at the top of the hill, we followed a short walking track downhill, passing through a small local village before reaching the waterfall.

When we arrived, the falls were incredibly peaceful. Apart from a couple of local kids enjoying the water, we almost had the whole place to ourselves. The crystal-clear turquoise water was perfect for a refreshing swim, and the surrounding jungle made it feel like a hidden oasis.

Cancalanog Falls

If you're looking for a bit more adventure, Cancalanog Falls was probably the most exciting stop of the day.

The walk down to the falls is quite steep and takes around 20 minutes, but the effort is definitely worth it. Waiting at the bottom is a beautiful swimming hole with bright blue water, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush jungle.

What makes Cancalanog Falls so popular is the cliff jumping. There are several different jumping spots, including from the rocks and even the bridge, with plenty of people taking the plunge into the deep water below. My girls absolutely loved it and jumped in over and over again! If you're thinking of jumping too, always check the water depth and conditions first and only jump if you're confident.

2 girls on the back of a motorbike, being driven by a local Filipino kid driving in a small village

The walk back up is definitely the hardest part! Fortunately, local kids were offering motorbike rides back to the top for ₱50 per person. After the steep walk down and lots of swimming, jumping on the back of a motorbike for the ride uphill was awesome.

Travel Tip: Bring some cash for the motorbike ride back to the top. Your legs will thank you!

Family at the top of Osmena Peak with sun setting behind them. View across jaggered mountains, hills and ocean

Osmeña Peak

We finished our day at Osmeña Peak, the highest point in Cebu at 1,013 metres above sea level.

After arriving at the trailhead, we paid the entrance fee and were assigned a local guide. Hiring a guide is mandatory, and ours was incredibly friendly, pointing out the best viewpoints and leading us safely along the trail.

The walk to the summit is steadily uphill, taking around 30-40 minutes depending on your pace. Along the way, you'll pass local families selling fresh berries grown locally.

Once at the top, we were rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views over Cebu's jagged mountain peaks, rolling green countryside & sunsetting over the ocean.

After spending some time at the top, we followed our guide back down to the car before beginning the drive back to Panagsama Beach. We arrived back around dinner time after a full day of exploring.

It was a long day, but without a doubt one of our favourite days in the Philippines.

Mum and child at the summit of peak of Osmena, holding the Philippines Flag with mountains and green hills in the background

Lunch

One thing I'd do differently next time is stop for lunch a little earlier in the day.

There aren't many restaurants once you head into the mountains, so if you spot somewhere that looks good, I'd recommend asking your driver to pull over rather than waiting until you're really hungry.

It's also a good idea to pack plenty of snacks and water before setting off. With several waterfall stops, a mountain hike and plenty of swimming, it's a long and active day, and you'll be glad to have something to keep you going between stops.

Wanderers at Heart Tip: Don't rely on finding lots of food options in the mountains, stop for lunch when you find a restaurant you like rather than assuming there will be another one further along the route.

2 kids swimming in bright blue water next to a small waterfall surrounded by lush greenery

How Much Does a Day Trip From Moalboal Cost?

We arranged our driver after arriving in Moalboal and ended up sharing the day with another couple we met while travelling. The total cost for the private driver and car was ₱5,000 for the day.

If you're travelling as a couple or solo, it's worth asking around to see if anyone else is interested in sharing a tour. It can significantly reduce the cost.

If you'd rather have everything organised before you arrive, or you're short on time, you can also book a guided day tour online through GetYourGuide. Pre-booking is a great option if you prefer knowing everything is arranged in advance or you're visiting during a busier travel period.

Family at Kawasan falls, Waterfall with no one in the background

What to Bring

👙 Swimmers

🧺 Towel

🩴 Thongs or reef shoes for the waterfalls

🥾 Comfortable walking shoes for the hike to Osmeña Peak (we wore thongs, but proper shoes would have been a much better choice!)

🕶️ Sunglasses

🧢 Hat

🧥 A light jumper if you're staying for sunset, as it can feel cool on the mountain before the drive back to Moalboal

🍎 Snacks

💧 Plenty of water

📷 Camera

🎥 GoPro or waterproof phone case for the waterfalls

💵 A little cash for entrance fees, snacks and the ₱50 motorbike ride back up from Cancalanog Falls

Driving Times

I haven't included exact driving times between each stop, as we were too busy enjoying the day to keep track! Just be prepared for a few longer stretches in the car, especially as you head further into the mountains.

It's a full-day adventure, so I'd definitely recommend bringing plenty of snacks and water. Between the driving, swimming and hiking, you'll be glad to have them.

family swimming at Kawasan Falls, Cebu, Philippines

Is This Day Trip Worth It with Kids?

Absolutely!!!

This ended up being one of our favourite days in the Philippines. The girls loved swimming beneath the waterfalls, cliff jumping at Cancalanog Falls and hiking to the top of Osmeña Peak. There was always something new to see or do, which kept the day exciting from start to finish.

If we return to the Philippines, we'd happily spend another day exploring even more of Cebu's incredible waterfalls.

If you'd prefer to join an organised tour rather than arranging a private driver, there are several excellent day trips available through GetYourGuide, including waterfall tours, canyoneering adventures and mountain hikes. It's a convenient option if you like having everything organised before you arrive.

Kids on a bamboo raft at a waterfall in a jungle in Philippines.

Continue Planning Your Philippines Adventure

🇵🇭 Philippines Itinerary with Kids Our complete three-week family itinerary, including Cebu, Siargao, El Nido and Coron.

🐠 Moalboal Sardine Run Guide Everything you need to know about swimming with the famous sardine run and sea turtles.

📅 3 Days in Moalboal The perfect itinerary covering the best beaches, snorkelling, restaurants and nearby attractions.

🌴 Siargao Travel Guide Discover the best things to do in Siargao, from Sugba Lagoon and Magpupungko Rock Pools to coconut viewpoints and island life.

🚤 El Nido to Coron Boat Trip Everything you need to know about the unforgettable multi-day island-hopping adventure between El Nido and Coron.

View from Osmena Peak with mountains and ocean

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