What makes traveling to Cebu, Philippines, so fascinating? For me, it’s the stunning white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the breathtaking gradient of colors at White Beach in Moalboal. Add to that an adventure in the forest and a refreshing dip in the cool waters of the magnificent Kawasan Falls. Both of these gems are located in Moalboal, Cebu.
Moalboal is a small town known for its serene beaches, clear blue waters, and tranquil atmosphere. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, whether you’re spending a weekend or an entire week. It’s the perfect getaway to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Located just a 3-hour bus ride from Cebu City, Moalboal is easily accessible. A ticket from Cebu South Bus Terminal costs around PHP 130. Once you arrive, you’ll find it convenient to explore some of Cebu’s most stunning attractions.
Tourists can take a trip to Pescador Island to swim with sardines and sea turtles, go canyoneering at Kawasan Falls, snorkel at Lambug Beach to discover beautiful starfish, enjoy the nightlife at Panagsama Beach, and savor local cuisine in the area.
However, due to limited time, I couldn’t visit all these places. I only spent three days there, so I chose to visit the two places I mentioned earlier—Kawasan Falls and White Beach Moalboal. I explored these popular attractions after swimming with whale sharks in Oslob. Traveling from Oslob to Moalboal requires a bus transfer at Bato, and the journey takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the waiting time for the second bus.
Upon arriving in Moalboal, the bus stops near the market, marking the center of the small town. I stayed at Moalboal Tropics Hotel, which is not located near the beach but in a more residential area. For two nights, I paid PHP 990 (around IDR 271,000). The hotel was quite nice and included a swimming pool. From the market, I had to walk about a kilometer to reach the hotel.
I checked in at the hotel in the late afternoon and spent the evening relaxing by the pool, watching people enjoy the slides. Later, I went out to grab dinner at McDonald’s. The town is quiet at night, with not much to do. After dinner, I returned to the hotel to rest and recharge for my trip to Kawasan Falls the next day.
Kawasan Falls
If there’s one place you shouldn’t miss when visiting Cebu, it’s Kawasan Falls, one of the most popular waterfalls in the Philippines. For Instagram enthusiasts, this spot is a dream—arguably one of the most photogenic locations in Cebu. You might even end up spending more time snapping photos than enjoying the falls themselves!
Kawasan Falls is technically located in Badian, a small town neighboring Moalboal. If you’re traveling from Cebu City, you can hop on a bus directly to Badian. The journey takes about 3–4 hours, depending on traffic, with tickets costing approximately 140 PHP. Air-conditioned buses are slightly more expensive than non-air-conditioned ones.
From Moalboal to Kawasan Falls, you can catch a bus heading to Badian, which takes just 30–40 minutes. Buses arrive every 15–30 minutes, and the waiting area is right in front of Moalboal Market. These local buses are widely used by the locals. Onboard, the conductor will collect your fare and issue a ticket. Once in Badian, the bus will stop directly in front of Matutinao Beach Resort.
Upon getting off the bus, I followed a group of locals heading toward Kawasan Falls. The route involves a short hike along a dirt path with clear signs pointing the way, so getting lost is unlikely.
There’s no need to hire a guide, despite the offers you might receive, as the trail is straightforward. Simply follow the path alongside the small river. Along the way, there are food and drink stalls, as well as vendors selling fresh coconuts.
After a 5–7 minute walk, I reached the entrance to Kawasan Falls. The entrance fee is 40 PHP for foreign tourists and 20 PHP for locals. Sometimes, Filipinos mistake me for a local, but this time I couldn’t pass as one since I spoke English, so I paid the tourist price.
Continuing on, I hiked for another 10 minutes to reach the first waterfall, the most popular and crowded of the three falls. This area was bustling with visitors, surrounded by eating spots and resting areas.
Around the pool, there were tables, chairs, and umbrellas available, giving it a beach-like vibe. Many people swam in bikinis. The turquoise-blue water was stunning—it was my first time seeing such a color at a waterfall. Visitors could also rent a bamboo raft for 500 PHP per hour, suitable for group use.
However, the crowds dampened my experience. I climbed to the upper level of the falls to take some photos. From there, the view was fantastic as I could see the entire waterfall. After enjoying the scenery, I continued to the second waterfall, which was about a 10-minute hike.
This area was quieter, though still visited by a fair number of people. Some swam, while others jumped into the water from heights. I changed into my swimwear and took a dip in the crystal-clear pool. The water was icy but refreshing. Occasionally, I heard the screams of people canyoneering—sliding down from higher areas and plunging into the pool. It was fun to watch their reactions.
The cold water kept me from staying in too long, so I soon returned to the shore to dry off. Just as I was warming up, it started to drizzle. I quickly headed back to the first waterfall for shelter. There’s a third waterfall further up, but it’s a much steeper climb.
Halfway back to the first waterfall, the rain became heavier. Luckily, I found an unused and empty hut where I waited for the rain to stop. The rain and dropping temperatures dampened my mood, so I decided to head back to Moalboal.
White Beach Moalboal
White Beach and Panagsama Beach are about 3–4 kilometers from Moalboal’s town center. You can take a tricycle (similar to a rickshaw) or a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) to get there. A habal-habal ride costs less than a dollar, while tricycle fares are around 2 USD.
However, if drivers know you’re a foreigner, they might double the price. Since fares aren’t fixed, it depends on the driver’s honesty and your bargaining skills. I negotiated with a habal-habal driver to take me to Panagsama Beach based on a friend’s recommendation. He initially declined but eventually agreed after raising the fare slightly.
On my third day in Moalboal, I switched accommodations to Moalboal Backpacker Lodge in Panagsama Beach, Basdiot, for 350 PHP. This area had a livelier vibe, with many tourists. At the lodge, almost all the guests were foreigners, except me.
Tourists love this area for its seaside charm and numerous dining options. However, I didn’t enjoy the food much as it tasted bland. After lunch, I planned a visit to White Beach Moalboal.
The best way to explore Moalboal is by tricycle. Fares from Panagsama Beach to White Beach range from 3–6 USD. The ride takes about 15 minutes.
As we approached White Beach, visitors were required to pay an entrance fee. White Beach is a popular destination in Moalboal and was already quite crowded when I arrived. Most visitors were locals with tents set up along the beach. Still, I enjoyed the soft white sand and crystal-clear water.
After a few minutes, I understood why people brought tents—it was incredibly hot! I wrapped a towel around my head for shade. Although I wanted to swim, I couldn’t leave my backpack unattended, so I lounged on the beach, played in the sand, and waited for the sunset.
As the day ended, I enjoyed the breathtaking sunset, a perfect way to wrap up my Moalboal adventure.