Outdoors & Nature

Guide to Top 10 Waterfalls in the Philippines

Written by Patrick

Known for several paradisiacal beaches, the Philippines has other magnificent natural formations as well, such as waterfalls.

The Philippines is known as a go-to place for people seeking to explore magnificent natural resources particularly beaches. But there is more to the country than these white-sand beaches with crystal clear water. Mountains with breathtaking views are also plenty. So are waterfalls!

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Below we’ve listed the top 10 most popular waterfalls in the Philippines. Let’s go chase them!

1 | Pagsanjan Falls

Pagsanjan Falls

Caption: Pagsanjan Falls in Laguna Province

Location: Pagsanjan, Laguna (Luzon) View Map

Declared as a National Park, Pagsanjan Falls is a three-tiered waterfall located in Cavinti, Laguna, also known as Cavinti Falls. The waterfall can be reached by navigating the river using a dugout canoe originating from the town of Pagsanjan. The falls can also be reached by hiking from the town of Cavinti.

READ MORE: Pagsanjan Falls

2 | Maria Cristina Falls

Maria Cristina Falls

Caption: Maria Cristina Falls in Iligan City

Location: Iligan City, Lanao del Norte (Mindanao) View Map

Also called the twin falls because of a rock at the brink of the waterfall that separates the flow of the water, Maria Cristina Falls is the second-highest waterfall in the country. This natural creation is not just pleasing to the eye, it also serves as the primary source of electric power for the city. 

READ MORE: Maria Cristina Falls

3 | Tinago Falls

Tinago Falls

Caption: Tinago Falls in Iligan City

Location: Iligan City, Lanao del Norte (Mindanao) View Map

Another landmark in Iligan City, Tinago Falls is one of the most scenic in the city. Its multiple cascades fall into a basin-like pool hidden in a lush jungle, hence the name as “tinago”, a local word for hidden. Tinago Falls is so mesmerizing you might wonder if it’s for real.

READ MORE: Tinago Falls

4 | Limunsudan Falls

Limunsudan Falls

Caption: Limunsudan Falls | Image Source

Location: Iligan City, Lanao del Norte (Mindanao) View Map

If there is only one word to describe Limunsudan Falls, it would be grand! It is the tallest two-tiered waterfall in the country, with its two drops having almost the same height. It is located in a remote area that requires a 3 to 4-hour ride on dirt roads. To anyone who wants to visit the falls, make it a point to ask permission from the Higaonon Tribe of Bukidnon.

5 | Tinuy-an Falls

Tinuy-an Falls

Caption: Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig

Location: Bislig, Surigao del Sur (Mindanao) View Map

It may not be as tall as several other waterfalls in the country, but Tinuy-an Falls is the widest measuring 95 meters. It is even nicknamed the “Little Niagara Falls of the Philippines” because of its curtain-type appearance. It is also amazing to know that a rainbow appears in the area almost every morning between 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

READ MORE: Tinuy-an Falls

6 | Asik-Asik Falls

Asik-Asik Falls

Caption: Asik-Asik Falls in Alamada

Location: Alamada, Cotabato (Mindanao) View Map

If Tinago Falls is mesmerizing, Asik-Asik Falls is unique and probably mysterious as there is no evident source of water from above the wall or elsewhere. Instead, the frothy water sprouts from a wall covered by lush vegetation. The waterfall’s source is actually a subterranean river (a river under the earth’s surface).

7 | Aliwagwag Falls

Aliwagwag Falls

Caption: Aliwagwag Falls in Cateel

Location: Cateel, Davao Oriental (Mindanao) View Map

Aliwagwag Falls consists of over 120 small cascades totaling to more than 1,000 feet, therefore, making it the tallest waterfall in the country. While it’s lovely to see all the drops, seeing only a handful would be enough as one is just as awesome as the others. 

8 | Alalum Falls

Alalum Falls

Caption: Alalum Falls | Image Source

Location: Sumilao, Bukidnon (Mindanao) View Map

Alalum is derived from the local word “madalum” which means deep, in reference to its deep circular catch basin. Alalum Falls is a single layer waterfall that is about 45 meters in height. It is located beside a gorge along the highway hence the easiest falls to access.

9 | Kawasan Falls

Kawasan Falls

Caption: Kawasan Falls in Badian

Location: Badian, Cebu (Visayas) View Map

It may be tucked away in a tropical forest, but Kawasan Falls can get crowded especially during summer. It consists of three levels; with the last level having the biggest stream and wherein guests can access using bamboo rafts.

READ MORE: Kawasan Falls

10 | Seven Falls

Seven Falls

Caption: Seven Falls in Lake Sebu

Location: Lake Sebu, South Cotabato (Mindanao) View Map

As the name implies, Seven Falls consists of seven waterfalls, with the first one “Hikong Alo” as the easiest to access but swimming is prohibited. The second falls, named “Hikong Bente”, measures 70 feet in height and houses a 180-meter high zipline which claimed to be the highest and longest zipline in Southeast Asia. The rest of the falls are not accessible to the public but can be seen while on the zip line.

Have you been to any of these waterfalls in the Philippines? What do you think is the most beautiful waterfall(s) in the country? Feel free to share your thoughts, experiences, and suggestions in the comment section below.

READ MORE: List of Waterfalls in the Philippines

What waterfalls are on your bucket list?

About the Author

Patrick

Patrick is an entrepreneur, digital nomad, explorer, and photographer. Patrick is always in search of fun and adventure. He is well travelled throughout the world, and although location independent, his home base is Phoenix, Arizona in the USA. Patrick loves island lifestyle which is no wonder why he is so interested in spending time in the Philippines with it’s over 7,000 islands. Patrick created this site to share his knowledge of and experiences in the Philippines with Filipinos as well as other foreigners.

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