Kabukalan Spring: Kawasan's Gorgeous Source

One of the most popular tourist spots in the island of Cebu is Badian town’s Kawasan Falls. Considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the province, Kawasan Falls is visited by thousands of people every month because of its gorgeous drops and turquoise waters.

Now, it is important to note that ‘Kawasan’ is actually made up of two major drops. The first one we see (Drop Number One) is often referred to as Station 1. This drop is the most iconic and the most popular (probably due to the fact that most visitors end up stopping at this station.) Station 2, which is located several hundred meters away, consists of at least three smaller drops. A lot of people who choose to leave Station 1 and explore further end up finally stopping and swimming here. With the small drops surrounded by steep slopes, it is easy to understand why a lot of people prefer to give up and just enjoy the water in Station 2. However, for those who are not aware, Kawasan actually has a Station 3. This station, however, does not have a waterfall. Instead, Station 3 is where the ‘source’ is located. This source is known among locals as Kabukalan Spring.

Although I have visited Kabukalan Spring numerous times in the past, I have never really spent a lot of time there. Normally, I would just trek towards it, take a few photos, and then head back to Station 2 or Station 1 a few minutes later to swim or relax. So, for this trip, my main goal was to focus on Station 3 and spend as much time as possible in the area. I did it because although it may not look as grand as the other two drops, I’ve always considered Station 3 one of Cebu’s most beautiful natural wonders.

So here are my photos from my most recent visit to Kawasan Falls and the Kabukalan Spring in Barangay Matutinao, in the town of Badian.

After a short fifteen-minute trek from the highway, you will reach Kawasan Falls’ Station 1. In the photo below, the main drop is visible from a small wooden bridge.

Kawasan’s first drop is about 40 meters high. Below the drop is a gorgeous natural pool which is perfect for swimming or bamboo rafting.

The trek from Station 1 to Station 2 takes about ten minutes. Along the way, you will see several smaller drops.

Station 2 has at least 3 most prominent drops which are about 20 meters high. The natural pool below the drops are more shallow compared to the one in Station 1. This explains why a lot of visitors prefer to spend their time here.

If you want to be a little more adventurous, you can proceed to Station 3 or the Source which is located around 20 minutes away from Station 2. Please note that 20 minutes is a very generous estimate. If you are an experienced trekker, I’m pretty sure you can make it in less than 10 minutes.

Now, what makes Station 3 different is the fact that it isn’t a waterfall but a spring. The water that feeds the whole Kawasan Waterfall system comes from the Kabukalan Spring — a spring which flows from a cave and cascades over those rocks over there.

Right next to the rocks is a crystal clear blue-green pool that will totally take your breath away.

As promised, I did spend a lot of time at Kabukalan Spring. And why wouldn’t I when I got this mini natural jacuzzi all to myself?

View of the pool and the river from my jacuzzi.

Natural cool water flowing from the cave straight to the rocks below.

The Kabukalan Spring happens to be the last leg of the canyoneering adventure, by the way. They basically start at Canlaob Spring in Alegria, trek through the river, and exit at the Kabukalan Spring in Badian. So don’t be surprised if you will see a group of excited adventure-seekers floating by every once in a while.

Related Reading: CANLAOB FALLS: A BEAUTIFUL REDISCOVERY