Osmena Peak & Kawasan Falls day trip: Private hike & swim

Hike to a 1,000-meter peak, then swim in turquoise waterfalls

A private, 13-hour guided day trip from Cebu City combines hiking Osmena Peak (standing 1,000 meters above sea level) with a nature trek and swim at Kawasan Falls. The tour includes hotel pickup, a private vehicle, lunch at a local restaurant, packed snacks and an English-speaking guide. It requires moderate physical fitness and is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy or cardiovascular concerns.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike Osmena Peak and swim Kawasan Falls

• Hike 20 minutes to Osmena Peak
• Enjoy views of hills, farms, and sea
• Take 15-20 minute nature trek to Kawasan Falls
• Swim in turquoise cool waters

The experience

Osmena Peak is a 20-minute hike from the trailhead, rewarding the climb with views of pointed limestone hills, farmland and the sea stretching to the horizon. The peak sits among the highest points on Cebu Island, and the vantage from the top frames the landscape in a way ground-level views cannot. After descending, you move on to Kawasan Falls with a short nature trek of 15 to 20 minutes through rivers and trees, the sound of rushing water growing louder as you approach.

At Kawasan Falls, the water runs cold and turquoise, fed by the mountain streams you just walked past. Swimming here is the centerpiece of the afternoon: the falls drop into a pool deep enough to wade and dive into, and the setting is framed by the forest canopy. A guide leads both the hike and the water portion, pacing the day so you move between the two sites without long waits. Hotel pickup and drop-off bookend the trip, and lunch at a local restaurant plus packed snacks keep you fueled through the full 13 hours.

The private vehicle means no crowded vans and no waiting for other groups to finish their photos. Your guide speaks English and coordinates the timing so the swimming window aligns with the warmest part of the day. Bring a bathing suit, comfortable hiking clothes and walking shoes. The terrain is uneven and wet in places, and the hike demands steady footing.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cebu City.
• private vehicle transport.
• English-speaking guide for the full day.
• lunch at a local restaurant.
• packed snacks.
• swimming and hiking access at both sites.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (4 to 90 years) · Child (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Cebu Trip Tours

Is this one for you?The 13-hour day and moderate hiking pace suit travelers with time to spare and comfort on uneven terrain. If you prefer a shorter outing or want to skip the early-morning start, a half-day waterfall-only tour may fit better.

Traveler reviews

4.60★★★★★★★★★★

5 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 4): free.

How difficult is the hike to Osmena Peak?

The hike to Osmena Peak takes 20 minutes and requires moderate physical fitness. The trail is steep but short, and the reward is the view from 1,000 meters above sea level looking out over farmland and the sea.

What should I bring for swimming at Kawasan Falls?

Bring a bathing suit, a towel and water shoes or sandals with grip. The rocks around the pool are slippery, and the water is cold year-round, so a quick-dry shirt is useful if you plan to hike back in wet clothes.

Does the tour include food?

Lunch at a local restaurant and packed snacks are included. The lunch break happens between the peak hike and the waterfall swim, giving you time to rest and refuel before the water portion.

What time does the day trip start and end?

The tour runs for 13 hours total with hotel pickup from your accommodation in Cebu City. The exact start time depends on your hotel location and the guide's pickup schedule, which is confirmed when you book.