Kabutongan Falls
Malabuyoc, Cebu · Central Visayas
Also known as Looc Falls.
- Canyoneering
- Cliff jumping
- Cave
- Swimming
- Stream trek
A four-level river canyon in southern Cebu with milky blue pools, a cave behind the main drop and cliff jumps of up to 9 m.
Kabutongan Falls is a four-level waterfall system inside a narrow limestone canyon in Barangay Looc, on the boundary between Malabuyoc and Ginatilan. The trek follows the river through waist-deep water and boulder fields before opening onto the main cascade, which pours into a deep turquoise pool. Swimmers can cross the pool and pass under the falling water to reach a cave about 20 m deep behind the drop. Jump platforms of roughly 5 m and 8 to 9 m on the canyon wall are the usual finale. The site is managed locally, and a guide and life vest are part of the standard arrangement.
Key facts
- Height
- ≈ 15 mestimateNo surveyed figure is published. Trip reports put the main drop between roughly 15 and 50 ft (5 to 15 m), while the four-level system as a whole is taller; the cliff-jump platforms on the canyon wall stand 5 to 9 m above the pool.
- Type
- Multi-tierWhat this means
- Difficulty
- ChallengingHow we rate this
- Opening hours
- 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM dailyHours are indicative. Confirm locally before travelling.
- Entrance fee
- ₱100 per personPlus about ₱20 parking. A guide costs about ₱300 per group and life vest rental is extra.Fees can change without notice. Confirm locally before travelling.
- Best season
- December to May (dry season); the canyon is prone to flash floods during heavy rain
- Barangay
- Looc
- Coordinates
- 9.6137, 123.3302
How to get to Kabutongan Falls
From Cebu City South Bus Terminal, take a bus bound for Bato via Barili (3 to 4 hours) and get off at the junction near San Isidro Chapel in Barangay Looc, Malabuyoc. A habal-habal covers the last 1.5 km uphill to the registration area.
Facilities on site
- Parking
- Restrooms
- Registration desk
- Guide service
- Life vests for rent
Accessibility & fitness
A 30 to 60 minute river trek with waist-deep wading, short swims and scrambling over large boulders. Not suitable for beginners, young children or anyone uneasy in deep water.
Location map
Coordinates are approximate. Use them as a starting point and follow local signage on arrival.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Kabutongan Falls located?
Kabutongan Falls is in Malabuyoc, Cebu, within Central Visayas. Its coordinates are 9.6137, 123.3302.
How do I get to Kabutongan Falls?
From Cebu City South Bus Terminal, take a bus bound for Bato via Barili (3 to 4 hours) and get off at the junction near San Isidro Chapel in Barangay Looc, Malabuyoc. A habal-habal covers the last 1.5 km uphill to the registration area.
How much is the entrance fee at Kabutongan Falls?
The entrance fee at Kabutongan Falls is ₱100 per person. Plus about ₱20 parking. A guide costs about ₱300 per group and life vest rental is extra. Fees can change without notice, so confirm the current rate locally before travelling.
How difficult is the trek to Kabutongan Falls?
Kabutongan Falls is rated challenging on our scale. A 30 to 60 minute river trek with waist-deep wading, short swims and scrambling over large boulders. Not suitable for beginners, young children or anyone uneasy in deep water. See our difficulty guide for the criteria.
What type of waterfall is Kabutongan Falls?
We describe Kabutongan Falls as a multi-tier waterfall. A tall fall made of many closely stacked tiers, so the whole face looks like a staircase. We use this when the steps are too numerous or too tight to count from below. Type describes the shape of the drop, not how hard the fall is to reach.
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