Tumalog Falls: Exploring Cebu’s Hidden Jungle Waterfall

Last Updated on October 27, 2025 by Sam

Tumalog Falls is one of Cebu’s most impressive waterfalls. It’s arguably more majestic than Kawasan Falls, with several streams of water cascading down a mossy cliff face into a turquoise pool below. Although it’s just a short drive from Oslob, Tumalog Falls wasn’t even discovered until 2012 due to its remote jungle location. Thankfully, it’s now easily accessible by road. It’s a must-see for nature lovers, and was a real highlight of our Philippines itinerary. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Tumalog Falls.

Tumalog Falls Information

Tumalog Falls Entrance Fee: 50 pesos (as of 2025).

Tumalog Falls Height: 80–100 metres (262–328 feet).

Tumalog Falls Opening Hours: Open daily, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM (last entry at 3:30 PM). Closed on the second Wednesday of the month.

How To Get to Tumalog Falls From Oslob

Tumalog Falls is a 20–25-minute drive from Oslob, a spot best known for its whale shark encounters. The easiest way to get to the falls from Oslob is to rent a motorbike or scooter, which costs around 400–500 pesos per day.

Alternatively, a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) should cost around 50–100 pesos per person one-way. This is a convenient option if you’re just heading to Tumalog Falls, but if you also want to visit Kawasan Falls, it’s best to either rent a bike yourself or join an organised tour.

We strongly recommend avoiding whale shark tours in Oslob as they rely on unethical feeding practices. Click here to find out more.

How To Get to Tumalog Falls From Cebu City

From Cebu City, take a southbound bus toward Oslob and ask the driver to drop you off at Tumalog Falls. Tickets cost about 120–150 pesos, and the bus will drop you off along the main road at the turnoff to the falls. From there, you’ll need to take a habal-habal to the car park, which costs 50 pesos one-way.

We don’t recommend visiting Tumalog Falls from Cebu City, as the journey is long and you’ll end up spending more time on the bus than enjoying the falls. Instead, find somewhere to stay in the south of Cebu Island and you can easily visit without spending hours on a bus!

The Walk to Tumalog Falls

It’s just a 10-minute walk from the Tumalog Falls car park to the waterfall itself, but it’s down a very steep road. If you don’t fancy the walk, you can take a habal-habal to the entrance for 30 pesos one-way or 50 pesos for a return trip.

We’d suggest taking the habal-habal, as there’s not much to see on the walk. It’s steep so it can feel a little scary, but the drivers are experienced, and the ride is over before you know it.

The entrance to Tumalog Falls is at the bottom of the road, and once you’ve paid the 50 pesos to enter, it’s just a short walk to the waterfall itself. You’ll probably want to snap a few pictures, but it probably won’t be long before you’re wanting to dive in to cool off, so make sure to be in your swimming gear.

A person standing in the turquoise pool at the base of Tumalog Falls.

Best Time To Visit Tumalog Falls

For the best weather, visit Tumalog Falls during Cebu’s dry season (December to May). December, January, and February are particularly good times to visit, as the falls are often still flowing strongly after the rainy season.

During the later part of the dry season, the waterfall can have a much weaker flow and may occasionally dry out. Cebu’s rainy season runs roughly from June to November and Tumalog Falls is typically at its most powerful during these months, especially as the season progresses.

Tips for Visiting

Tumalog Falls Viewpoint: There are no specific viewpoints, but there are a couple of spots that offer great views of the falls if you want to get some photos. One of the best spots is a small mound along the road to the falls, but you can get some great pictures from anywhere, particularly with a wide-angle lens.

Take a habal-habal back up: Even if you walk down to the falls, we recommend taking a habal-habal back up to save you from getting sweaty as you walk up.

Powered by GetYourGuide

FAQs: Tumalog Falls

Can you swim at Tumalog Falls?

Swimming is allowed at Tumalog Falls, but the water is usually quite shallow. It’s normally around knee-deep, but it’s still good for a quick dip to cool off from the heat.

Are there facilities at Tumalog Falls?

There are some basic facilities, including toilets, changing rooms, and a small shop near the entrance. It’s best to bring anything you might need with you, as there’s not much else immediately nearby.

Is Tumalog Falls ever closed to visitors?

Tumalog Falls is closed every second Wednesday of the month to help clean the area and protect the surrounding nature. It also closes late in the dry season if the water runs dry, which sometimes happens between March and May.

How cold is the water?

The water is fairly cool, but we found it incredibly refreshing considering the fairly intense heat in the Philippines!

How long do you need to spend at Tumalog Falls?

It’s worth spending at least 30–60 minutes at Tumalog Falls, but you can easily stay longer if you want to relax in the pool and enjoy the views.

Are there any other waterfalls to visit nearby?

The iconic Kawasan Falls is about a 90-minute drive away and is a must-see. For something more adventurous, Aguinid Falls is around 45 minutes away and is an incredible eight-tiered waterfall that you can actually climb.

Like this guide to Tumalog Falls? Pin it!
Tumalog falls on Cebu Island is one of the most amazing waterfalls to see when you travel the Philippines. Skip the unethical whale sharks tours in Oslob and add an adventure to Tumalog falls to your itinerary. The falls themselves are one of the most beautiful places on Cebu, and are great fun to visit as you swim in the water surrounded by the stunning nature of the fall. Discover one of the best places to visit on Cebu with this travel guide to Tumalog falls! #cebu #waterfall #philippines