Kawasan Falls is a tranquil set of mountainous falls located in the town of Badian, Cebu. This cascade of crystal-clear spring water is a must for anyone in the area. Its lush green surroundings alone are enough to lighten your lungs from the weight of local tricycle exhaust, but its true allure is only experienced once you slip into its cool waters for a refreshing dip. You can enjoy a rare treat swimming under Kawasan Falls' firm chutes of water—a natural waterfall massage! Although not necessarily among the accepted and popularized ranks of Shiatsu or Swedish massage, a waterfall massage is a unique pleasure seldom available to most.

An easy 20 minute walk along the gurgling river path from the main road will lead you to the first tier of Kawasan Falls. The largest of the three Falls, the first tier is also the busiest. Light blue water gushes from the mountain into a large pool below. Locals greet you warmly and offer you the opportunity to take a bamboo raft under the Falls for a few hundred pesos. Although it's hard to resist the urge to cease your swimming pursuits here, if you continue on to the second set of Falls you'll find a more secluded swimming spot and an opportunity for the massage of a lifetime.

Just 15 minutes further up the path is a much quieter and smaller set of Falls. Wading down the stairs and into the water, the more solitary surroundings allow for an easier environment to position yourself under Falls without going under. As the water from Kawasan Falls stems out over the mountain ledge and onto your shoulders and head, the water droplets are transformed into liquid fingers. The soothing movement of cool water streaming over you releases tension and eases sore muscles.

Thoroughly cool and content, a final 20 minutes of hiking will transport you to the final tier of Kawasan Falls. Not nearly as grand or imposing as the first two tiers, the third set of Falls are framed by towering bamboo, simple family living and soaring stone face. Although there are locals at the first two Falls, at the third you'll find a sweetly-simple family. Living quite a ways up the mountain, the seclusion doesn't seem to have affected them much, and they bear some of the warmest smiles in the Philippines.

A trip to Kawasan Falls takes you to a time and place where waterfalls aren't framed by tourist traps and mazes of concrete and steel, but instead are highlighted by soaring palms and bamboo bridges. Here you can swim in the waters amongst locals and enjoy some of the simplest, yet most rewarding pleasures nature has to offer.

For the best weather conditions, try and time your visit during the dry season which runs from November through April. Kawasan Falls is best accessed from Moalboal. From here you can hire a van, or take local transport via tricycle, bus or jeepney.

If you're are not a strong swimmer it is inadvisable to swim under Kawasan Falls unless you use a life vest, which are available on site. Alternatively, for a twist on the natural waterfall massage you can also opt to ride one of the bamboo rafts under the Falls for a less strenuous version. If you are uncomfortable swimming at all, you can also just visit Kawasan Falls and take in the wonderful views. The paths to and from Kawasan Falls are lined with countless indigenous plants, local culture and plenty of authentic natural beauty.

If you interested in staying at Kawasan Falls there are also small modest cottages at the base of the Falls that you can rent for a few hundred pesos a night.