Welcome to the Philippines
Welcome to our Philippines blog series, your gateway to one of the most breathtakingly diverse destinations in Asia! From the moment we landed, the Philippines has captivated us with its postcard-perfect islands, crystal-clear waters, and the warmest smiles we’ve ever encountered. Whether it's swimming with whale sharks, relaxing on white sandy beaches, or exploring vibrant cities, this country offers an adventure for every kind of traveller.
It’s not just the natural beauty though, Filipino hospitality is next level, and the food? Let’s just say we’re hooked on Sisig and pork adobo. Whether you're looking for a dreamy island escape or an adrenaline-packed adventure, the Philippines is calling your name.
Come along as we uncover the best this paradise has to offer! We’re so excited to share our experiences, top tips, and everything you need to plan your trip.
Quick insights into the Philippines:
Capital City: Manila
Official Language: Filipino and English
Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
Best Time to Visit: The internet says the dry season is between November to April, but it’s more like March to May.
Packing Essentials: Swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, and a dry bag for island hopping
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Radisson Blu Cebu Hotel Review: A Luxurious Stay in Cebu City’s Heart
Looking for a luxurious escape in Cebu City? Look no further than Radisson Blu Cebu. Situated in the heart of the city, this 5-star hotel offers everything you need for a comfortable and unforgettable stay. From spacious rooms and stunning views to world-class amenities and top-notch service, we share our experience at Radisson Blu Cebu and why it’s the ultimate choice for travellers seeking a premium stay in Cebu.
From the moment we stepped into Radisson Blu Cebu, we knew this was going to be more than just a place to rest. It was a five-star experience from start to finish. After weeks of backpacking and hopping between budget stays, this felt like pure luxury.
A Warm Welcome and an Effortless Check-In
Arriving at the hotel felt like stepping into a different world. The grand lobby, with its high ceilings and elegant decor, instantly set the tone. The staff welcomed us with warm smiles and impeccable service, which made us feel like VIPs. Check-in was a breeze, and before we knew it, we were heading up to our room, excited to see what was in store!
Spacious & Stylish Rooms
As soon as we walked in, we were hit with the feeling of comfort and space. The room was massive, with a superking or emperor-sized bed that looked like it belonged in a magazine. Our room was nothing short of amazing. Spacious, spotless, and with all the little luxuries you’d expect from a five-star hotel. A spacious work desk made editing and planning our videos effortless, giving us the perfect spot to stay productive while enjoying the comfort of our room.
Our favourite part of the room, besides the massive bed, was the rain shower. Easily the best we’ve ever had in terms of pressure, space and temperature. We even asked for robes, and they delivered them to our room, the perfect bonus to our stay.
After a long day of exploring Cebu, this was the perfect retreat. And the best part? The soundproofing. Despite being in the heart of the city, we slept like babies.
This was the kind of place where you could just sink into the pillows and forget the outside world.
Breakfast Worth Waking Up For
We take hotel breakfasts very seriously, and Radisson Blu absolutely delivered. The buffet had everything from local Filipino favourites to international classics. Fresh pastries, tropical fruits, made-to-order omelettes… we could’ve stayed there all morning. Have you ever had ice cream for breakfast? Well, at Radisson Blu Cebu, there is a self-service ice cream station for breakfast (it’s insane, to be honest). I felt like my childhood dreams had finally come true.
Pro tip: Don’t take big portions, as you will likely want to try a bit of everything!
Poolside Joy & 5-Star Facilities
The pool area was an oasis in the middle of the city. Surrounded by palm trees, with plenty of loungers, it felt like a mini tropical escape. Unfortunately for us, it was raining during most of our stay, but nonetheless we still enjoyed the swimming pool in between the sunshine and rain.
We also checked out the hotel’s spa and gym, both of which were top-notch. Whether you want to unwind with a massage or keep up with your workouts, they’ve got you covered.
In terms of dining options there are three restaurants you can choose from with a range of cuisines. However, because of convenience and budget, we decided to eat at the SM City Cebu mall located right next to the hotel (we even had a private shortcut from the hotel).
Why We’d Stay Here Again (And Again!)
Radisson Blu Cebu isn’t just a fancy hotel, it’s an experience. The combination of luxury, comfort, and outstanding service made our stay unforgettable. Whether you’re visiting Cebu for business or leisure, this place ticks all the boxes.
Would we stay here again? 100% yes. And if you’re looking for a hotel that blends elegance with convenience, this is it.
đź“Ť Watch our full experience in our YouTube video!
If you’ve stayed in this hotel or other Radisson Blue hotels, let us know your experience in the comments! If you enjoyed this blog, make sure to drop a like and share. 🏨🛎️
Our Philippines Videos
What Is It Like Flying to Manila? First Time Travelling to the Philippines
We Stayed in a $150 Luxury Hotel in the Philippines, Cebu City 🇵đź‡
We Woke Up At 3AM To See The Best Views In Cebu, Philippines
Bohol Philippines First Impressions (FILIPINO LOCALS ARE THE BEST!)
We Can't Believe This Happened To Us In The Philippines...
This Filipino Food Is TOP 41 IN THE WORLD! (Reacting To Philippines Food)
Is Jollibee Underrated? Rating McDonald's vs Jollibee In The Philippines
First Time Trying Filipino Food in Bohol! (Ultimate Filipino Food Tour)
Cebu City Philippines First Impressions 🇵🇠(FILIPINO FOOD IS THE BEST!)
Best Thing To Do in Bohol, Philippines (NO ONE TALKS ABOUT THIS!)
How To Travel Bohol in 2 Days (Philippines Most Underrated Island?)
How To Get From Bohol to Cebu City? We Did it So EASY and AFFORDABLE!
Visiting Kawasan Falls in 2025 Might Not Be What You Expect
Kawasan Falls in Cebu Island is famous for its stunning turquoise waters, but visiting in 2025 comes with some surprising changes. If you’re planning a trip, here’s a glimpse of what to expect and how it might differ from what you’ve read or seen before
When you think of Kawasan Falls in Cebu, Philippines, the first thing that likely comes to mind is its crystal-clear, "Gatorade blue" waters and thrilling canyoneering tours. It’s one of the most famous attractions in Cebu, frequently featured in travel blogs and vlogs. But what if you’re on a budget or simply not interested in canyoneering? Can you still enjoy the falls? After visiting Kawasan Falls on 5th February 2025, we’re here to share the latest updates and tips for anyone planning a trip. Spoiler alert: Things have changed quite a bit since the many blog posts on the internet from a few years ago!
A Quick Intro to the Famous Kawasan Falls
Kawasan Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall in Badian, Cebu, known for its insane turquoise waters and surrounding jungle vibes. Back in the day, travellers could freely explore all the levels, swim close to the cascades, and even cliff jump, all without needing a guide. But if you’re planning to visit now, things are a little different, so here’s what you need to know in 2025.
Our Experience at Kawasan Falls
Before heading there, we did a ton of research and found blogs and videos from a few years ago showing people exploring all the levels on their own. They’d be swimming, hiking, and even cliff-jumping, all without a tour or guide. Excited by the idea of discovering Kawasan Falls, we decided to check it out ourselves.
When we arrived, we paid the 200 pesos per person entrance fee and were told that only level 1 of the falls was accessible unless we joined a canyoneering tour. On top of that, independent visitors are only allowed to stay for a maximum of 3 hours. We asked why this change had been implemented, but due to the language barrier, we couldn’t get a clear answer. It was a bit disappointing, especially since we had seen previous travellers explore all the levels without any issues. Regardless, we respected the rules and made the most of our visit to level 1.
Despite the restrictions, the waterfall is undeniably stunning. The water is as vibrantly blue as it looks in photos, and arriving early at 8 AM meant we had the area mostly to ourselves for a short while. But to be completely honest, the experience felt quite limited. There was a rope blocking us from getting near the waterfall, and wearing life jackets was mandatory at all times. While we understand these safety measures, they did feel overly restrictive compared to other waterfalls we’ve visited in the Philippines. The entrance fee is relatively high for what you get, especially since we couldn’t explore beyond the first level.
Is Kawasan Falls Worth It Without a Canyoneering Tour?
It really depends on what kind of traveller you are. If you’re into adrenaline adventure and don’t mind booking a tour for a higher cost, the canyoneering experience looks awesome. You’ll get access to the upper levels, jump off cliffs, and have a bit more freedom to explore.
But if you’re like us and prefer exploring on your own to save some money, you might find Kawasan Falls a bit underwhelming. The beauty of the falls is undeniable, but the restrictions, time limit, and relatively high cost make it hard to justify if you’re only seeing level 1. If you’re more into off-the-beaten-path spots, there are other waterfalls in Cebu and the Philippines that might be a better fit.
Tips for Visiting Kawasan Falls
How to Get There:
From Cebu City: Take a bus from the South Bus Terminal heading to Badian. The journey takes approximately 3-4 hours and costs around 150 pesos.
From Moalboal: Kawasan Falls is about a 40-minute ride from Moalboal. You can take a bus or hire a habal-habal (motorbike taxi) for around 200-300 pesos.
*We did it by renting a motorbike from Cebu city (the place is called Chad Motorcycle Rental, the kindest people we met, highly recommend booking here) and spent 3 nights exploring the south of Cebu island. Once we arrived, we just asked the locals where we could park for free, and they guided us to the gate in front of the church where all other bikes are parked.
Best Time to Visit:
Arrive early (around 7 AM) to enjoy the falls before the crowds arrive. Around 9.30/ 10 AM is already packed with people both canyoneering and swimming without a tour.
What to Bring:
Other Tips:
Don’t be afraid to ask people to take photos of you; everyone is so kind in the Philippines, but other tourists will likely say yes as well.
If you have swimming goggles, feel free to bring them, but be aware that the water is not transparent, so you won’t be able to see the bottom.
There are other rules that you need to follow, such as no smoking or vaping at the waterfalls.
If you’re interested in canyoneering, book a tour in advance. Prices typically range from 1,500 to 2,000 pesos per person, including guides and safety gear.
So Should You Go to Kawasan Falls in 2025?
Kawasan Falls is gorgeous, no doubt about it. But if you’re not into canyoneering, the current restrictions and time limit might make the trip feel a little rushed and limited. If you’re set on visiting, aim to get there early for the best experience at level 1. Otherwise, consider checking out other waterfalls in Cebu or the Philippines that offer more freedom and fewer crowds. But at the end of the day the choice is yours and sometimes you just have to go and try it out for yourself!
Have you been to Kawasan Falls recently? We’d love to hear about your experience! Drop a comment below, and don’t forget to check out our YouTube video, Are The Kawasan Falls Worth Visiting In 2025? 🇵🇠Must-Know Tips & Secrets! for more insights!
If you enjoyed this blog, make sure to drop a like and share. 🏝️✨
Our Philippines Videos
What Is It Like Flying to Manila? First Time Travelling to the Philippines
We Stayed in a $150 Luxury Hotel in the Philippines, Cebu City 🇵đź‡
We Woke Up At 3AM To See The Best Views In Cebu, Philippines
Bohol Philippines First Impressions (FILIPINO LOCALS ARE THE BEST!)
We Can't Believe This Happened To Us In The Philippines...
This Filipino Food Is TOP 41 IN THE WORLD! (Reacting To Philippines Food)
Is Jollibee Underrated? Rating McDonald's vs Jollibee In The Philippines
First Time Trying Filipino Food in Bohol! (Ultimate Filipino Food Tour)
Cebu City Philippines First Impressions 🇵🇠(FILIPINO FOOD IS THE BEST!)
Best Thing To Do in Bohol, Philippines (NO ONE TALKS ABOUT THIS!)
How To Travel Bohol in 2 Days (Philippines Most Underrated Island?)
How To Get From Bohol to Cebu City? We Did it So EASY and AFFORDABLE!