Things To Do
in Badian
Badian is a coastal municipality in Cebu Province on the island of Cebu, Philippines. It is renowned for Kawasan Falls and its proximity to Badian Island, a tranquil escape with clear turquoise waters. The landscape blends lush mountains, jungle trails, and river pools that invite outdoor exploration.
Visitors come here for canyoning, snorkeling, and serene beach time, all within reach of Cebu City.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Badian and check into your beachfront accommodation. Take a moment to unwind and soak in the beautiful views of the turquoise sea. Enjoy a light breakfast at a nearby café, savoring local delicacies and fresh fruits.
Head to Badian's famous White Beach to relax on the powdery sands. Take a dip in the warm waters or partake in some beach games with fellow travelers. Grab lunch at a beachside restaurant offering fresh catch of the day and enjoy the cool sea breeze.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot on the beach to witness the stunning sunset colors. Enjoy a seafood dinner at a local eatery, where you can taste traditional Badian dishes. Conclude your day with a relaxing walk along the shore, feeling the gentle waves lap at your feet.
After breakfast, gear up for a thrilling day of canyoneering in the surrounding canyons. Join a guided tour that will take you through stunning landscapes filled with limestone cliffs and pristine rivers. Embrace the excitement as you jump into glistening natural pools and explore hidden waterfalls.
Lunch will be enjoyed in the heart of nature amidst waterfalls where you can take a refreshing dip. The adventure continues as you traverse breathtaking trails and enjoy the stunning views of Badian's natural beauty. Capture the moment with some photos and share laughs with your fellow adventurers.
Return to your accommodation to freshen up and relax after an exhilarating day. Enjoy a beachfront barbecue dinner, sampling grilled fish and local specialties. Spend the evening chatting with friends or fellow travelers under the starry skies.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥗Local dish at mid-range restaurant | $10-20 |
| 💧Bottle of water (1.5L) | $0.50-1 |
| 🛏️1 night in budget hotel | $25-60 |
| 🚗Short taxi/trike ride | $2-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural scenery and easy access to waterfalls
- Relaxed, friendly local vibe and lower-key tourism
- Limited nightlife and some infrastructure outside Cebu City
- Seasonal weather can affect accessibility to remote spots
- "Maayong buntag" - Good morning
- "Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Tagpila ni?" - How much is this?
- "Asa ang kasilyas?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Palihug" - Please
Places to Visit in Badian
Visit one of these nice places.
Turquoise three-tiered waterfalls set in lush jungle; early morning light is ideal for long-exposure shots and reflections in the pools.
Cliffs and shoreline offering colorful sunset backdrops over calm-to-angled waters.
Vibrant river scenes and cascading waters along a scenic drive from Badian; great for wide landscape shots.
Rolling green ridges and sea panoramas from Cebu’s highlands; dramatic cloud inversions and sunrise shots.
Beaches and clear shallow waters with boats and distant limestone formations for coastal photography.
Food in Badian
Badian Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Ceviche-style fresh fish marinated in vinegar, citrus, and peppers; commonly served at markets or seaside eateries.
Must-Try!
Grilled seafood (often fish or squid) over hot coals with garlic and citrus notes.
Cebu-style roasted pig, crispy-skinned and flavorful; available at larger eateries and special occasions.
Fish in a light ginger-garlic broth with leafy greens; a comforting, clear soup option.
Fish stewed in vinegar, garlic, and spices; a tangy, everyday dish.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic town market offering fresh produce, fish, cured seafood, and ready-to-eat snacks; great for sampling local flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet locals with a friendly hello or good morning in Cebuano/Filipino; use po when addressing elders. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and always ask permission before taking photos of people.
Safety
Tipping in Badian
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 10% is appreciated if service is good. For tour guides and drivers, small tips (20-50 PHP) are common after a day’s activity. Housekeeping and hotel staff may be tipped a small amount per night if service is satisfactory.
Cash is widely used; many small shops and market stalls do not accept cards. ATMs are available in town, but card acceptance is limited in rural areas. For tours and higher-end accommodations, confirm accepted methods in advance.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry, sunny days with warm temps; ideal for beach time and waterfalls. Expect crowds at Kawasan Falls on weekends; bring sun protection, water, and sturdy footwear for slippery steps.
June to October brings showers and higher humidity; river levels rise—great for lush scenery and green landscapes but travel can be slower due to rain. Be mindful of occasional flash floods near river trails and plan extra time for transport.
Badian at Night
Hiking in Badian
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular highland hike with grassy ridges and panoramic sea views; best with an early start to catch sunrise or clear skies.
Scenic river and waterfall area within a reasonable drive from Badian; offers colorful jungle scenery and photo opportunities.
Short trails around the Kawasan area leading to viewpoints and river bends suitable for photography and family-friendly treks.
Airports
How to reach Badian by plane.
Main international airport serving Cebu; from there, drive or take a bus/van to Badian (roughly 3-4 hours depending on traffic).
In Bohol, accessible via land and sea connections; longer travel time to Badian but used for some Cebu-Bohol itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of locals speak Cebuano with Filipino as a common secondary language; Catholic traditions are strong in daily life.
Many residents rely on fishing and agriculture, contributing to a rich, seafood-forward local culture.
Tourists from nearby provinces and Cebu City frequent Badian for nature trips and beach time.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and watched; many barangays have pickup games and casual tournaments.
Swimming, snorkeling, and river activities around Kawasan Falls and coastal areas.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Badian.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most dishes rely on seafood, but rice, vegetables, and noodle dishes are common. Ask for ‘gulay’ (vegetables) options and request sauces without fish sauce or shrimp paste. Many eateries can accommodate if given advance notice.