Santa Cruz·Attraction·Nature / Waterfalls

🏝️Kawa-Kawa Falls

Santa Cruz Jungle, Santa Cruz, Marinduque

About this place

In Brgy. Bangcuangan, Santa Cruz, Kawa-Kawa Falls is one of the more distinctive natural attractions on the Marinduque map — a picturesque cascading waterfall with a striking feature: kettle-shaped pools carved out of the rock by years of water flow. The "kawa-kawa" name (from the Filipino word for cauldron / large kettle) is exactly the right one — the rock basins really do look like cauldrons under the falling water.

What Makes It Special

The falls combine a few features that set it apart from the typical Marinduque cascade:

- Kettle-shaped pools — rock formations carved by erosion, perfect for sitting and soaking - Cascading waters through multiple levels - Lush surroundings — forest cover that keeps the air cool - Refreshing natural pools for swimming

For travelers wanting a Santa Cruz nature stop that's not the standard waterfall-into-deep-pool setup, Kawa-Kawa's geology gives it real distinctiveness.

Who It Works For

The site is described as suitable for:

- Family outings — the multiple pool levels offer options for different age groups - Picnics — the surrounding area has space for lunch breaks - Nature photography — the pools and cascades shoot well from various angles - Short treks — the approach is part of the experience

It's not a major-effort hike like Mt. Malindig — it's a manageable nature-day with kids, partners, or photo-curious friends.

Visiting

- Hours: Not formally published — daytime visits recommended - Entrance fee: Older blog posts mention PHP 10–20 with PHP 50 cottage rental, but these may be outdated - Facebook: Kawa-Kawa Falls page - TikTok feature: @dayanasauuur - YouTube feature: Watch on YouTube

For current pricing and access conditions, contact local tourism authorities (the Santa Cruz Municipal Hall) before planning a visit.

What to Bring

Standard nature-day gear:

- Swim gear — the pools are made for it - Footwear with grip — wet rocks - Drinking water and snacks — no on-site vendors - Trash bag — pack out everything - Camera — the kettle pools photograph well

Why It's Worth a Stop

Marinduque has plenty of beaches and a couple of marquee waterfalls. Kawa-Kawa fits a different niche — a smaller, character-filled nature stop that adds variety to a Santa Cruz day. Pair it with Bagumbungan Cave for a full natural-wonders itinerary.

Best Time to Visit

Right after the rainy season — October to early December — when the falls run hardest. Dry-season visits show the falls reduced to a trickle. Mornings are coolest for the hike, and the light through the trees is gentler then too.

What to Bring

Wear trekking shoes or sandals with real grip — the trail is slippery, especially after rain. Bring swimwear (the pools are swimmable), a dry bag for your phone and valuables, water, and snacks. Cash for the tricycle there and back, plus a small fee or guide tip if you take a local from the trailhead.

How to Get Here

From Boac Public Market, take a jeepney heading toward Sta Cruz and ask to be dropped at Brgy. Bunga. From the trailhead a short hike leads to the falls — but the path can be slippery and unmarked in places, so go with a guide if it's your first time. Don't go alone after rain; people get hurt every year on these trails.

Nearest hub

Boac Public Market

Transport

🚐 Jeepney + 🛺 Tricycle

Local routes, fares, and ferry schedules can shift without notice — and travel times depend on weather, traffic, and tide. Confirm fares and timing with the driver or locals before you set out.

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