About Kawa-Kawa Falls
Kawa-Kawa Falls is a natural waterfall located in Barangay Bancuangan, municipality of Santa Cruz, Marinduque, Philippines. It is known for its distinctive wok-shaped (kawa) natural basin that collects cool freshwater from the forest stream. Surrounded by lush vegetation and rock formations, the falls is a popular local nature attraction for swimming, sightseeing and short treks near Santa Cruz town proper.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a forested setting accessed by a short trek from Barangay Bancuangan. The falls features a cascade flowing into a rounded, kawa-like natural pool suitable for wading and swimming. The area is surrounded by trees, rocks and natural vegetation with a tranquil environment. There are no large built structures; the experience is primarily nature-based with opportunities for photography, resting by the pool and enjoying the cool freshwater.
Key highlights
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Distinctive kawa-shaped natural pool at the base of the falls
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Forest-surrounded cascade with cool freshwater for swimming and wading
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Short nature trek from Bancuangan to the falls site
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Scenic rock formations and lush vegetation around the basin
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Quiet, local nature spot near Santa Cruz town proper
Culture & Context
The name Kawa-Kawa refers to 'kawa', the large iron wok used in Filipino cooking, describing the rounded, wok-like shape of the natural pool at the base of the falls, a term widely used locally.
Route
| By road | From Santa Cruz town proper, take road transport to Barangay Bancuangan, then continue on foot via a short forest trail to the falls. Habal-habal and tricycle are commonly used for the road segment. |
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| By public transport |