Canyoneering on Cebu – A real adrenaline booster!
Are you an adventures adrenaline-pumping traveller who is planning a trip to the Philippines? Than here is tip for a boosting adventure: Canyoneering on Cebu
On the island Cebu you can witness some of the Philippines greatest waterfalls by canyoneering downstream. Get prepared for natural water sliding, cliff jumping and rock hopping while heading down through the turquoise water streams inside this incredible canyon.
How to get to the Canyoneering on Cebu?
To take part in the canyoneering activity you need to go to Badian, located South West on Cebu Island.
If you are planning on leaving from Cebu City, head to the South Terminal. Here you can take the yellow Ceres Bus that takes you in 3 to 4 hours to Badian for around 120PHP (2,50 USD). Buses are departing every 30 minutes between 4AM and 6PM.
Make sure you take the bus that is heading to Bato via Barili. The bus to Bato via Oslob will NOT pass by Badian!
Tell the bus driver to stop at the Matutinao Catholic Church. Here you will find a bunch of canyoneering operators where you can book your adventure.
Where to book your canyoneering adventure?
There are plenty of agencies that offer this adventures tour and all of them are offering the same canyoneering trail. You have the option to book ahead online, on the streets of Moalboal and Oslob or as soon as you arrive in Badian (see above). Island Trek Tours and Kawasan Canyoneering are popular agencies with good references and therefore worth checking out.
How much do you pay for this thrilling adventure?
The price for the canyoneering tour in Badian is practically equal at all the tour operators and will cost you around 1500 PHP (28 USD).
Included:
- The entrance fee of the waterfall area.
- Transfer (on the back of a motorbike) to the starting point of the canyoneering trail.
- Professional guide (the number of guides depends on the size of the group).
- Safety Gear such as a helmet and a lifejacket.
- A bottle of water and a snack for during the activity.
- Lunch (upon return).
Excluded:
- Water shoes. You can bring your own shoes or rent them for about 20PHP (0,40 USD).
- Other snacks and drinks that you want to consume along the way.
If the tour is offered for less than 1500PHP there is a chance that unofficial guides are taking you down the canyon. Due to the risk of this activity it is therefore better to book it with an official tour operator.
Let’s get started
Prepare yourself for an adventures drive on the back of an Habal-Habal (motorcycle) to starting point at the Kanlaob River in Algeria.
The ride goes uphill and downhill on both cemented and rough unpaved roads. At certain points you will get real close to your driver and the other person who is driving with you.
Face your fears; the first jump is NOT optional!
Not long after the start you are standing on top of an 18-20 feet high cliff. Don’t count on a detour because there is only one-way to get down here: JUMP!
After you conquered this one, no more courage is needed to face the smaller cliff / waterfall jumps.
An unexpected food stop along the trail
The last place where you would expect a barbecue area is on top of a cliff in between waterfalls. Somehow the locals manage to get their products down here to sell them to the hungry adventures. The spot is somewhere halfway the canyoneering trial. However don’t expect them to always be there since it is challenging to get out there, especially in extreme weather conditions.
Do you have the guts to try the highest jump?
Nature saved the best for last. Just before you reach the end of the Canyoneering trail you can challenge yourself with the highest jump of some 30-35 feet. If your body can’t handle this much adrenaline than you are lucky that this jump is optional. There is an alternative route if you prefer to walk down.
Kawasan Falls
The trail ends at the Kawasan Falls in Badian. The Kawasan waterfalls exist out of 3 levels and are marked as a gem of the Philippines due to its turquoise water and its tropical green surroundings.
After all the thrilling slides and jumps of the canyoneering it is time to chill out. Take a ride on a bamboo raft for 300PHP (5 to 6 USD) or go for a refreshing swim in the cold waters of the Kawasan River. There are also some stalls in case you feel like getting a snack or a drink.
Extra tips and information
- This outdoor activity takes around 4 to 5 hours. Therefore it is recommended to start the canyoneering trail in the morning. The earliest option is at 6AM. The latest starting time is around 2 or 3PM, as all groups need to complete the trail before the sun goes down.
- It is understandable why the canyoneering is a booming activity. Therefore it is good to realise that you won’t be alone here to enjoy this piece of paradise. Since there are limited trails and jumping points there can be short queues. Especially when fear is taking over and someone needs more time to take the step to make the jump. Just be patient and courageous to the other. The canyoneering is so incredible much fun that it is worth the wait.
- Along the way there will be lots of rock hopping / scrambling and you need to deal with slippery rocks. Flip Flops are not a good option is area. Make sure to wear some trainers that have soles with grip or bring out (or rent) water booties.
- The guide will bring a dry bag in which you can drop your essentials. You can also bring your own dry bag but make sure that it has a sling. You are going to need both of your hands to get down.
- Make sure to bring some money with you so you are able to buy some drinks and snacks along the way. The guides are also willing to take the bill and you can repay them afterwards.
- Listen carefully to the instructions of the guides (for your own safety)
- Make sure to put on your swimwear and comfortable clothes
- Bring your Go Pro to capture epic sceneries and all your spectacular jumps! (make sure to bring a spare battery as the activity takes a long time and you don’t want to run out).
ADVENTURE AWAITS
Do want to go after more adventures in the Philippines? Read also: Zipline Philippines – Las Cabanas Beach
