10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls in Moalboal

Are you planning your Kawasan Falls canyoneering adventure?

Do not visit Kawasan Falls in Moalboal without reading these 10 top tips first.

Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls is undoubtedly one of the best things you can do in the Philippines.

Breathtaking natural beauty combined with the adrenaline-pumping activity of canyoneering makes this one of the most exciting adventures you can embark on.

Whilst the internet is saturated with information about Cebu canyoneering, these are some of the things that I could not find online and wish I had known beforehand.

In this guide, I’m breaking down 10 important things to know before you dive into your canyoneering adventure at Kawasan Falls.

Whether you’re wondering if you can visit without canyoneering or you’re curious about the standard pricing and safety tips, I’ve got you covered.

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Kawasan Falls Description

Kawasan Falls is a three-tiered cascade of some of the most vibrant turquoise water I have ever seen.

The largest cascade is about 40 meters high, with smaller rushing streams and cascades on different tiers.

All swimming holes have the same bright blue colour and are surrounded by dense green jungle.

Kawasan Falls sits at the foot of the Mantalongon Mountain Range, and the freshwater travels through springs before flowing into the Matutinao River.

What is canyoneering?

Canyoneering is defined as the sport of exploring a canyon by engaging in activities such as rappelling, rafting, and waterfall jumping.

As part of your canyoneering adventure, you will travel downstream the Matutinao River through deep canyons of stalagmites, following the route carved by millions of years of water flow.

You will pass through freshwater pools, streams of gushing water, and unique cliff formations before reaching the famous Kawasan Falls in Cebu.

Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls: 10 Top Tips

After an extraordinary day canyoneering at Kawasan, keep reading for the 10 essential things I wish I had known before!

✅ Book your canyoneering adventure in advance with Klook – the highest-rated company

Stay in Moalboal the night before

Located just 30 minutes from the canyoneering jump-off point, Moalboal is the perfect base for exploring Kawasan Falls.

Once a sleepy coastal village, Moalboal’s abundant marine life and laidback beach vibe attract adventure-seeking backpackers from all over the world.

With nearby Pescador Island and the world’s second-biggest sardine run just meters from the shoreline, Moalboal is one of the best snorkeling and diving destinations in the Philippines.

➡️ Recommended: How To Spend 1-3 Days in Moalboal: Ultimate Itinerary

I would recommend spending a couple of days in Moalboal to enjoy the diverse activities on offer before your Badian canyoneering.

There are also some pretty amazing restaurants and nightlife spots.

However, if you are short on time, simply staying the night before your canyoneering adventure is a great option, too.

Its convenient location near Kawasan Falls means you do not need to wake up at the crack of dawn to beat the crowds.

🏡 Need somewhere to stay? Do not miss Chief Mau – Moalboal’s most lively hostel minutes from the shoreline

Getting from Moalboal to Kawasan Falls

This journey is very straightforward, you have a few options –

• Book an organised tour from Moalboal with transport included (like this one here)
• Hire a scooter in Moalboal for about 300 PHP ($5) per day
• Take the public bus heading for Badian for 25 PHP ($0.44)
• Take a tricycle or habal-habal

➡️ If you’re traveling from Cebu, you can read my full How To Get To Moalboal Guide here.

You can visit Kawasan Falls without canyoneering

If you’re not so keen on cliff jumping but still want to appreciate the beauty of Kawasan Falls, you can visit without canyoneering.

The entrance fee is 50 PHP ($0.88) for foreigners and 25 PHP ($0.44) for locals. This gives you access to the three-tiered Kawasan Falls.

Kawasan Falls is arguably the most beautiful waterfall in Cebu and one of the most stunning in the Philippines.

Its turquoise waters and impressive cascade are comparable to some of the breathtaking waterfalls in Siquijor.

This means that it can get very crowded with tourists, especially on weekends and holidays.

All canyoneering tours head downstream and end up at Kawasan Falls in the afternoon.

If you’re hoping to appreciate the pristine beauty without loads of other people in the water, I would recommend visiting as early as possible.

The first tier is naturally the most crowded, however, few tourists venture further upstream.

By following the bamboo paths, you can trek 15 minutes upstream through the jungle and reach the other tiers.

When visiting the third tier, there are a few places for cliff jumping and a Tarzan-esque rope swing – this great if you want to get the adrenaline pumping but don’t want a full day of canyoneering.

This is also where you will find the man-made dam which has much deeper blue water and looks like a waterfall itself.

➡️ Suggested: Ultimate Philippines Itinerary: 1-Month Backpacking Route

The canyoneering price is pretty standardised

The Badian canyoneering price is pretty standardized. You can expect to pay 1500 PHP ($27) each.

This Kawasan Falls canyoneering price includes a guide, a life jacket, a helmet, entrance fees, and lunch.

If you are coming from Moalboal, this will include your round-trip transportation too.

When booking our canyoneering in Moalboal, we came with our own group as opposed to joining another. This gave us room to haggle and get the price down to 1200 PHP ($21) each.

👉 speak to people in your hostel and find out if they want to do the canyoneering trip together. The more of you there are, the bigger the discount you can get.

I would recommend booking in advance to ensure that you go with a reputable company – you can book in Moalboal the night before or online in advance.

The company from Moalboal we used can be contacted on +63 933 535 1652.

For your Kawasan Falls canyoneering adventure, having a local and knowledgeable guide is essential. They can advise you on the depth of the water and the strength of the currents.

✅ Save yourself the hassle & book this highest-rated canyoneering tour with Klook

Bring as little with you as possible

When canyoneering Kawasan Falls, try to bring as little with you as possible.

When we arrived, there were lockers for us to keep our bags. I would recommend bringing a change of clothes and a towel and leaving these in the locker.

For the canyoneering itself, you should not be taking much. Our guide provided us with a small bottle of water, which we kept in a little pouch on our life jackets with our locker key.

If you have a GoPro camera, then bring that, too. Anything else, including your phone, important documents, or money, should be left in your locker as it is guaranteed to get wet.

A secure small dry bag might be suitable for some cash to purchase snacks or drinks on the way around.

I would avoid bringing your phone if possible, as even in a dry bag, the impact from the jumps could damage it.

If you want to bring your phone to take photos, this is something your guide can help you with (more on this below).

Choose between a 30-minute walk or zipline to the canyoneering start point

When you arrive for your Kawasan Falls canyoneering tour, you will be given a safety briefing before setting off.

You then have a choice of a 30-minute walk or a zipline to reach the start of your canyoneering tour. This zipline costs an additional 500 PHP ($9).

As a budget traveler, I opted to walk. However, once I saw the sweeping views of the jungle and the ocean, I was a bit jealous that I did not pay the extra money to zipline.

You can go on the zipline as pairs and zip down next to each other in the superhero pose – it looked like great fun!

The walk itself is not too strenuous, and the views are breathtaking. Despite being very hot and humid, walking allows you to appreciate the scenery at a much slower pace.

You do not have to do all of the jumps

If you are not such an adrenaline junkie, you do not have to do all of the jumps throughout your Moalboal canyoneering.

This is great for those who still want to experience the pristine beauty of the canyon but aren’t so keen on throwing themselves off cliffs of 10 meters.

At each major jump, you have a choice of plunging into the water or simply walking down. The guides will highlight alternative routes if you are feeling a bit nervous.

I was well up for the challenge and happy to fling myself off of anything. However, there were a couple of jumps that I stared at for too long and ended up chickening out.

Our friendly guide simply helped me down via the rocks or directed me to a shorter jump. If you’re feeling a bit apprehensive, knowing that you don’t have to partake in all the jumps is a big weight off.

You have to wear water or closed-toe shoes

Badian canyoneering involves wading through the water, clambering over rocks, and short hikes at times.

Some of these rocks can be sharp or slippery, so it is compulsory to wear closed-toe shoes. You will also not have to worry about them flying off during the jumps.

Having a pair of sturdy water shoes is one of my top tips for traveling around the Philippines in general. If you don’t have water shoes, then any closed-toe shoes or trainers will do the trick.

I wasn’t aware of this and turned up wearing my Birkenstocks. Fortunately, most canyoneering companies will be happy to lend you a pair for the duration of your tour.

👉for the ladies, I would also recommend wearing a pair of shorts over your bikini. The last thing you want is to lose your bikini bottoms downstream!

Be prepared for loads of people

When we arrived, I was slightly overwhelmed by the number of people waiting for the first jump.

I had heard that roughly 9 AM was the most popular start time, so we decided to take advantage of Moalboal’s lively nightlife scene the night before and start a little later.

We left Moalboal at about 10 AM, and by 11 AM, we were ready to start. Our guide told us that the crowds had thinned a bit, but I was still concerned about the number of people at the start.

However, there is really no need to worry!

Kawasan Falls canyoneering is very well-organised, and there are a few different routes to take. This means that after the initial crowd of people, the groups disperse.

You may see another couple of groups in front or behind you, but you won’t have long waits for jumps or congestion in the water. Generally, you won’t cross paths with the groups you see at the beginning.

Do not worry if you do not have a GoPro

If you have a GoPro, then this is one thing you should certainly bring with you. Being able to catch all the action, including underwater, is such a special memory to look back on.

However, if you do not have a GoPro, please do not worry about not getting any nice photos.

Our guide suggested that one of our group bring their phone, to snap some shots throughout. The guide, who does not do the jumps, had a dry bag and took our photos all day for us.

This is not only like having a personal photographer but also means that you can enjoy your canyoneering activities without worrying about damaging your phone.

Canyoneering is not just cliff-jumping

I was previously under the impression that canyoneering would involve cliff jumping, swimming, and hiking. However, you can expect a few other fun activities, too.

The smooth rocks with gushing water make perfect water slides, where you can either slide down front ways or be pushed backward.

Once you reach Kawasan Falls itself, there is an area with a large Tarzan rope swing to practice your backflips. You will also have the chance to swim behind and under the waterfall.

There is also more walking than I had expected at the beginning. Whilst this can sometimes involve climbing over slippery rocks, in general, the short hikes are not strenuous.

➡️ Suggested: Moalboal Nightlife Guide: Top 5 BEST Bars

FAQs

How much is canyoneering in Moalboal?

The standard price for the Badian canyoneering from Moalboal is roughly 1500 PHP.

This price includes a guide, a life jacket, a helmet, entrance fees, lunch, and round-trip transportation from Moalboal.

How long is canyoneering in Kawasan Falls?

Kawasan Falls canyoneering takes about 4 hours in total.

I would therefore make sure to have a big hearty breakfast before starting, to keep your energy levels high all day.

➡️ You might also like: Moalboal Cafes: Top 5 Breakfast & Brunch Spots

Why is Kawasan Falls so blue?

Tourists flock to witness the vibrant turquoise colour of Kawasan Falls, nearly unparalleled in the whole of South East Asia.

The falls and stream get their electric blue colour from the limestone deposits in the area. The rich minerals in the water give Kawasan Falls their crazy shade of blue.

How high is the jump at Kawasan Falls canyoneering?

There are about 7 different jumps in total. The cliff jumping heights range from about 1 meter to 12 meters.

Are Kawasan Falls worth it?

Kawasan Falls canyoneering was not only one of the best things we did in the Philippines but also during our whole trip to Southeast Asia.

Just when you think your natural surroundings cannot get any more beautiful or impressive, you turn a corner and your jaw drops all over again.

The natural beauty of the canyon and azure water combined with the adrenaline-pumping canyoneering makes this one of the most memorable experiences. I would recommend it to anyone.

Where to stay in Moalboal

I would recommend staying in the area around Panagsama Beach when visiting Moalboal.

This is where you will find the best restaurants, buzzing nightlife, and of course, the spectacular sardine run just meters from the shoreline.

Chief Mau Hostel (recommended)

The best Moalboal accommodation for budget backpackers and solo travelers.

Chief Mau is the ultimate social hostel, with amazing communal areas for socialising and meeting other travelers.

They also have many board games, darts, a pool table, and beer pong nights. As well as hosting movie nights and parties, you can also book your tours directly through the hostel.

Choose between shared dorms or a private room with a balcony. The dorms are spacious with plenty of storage and concrete beds that do not make any noise.

Located in the heart of Panagsama minutes from the beach, you cannot beat it for location.

Prices start from $17.00 for dorms per night.

Marz Inn Moalboal

The best budget-friendly Moalboal accommodation for couples or families – this is where I stayed.

Reasonably priced and clean rooms available, with aircon, a private bathroom, and a hot shower.

Excellent location just 5 minutes from Panagsama Beach but in a quiet area. Welcoming hosts can help with booking tours. Free drinking water provided.

Prices for a private room start from $25.00 per night.

Secret Paradise

The best luxury accommodation in Moalboal.

Deluxe private rooms with air conditioning, kettle, minibar, safety deposit box, and flat-screen TV. Perfect location just 2 minutes from Panagsama Beach.

This hotel features a stunning outdoor swimming pool and garden oasis, a delicious Asian-inspired restaurant, and a bar.

Prices start from $88.00 per night.

How to get to Moalboal

Located on the island of Cebu, most travelers will typically have to reach Cebu City before heading to Moalboal.

✈️ Always check flight prices on Skyscanner first to guarantee yourself the best deal

Once you have reached Cebu City, you have a couple of options based on your preference –

• Bus from Cebu City to Moalboal – 4 hours
• Private transfer – 2 hours (book here)

➡️ For full details, including the bus schedule and fare, check out my How To Get From Cebu to Moalboal guide

What makes Moalboal famous?

Moalboal has gained fame as having one of the richest marine habitats and some of the most abundant marine life in the whole of the Philippines.

This has transformed Moalboal into the snorkeling and diving capital of Cebu.

➡️ Must Read: Pescador Island Moalboal: Ultimate Snorkeling & Diving Guide

Recreational divers and adventure-seeking backpackers flock to Moalboal to appreciate these underwater wonders.

In recent years, as Moalboal has grown as a backpacker hotspot, this coastal village has gained fame for its delicious restaurants, trendy cafes, and buzzing nightlife.

➡️ Full Post: Where To Eat in Moalboal: Top 10 BEST Restaurants

When should I go to Moalboal?

The best time to visit Moalboal coincides with the best time to visit the Philippines in general.

This is during the dry season from December – May.

However, visiting during the rainy season does mean fewer crowds and cheaper prices – just come prepared with your rain jacket!

Need travel insurance? Small Girl Big Backpack readers get 5% off Heymondo Insurance when booking through this link. With 24/7 worldwide assistance, this is the best insurance for travelers.

Can you see whale sharks in Moalboal?

No, Moalboal is not known for whale shark sightings.

While it’s a fantastic spot for snorkeling and diving—especially for its famous sardine run, sea turtles, and vibrant coral reefs—you won’t typically see whale sharks (unless you’re extremely lucky).

Oslob is known for its whale sharks however, this is not the most ethical place to see them – I’d check out Donsol for an ethical whale shark experience.

Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls: Final Thoughs

Well, that’s it! This post has detailed 10 essential things to know before embarking on your Kawasan Falls canyoneering adventure.

If you have visited Kawasan Falls, I would love to hear from you – drop me a comment below or reach out to me on Instagram or Pinterest and let me know how it was!

Planning your Philippines trip?

With so many amazing islands to explore, how do you decide where to visit? For inspiration, itinerary ideas, and dream destinations, check out the following –

1-Month Philippines Itinerary – the ideal backpacking route exploring popular destinations & off-the-beaten-path spots

Top 10 Best Places To Visit in the Philippines – your ultimate guide to the best destinations to suit every type of traveler