10 Things I wish I Knew Before Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls
Are you planning your Kawasan Falls canyoneering adventure?
This post details 10 essential things to know for an unforgettable adrenaline-fueled day, updated for 2024.
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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.
During your canyoneering adventure, you will swim through stunning cliff formations and streams, hike through wild jungle paths, and get to fling yourself into some of the most stunning turquoise waters in the Philippines.
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.
Perhaps you’re wondering what’s the best thing to wear? Or maybe you’re wondering if you can visit Kawasan Falls without canyoneering?
Or perhaps you want an idea of the standard price, to avoid getting ripped off but to also prioritise safety?
This post will detail 10 essential tips and things to know before embarking on your Cebu Kawasan Falls canyoneering adventure.
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 Cebu.
The best value one-day tour in Cebu - roundtrip transportation included.
Spend the morning island hopping and witnessing Moalboal's iconic sardine run. After lunch, enjoy canyoneering at Kawasan Falls.
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.
Full Post: Pescador Island Moalboal: Ultimate Snorkeling & Diving Guide
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.
The ultimate social hostel for backpackers.
Amazing communal areas, activities, and parties. Perfect location minutes from the beach.
Spacious comfortable dorms and private rooms available.
Getting from Moalboal to Kawasan Falls is very straightforward. There are a few ways to make this journey –
- 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 is 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. The atmosphere is much more tranquil here and is a fantastic photo opportunity.
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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.
Tip: 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, either in Moalboal or online, to ensure that you go with a reputable company that prioritizes safety above all else.
Canyoneering rarely gets fully booked, so booking your trip the night before in Moalboal is ideal. 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 to make sure you stay safe.
Bring as minimal with you as possible
When canyoneering Kawasan Falls, try to bring as minimal 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 this 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.
Related: How To Spend 1-3 Days in Moalboal: The Ultimate Itinerary
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.
Philippines Essentials Packing List
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.
Tip: 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 amount 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 amount 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.
Must Read: Moalboal Nightlife: Top 5 BEST Bars & Party Spots
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.
Related: Where To Eat: Top 7 BEST Moalboal Restaurants
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.
As with most destinations in the Philippines, the WiFi in Moalboal can be a little patchy and unreliable. For a stress-free trip, I would suggest getting a data plan with an Airalo eSIM.
Where to stay in Moalboal
I would recommend staying in the area around Panagsama Beach when visiting Moalboal.
This is where you will find most of the main restaurants, nightlife, and of course, the spectacular sardine run just meters from the shoreline.
Chief Mau Hostel
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.
Reasonably priced and impeccably 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.
Once you have reached Cebu City, you have a couple of options based on your preference –
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 international fame for its sardine run just meters from the shoreline. It is the second-largest sardine run in the world.
As Cebu’s diving capital, travelers flock here to witness the abundance of marine life below the surface.
In more recent years, adventure lovers have been drawn to the crystal-clear waters of Kawasan Falls. Canyoneering is a must-do activity on any Philippines itinerary.
Well, that’s it! This post has detailed 10 essential things to know before embarking on your Kawasan Falls canyoneering adventure.
If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments. If you’ll be spending some time in Moalboal, feel free to check out some of my other handy posts –
- How To Get From Cebu To Moalboal 2024: Schedule & Fare
- Moalboal Cafes: Top 5 BEST Breakfast & Brunch Spots
- How To Spend 1-3 Days in Moalboal: The Ultimate Itinerary
- Moalboal Nightlife: Top 5 BEST Bars & Party Spots
- How To Get From Moalboal To Siquijor 2024: Schedule & Fare
- Pescador Island Moalboal: Ultimate Snorkeling & Diving Guide
- Where To Eat: Top 7 Must-Visit Moalboal Restaurants
