Kawasan Falls
Kawasan Falls: The Canyoneering Adventure You Won't Forget
If you're looking for an adventure that will make your knees shake and heart pound — welcome to Kawasan. This isn't just a waterfall; it's a four-hour journey through a canyon with cliff jumps, waterfall slides, and swimming in emerald pools. Many call it the best adventure in the Philippines — and it's hard to argue.
What Is Canyoneering
Canyoneering (or canyoning) is traversing a mountain canyon using various techniques: wading, swimming, jumping, climbing, rappelling. In Badian, it's been turned into a world-class tourist attraction.
The route starts in the canyon's upper reaches and ends at famous Kawasan Falls. Along the way you'll:
- Jump off cliffs from 3 to 12 meters high
- Slide down natural water chutes
- Swim in turquoise pools
- Scramble over rocks
- Wade waist-deep between sheer walls
The finale is Kawasan Falls itself, where you can rest, swim, and photograph yourself against falling water.
Canyoneering Details
Route and Duration
The standard route takes 3-4 hours of active movement. You start in Kanlaob village and descend the river canyon to Kawasan Falls — about 4-5 kilometers through water.
There's also an extended version starting from Kanlaob Falls (Alegria Canyoneering) — adding another hour or so and additional canyon sections.
Cliff Jumps
The main adrenaline — jumping. The route has several points at different heights:
- 3-5 meters — Beginner level, almost everyone jumps
- 7-8 meters — Intermediate, getting scary
- 10-12 meters — For the brave, heart-pounding
Important: All jumps are voluntary. If you don't want to, guides will show an alternative route. Nobody forces anyone.
Post-Typhoon Changes
Typhoon Odette in December 2021 changed the canyon's geography. Some sections became shallower, new rocks appeared, some jumps changed. The main waterfall now has two cascades instead of one. The route remains impressive but differs slightly from older videos.
Requirements
- Age: Usually from 12 (some operators accept 10)
- Swimming: Not essential — you'll wear a life jacket throughout. But basic water comfort is needed.
- Fitness: Moderate. It's not mountain hiking, but 3-4 hours of active movement requires stamina.
- Health: Heart, back, knee problems are serious contraindications
Practical Information
Prices (2025)
Badian canyoneering is government-regulated. Prices are standardized:
- Canyoneering with guide: 1,500-1,900 pesos per person
- Usually includes: Guide, helmet, life jacket, special shoes, lunch, waterfall entry
- Extra: Zipline around 600 pesos, photo/video service
Self-guided canyon runs are prohibited — licensed guides only.
What to Bring
- Swimsuit under clothes — you'll change before starting
- Dry change of clothes — for the return journey
- Waterproof phone case or GoPro
- Cash for small expenses
- Nothing valuable — leave at hotel or car
What's Provided
- Helmet and life jacket (mandatory)
- Special canyoneering shoes
- Dry bag for your belongings
Getting There
From Moalboal (Recommended)
Moalboal is the ideal base for canyoneering. Badian is just 30 minutes away. Most dive shops and hotels organize tours:
- Tour from Moalboal: Around 1,900 pesos including round-trip transport, guide, equipment, lunch
- Independently: Tricycle to Badian around 300 pesos, find a guide there
From Cebu City
- Bus from South Bus Terminal to Badian (Ceres, direction Bato via Barili)
- Journey 2.5-3 hours, cost 180-250 pesos
- In Badian — tricycle to canyoneering starting point
Or book an organized tour from Cebu (from 2,500 pesos per person) — hotel pickup and return.
Combining with Other Places
Popular day routes:
- Oslob + Kawasan: Morning whale sharks, then canyoneering. Packed day.
- Kawasan + Moalboal: Canyoneering, then sardines and turtles. Or reverse.
- Simala + Kawasan: Shrine en route, then adventure.
When to Go
Season
Best time: December — May. Dry season, optimal water level, stable weather.
Rainy season (June — November): Canyoneering may close due to high water levels. After heavy rain, route temporarily inaccessible — check news.
Time of Day
Most tours start 7:00-9:00 AM. By noon the route is crowded. For a calmer experience — start earlier.
Day of Week
Significantly more people on weekends and holidays. Weekdays preferable.
Just the Waterfall (No Canyoneering)
If canyoneering isn't for you — just visit Kawasan Falls. Walk from parking — about 15 minutes on a scenic path.
- Entry: Around 50 pesos
- Bamboo raft rental: 500-700 pesos for 30 minutes under the waterfall
- Life jacket rental: 50 pesos
You can swim, sunbathe, lunch at local cafés. Water is turquoise and cold — refreshing after the heat.
Safety
Badian canyoneering is a commercial operation with a good safety reputation. Nevertheless, risks exist:
- Always follow guide instructions
- Don't remove helmet or life jacket
- Don't jump until guide gives the command
- Don't consume alcohol before or during activity
- Inform guide of any health issues
Guides are trained and know the route by heart. Trust them — they do this every day.
The Experience
Kawasan canyoneering isn't relaxed vacation. It's an adventure that shakes you out of your comfort zone. That first 10-meter cliff jump — the moment when everything inside screams 'don't' but you step off anyway. And then — euphoria, adrenaline, the feeling of conquering yourself.
Between jumps — beauty: emerald pools, canyons with sheer walls, jungle all around. This isn't just about adrenaline but nature of incredible beauty.
The finale at the waterfall is well-earned rest. Swimming in turquoise water under falling streams, knowing you just made it through — a feeling of deep satisfaction.
Is It Worth Going?
If you love active recreation and are ready for physical effort — definitely yes. Kawasan canyoneering is one of those experiences you remember for life.
If you prefer relaxed vacation or have health issues — just visit the waterfall. It's beautiful even without the extreme.
Either way, Kawasan is an essential stop in Cebu. This is the place everyone asks 'have you been there?' — and you want to be able to say 'yes.'
