Kawasan Falls Canyoneering and Zipline with Lunch from Cebu City

From Cebu City to Badian

How to get to Kawasan Falls from Cebu City: the canyon lies in the town of Badian on the south-west coast of the island, roughly three to four hours by road depending on traffic. The route heads south through Talisay and Carcar, then crosses the hills to the west coast and follows the sea through quiet towns towards Moalboal and Badian. On this tour the drive is part of the day, so you simply relax in the air-conditioned vehicle.

Pickup in Cebu City, Mandaue or on Mactan Island is usually between 5:00 and 6:00 AM, arranged by hotel location. On the way there may be a short breakfast stop in Moalboal, which is optional and at your own expense, or you continue straight to base camp, where coffee is available while the guides prepare your safety gear.

The zipline over the canyon

Before entering the water you warm up with a zipline ride over the forested hills and the canyon below. Clipped into a harness, you glide above the treetops with wide views towards the river, a thrilling start that gives you a sense of the landscape you are about to explore on foot and in the water.

The zipline is included in the default option and is run by trained staff who check every harness. For safety the weight limit is 100 kilograms, and the ride is not suitable for pregnant travellers. If you prefer to skip it, tell the guide at base camp; the canyoneering itself goes ahead as planned. It takes only a few minutes, but it is one of the most photographed moments of the day.

Canyoneering down the Matutinao River

Kawasan canyoneering means following the Matutinao River downstream through a gorge of smooth limestone in Badian. Over three to four hours you trek along the riverbed, swim through clear pools, slide down natural rock chutes and, if you wish, jump from ledges into deep turquoise water. The colour comes from minerals dissolved in the limestone and is at its brightest on sunny days.

Every cliff jump is optional, with a walk-around route at each one, but this is still an active day: you should be a good swimmer, comfortable on slippery rock and at least seven years old. Your licensed guides set the pace, explain each section and film the best moments, so you can concentrate on enjoying the canyon. After heavy rain the route may be adjusted for safety.

Kawasan Falls

The descent finishes at Kawasan Falls, a series of cascades dropping into wide pools of milky turquoise water under a canopy of forest. It is one of the most famous waterfalls in the Philippines and a perfect place for a final swim and photos after the effort of the canyon.

Is Kawasan Falls worth visiting on a day trip from Cebu City? It is a long drive, but combining the falls with the zipline and the canyoneering makes the journey truly worthwhile, and arriving from upstream lets you see the falls at their most impressive. The best time to visit Kawasan Falls is the dry season from December to May, when the water is clearest; mornings are quieter than the middle of the day.

Seaside base camp lunch in Badian

After the canyon you walk back to base camp for a well-earned local lunch with views over the sea. Typical dishes include rice, grilled fish or chicken, vegetables and fresh fruit, and drinking water is provided during the activity. There are basic changing areas and toilets, so you can freshen up and change into dry clothes before the drive home.

Halal-certified food is limited in the south of Cebu; if you have dietary needs, tell us when booking and we will advise on the best choice. The return journey to Cebu City takes three to four hours depending on traffic, with arrival usually in the late afternoon or evening. Travellers staying in Moalboal can choose the option with Moalboal pickup and a much shorter day.