Kawasan Falls Canyoneering with Lunch from Moalboal, Cebu

The Kawasan canyon in Badian

Kawasan canyoneering follows the Matutinao River as it cuts through limestone hills in the town of Badian, on the south-west coast of Cebu. Over thousands of years the water has carved a narrow gorge of smooth rock walls, hanging vines and deep pools, and dissolved minerals give the river its famous milky turquoise colour. Canyoneering, known elsewhere as canyoning, means travelling down this gorge on foot and in the water rather than walking a path beside it.

The descent usually takes three to four hours, with regular stops to rest, drink and take photos. Your licensed guide checks your gear, explains every section before you enter it and chooses the safest line according to the day's water level. Much of the route is in the river, so expect to be wet from the first minutes and to swim short stretches with your life jacket, which keeps you floating easily even in deep water.

Cliff jumps, slides and swims

The playful part of a Kawasan canyoneering tour is the variety of ways to move through the water. There are natural chutes polished smooth by the current, where you slide feet first into a pool, short swims through narrow passages and cliff jumps from low ledges up to several metres high for those who want them.

Every jump is optional. At each one your guide shows an easier way round, either by climbing down the rock or by a lower jump, so the canyon is enjoyable whatever your comfort level. Listen carefully to the guide's instructions on how to jump, land and position your arms, and never jump where the guide has not checked the depth. Taking it slowly is perfectly fine; there is no pressure to keep up with anyone.

Kawasan Falls, the grand finale

The canyon ends at Kawasan Falls, a cascade of several tiers falling into broad turquoise basins surrounded by forest. It is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the Philippines, and arriving from upstream after hours in the canyon feels very different from walking in along the path like most day visitors.

Is Kawasan Falls worth visiting? Its colour alone is remarkable, and the main basin is a lovely place to cool off at the end of your descent. Mornings are the quietest time to see the falls, which is one reason the 6:00 AM start is popular. From the falls a short, shaded path along the river leads back towards the road, where your transport waits to take you to lunch.

Moalboal and how to get to Kawasan Falls

Moalboal is a relaxed coastal town on Cebu's south-west coast, best known for its reef wall, sea turtles and the huge sardine shoals just offshore at Panagsama Beach. It is the ideal base for a Kawasan Falls day trip because the canyon is only a short drive away, roughly 20 to 40 minutes depending on your hotel and the start point of the descent.

How to get to Kawasan Falls from Cebu City: the drive to Badian takes around three hours, which is why staying in Moalboal makes this adventure so easy. On this tour we collect you from your hotel in Panagsama, Tuble, Talisay Point, Tongo Point, White Beach or along the main road to Badian, and bring you back after lunch, so there is no need to arrange transport yourself.

Homemade lunch and the best time to go

After the canyon you sit down to a homemade Filipino lunch, typically rice with grilled fish or chicken, vegetables, a soup and fresh fruit. Vegetarian, vegan and halal options are offered, which is rare in this part of Cebu, so let us know your choice when booking and we will pass it on to the kitchen.

The best time to go canyoneering at Kawasan is the dry season from December to May, when the water is clearest and the river is gentle. During the rainy months from June to November the river can rise and turn brown after heavy rain, and the guides may shorten or postpone the descent for safety. Morning starts usually find the canyon quieter than the late-morning slot.