One thing that traveling taught me is to love extreme adventures. I’ve always been a safe girl. Before, I’m afraid of motorcycle rides because whenever I’m in one, my brain is processing all possible scenarios of accidents and death that can happen. Yes, I’m paranoid like that BEFORE. But now that traveling exposed me to a lot of experiences and realizations, I learned to overcome the fear and learned to focus on the overflowing adrenaline instead. And my overflowing prayers too. So far, what I did in Badian, Cebu is the most extreme I’ve done in my life so far.
read my 4-Days South Cebu and Cebu City Itinerary and Travel Guide.
HOW TO GET THERE:
from Cebu City: Ride a jeepney or taxi to Cebu South bus Terminal. In the terminal, ride a Ceres bus (P120) that says Bato via Barili. Ask the konduktor to drop you in Kawasan Falls or Matutinao. Travel time is mostly 2 to 3 hours.
from Oslob: Ride a bus going to Bato. Then from Bato Terminal, ride a bus to Cebu City via Badian (P60). Travel time is 1.5 to 2 hours.
BOOKING Highland Adventure PH
The first thing you need to know in Canyoneering is that you need a tour guide. There are a lot of tour guide services available in Badian, you just have to take your pick. I think only a few agencies are accepting walk-ins so I advise reserving a slot ahead. Also, it is a famous activity so far so better be safe by booking ahead. And since this is an extreme adventure and you’re trusting your life to these people, choose a tour guide service that operates legally. I chose Highland Adventure PH, recommended by a friend and, as well as, Drew Arellano.
Highland Adventure PH’s packages rate depends on the number of people. On a group of 5, we paid P1,300/person (with a 30% down payment for reservation). The package includes:
- Habal-habal ride from Matutinao to Kanlaob
- Entrance and exit fees
- Canyoneering snacks (Fudgee Bar) & bottled water
- Life vest, helmet, dry bag, knee pads, and rubber shoes (if they have your size)
- Lunch (2 ulam) with unlimited rice and soft drinks in Kawasan Falls
- Tour guides of course
The CLOSURE Issue
Unfortunately, we are affected by the temporary closure of Kanlaob River Canyoneering by the local government because of the increasing number of unregulated tour guides and trash in the river. It was effective as of June 1 to August 1, 2016. So hey dear reader, please promise me to be a responsible traveler by NOT supporting illegal guides and NOT throwing your trash anywhere? Thank you.
I contacted Highland asking if they can’t accommodate us because of the issue but what I didn’t know is that there are two other rivers for canyoneering. Kanlaob is the most famous site because it downstream leads to Kawasan Falls and also because it has the prettiest view. We did our canyoneering in Cancalapi since Kanlaob is closed. Cancalapi is pretty as well, with its clear water and green surrounding the river. But also it is not yet human-friendly for the there’s still no trail and cliffs are hard to climb.
The BADIAN Canyoneering EXPERIENCE
With our two young friendly tour guides, we rode a habal habal first up a mountain I don’t know. From there we started trekking to our starting point. When we arrived at the starting point, we were surprised that we need to jump in a 15 ft cliff (agad agad!) to start this crazy adventure. There’s no other way than this, so yes no excuses. We prayed first then we jumped and, promise at that moment, the adrenaline is too high that I can’t stop laughing and feeling infinite. (Naks!)
One thing you need to know about me is that I have no fear of heights. But these cliff jumpings, which are also my first time, made me feel like I have one. Later on, I discovered that I’m not really afraid of the fall but of what can happen after I hit the water (Nakapagnilaynilay talaga ako sa taas). I’m still working on this fear but thank you for the friends who just keep telling me to jump. Because I did and I’m safe and I’ve experienced it.
Four hours of climbing uphill slopes and rocks, jumping 20ft cliffs, sliding through small waterfall, back floating, swimming in the freshwater, slipping in the rocks, finding a good spot to pee, laughter, jokes, trash talks, entering caves, picture taking and hesitations at first but doing it eventually is basically what happened. My body hurts like hell that night but no regrets because this is definitely one of the book experience!
ENDING THE DAY IN Kawasan Falls
Cancalapi River does not lead to Kawasan Falls so we need to ride a habal-habal to the famous falls. We arrived around 5 pm on a Saturday so yes, people everywhere. But I couldn’t care more because I’m so mesmerized by the turquoise water of it. Why is it so blue and beautiful!!?? We just took photos and didn’t get the chance to try the rafting (P300/raft/unli tao) because we are so hungry.
Kawasan Falls has three levels. The Highland camp is at the second level so we need to hike a little to get there. Good thing is that food and unlimited rice awaits us so we are so eager to climb. After eating, we swam because how often can you swim in turquoise water??? It is very deep though so we stick with our life vest because we are so tired to float. If you’re brave enough, go try the 60ft jump here and the Tarzan rope.
HEADING TO CEBU SOON?
Click the image on the left for a detailed island travel guide that will help you more.
OR HAVE BEEN ALREADY?
We can share tips, experience and guides in the comment section below!
40 Comments. Leave new
Ang gandaaaaaa!! Naeexcite na ko pumunta sa October! 😀
AA!!! Wag mo to kalimutan gawin ah! 😄 Sobrang experience haha.
Wow!!! Ang saya!!! Grabe, I’m up for this!!! It’s just that my mom won’t surely allow me! Hayayay! Nako, basta. IN TIME. ‘Di ko pwede ‘tong palampasin! 😛 Hahaha!
Hi Bianca, actually my mom didn’t allow me din and I hope na di niya makita tong blog post ko. Haha! Yes in time when our moms is not worrying about us too much na. 🙂
Waaaaahhh!!! It looks so fun!!!!!!! So jealous haha
Chrizzia xx / http://www.thistledsoul.net/
It is fun! 🙂 You should try it too.
Ohhh, I didn’t know there were two rivers for canyoneering! I’ll refer this to my friends going there on July. 😀
http://melissathemermaid.blogspot.com
I just saw an article na clinose na rin ang Cancalapi. 🙁 Pero refer them to Highland na rin! 🙂
Love the part where there’s no other option but to jump. Haha! Go big or go home talaga which is really great for adventure-lovers. And the water looks very clear. <3 I'll definitely add this to my Cebu bucket list! Thanks for sharing, Bea.
Love, The Diary Queen
Yes!! Walang kawala sa extreme adventure. You should, I think only Cebu offers this. 🙂
Ohhh, that’s why pala di ako familiar sa cliff spots photos mo. I didn’t know na may Cancalapi. Anyhoo, it was definitely a one of a kind experience! <3
Read your canyoneering blog post and Kanlaob is gorgeous!!
Looks so much fun!! Wish I can go soon!
You should include this in your travel list Sheena! 🙂
ahhhhhhh mas na-excite akong bumalik ng Cebu!!!! 🙂 can’t wait to try this!
Go back alreaaaadyyyy!! HAHA
I’m from Cebu but I’ve never experienced it yet. Sobrang matatakutin ako 😀
My boyfriend is afraid of heights too but he managed. I think you can too. Sayang!
Ohmy, ang gandaaaa!!! I will definitely see this falls. Maybe next year, or whenever haha!
Renee, diba you can go to Cebu easily from Iligan? Never miss Badian.
The title got me! 😀 Hahaha. I’m planning to give this place a try. Hahaha. My classmate visited Cebu last summer, too bad we’re not able to go with her.
Wannderzel by Hazel
It’s worth a try. Once in lifetime experience. There’s always next time Hazel. You don’t have Bloglovin? 🙁
[…] Day 2 (CANYONEERING BADIAN) […]
Hi, wander B!
We’re planning to go to Cebu in June.
What’s the most extreme but NECESSARY jump? I’m travelling with my family. Except for our 8 year-old and 16 year-old daughters, we’re all adults. We’ve gone trekking before, but then we saw the video. We got excited— but are kids allowed to do canyoneering? Or are there alternative routes to the falls?
Thanks.
Belle
Hi Belle!
The first jump (15ft) is the only necessary jump. The other ones can be skipped but there will be a lot of trekking and sliding. I’m not sure if your 8 year old will be allowed to do it since I knew that they have an age limit of 13 yrs old above. If they kids are not allowed though, they can just go straight to
Kawasan Falls. 🙂
Pede paturo panu pumunta ng mas detailed? DIY kami sa pagpunta dyan eh. Hahaha. Need ba na marunong ka lumangoy? hahahahaha.
Hi Michael, DIY din ako pumunta. The details are on the blog. Kung saan kayo bababa, yung ay depende sa Canyoneering agency na kinuha niyo but more likely ang meet up naman nila is sa brgy hall ng Matutinao so sabihin mo lang sa konduktor. If wala pa kayong Canyoneering tour guide, pababa na lang kamo kayo sa Kawasan then marami na dun mag offer.
from Cebu City: Ride a jeepney or taxi to Cebu South bus Terminal. In the terminal, ride a Ceres bus (P120) that says Bato via Barili. Ask the konduktor to drop you in Kawasan Falls or Matutinao. Travel time is mostly 2 to 3 hours.
from Oslob: Ride a bus going to Bato. Then from Bato Terminal, ride a bus to Cebu City via Badian (P60). Travel time is 1.5 to 2 hours.
Nope. Kahit di ka lumalangoy okay na okay may lifevest naman na provided. Basta di ka takot sa tubig, pwedeng pwede!
Hello Ms. Bea, where did you left your baggage after your check out in Oslob to Badian for canyoneering? Is there a place or area in Kawasan falls to change our wet clothes, bec we’ll follow your suggestion to check-in in Carcar City
The pictures speak it all how beautiful and great to have canyoneering in Cebu. Thank you for posting.
Nice blog! Btw, how did you keep your eyeglasses??? Hindi naglaho sa dami ng talon? Lols
Hi, I’m not allowed to jump with eyeglasses eh. The lifevest has pockets sa harap na pwede lagyan ng water bottle and eyeglasses. 🙂
Hello!! iask ko lang allowed ba n gumamit ng phone para magpicture sa canyoneering activity??
Kung waterproof ang phone pwede naman. Sa Highlands PH may dry bag nadala yung tour guide namin pwede ka magpalagay ng mga gusto mo dalin. 🙂
Canyoneering! We are planning to really do this next month, and that’s why I’ve been reading for tips before we go there. Thanks for this. More power to your blog.
hello! we’re planning to go to oslob next year first week of January and we’ll be staying near the whale shark swimming. Is there a bus/jeep going directly to kawasan falls? thank you*
Hi Patricia, Nope walang direct. Nagdalawang sakay kami. Oslob -> Bato then from Bato, sakay kami ng bus pa Cebu City pero via Badian and daan. Merong direct naman pero mangongotrata ka na and it kinda pricey.
Salamat dito Bea! 😀 haha!
Hello! Are there any lockers sa area? kasi mangagagaling din kami from Oslob and I was wondering if saan namin ilalagay yung things namin. BTW we’re also planning to choose Highland Adventure. Thanks!!
Hi, walang lockers available pero merong safe house si Highland Adventure kung saan mo pwede iwan yung mga gamit mo. 🙂 May inoffer naman silang dry bag para sa mga valuable belongings na gusto mo dalhin while canyoneering. 🙂
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