Kawasan Falls Canyoneering

Kawasan Falls canyoneering starts upriver in Badian and follows the Matutinao River down through a series of gorges — walking, scrambling, swimming, and cliff jumping, depending on how much of the optional stuff a group wants to do. The route ends at the three-tiered Kawasan Falls, where the water runs the turquoise color the falls are known for.

The full route runs three to five hours depending on pace, and it’s built to be accessible: no technical climbing skill required, and every major jump — some up to 30 feet — has a walking alternative for anyone who’d rather skip it. Guides run the descent; life vests, helmets, and closed footwear are required throughout.

Badian sits roughly 100 kilometers from Cebu City, and most visitors base out of Moalboal rather than making the trip in a day. Package pricing usually bundles gear, guide fees, and sometimes a meal after — canyoneering has become one of the main income sources for guiding families along the Matutinao corridor since the route’s popularity took off in the 2010s. Starting early beats the crowds and the midday heat; a dry bag for anything that can’t get wet is worth packing, since the group stays mostly submerged for most of the route.