Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls made our trip feel complete starting from our very first day in Cebu.
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That is why I always suggest it to people visiting the island along with the sardine run in Moalboal and whale shark watching in Oslob. You can read my other blog post to see how our adventure was a big deal and how it changed my life forever.
Let me share exactly what we experienced, what we saw, and what our time was like on the trail. This way, you can see why I always recommend canyoneering in Kawasan Falls and get some help to prepare for your own adventure.
Note: Don’t forget to check out the gallery at the end of this post!
Hi reader! It’s Eljon, and before we continue, I want to welcome you to my blog, Explore to Thrive. Here, I share my experiences with traveling, reflections on spirituality, personal growth and insights on building an online business, all to make a difference. But my mission goes beyond that. You can learn more about what I do by visiting my homepage.
What to Expect in Kawasan Falls Canyoneering
Do you know what is so great about the main path for canyoneering in Kawasan Falls?
It feels like nature created it to be a perfect adventure place in Cebu. From the start of the river to the end, the challenges grow more intense as if the canyon is gradually getting you ready for the best parts at the finish line.
The first sections help you get your mind ready for the more exciting moments that come later on.
For example, at the first station, the cliff jump is only 4 meters high. Later at the second or third station, the jump reaches 7 meters. Near the end, there is a 10 meter high cliff where you need to run to create a projectile and land in the water.
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4-Meter High Cliff Jump
7-Meter High Cliff Jump
10-Meter High Cliff Jump
After that 10 meter jump, the fun activities are waiting for you as a reward for all the bravery you showed during the trip. These include the long slide, the rope swing, and the dam where most people take photos to share on Instagram.
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Long Slide
Rope Swing
In our experience, we did not find ourselves waiting in line for the cliff jumps and natural slides until we reached the 10 meter cliff jump and the rope swing. I think the reason for this is that travelers can actually go back to the line and do these activities as many times as they want.
Did we do it again? We only tried the 10 meter cliff jump and the rope swing once because the line was already long for another turn.
Even so, I think the 10 meter cliff jump is worth doing over and over again. It is the one place where you can really feel like you are flying in mid air even if it only lasts for a split second. It is truly an exciting experience.
According to our guide, the Kawasan canyoneering path also features a cave with beautiful stalactites in addition to the slides and jumps. To pass through it, you need to swim in a 100 meter underground river.
I am not exactly sure why we did not go inside, but I think it was because the rainy season made the water level too high for us to enter.
Anyhow, you can still see some stalactites along the way even if you do not go through the cave I was describing. The trail passes through hollow cliffs and small caves featuring rock formations hanging from the ceiling. I think there is one in the early parts of the trip.
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In other areas, like after taking that 7 meter cliff jump, you will be swimming through a type of river cave. It also has stalactites, but they are not as long or big as the ones you see in the early parts of the canyon. During the time we were there, the ceiling was low enough that we could touch the rock formations above us and even bump our helmets.
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Best View Along Kawasan Falls Canyoneering
When it comes to the scenery, the middle of the canyon was my favorite part, especially the area near the seven meter cliff jump. The walls look so dramatic there that you truly feel like you are on an adventure deep inside a canyon.
Snack Station of Kawasan Falls Canyoneering
I cannot exactly remember if the seven meter cliff jump or the snack station comes first, but the food stands are right around that middle section. If I recall correctly, you can find things like barbecue, hot dogs, and burgers there. You can also grab some drinks to stay hydrated.
Personally, it was a huge surprise to find a snack station right in the middle of the trail.
At first, I had no idea how they managed to bring all the food and supplies way out there. But finding that food was a lifesaver because I was already so hungry when we arrived. I was thankful that my friend had some extra money for me to borrow so I could grab a hot dog and a small bottle of soda.
The food costs more inside the canyon than it does in town, so I recommend bringing at least 300 to 500 pesos. Try to carry small bills and coins so the vendors can easily give you change for your purchase.
Kawasan Falls
If you skip a meal at the snack station, the next place to buy food is around Kawasan Falls at the end of the main canyoneering route. Most tours include free lunch in one of the restaurants there. You can ask your guide or the tour operator about the options because the setup is different for every group.
When you reach this area, you will notice the crowds start to grow. This happens because tourists who want to see the falls can come straight from the road. Once we reached the water, however, we found it odd that nobody else was actually swimming in the main pool of Kawasan Falls.
I guess the reason for the empty water was the light rain, which kept most people under the roofs of the nearby restaurants. This gave us a great chance to snap photos with the waterfall in the background without any other people getting in the way. It was really a nice experience.
Kawasan Falls Photo Spot
Before our visit, there was usually a bamboo raft in the water where people took their souvenir pictures. We wanted to stand on it for our own photos, but the raft was gone when we arrived.
We decided to head over to a large rock in the water instead, which works as another great place for pictures.
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The rock is very slippery, so please be careful if you try to do the same thing. I had a hard time standing up because the surface was so slick. I decided to pose while sitting down instead.
It is also good to know that you are allowed to swim in the pool and even go right into the area where the water falls.
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Fun fact, years ago, there was a higher cliff jump located right before you reach Kawasan Falls. Our guide mentioned it was a 15-meter drop, and it looked even more exciting than the 10-meter one.
According to local stories, a powerful typhoon caused rocks to fall into the landing area below. This made the jump dangerous and led to its permanent closure.
Kawasan Falls Way Out
Anyway, after visiting the falls, we had a short walk to the main exit where our ride was waiting. The hike followed the river and offered beautiful views of smaller waterfalls along the path. And that’s it! That was our trip through the main canyoneering trail at Kawasan Falls.
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If you are still deciding on your travel dates, there are a few important things to keep in mind before you book. I wrote a separate guide to help you pick the best time for your trip. Please take a look at it to make sure you do not schedule your Kawasan Falls adventure during a bad time.
Ready for your canyoneering adventure in Kawasan Falls?
Kawasan Falls Canyoneering Expectations from Photos
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Planning to Visit Cebu?
I am here to help you plan your journey and ensure you have an incredible time. You should check out my travel maps, planning tools, itineraries and tips, which are all derived from my own adventures in Cebu.
Click the maps below to view or download them:
Cebu City
South Cebu
Central Visayas
My travel planning resources page contains everything you need. Find the best hotels, cheap car rentals, affordable flights, and travel insurance.
From this page, you can also book the top 3 unmissable activities in Cebu. You can find alternative experiences in Oslob, Badian, Sibonga, Moalboal, Bantayan, and Malapascua as well.
Of course, if you’re visiting Cebu City, I also have tips for you. And if you want to go beyond Cebu, you can discover nearby destinations like Bohol, Siquijor, and Dumaguete.
Thank you for reading
I hope my trip and experiences spark ideas for your travels and help you plan your next trip. But before you go, if you haven’t checked it out yet, drop by my homepage so I can give myself a proper introduction. Catch you there!
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