Kawasan Falls Canyoneering: Is It Worth The Hype? Moalboal Cebu, Philippines 2024
In short - Yes! Kawasan Falls canyoneering on the island of Cebu is for sure going to be highlight of your Philippine adventures! Below we share our unforgettable experience, how we organised it, where Kawasan falls are and everything else you need to know before embarking on this once in a lifetime adventure.
We haven't edited any photos you see below, this is the true colours you will see!
Contents
Where Is Kawasan Falls?
There are lots of Kawasan falls in the Philippines, Kawasan means cascade, but the Kawasan Falls on Cebu are by far the most famous. You will find Kawasan Falls on the island of Cebu in Barangay Matutinao, the district of Badian on the southwestern coast of Cebu, it is about 2-3 hours from Cebu City. Moalboal & specifically Panagsama Beach is a great town to stay in as a base if you’re visiting for canyoneering due to the amazing Sardine Run Snorkelling and the lively bar & restaurant scene.
How To Get To Kawasan Falls Moalboal, Cebu
From Cebu City
Catch the bus to Moalboal from the 'South Bus Terminal' in Cebu City. You can book a grab to take you to the terminal. There is a small charge (₱20) for your taxi to enter the terminal but this will remove any hassle and they will drop you right outside the entrance.
The bus costs ₱200 or £2.85 each and takes roughly 2-3 hours weaving through the mountain towns after escaping the city hustle & bustle. You will be dropped off right outside Jollibee's in Moalboal, from here it's usually then best to take a tricycle to your accommodation. In the town of Moalboal or at your hostel you can then organise your canyoneering tour, they will then sort your transport to the falls & guides etc.
From South Cebu
If you're heading there from a town in South Cebu such as Oslob or the port of Liloan, just catch a bus North towards Cebu City via Moalboal. Get off in Moalboal by the Jollibees then head to your hostel.
Once in Moalboal
If you’ve booked a guided tour from Moalboal or through your hostel your transport will be arranged and they will pick you up in the morning.
Tip: Pick the earliest tour possible to avoid the crowds. The water was crystal clear on our tour as we were the first group through.
Making Your Own Way To Kawasan Falls
You will still have to hire a guide as this is mandatory for most activities in the Philippines in order to help the locals find income, but you can still make your own way on a scooter to the canyoneering centre.
The guides make this trip, they are super friendly, kind and great at taking photos!
What Is Kawasan Falls and What Can You Do There
Kawasan falls is a multi-tier waterfall, and is often described as the best waterfall in the Philippines! It is famous for the canyoneering tours however if you don’t want to do the canyoneering skip to: Visit Kawasan Falls Without Canyoneering.
Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls
You’re experience will start with signing your life away…….. no but seriously this can be dangerous and they do make you sign a waiver. You will be given a helmet and life jacket (and wet shoes if needed) then they will drive you to the safety briefing. The briefing takes 30 seconds then you’re ready to go.
How Long Does The Kawasan Falls Tour Take?
The full canyoneering course takes 3-4 hours. You will experience the rainforest like never before.
At the start of the tour you have a choice to walk 40 minutes to the start of the course or take the zip wire. The zip line costs an extra ₽700 (£10) each and we would highly recommend it as long as you don't have a phobia of heights. You get a great view and skip the walk, which is needed in the 30-40 degree heat. If you’re on a tight budget perhaps walking is for you.
Jumps at Kawasan Falls
The first jump is 4m and pretty early on. After that you will clamber and swim through azure waters. Your guides will help you and take all your photos, they are amazing.
The second jump is a 7m high jump and the third 6m. After this you will have a short journey towards the final 10m jump. Take the time to listen to the rainforest and don’t forget to look up! This is seriously some of the best scenery around.
There is also a stop half way through with a 7\11 in the middle of the jungle - a small local shack selling some snacks. If you’re on a budget we recommend you don’t buy anything here.
The final 10m jump comes just before you get to the start of Kawasan Falls. This jump is high, but it will get the adrenaline pumping. (Also remember you don’t have to jump, there is a way to walk round if it’s too high for you).
After the final jump you will come to the tranquil top pool and waterfall where you can take photos with the famous blue coloured waters. Then you will be lead down to the rope swing, this costs a little extra but it’s totally worth it!
You’re final trek will be down to Kawasan falls itself. Here your guide will let you swim and relax in the pool.
There is a short walk back to the road where you will be taken back to the canyoneering centre and given lunch. We had buttered chicken and pancit; there were also options of pork and fish.
How Much Does Kawasan Falls Cost?
The tour cost ₽2100 (£29 / $36)
Extras:
Zip wire ₽700 (£9.69 / $12.13)
Rope swing ₽20
What To Take to Kawasan Falls?
Wet shoes (or you can hire them)
GoPro or phone in a waterproof case
Swimsuit/shorts/clothes you can get wet
Suncream
Wallet
You can rent a locker for a small cost, if you have extra bags or stuff but really you don't need to bring too much stuff.
Visit Kawasan Falls Without Canyoneering
If clambering over rocks, jumping off of 10m ledges and the general craziness of canyoneering isn't your thing then that's not a problem! You can still visit the beautiful Kawasan Falls from the safety of a leisurely stroll. Just hike and swim in the beautiful clear water, your guides will take you directly to the end point of the falls and skip the canyoneering. Easy Peasy!
What's Nearby In The Local Area
The region of Badian is also home to one of the best hikes on the island of Cebu, Osmena & Casino Peaks, similar to the Chocolate Hills of Bohol these hikes bring you up to a stunning viewpoint of the tropical rainforest. Another hour or so drive further down south also brings you to an abundance of waterfalls: Inambakan Falls, Dao Falls, Tumalog Falls. If you've got the time and budget, there's loads to do in the area.
Book Your Kawasan Falls Tour Here
Best Places To Stay In Moalboal
Moalboal has lots of accommodation to choose from, whether you’re looking for a dive school, a luxury resort or a budget hostel you’ll be able to find somewhere. We recommend staying close to Panagsama Beach or on Panagsama Road, this is where most of the restaurants are located as well as easy access to most of the island's attractions.
We use Booking.com and HostelWorld for all of our stays around the world!
Below is a list of top accommodations we recommend for Moalboal, Cebu:
Top Things To Do In Moalboal
We stayed 4 nights in Moalboal, this is enough time to visit the famous Kawasan Falls, see the Sardine Run and explore the coast. If you would like to head down to the South of Cebu to visit the islands waterfalls we would recommend staying a little longer. Here’s our highlights.
Top Pick: Kawasan Canyoneering
Jump from 10m and swim through a jungle canyon to the famous Kawasan Falls with its turquoise blue waters. Try and get an early spot to avoid the crowds.
Best Beach: Panagsama Beach
Although not a white sandy beach you can experience the sardine run, one of the only places in the world where you can snorkel with so many fish off-shore, plus you can see turtles!
Other Things To Do On Cebu
Essential Travel Items You Need
 | Lifestraw - Filtered Water Bottle Allowing you to fill up water whenever and wherever with peace of mind plus you’re helping the environment! |
 | Jungle Formula - High Deet Mosquito Spray The weak sprays will not work! Make sure to bring a high deet percentage spray made for the tropics. We also use Mosquito Wipes. |
 | Water Shoes - Lightweight with Protection Stay protected from Sea Urchins with these, also useful for snorkelling, waterfall hikes and more. We also love our Microfibre Towels and Dry Bag. |
 | Universal Travel Adaptor With Multiple USBs Life while travelling will never be the same again! Charge multiple devices all at once in any country... game changer. |
Top Tips For Travelling The Philippines
If you’re visiting the Philippines here are our top travel tips:
Book flights in advance - they can become expensive if you leave it last minute… oh and check your luggage allowance to skip expensive check in fees at the airport. Don't forget your Apple Airtags to track your bags
Bring a Lifestraw - allowing you to fill up water whenever and wherever with peace of mind plus you’re helping the environment! We also love our Water Shoes, Microfibre Towels & Eye Mask for travel days
Bring Mosquito Repellent with a high Deet percentage
Embrace the chaos and get stuck in the locals are friendly and love to help and share information about their home!
For a checklist of what's needed to pack for your trip, read: How to Pack for Backpacking to South East Asia: Backpacking Essentials and Accessories
We love our DJI Mini for all of our drone shots!
Final Thoughts on Kawasan Falls Moalboal
I hope the photos in this blog have sold you on trying the Canyoneering and demonstrated how unbelievably amazing Kawasan Falls is, we don't usually like to just do the touristy things in a certain place however this one blew us away. Well worth the money, the adventure involves a motorbike ride, zipline, hiking, rock climbing, ledge jumps, swimming and waterfall exploring - an adventurers dream! If hardcode adventure isn't your style then we think it's still worth going to see the vibrant blue water at the waterfalls! So check it out and we hope you enjoy.
Travel Tools To Help You Plan
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Thank you for reading and enjoy your Philippine adventure. Reach out to us over on Instagram @KateandMikesTravels. We always love to hear from people who read our blogs!
For our Filipino friends: Maraming salamat sa pag babasa, hangang sa susunod nating pag kikita, mamimiss namin kayo, mabuhay ang pilipinas! Salamat
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