BADIAN, CEBU—For many, exploring the historical landmarks of Queen City of the South might seem like the ultimate way to experience the island. However, for those who venture to the southwestern part of Cebu, a whole new dimension of adventure awaits, particularly in the adrenaline-charged world of Kawasan Canyoneering.
Tucked away in the charming town of Badian, near the famed scuba-diving hotspot of Moalboal, Kawasan Canyoneering has been an adrenaline junkie’s paradise since it first opened in 2015.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill outdoor activity—it’s a four-hour, full-throttle experience packed with cliff diving, trekking, and swimming through cool, turquoise waters surrounded by rugged canyon walls. As you navigate this watery maze, every leap, every splash, and every cliff-side vista becomes a pulse-pounding memory.
What initially might seem like an exaggeration in terms of duration is actually just the right amount of time to dive deep into the thrill of the experience.
The adventure kicks off with a briefing from the local guides, all of whom are seasoned veterans when it comes to keeping tourists safe and entertained. Helmets are buckled, life vests snugly strapped, and nerves steeled. To handle the growing number of tourists safely, a one-on-one tour guide system has been implemented, operating daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a maximum two trips for tour guides per day.
Our particular tour guide, Junior revealed that the influx of tourism has significantly transformed the local way of life, with nearly a thousand visitors—both local and international—coming each day. Before tourism surged, the primary livelihoods in the area were farming and fishing.
After being temporarily closed in June 2022 due to Typhoon Odette’s damage and issues with illegal structures, the Cebu provincial government-led activity site reopened in October 2023.
Before making the first jump, adventurers can take a leisurely 30-minute hike down the mountain or soar like a superhero on a kilometer-long zipline. Make sure to don your aqua shoes and athletic pants to dodge any cheeky scratches from the rocks while you soak in those jaw-dropping cliffside views.
As you go through the canyons, each plunge seems more daring than the last, testing your resolve and flooding your senses with pure exhilaration. But trust me, as terrifying as it may seem standing on the edge, the rush of adrenaline you’ll feel mid-air will keep you coming back for more.
But for every thrilling drop, there’s also a quieter moment to appreciate the breathtaking natural beauty surrounding you, from cascading waterfalls to the sheer rock faces that tower above.
The cost of this adventure varies depending on whether tourists choose a tour package in Cebu or do a walk-in. Previously overseen by the provincial capitol, the fee was just P1,500. However, it now starts at P2,000, which includes safety gear, meals like water, and light snacks. So if you’re gearing up for this adventure, it’s probably best to skip that hefty meal beforehand. You’ll be hopping, climbing, and leaping around, and you don’t want your breakfast or lunch to make a surprise appearance.
But don’t worry, there are a few places along the way where you can snag some street food like barbecue and drinks. So if you need to recharge, feel free to grab a snack. Just remember, once you start this adventure, it’s like being on a roller coaster with no exit. No shortcuts allowed— it is all or nothing until you reach the grand finale at Kawasan Falls.
If it’s your first time, you might catch yourself midway through, wondering how you got here—dangling on the edge of a cliff, preparing to leap into the unknown. Is this an audition for a Tarzan remake? Or did you unknowingly sign up for an extreme survival show? But as you soar through the air and take a sharp fall into the crystalline waters below, all doubt vanishes, you’ll feel like you’ve just completed an epic test of your own resilience and courage, with stories to tell that will leave your friends in awe.
And while the views will have you snapping photos non-stop for your social media feed, remember that safety should always be your top priority. The thrill of the adventure is only enjoyable when it’s balanced with a dose of responsibility—so take in the sights, embrace the rush, and leap with confidence.
This is not just another stop on your Cebu itinerary; it’s an adventure that will stay with you long after you’ve dried off and returned to reality. Kawasan Canyoneering is where the island’s natural beauty meets the heart-pounding thrill of exploration—a must for anyone seeking the ultimate Cebu experience. All photos by John Eiron R. Francisco/BM
Image credits: John Eiron R. Francisco
