S1 E88 | Kawasan Canyoneering Adventure – Cliff Jumps, Blue Pools and Cebu’s Famous Waterfall

Our first full day in the Philippines turned out to be one of the most adventurous of our entire trip so far. We set off early from Moalboal, in the southwest of Cebu Island, and headed toward the famous Kawasan Falls for a day of canyoneering.

It had taken us nearly four hours the previous evening to cover just 100 km by bus, so waking up fresh in this little town felt like a relief. By 7 AM, we met our guide, Ernie, who would be leading us into the canyons. Nervous but excited, we geared up with helmets and life jackets before hopping onto a motorbike that took us deep into the lush green valley where the adventure began.

The start itself was terrifying – a five-meter cliff jump into clear turquoise water. The nerves were high, but with encouragement from our guide and fellow travelers, we took the plunge. The water was perfectly warm, and once the first fear was conquered, the rest of the day was pure adrenaline and fun.

The canyoneering trail took us through stunning limestone canyons, natural pools, waterfalls, and even little food stalls in the middle of nowhere. At every turn, the scenery looked like paradise – dramatic cliffs, bright blue waters, and the sound of rushing rivers.

One of the highlights was making our way down to the iconic Kawasan Falls. This waterfall is one of the most photographed spots in the Philippines, but due to recent typhoons, its flow had reduced to a smaller stream. Even so, the turquoise color of the water and the energy of the place made it unforgettable.

For someone like Nav, who isn’t a strong swimmer, the life jacket and constant support of the guides made all the difference. The fear quickly gave way to excitement, and each jump became easier than the last. For Shishira, who’s more comfortable in water, it was pure joy.

After hours of sliding, jumping, swimming, and laughing through the canyon, we ended the adventure back near the falls with a hearty local lunch. Exhausted but thrilled, we returned to our hostel, calling it one of the most fun and craziest days of this journey so far.

Tip: If you’re visiting Cebu, don’t miss out on Kawasan canyoneering. It’s safe with a guide, and whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just someone looking to try something new, this experience is unforgettable.