CANYONEERING @ KAWASAN FALLS
ADRENALINE JUNKIES & THRILL SEEKERS: THIS ONE'S FOR YOU
One of the main reasons why I love blogging is to look back and reflect on my past experiences. I'm glad and blessed I'm able to write about my trip to the Philippines. Since I stayed for over 2 weeks, I'm breaking it down in different posts!
I've skydived, I've ziplined & I've bungee jumped. So canyoneering shouldn't be a big deal, am I right? I was actually nervous about it because I had no idea what to expect! I've searched all over the internet to find EVERYTHING on canyoneering at Kawasan Falls, and now that I experienced it, I'm able to write everything I think YOU should know! I was so bummed I forgot to bring my GoPro, but hopefully these pictures will do justice.
WHAT IS CANYONEERING?
Canyoneering is hiking combined with water sports: repelling, cliff diving, swimming, etc.
WHERE IS THE KAWASAN FALLS?
KAWASAN FALLS IS IN THE ISLAND OF CEBU, PHILIPPINES. We flew to Manila first, then took a short flight to the island of Cebu! From our hotel, Best Western Lux Hotel, it took us about 2 hours to get to the beginning of the trail.
HOW MUCH DID IT COST?
Please do some research before booking! We were supposed to get it for 1300 pesos/person, but when they found out we were American, they raised it to 2000 pesos/person! Granted, 2000 pesos is like $42 dollars, but we still love a good deal, amiryte? If you speak tagalog fluently or know someone who does, have them be the main point of contact!
DO YOU HAVE TO DO THE CLIFF JUMPS?
Yes & No.
I was terrified of jumping off cliffs, but I trekked down the trails that had no alternative route. I believe the very first one is mandatory, but it's small. I think I did a total of 3! The big ones go for up to 40 ft! There's also natural water slides like Raging Waters, but NAHT. There are alternate routes if you do not want to jump (most of the time).
There was one point on the trip where you were allowed to swing from a tree. Supposedly, you had to pay to do it but no one was really enforcing it.
During the trail, we had the option of jumping or crossing a bamboo made bridge. As we were closely approaching, there were people on the bridge crossing, and it literally SNAPPED IN HALF causing the people on it to fall into the water. I was so scared of jumping, but literally that was the only option and felt safer haha. Guess that's what we call ADVENTURE!
WHAT YOU NEED
The Canyoneering group will provide life jackets and helmets. They also sell waterproof cases with a lanyard for your phone!
You'll need the right kind. Some people in our group wore real water shoes, but didn't help when we were actually hiking. I found some that were still fashionable and it worked SO WELL during our adventure. I came out with no cuts or blisters! They look like sneakers, but they are still able sustain in water.
You should really invest in putting a travel sized bug spray bottle and sun screen!
Our group all had the same waterproof phone cases and all our phones were same from the water.
Current so strong, you get free massages!
In the middle of the trail, there's a break area where they sell grilled hot dogs and other delicious snacks! How they got there with all the food and equipment? I don't know. haha
FRESH COCONUT from our Tour Guide himself
This is definitely not the bamboo that broke. The one that broke was MUCH higher.
You and your group receives an amazing lunch with the tour!
Also, all you can drink beer. Well deserving after a long day!
Our tour guides were nothing short of amazing. We lost phones and shoes in the water, and they dove into the water to successfully find it! You can tell they really love their jobs and are experts at what they're doing.
Please don't forget to tip!