A Beginner's Travel Guide to Badian Cebu Canyoneering

What is Canyoneering?

Canyoneering or Canyoning is traveling along canyons using a variety of techniques that may include walking, scrambling, climbing, jumping, rappelling, and swimming. This kind of activity is already common in most parts of the world, especially in North America, and Oceania.

Here is a list of what makes Badian, Cebu Canyoneering a little unique than the rest of the world and a few key points on what to expect in this activity.

1.    How long does it take?

More or less 13 hours. Traveling from Cebu City, for about 3 hours down south to a little town called Badian. Transfer to the jump-off point via a motorcycle ride or locally known as habal-habal. Upon arrival at the jump-off point, everyone who will be doing this kind of activity is required to register and attend a short briefing which will be followed by at least 30 minutes trekking to the starting point of your Canyoneering adventure.

The activity itself will usually take 4-5 hours depending on your pacing until you reach the main Kawasan falls, a place to relax and refresh in the cyan waters after a long trek.

It is preferred to start the activity between 6-9AM to avoid the hot sun rays at noon. The Canyoneering activity closes at 3 PM.

2.    How high are the cliffs to jump off and how many jumps are there?

Jump points start at 1 meter and go as 11 meters high; as tall as a 3-story building! Currently, they have around 5 to 7 jump points. However, locals continue to develop the site, not by building infrastructures but by checking and trying out new jump points for future travelers.

3.    Is it mandatory to jump?

In contrary to what most people think – those who are not familiar of course – it is not required to jump from all the points except two (2) points where it is only 1 meter high.

Since the whole Canyoneering activity starts atop a mountainside, hidden amidst a lush forest and towering canyons that means you’ll have to conquer and jump these 1-meter drop points.

There’s no turning back once you jump from this height.

4.    What to bring?

DSLR Cameras are allowed however it is recommended to just bring a handy phone, waterproof preferably, or an action camera. If you don’t have any of those, just ask your guide if they have available action camera for rent, don’t forget to bring your own memory cards.

Bring snacks such as chocolates, candies, and water, and a light change of clothes. However, as much as possible, you are not allowed bringing anything else especially small items or anything prone to be either lost or destroyed by just getting damp, but if you have valuables just make sure to secure it in a dry bag.

Local tour guides usually bring one or you can rent dry bags from them but make sure you don’t bring unnecessary stuff since the guides will bring the bags for you; you are not allowed to carry one for your own safety during your jumps.

  5.    When is the best time to go Canyoneering?

It’s recommended trying this activity during the months of October to February when it’s somewhat cold and the water is high. You could also visit during the summer season which is around March to May but there are chances of shallow water. June to August is the rainy season hence there are chances that your trip would cancel due to non-stop rain, but if you get lucky it’s still a good month to go.

If you’re staying for a while in Cebu, it is recommended to do the Canyoneering activity mid of your stay, so that in case you get a sore body after, you’ll can still, sit it out for a day or two just lounging by the beach or at the comforts of your hotel. If you’re just in a quick getaway, do it the day after your arrival. Also, you might encounter crowds especially during the peak season, so to avoid the crowds and queuing to jump, make sure to book your activity on weekdays.

6.    What should we expect?

Expect long walks/trekking, swimming, exciting jumps, and a whole new adventure. Fifty percent of the tour consists more of trekking on rocky terrain, bring some water to dehydrate during this activity. You’ll get to do some dipping and swimming in cyan water and don’t forget cliff diving.

What makes it a whole new adventure is that there are a few twists in between….

You’ll do sliding, both regular and head-first-sliding, there are free-fall jumps where the guide would push you on shallow height, there’s also the rope swing, oh did I mention there’s a barbeque station midway? Plus if you’re with your group of besties you could do the caterpillar-floating. Sounds fun isn’t it?

7.    Is the activity safe or too extreme?

The walking, jumping, and swimming is definitely not hard. Some parts are quite extreme if you choose to do the high jumps.

It is safe, the local government conducted extensive security measures and training to all accredited guides. The local guides’ job is to make the activity fun, adventurous, and safe, so as long as you follow their instructions and tell them honestly how you’re feeling, you should be good.

You shouldn’t be thinking about how hard or extreme it is, think of it as a travel challenge that you need to tick off of your list.

8.    Who is not allowed to do the Canyoneering? Is there a required medical certificate before doing the activity?

There are no medical certificates required, just make sure you are in good physical and psychological state before doing this activity. You shouldn’t have any heart problems, not pregnant (even on the first few weeks only), or doesn’t have any prosthetic limbs.

If you’re wearing prescription glasses, just wear your glasses and never wear contact lenses. Though during your jumps you are required to remove your glass which can be kept on your life jacket’s front pocket but other than that, you’re good to go.

Seniors and children may not be allowed depending on their height and physical state, but don’t worry you can still visit and wait for your group at the end of the line.

9.    What are the best tips to keep in mind during the Canyoneering?

Follow the instructions of the local guide, trust them as they are the expert in the area. Especially when jumping, do the jump-pose as taught or you might get an awful bruise due to water impacts or worse gets into an accident.

For the ladies, it’s recommended to cut your nails before the tour. Due to the adrenaline rush during jumps, you might not easily notice you’re scratching your face as you pinch your nose.

Follow the guide but DO NOT mock them. If they do tricks or black flips during jumps, just watch and be wowed. Remember that they have been doing it on a daily basis so they know the dos and don’ts.

Since this activity will require you to travel as early as 4 in the morning, you should drop by a convenience store or fast-food restaurant to grab a quick breakfast. 

For lunch, you can pack some lunch, or you can buy at the small canteen or eatery at the Kawasan dining area.

When it comes to jumping….. JUST DO IT.  The more time you spend at the top; the more fear that you will feel. Don’t think too much about it, because it will be just as quick as a snap of a finger.

10.    What should I wear?

Comfortable athletic wear or light material clothes that could be wet, such as leggings, rash guards, running shorts, swimwear, etc.

If you want to change at your hotel’s bath, then wear something that could be dried off easily. If you want to avoid unexpected scratches from the rocks then wear long sleeves to protect your arms or legs. Bring some change of clothes, there are available showers to rinse off in the area.

Shoes are required, but not sneakers type. It’s a must to wear non-slippery aqua shoes or all-terrain shoes. Slippers, sandals, and walking on barefoot during the activity are not allowed. If you don’t have shoes, there are available shoes for rent, but for hygiene purposes or just in case you have a "bigfoot" it is better to bring your own.

Now you know the things you need to know before doing the Cebu Canyoneering activity. What do you think? Are you ready to give it a try now? 

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