Lately, Canyoning or locally known as Canyoneering became a Tourist attraction in the beautiful towns of Alegria and Badian. In line with it's fame as an extreme "Water Activity", Local Operators or Guides took this opportunity without even considering the harm and safety of their Guests or Tourists. Last weekend, Twelve Cebu Bloggers Society Members were invited by iCanyoneering Cebu in partnership with Kawasan Nature park Multi-purpose Cooperative to experience and travel the beautiful Canyons of Alegria and Badian.

Twelve Cebu Bloggers Society Members during their mini-break

Me, waiting for my turn to jump. Thanks #iCanyoneeringCebu and #KawasanCoop for this opportunity. Photo by Dayday Couple. #FaceCebuTravels #Falls #Waterfalls #CBSForever #WhenInCebu #Cebu #CebuTravel #WaterSports

A photo posted by Mark Monta (@mmonta) on Oct 12, 2015 at 5:02am PDT

#Canyoneering is cooler the second time!! Wooots! #iCanyoneeringCebu #KawasanCoop #CBSForever #FaceCebuTravels #WhenInCebu #Falls #Cebu #KawasanFalls #SignaturePose #Shoulders #biceps photo by @miongplus

A photo posted by Mark Monta (@mmonta) on Oct 11, 2015 at 2:42am PDT

So, why and how to choose a safe Canyoneering? Let’s first discuss the “why?”. In Badian, there's no specific rule from the Local Government Unit that guides the operators, guests, or tourists in relation to this activity, Canyoneering. Even the standardization or regularization of Fees are not being well observed by the Operators. While others give the package as PHP 800-900, some asks for PHP 1,300-1,500. Not to mention, other Guides would take a number of Guests (10-15) without even asking for a signed waiver. According to iCanyoneering Cebu, a standard ratio of Guide to Guests is 1:5, thus if you are in a group of 10, there should be at least Two Guides that will accompany you in the activity. In addition, before the event, the Guests should be oriented with the activity’s safety precautions, what and what-not to Dos. During the event, one must always follow what your Operator or Guides request you to do. Do not complain, always follow, remember that they know the area or canyons better than you do.






Now, how to choose a safe Canyoneering? Well, I tell you, this is not a bias recommendation, as the FaceCebu Author, Mark Monta have already experienced Canyoneering twice and his first was good but we commend to contact below Operators for a better and Safe Canyoneering Experience.

For #‎iCanyoneeringCebu‬ :
Mobile number 09176546065
FB Page: iCanyon Cebu Canyoneering Group
Email address: Chevyvirtucio@gmail.com or icanyoncebu@gmail.com
Look for Chevy or Junjun.

For ‪#‎KawasanCoop‬:
Mobile Num: 0927-582-1183 and look for Sir Isauro Belarmino

Rates: ₱1,500/head for a group of 4-5 and  ₱1,000/head for 6 and above  ( ** ₱1,300/head for no Meals)
Inclusions: Use of helmet, life vest, tour and entrance fees, guides, and set meal

CBS Members with iCanyoneering Cebu and Kawasan Coop Operators

Photos credit to Yang Guardiana, Ly Patromo, Glyth Villamor Lamprea, Dayday Couple and Guada Cuizon
Article Edited by Rhina Mahinay

Per Wikipedia, "Canyoning is the sport of exploring a canyon by engaging in such activities as rappelling, rafting, and waterfall jumping." It is famously known as Canyoneering in the US. And if you don't know yet, it is also famous here in Cebu, especially in Badian. This celebrated municipality in the province of Southern Cebu owns the water treasures we call Kawasan Falls and Matutinao River. Specifically located at Barangay Matutinao, we started the downstream canyoneering at the Matutinao River. But first, we suited up - for safety, we wore helmet, life vest and trekking/Aqua shoes!

This clear water of Matutinao River does not fail your expectation

Of course, we all look good during the Downstream Canyoneering!!!!

This kind of extreme water adventure in Badian Cebu does not just create money for the locals but it promotes Tourism. There are two kinds of Canyoneering, we can do it downstream or upstream. Upstream Canyoneering starts at Kawasan Falls in which your Guide will bring ropes and other gadgets in order to climb up to the waterfalls and this upstream activity will end at some part of Matutinao River. On the other hand, during last weekend's activity we tried the downstream version. We started with a jump at Matutinao River. Good thing about Canyoneering is that your guide will advice where and how to jump off the falls. Basically, they will perform it first before the adventurers. Even if this is one of the most nerve-wracking activities we had so far, we still managed to conquer our fear of heights. Once you are done with the first jump, there's no way you'll be turning back as the adventure and excitement will level up!

You're wondering how does the current look like? Check this out!

And here we are, starting the river trekking!

Canyoneering won't be complete without swimming and enjoying this clear water of Matutinao River

And yeah, we conquered that dangerous big rocks while on our way to our next jump off waterfalls

Here are some tips we can give:
1. Always follow what your Guides say and advice. (At all times)
2. Do not complain, Safety First! Wear your helmet, life vest/life jacket and trekking shoes properly.
3. Drink a lot of water, 30 minutes before the main event. You won't be minding or thinking of thirst in the midst of this activity. Trust me!
4. Slippery when wet is true! Indeed, always be careful on your footing.
5. We recommend to start early as 8 or 9 am, so that you'll happily end the adventure before or during lunch.
6. Put your trash inside your dry bag. We advise to bring dry bag for your phones, gadgets and other stuff.
7. Wear comfortable clothes. ( Nobody wants a trekking with coat and tie or a gown/dress on! Wear shorts and tees instead )

Lookie! Nature at its best!!

This adventure won't be an adventure if we don't play with currents!

Canyoneering Contact Details:

Look for Albert via mobile - 09359254769
** Sir Albet’s canyoneering package includes aqua shoes, life vest, snacks, entrance fees, transportation to and from the site (Habal-habal).

Check his Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/albert.aspacio

You can try Freelance Guides:

Choy Daruca at 0910-2359786
Halourd at 0933-6292925


And of course, here are some FaceCebu.Net Blogger's Solo pics!



So how to get to Badian Cebu? If you're coming from outside Cebu, see below steps:
1. From Mactan International Airport, take a cab going to South Bus Terminal
2. Take a bus with label "Bato via Barili" - Aircon or Non-Aircon - This Bus will leave every hour starting at 4 am until 12 midnight. Travel from Cebu City to Badian will take 2-3 hours.
3. Tell the Driver for your drop off, Brgy. Matutinao, Badian
4. Then contact your Canyoneering Guide.

Now, check this Compilation Video during last weekend's Canyoneering Downstream in Badian Cebu!

Last weekend, we conquered the highest Peak of Cebu, Osmena Peak. With its distance of 1013 meters above sea level, hiking to the Peak is definitely easy but of course with observed caution. What exciting on that amazing day was FaceCebu.Net Author, Mark Monta, took the risk of wearing his #MYOH2014 Havaianas Slipper from hiking activity to Osmena Peak and of course, traversing from Osmena Peak to Kawasan Falls of Matutinao Badian, Cebu. The journey to this beautiful Nature's Water form was neither easy nor difficult for newbies or Hiking enthusiasts. Together with friends, We were able to arrive at this famous Falls in Southern Cebu after Four hours of extreme trekking and everyone went wild and the feeling of fulfillment was absolutely worth it.

Osmeña Peak situated at Dalaguete, Cebu

Mark Monta, FaceCebu.Net Author

Now, let me show you some Havaianas SelFeet. I was so proud of this "Make Your Own Havaianas 2014" pair which did not torn out or got any problem during our traverse from Osmena Peak to Kawasan Falls.( PS, please don't judge my travelling feet XD )















 Here are some photos we took at Osmeña Peak....

[LEFT to RIGHT] Frandy, Finlust Blogger Rabsin and FaceCebu Author, Mark Monta

A pose with Frandy and our very young Guides to Osmeña Peak

A Panorama shot of Osmeña Peak

 And Finally, after 4 hours of walk, cheers to Kawasan Falls of Badian Cebu!!!