Badian Canyoneering in Cebu, Philippines

Last Updated on April 21, 2025 by Roxanne Tamayo

Badian Canyoneering in Cebu

Badian Canyoneering in Cebu is one of the most popular activities in the south. On February 21, 2015, I decided to go back solo backpacking in Moalboal, Cebu. Also, it was my first experience trying out a canyoneering Cebu adventure. A friend advised me to submit my resume to an outdoor shop seeking an outdoor manager. As I wasn’t very adventurous back then, I decided to try out, even though I wasn’t sure if I would get hired.

You can book Cebu Canyoneering Badian via Klook.

In my backpack, I brought my laptop, pocket Wi-Fi, some clothes, and snorkeling gear, as I might have the chance to stay for a few days. And I could still work on my laptop near the beach. That’s one of the perks of being a digital nomad. What was cool about that time was that the owner gave me some food allowance and a free place to stay. Additionally, I participated in a free canyoneering adventure, which was my first experience. I was thrilled. During my four-day stay in Moalboal, I didn’t spend a lot.

Canyoning, also known as canyoneering, is not for everyone, especially if you’re not particularly adventurous or if you’re afraid of heights and drowning. I should have done this in May 2014, but I went to Boracay instead. I wasn’t ready.

Canyoneering in Cebu, Philippines may not for everyone but you need to learn how to do it. Canyoning (known as canyoneering in the U.S.) is traveling in canyons using a variety of techniques that may include other outdoor activities such as walking, scrambling, climbing, jumping, abseiling (rappelling), and swimming. – Source: Wikipedia Canyoning

Because of my solo backpacking, I am open to the idea of being more adventurous and to try something new. As they say, face your fears.

Getting Ready for the Badian Canyoneering

canyoneering Cebu adventure
with the two girls from France
canyoneering Cebu adventure
easy to jump here
canyoneering Cebu adventure
let’s go jump
canyoneering Cebu adventure
Let me take a selfie first before jumping…

It took me minutes before I jumped because I was really nervous. Like I did the sign of the cross and prayed for my safety.

canyoneering Cebu adventure

Awesome view

canyoneering Cebu adventure

We were the only people so we felt like we own the place.

canyoneering Cebu adventure

Please enjoy the beauty of our experience. It was fantastic and I could not believe that I was able to make it. I am in love with Mother Nature.

canyoneering Cebu adventure

My feelings were mixed, as I caught my breath and felt nervous. Just imagine that the French girls I was with were tall and I have short legs. It wasn’t easy to swim and keep up with them. I kept on saying, “Please wait for me!”

canyoneering Cebu adventure

Just relax, enjoy the scenery, and take your time. It was not a race.

canyoneering Cebu adventure
canyoneering Cebu adventure
canyoneering Cebu adventure

Just make sure to go there on a sunny day. It is always the best time to go canyoneering.

canyoneering Cebu adventure
canyoneering Cebu adventure

I forgot how many levels we have to pass on our way downstream. I believe it was eight, but correct me if I’m wrong.

canyoneering Cebu adventure
canyoneering Cebu adventure
canyoneering Cebu adventure
canyoneering Cebu adventure
canyoneering Cebu adventure
canyoneering Cebu adventure
canyoneering Cebu adventure
canyoneering Cebu adventure
canyoneering Cebu adventure

We had these ‘oooh’ and ‘aaah’ moments every time we finished jumping from one fall to the other.

canyoneering Cebu adventure

This one is 10 feet high, and I decided not to jump because I was afraid. So brave of this French girl for trying out.

canyoneering Cebu adventure

We’re almost there!

canyoneering Cebu adventure

Peaceful

canyoneering Cebu adventure

Massage, please!

canyoneering Cebu adventure
canyoneering Cebu adventure

This is Kawasan Falls already!

canyoneering Cebu adventure

Yes, you’ll end up in Kawasan falls! It’s time to take off your wetsuit, and helmet, and change into your swimwear.

What to Wear for Badian Canyoneering – How to prepare yourself for the adventure?

Badian canyoneering in Cebu is such an epic adventure! Since you’ll be trekking, swimming, climbing, and jumping into waterfalls (like the famous Kawasan Falls), you’ll want to dress for both comfort and safety. Here’s a handy list of what to wear:

What to Wear:

1. Quick-Dry, Lightweight Clothes

  • Rash guard or dri-fit shirt — for sun protection and to avoid scratches.
  • Board shorts or leggings — something comfy and not too loose.

2. Aqua Shoes / Trekking Sandals

  • Good grip is a must because the rocks can get slippery.
  • Avoid flip-flops — they won’t survive the jumps and climbs.

3. Helmet & Life Vest

  • The tour operators usually provide these — make sure they fit correctly.

4. Lightweight Gloves (optional)

  • For extra grip and to protect your hands when climbing rocks.

5. Waterproof Action Camera (like a GoPro)

  • Bring one if you have it, with a secure strap — the views and jumps are worth capturing.

What Not to Wear:

  • Cotton clothes — they get heavy when wet.
  • Flip-flops or regular sneakers — no grip, and unsafe.
  • Jewelry / Watches — you might lose them in the water.

Pro Tips:

  • Secure eyeglasses/sunglasses if you need to wear them.
  • Tie your hair if it’s long, for better visibility and comfort.
  • Bring a dry bag for your essentials, such as your phone and money, in case you need them along the way.

Before I engaged in the canyoning activity, I thank my solo backpacking experience for teaching me to carry a heavy backpack with a laptop, which I have now grown accustomed to walking or hiking with everywhere I go. I also participated in a cliff jumping activity on Camotes Island, where I had previously experienced jumping. I know how to swim a little bit and am always fond of snorkeling. You must be physically fit and have a sense of adventure.

The activities related to canyoning are mountaineering, bouldering, and snorkeling.

For safety, it is a must to wear a helmet, a wetsuit, and a PFD (personal flotation device) or life jacket.

Always listen to your guide and stay with the group. Fortunately, we were just three during the tour, so it was easy for our guide to accommodate us.

Be careful with cliff jumping to avoid bruises, scrapes, and cuts. We were fortunate that we never experienced such an incident, as we were not in a hurry. Just keep your pace and enjoy the scenery.

Thank you to Cyan Adventures for this opportunity. I had the best and most comfortable canyoning experience.

So, how was your canyoneering experience in Alegria and Badian?

Don’t forget to check out: How to Enjoy Cebu South on a Budget?

Places to Visit in Cebu and Other Things To Do

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