Half-Day Canyoneering, Lunch Included

Kawasan Falls is why so many travelers base themselves in Moalboal, and this half-day canyoneering run is the fastest way into the canyon. Guide, gear and lunch are all in the package, from $55.

Overview

This half-day package from PH Kawasan Canyoneering covers a canyoneering run down the Matutinao River at Kawasan Falls, with jumps, scrambling and a Tarzan swing, plus a home-cooked Filipino lunch at the end. The operator puts the whole half-day package at roughly three hours, and the day finishes back where it started in Badian.

The rhythm of the day is straightforward. You get picked up, ride to the jump-off point near Upper Solong-on in Badian, gear up with helmet, life jacket and canyoneering shoes, then follow guides down the canyon. Reviewers regularly describe the route as a real workout, with some mandatory jumps and a fair amount of hiking, so this suits travellers with moderate fitness rather than anyone after a gentle float. Guides photograph and film the run, which several travellers said meant they could enjoy the scenery instead of holding on to their belongings.

It is a popular, high-volume operation: the listing caps a departure at 100 travellers. First-timers appear in the reviews and report feeling well looked after, while anyone with back problems, heart conditions or a pregnancy is advised by the operator to sit this one out. Weather matters too, since the experience is cancelled or rescheduled in poor conditions.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupPrivate transportation collects you from your hotel in Moalboal, Badian or Alegria. Confirm the exact start time with the operator in advance, since departures run across a wide daily window.
2. Meet at Badian baseThe meeting point is PH Kawasan Canyoneering at Upper Solong-on, Brgy. Poblacion, Badian. Guests can also arrange pickup at the 7/11 in Badian.
3. Gear upGuides issue a helmet, life jacket, safety gear and canyoneering shoes.
4. Approach the canyonThe route to the canyon start involves a walk. Several reviewers mention an optional zip line to the start, which costs extra and is paid on the day.
5. Canyoneer the Matutinao RiverDescend the canyon with jumps, climbs and a Tarzan swing. Small stalls along the way sell snacks and drinks, paid for at the end.
6. LunchA home-cooked Filipino lunch follows the run, with reviewers singling out the food and the iced tea.
7. Return transferThe activity ends back at the meeting point in Badian, with transport back to your hotel.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up again and again in traveller reviews and in the operator's own notes.

• Fitness and agility. The listing asks for moderate physical fitness, and reviewers back that up. There are mandatory jumps and a lot of scrambling, and one reviewer said they felt the effects the next day.
• Bring cash. The optional zip line to the start and snacks from the stalls along the route cost extra. Multiple reviewers recommend bringing cash for these plus tips, since orders at the stalls are tallied and paid at the end.
• Photos and phones. Guides take photos and videos throughout the run, which many reviewers praised. Bring a dry bag and towel if you want to carry your own gear, since those are not included. An underwater camera is also your own to bring.
• Food and drink. Lunch is home-cooked and included, and reviewers repeatedly call it a highlight, iced tea included. Snacks and drinks are also available at stalls along the canyon if you want them.
• Crowds and timing. This is a busy operation with up to 100 travellers per departure. One reviewer noted that a morning start helped them avoid most of the crowds, so an early slot may be worth requesting.
• Weather dependence. The whole experience requires good weather. If it is cancelled for that reason, the operator offers a different date or a full refund.

Common issues. Some activities that feel like part of the tour cost extra on the day, notably the optional zip line to the start, and more than one reviewer said they had not expected to pay for these separately. The route is physically demanding, with mandatory jumps and a long stretch of walking, so it is not for everyone. The listing notes the tour is not wheelchair accessible and advises against it for travellers with back problems, heart conditions or pregnancy. Poor weather can cancel the day, though a reschedule or refund is offered.

Common Questions