Hotels near Kawasan Falls Canyoneering

Kawasan Falls is a three-tier turquoise waterfall on the Matutinao River in Badian, and the canyoneering route above it is why most travellers make the drive. The standard trip starts on the Kanlaob River in Alegria and works downstream through a limestone gorge for three to four hours: jumps from 3 to 12 metres, natural rock slides, and long stretches of swimming through cold blue water. You finish in the main falls basin. Licensed guides are compulsory and the barangay enforces it at the trailhead. Expect PHP 1,500 to PHP 2,500 (about EUR 23 to EUR 39) per person including helmet, life vest, guide and the habal-habal motorbike transfer to the start point.

Not interested in jumping off cliffs? Skip the canyon entirely and walk the shaded riverside trail from Matutinao Church to the first tier, 15 to 20 minutes on a paved path. Entry costs PHP 60, barely over EUR 1. Bamboo rafts drift under the cascade for around PHP 300 (EUR 5) per group. The water stays genuinely cold all year and the basin is deep enough that weak swimmers should take a vest.

Pro Tip: Book the 7am canyoneering slot. By 10am the gorge fills with groups and you spend more time queuing at jump points than moving. Bring PHP 500 in small notes for the habal-habal and locker fees, because there is no reliable cash machine in Badian.