Monday, February 9, 2015

Cebu: Canyoneering Moalboal


Cebu is my home break in traveling. This is the first inter-island destination I've been to when I was in my tweens but as an adult, I have never been able to return to this place.

If I am going to describe Cebu in one word before this trip it would be elusive. In my previous work, I was never assigned to Cebu even if it is one of the most common destination. November of 2013, I already booked my flight to visit the Queen City of the South but Typhoon Yolanda happened and the trip had to be cancelled. So this year I thought that Cebu would be a great destination in celebration of my birthday solo travel tradition. 

 As I mentioned, Cebu is a very popular destination so I thought of something less touristy to do for my week long vacation in this island. The scarcity of a travel guide available about canyoneering in Cebu tells me that it is something I ought to experience. 

 Aside from being overshadowed by swimming with the whale sharks as the top activity in Southern Cebu, the hefty price of this activity is probably what makes it less popular to local tourists or so I thought.


How to Get to Moalboal, Southern Cebu

From Cebu City, ride a taxi to either the South Bus Terminal (buses) or One City Link Terminal (van/v-hire). I went to One City Link Terminal to ride a v-hire because the taxi driver advised that it is a faster way of reaching Moalboal. Since it is already late in the day, I need to get there as soon as I can to find myself a place to stay. Fare is Php100 and travel time is about 3 hours. 

 Alight at the municipal hall where there is a tricycle terminal and have them bring you to Panagsama beach.

 Where to Stay in Moalboal
 

I was supposed to stay in Moalboal Backpacker's Lodge but the tricycle driver insisted that I check Clarita's Inn. I was offered an A/C room good for 3 persons with its own fridge for only Php 700 and since I am feeling introverted that day, I decided to stay here.

 Who to Contact

 To be able to canyoneer in Cebu, the most common way is to contact Planet Action in Moalboal. They charge Php 2,500 per person inclusive of all the gears such as life vest, ropes and aqua shoes. I decided to go the less common a.k.a. cheaper route and that is to hire a local as my guide instead of having Planet Action arrange the trip for me. 

 You may contact kuya Jezzel Lendio at 0915-774-1932. He charges only Php 1,500 inclusive of life vest and aqua shoes.
 Kuya Jezzel (in life vest) and his friend

Downstream Canyoneering in Cebu
can·yon·ing
ˈkanyəniNG/
noun
noun: canyoneering    the sport of exploring a canyon by engaging in such activities as rappelling, rafting, and waterfall jumping.

I thought the price of this activity is what makes it less appealing for Filipino tourists, I was wrong. Jumping off of waterfalls is not for the faint of heart and for someone who has fear of heights and being underwater, it is not a joke to conquer two of my biggest fears at the same time.

This is me after conquering my first waterfall at the background of about 10 feet high, I had to contemplate for about 15 minutes before finally plunging in. After this, I lost count of the number of waterfall jumps that followed.

 Of all the things I've done and places I've been to, I can definitely say that this is the best. Conquering my fears is a great thing but this place is just unbelievably surreal. I felt like I was Bear Grylls trying to escape the Amazon. 
 






Kawasan Falls

Canyoneering Cebu starts in Kanlaob River in Alegria and ends in the beautiful Kawasan Falls in Badian. 
 
These pictures don't do justice to the true beauty of this place. I think this is how Sumaguing Cave would look like out in the sun, absolutely breathtaking.

 I know a lot of people saying that there is nothing special about Cebu. That it is overrated, infested with Koreans, and just a cleaner version of Metro Manila. They may be referring to Cebu City but the island of Cebu definitely has a lot more to offer. 
Solo in Cebu Series
Cebu: Canyoneering Moalboal
Cebu: The Last Lone Adventure

 
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Location: Moalboal, Cebu, Philippines

19 comments:

  1. UnknownMarch 2, 2015 at 2:22 PM

    I've been to Kawasan Falls six years back, looking at your photos things seems haven't change.

    You must depleted all your adrenaline doing that Canyoneering. I must say that is one of helluva experience.

    Hope we can meet you here in KL,Cheers for more travel.

    Sky (boundfortwo.com)

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  2. UnknownAugust 25, 2015 at 12:44 PM

    Thank you for this! :)

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  3. UnknownAugust 25, 2015 at 1:21 PM

    Hi. May I know how much did you spend in all?

    Thanks! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PaulakwatseraAugust 26, 2015 at 1:24 PM

      Hi Catherine, my total budget for Moalboal is about Php4000 for 3 days. It is a bit expensive because I traveled alone and I got a room that is good for 3 people. Most of the budget is for Canyoneering. :)

      Delete
    2. UnknownSeptember 3, 2015 at 12:59 PM

      Thanks Paula! :)

      Delete
    3. PaulakwatseraSeptember 16, 2015 at 9:50 AM

      No problem! :) hope you'll have a great time in Moalboal :)

      Delete
  4. bluesonnetAugust 29, 2015 at 11:25 PM

    Hi! Is it safe to go with a local? Meaning, would you know if they have the same safety procedures that a company like Planet Action would have? Thank you very much for any reply. :)

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    Replies
    1. PaulakwatseraAugust 30, 2015 at 10:29 AM

      Hi bluesonnet,

      For your first question: Is it safe to go with a local?
      The answer is Yes. I paid 1,500 and got a life vest, foot cover and two local guides. I can say that they know the area quite well based on my experience and they do not push me to do something I cannot do.

      For your second question: would you know if they have the same safety procedures that a company like Planet Action would have?

      I was not able to book any tour with Planet Action but based on the videos in Youtube that I watched, they have additional equipment like helmet and ropes. I would say they probably provide more safety but they also charge more.

      If you have the budget and is highly concerned with your safety, I'd say go with Planet Action.

      But if you are on a tight budget and could do with a little more adventure, hiring a local is perfectly fine.

      After all, canyoneering is an extreme outdoor activity and there are always risk.

      Hope you'll have fun on your visit. :)

      Delete
  5. UnknownSeptember 8, 2015 at 2:46 PM

    Hi! I'm planning to do canyoneering too on my own but I have zero swimming skills :( do you think I can do it???

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    Replies
    1. PaulakwatseraSeptember 16, 2015 at 9:46 AM

      Hi Kat! You can definitely do it! I also have zero swimming skills. As long as you have courage and a sense of adventure then you should be good. :)

      Delete
  6. solohistaSeptember 10, 2015 at 12:42 PM

    I want to try this for my travel birthday also this coming october :)

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    Replies
    1. PaulakwatseraSeptember 16, 2015 at 9:48 AM

      Hi Solohista! Go for it! I'm sure you'll have a great time. Advance happy travel birthday! :)

      Delete
  7. UnknownMarch 8, 2016 at 4:32 PM

    Canyoning in Cebu look very nice ! It's very diferent from what we do in France. If you want to see that is canyoning in the Verdon Gorges, you can take a look to my website :
    Canyoning Verdon

    ReplyDelete
  8. vannessaApril 21, 2016 at 2:46 PM

    Hi,I also planning to do a solo birthday trip to cebu in near dates, canyoning is definately on my checklist. May i know how many jumps you made and how long the canyoning took?

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    Replies
    1. PaulakwatseraApril 21, 2016 at 3:05 PM

      Hi Vanessa,

      After my first jump, I lost count on how many other jumps I did. :) For me it took about 2 hours. I think it was a bit fast maybe because I have two guides who are assisting me and I was alone and the only person canyoning that time. :)

      Have Fun!

      Delete
  9. UnknownMay 20, 2016 at 4:03 PM

    Hi. How will I get to Badian from Moalboal?

    ReplyDelete
  10. benedictMay 24, 2016 at 4:34 PM

    Hi, is it possible to do it with out a guide?

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    Replies
    1. PaulakwatseraMay 29, 2016 at 4:35 PM

      Hi Benedict! I would not recommend doing it without a guide. :) because you need to know which spots are deep and safe to jump, so if you are doing it for the first time alone or with your friends, I would not recommend going without a guide.

      Delete
  11. UnknownJune 18, 2016 at 11:59 AM

    hi, how would i get to canyoneering site? or moalboal if im from oslob? and what is the earliest time to start this activity? thanks

    ReplyDelete

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