Kawasan Falls Canyoneering: River Jumps & Homemade Lunch Cebu

Summary

Jump, swim and laugh your way down Matutinao river to Kawasan Falls with homemade food and local warmth

You’ll jump into electric-blue pools at Kawasan Falls, float downstream with new friends and local guides, eat homemade Filipino dishes under shady trees, and laugh your way through every leap. Expect muddy shoes, sore muscles — but also that feeling of being welcomed into someone’s family for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

“You sure you’re ready for this?” That’s what Shoyo grinned at me as I tried on the helmet — honestly, I wasn’t. The air around Kawasan Falls was already thick with that earthy smell you get after rain, even though it hadn’t rained yet. Our guide, Li, handed out shoes and joked about how many first-timers freeze up at the first jump. I could hear distant shouting from another group — part excitement, part nerves maybe. The water really is that Gatorade blue people talk about. It didn’t look real until my toes touched it.

The first jump was only a few meters but my legs still wobbled. Li counted down in Cebuano — “usa, duha, tulo!” — and we went together. Cold shock hit my skin; I came up spluttering and laughing like an idiot. Downstreaming the Matutinao river was three or four hours of climbing over slick rocks (I slipped once and Shoyo caught me by the arm), sliding down natural chutes, swinging like Tarzan into pools so clear you could see your own panic face reflected back. At some point we stopped for lunch under a patch of trees where Li’s mom had set out these big pots of chicken adobo and rice — honestly, I’ve never tasted iced tea so sweet and tangy at the same time. There was this faint scent of lemongrass in the air too.

I didn’t expect to feel so much like part of someone’s family by the end of a day trip to Kawasan Falls from Cebu. Everyone teased each other about their jumping style (mine apparently looked like “a startled frog”) but nobody cared if you hesitated or needed help getting up a slippery boulder. You just kept moving forward together — sometimes laughing too hard to breathe properly.

By the last waterfall jump my arms were tired but I almost didn’t want it to end. The sun came through gaps in the trees and everything glowed green-blue for a second; it felt like being inside some memory that’ll stick around longer than any photo will manage. If you’re thinking about canyoneering in Cebu, don’t overthink it — just go with people who make you feel welcome (and feed you well). I still think about that iced tea sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Canyoneering adventure at Kawasan Falls

• Start downstream Matutinao river
• Jump waterfalls and swim
• Climb and use Tarzan swing
• Enjoy sliding and other activities
• Have homemade lunch with family

Top questions

How long does the canyoneering tour at Kawasan Falls take?

The experience lasts about 3-4 hours downstream on Matutinao river.

Is lunch included in the Kawasan Falls canyoneering trip?

Yes, homemade Filipino food prepared by a local mom is included along with sweet iced tea.

What should I wear for canyoneering in Cebu?

Canyoneering shoes are provided; wear comfortable clothes that can get wet.

Are hotel pickups included for this day trip to Kawasan Falls?

Yes, private transportation is included for guests joining from Cebu.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

You need moderate fitness; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

Do they provide safety gear for canyoneering?

Yes, helmet, life jacket and all safety equipment are included in the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from Cebu (or nearby), all entrance fees and taxes covered, use of canyoneering shoes plus full safety gear like helmet and life jacket — and best of all: a homemade Filipino lunch cooked by Li’s mom with plenty of sweet iced tea before heading back tired but happy.