Rest in peace Mr. Aldrin Carba
Described as one of the best “canyoneering guides” and a pioneer in the field, Mr. Carba, also known as “Ya Man,” was found dead after a 29-hour search and rescue. He went missing following a jump during a canyoning activity on July 26.
This post is a tribute to him. Although I never met him personally, I had the opportunity to speak with his mother while staying at their home during our canyoning trip.
For safety reasons, I have updated the blog so that those planning to go canyoning in the future are aware that it is not advisable to do so on rainy days.
Aside from Cebu’s natural beauty, its white beaches, waterfalls, landmarks, and beautiful people, it is also one of the best places for adventure seekers. You may have heard of Kawasan Falls (I bet you have), but one thing you might not know is that it has one of the best spots for canyoning through the Kanlaob/Matutinao River.
Canyoning (known as canyoneering in the U.S.) is the activity of traveling through canyons using a variety of techniques, which may include walking, scrambling, climbing, jumping, abseiling (rappelling), and/or swimming.
There you have it, thanks to Wiki for explaining it. In approximately 4–5 hours of pure adventure, this could be one of the most memorable experiences you can have.
This has been featured many times on National TV and the most famous footage was from Byahe ni Drew but before seeing the video, I’ve already heard/read about Canyoning but no one wants to go with me since it is a little bit expensive.
Who To Contact for Guide?
You can visit the site of Action Philippines. For 2500 pesos per pax, it includes the proper gears, accommodation in Moalboal and food. But thanks to my research skills and pabaga-nawng, I was able to contact someone who can guide us in more affordable price. You can send me a private message for his contact number but take note that his price is for pure guiding only and no inclusive of food or gears or whatsoever.
What To Bring/Wear?
Note: You can bring your own equipment if you have them.
- rash guard/warmers
- aqua shoes/trekking shoes or sandals
- life vest
- leggings
- dry bag
- extra dry clothes
- underwater/water proof/action cameras
- foods and water
Once everything is set, you are now ready to GO! So our guide told us to meet at 5am in South Bus Terminal for us to reach Moalboal by 8am and start early with the canyoning by 9am.
As soon as we arrived in Moalboal, we immediately had breakfast at one of their carenderias, then dropped off our stuff at our guide’s house. Afterwards, we headed to Badian to rent some life vests. After about an hour, we arrived in Alegria to take a motorcycle to the starting point. And so, the adventure began.
Once you reach the starting point, you’ll have to pay an entrance fee of 10 pesos and write your name in their logbook.
So the actual adventure starts NOW! This one is for real already.
First, you’ll have to walk through some weeds and through a river to reach the first falls or the entrance.
After, let’s say, 10–15 minutes, we reached the 20-ft-high falls. Weeeeeooow!
Fact: I am actually afraid of heights, and no matter how many times I’ve tried jumping off cliffs, waterfalls, etc., I still get that jelly-legs feeling when I’m at the top, preparing to jump as if I’m about to commit suicide.
Anyway, back to the main topic! So here we are at the first falls. One by one, everyone started jumping — Jared, Jaidee, and finally me, who took like 8–9 minutes before jumping (yeah, I know, I’m lame) Hahahahaha!
And then swim….
Then get ready to be awed by the beauty of nature.
Then off we go to swim again… and took some photos…
Then it’s just the same routine. JUMP – SWIM – TREK – TAKE SOME PHOTOS – REPEAT!
And do it all over and over again…
And through all the routines… there’s the best part for those who love to try the 30-ft-high cliff jump. Only the boys tried it, and even though I had an experience with Funtastic Island before, I didn’t dare to jump this time. For us girls, there’s also a spot to jump, and that’s where we were sitting.
As you may have noticed, the water in the photos isn’t very clear due to the rainy weather that day. However, the place is still magnificent in person, and I’m pretty sure I’ll visit again soon, this time with new faces.
Hello! Photos look awesome. You shuda jumped off that 30ft cliff hehe. Can you send me your guide’s contact number?
Hi,
Do you have an email account?
Hi Ming
Thanks for sharing your stories.
Mangayo ko sa number sa imong guide, maayo unta wala pa sya mag-upgrade sa iyang price kay ni popular na raba ning canyoneering 🙂
Thanks
COOL…. pwede ask sa info sa guide? Thanks.
hello. sure… naa kay email account para masend nako nimo? 🙂
This is SO my kind of thing to do. To be honest, I had kind of given up on Cebu, but I will DEFINITELY go back to do this. Great post!
Yeah you should try this. Make sure its not a rainy season so that you will see the turquoise clear water. 🙂
Good advice! I usually go to the Phils between Dec – March some time. I’m guessing that would be a good time, yes? Maybe even see some fireflies! lol
Yes, March would be fine although there are a possibility of 30-40% rain shower. And for the fireflies? Naaah! Let’s just forget about that lol.
lol OK. Thanks for the intel!
That was really awesome. I will definitely going to try it.=)
Hi Ming. Very informative post. Thanks for sharing.
Ill be travelling with friends next month and we wanted to do this and hopefully on a budget.
would like to ask for the contact no. of your guide and prob some tips from you on gears and stuff like that.
You can reach me on this email add: nightarcher54@yahoo.com
Thanks in advance. Archie
pm sent 🙂
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I visited my cousin who is a mermaid in this place. I also dived to these fresh and cool waters. Will be back here soon. Since my cousin is getting married to an Agta.
;>
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Hey Ming.. this is a cool story about the river cannoing. Well, me n myfriends planning to go river cannoing next month. Could u send me contact the guide to dian.ernita@gmail.com. i hope to hear from u soon.
Thank u ming 🙂
pm sent 🙂
Hi! Just read your blog about canyoneering. Can I also have the contact number of your guide so we can arrange a schedule and quote a price? Thanks!
rency0722@gmail.com
pm sent 😉
Hi! Great blog about your canyoneering. Just want to ask what month did you go there and which month would you prefer? Did you do the upstream canyoneering matutinao river to kawasan falls or the downstream kanlaob-algeria-kawasan falls? Thank you!
hi,
Thanks for reading my blog. We had our canyoning last June and I would recommend to go there if its a sunny weather. We haven’t tried upstream yet ’cause the guide told us that it would be very tiring. Hope this helps 🙂
Hi can i ask for the Info of the guide nd its contact number so we can fix with the rates, thank you.
Sir salamat saimo blog ug salamat sad k mangayo unta ko number sa guide hehe
Pwede mangayo sa contact info sa IMO guide? Thanks Ming!
Hello Ming, mangayo ko sa contact info sa imo guide. Thank you. 🙂
pm sent
Hi ming!
Can you send me your guide contact info.
Thanks.
iamczan@gmail.com about ur guide? Cge cge thanks
Is that canyonning in Moalboal? And what is the best time of the year to do it? We are thinking to coming next days… How much does it cost?
Best regards
Simon
Hm po ung guide na nkuha ninyo?
Sa amin is 500 that time but walang gears
Hey Ming, I really love the post! It is pretty helpful. I wonder whether I can book the canyoning on the spot or should I book in advance? Me and my bf will go to the waterfalls on february. Can you send me the contact of the guide: hani.sulastri@hotmail.com? Thanks!
This looks so interesting. Now, we’re planning to try it next month. Hopefully, we’ll catch a nice weather.