http://magazine.tripzilla.com/author/kimberly-chua
It's been almost 2 weeks since our Cebu trip and I'm still trying to replay in my mind everything that went through in that very adventurous 4 days. I learned new things about myself during this trip - I'm far from the adventurous type of girl that I hoped to be. My fears and worries hinder me from just doing things. But still I'm happy that I was able to experience new activities during this trip. Things I thought I can't manage to do. Anyways to cut the long story short, my friends and I tried canyoneering or canyoning! I was initially planning to just stay in our inn and relax around while my friends go for it. I have already convinced myself to pass this activity since I don't have the guts (yet) to jump from high cliffs. I read in a blog that the first jump which is 20ft high is mandatory. I know that I just can't do it that's why I told my friends that I'll meet them in Kawasan Falls since this is the last stop of the canyoneering adventure. But during the day of the activity my friends and our guide were able to convince me by saying that "we're already here might as well do it. The whole trip would be a waste since this is one of the highlights." Our guide also presented us another option which is to trek parts where I can't do the jump. Well, everything sounded so convincing. So finally on the last minute, I changed to my canyoneering outfit and decided to join them.
We did downstream canyoneering which is the easier way to go. It would start with 20 minutes habal habal ride (motorcycle ride with 2 passengers). It was drizzling during that time but nonetheless the ride was fun! The first jump off point is in Kanlaob, Alegria. My brave friends one by one did the jump. I just stood there enjoying the view of the place. It was a wonderful sight to behold.
I opted to do the trek than to jump. The trek allows you to reach the next area quicker but in a more exhausting manner. We took photos along the way and appreciated the view. Everything around the place was just beautiful, the cascading waterfalls, the pristine waters, the rock formations, the canyon itself.
Since it was still drizzling during that time, the water was extra cold for me. I tried not to get soaked in the water for too long. I realized that trekking is definitely the more difficult way to go that I decided to just take the slide than to climb the side walls of the canyon. In just a split second I was already in the water.
My friends were already ahead so they didn't see me take my first official plunge. After hours of trekking, jumping and swimming we reached a resting spot with locals selling barbecues. We all had a break to catch up with our energy. Recess was over, followed by few more jumps that is around 30-40ft. high. The last jump was fairly low but it was on a ledge. We then passed through rocky terrains wherein we had to be extra careful.
We reached the 3rd level of Kawasan Falls. It was a great feeling to see the falls. Not only does it offer a great view of nature but it also means we're nearing the finish line.
Our journey continues, a few more minutes of trekking then we reached the 2nd level of Kawasan falls and just 5 minutes from it is the 1st level of Kawasan falls.
This is the highest falls in the area and we were able to witness 2 brave souls jump from 70ft high! Alas after 6 to 7 hours, we finished our canyoneering adventure. I thank God for sustaining me and giving me strength during the entire time. Thank you also to our guides who assisted us all through out. Canyoneering was definitely not easy (my muscles were so sore afterwards that it was hard to climb up and down the stairs) but looking back I'm happy that I got to try this adrenaline rushing activity. So for those who's hesitant to jump like me you can still try canyoneering since there's actually another way to go which is trekking :D just choose the parts where you're willing to jump.
