Wonderfalls Cebu is an insanely beautiful canyoneering trek that’s a little more off the beaten path than the famous Alegria and Badian canyoneering routes. It’s a relatively new attraction for adrenaline junkies, but we can definitely see it blowing up in the near future when tourism bounces back. Honestly, how could it not? It’s a pristine stretch of river, completely natural and jaw-droppingly beautiful. Wonderfalls Cebu is going to be the next big thing in the South. You heard it here first.
WHERE IS WONDERFALLS CEBU
Wonderfalls Cebu is in the town of Alegria, along the west coast of South Cebu about 40 minutes from Moalboal or 3 hours from Cebu City. It’s best to do canyoneering early as it takes around 3-4 hours to complete the course. We met our guides at the Alegria Tourism Office located within the Municipal Hall, and from there we followed them to the briefing centre up in the mountains.
HOW TO GET A GUIDE FOR WONDERFALLS CEBU
Don’t even think about canyoneering at Wonderfalls Cebu without a guide. They are 100% necessary and are trained to keep you safe whilst having maximum fun. Since Wonderfalls Cebu is still a relatively new experience (in 2021) the easiest way to arrange your trip is to visit the Alegria Tourism Office or contact Maria Divine, the head of tourism, on 09178173409. If they let you request a guide, we can’t recommend Pikoy and Tikoy enough. Tell them their apo says hi.
WHAT TO BRING CANYONEERING TO WONDERFALLS CEBU
Prepare for your canyoneering trip to Wonderfalls Cebu with our must have travel essentials.
Waterproof backpack & phone case: Earth Pak 35L or 55L Heavy Duty Backpack, IPX8 Waterproof Phone Case Included (click for price)
Quick dry microfiber travel towel: Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Travel Towel (click for price)
Insulated water bottle: Hydro Flask Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle (click for price)
Hiking Sandals: Teva Women’s Hurricane Hiking Sandals (click for price), Teva Mens Hurricane Hiking Sandals (click for price)
If you’re interested in photography and/or videography this is the gear we can’t live without:
Professional camera: Sony a7iii (click for price)
Action camera: GoPro HERO9 Black (click for price)
Drone: DJI Mavic 2 Pro (click for price)
To see our complete camera gear read this post here.
THE JUMP OFF POINT
From the briefing centre we all hopped on motorbikes for the short drive through the mountains. We parked our bikes and hiked the rest of the way down the mountain to the river in the canyon below. This is where the real adventure began.
We made quite the entrance into Wonderfalls Cebu, starting our trek by jumping and flipping off a bridge. This is one of the highest jumps along the entire river, so we’d be lying if we didn’t tell you Zowie chickened out and climbed down the rocks into the river. Canyoneering definitely pushes you out of your comfort zone, but if any particular jump seems too high for you, there’s usually another option. You’ll just get shamed by all your friends for wimping out.
CANYONEERING DOWNRIVER
The river itself is insanely beautiful. Incredible, turquoise blue water, lush tropical jungle canopies and small waterfalls cascading over rocks and boulders. The beauty of having lifejackets was being able to take breaks from adrenaline pumping activities and effortlessly float downriver, taking in the magical sights.
It wouldn’t be canyoneering without some harrowing jumping, rock climbing and balancing acts. We owed our very lives to our guides, because without them we surely wouldn’t have been able to DIY ourselves through this. You also don’t want to go after heavy rainfall, when the river is at its strongest, unless you crave a little extra challenge (and danger).
Four hours of jumping, hiking, swimming and floating later, and we’d made it to the end of Wonderfalls Cebu. We were completely exhausted, but we couldn’t wipe the smiles off our faces. It was one of the best days we’d had in Cebu (and we’ve had many days in Cebu) thanks to an epic team and an incredible adventure.
MORE CANYONEERING IN SOUTH CEBU
If you want to tick a couple more canyoneering sites off your bucket list, both Alegria and Badian have their own attractions.
Read our guide to Alegria Canyoneering here.
Read our guide to Badian Canyoneering here.
READ: 28 BEST TOURIST SPOTS IN CEBU
READ: 23 BEST WATERFALLS IN CEBU
PIN IT FOR LATER
WHERE TO STAY IN SOUTH CEBU
Southern Cebu is where all the adventure is at, from waterfalls and whale sharks to island hopping and diving. When visiting anywhere in the south, the best place to stay is Moalboal. It has the most accommodation options, and is a fun little town with dozens of cafes, restaurants and bars. Check out our top four picks below for where to stay in Moalboal.
BUDGET/HOSTEL: CHIEF MAU
Right on the main strip of Panagsama Road you’ll find Chief Mau, a fun and social hostel that dubs itself the chillest place in town. Clean, modern and affordable, boasting a restaurant, bar and billiards, Chief Mau is a favourite amongst backpackers
MIDSCALE: ADAM’S VIEW HOTEL
Simple but with all the amenities and facilities you need – including a massive pool – Adam’s View Hotel is our top pick for those looking for a little more luxury than a backpackers. Located in the main town, Adam’s View Hotel is right next to Gaisano Mall, but still close enough to the action of Panagsama Beach to remain convenient.
LUXURY: TURTLE BAY DIVE RESORT
If you have deep pockets and an appreciation for the finer things in life, Turtle Bay Dive Resort is the place for you. Tucked away on a private cove in the quieter part of town, this luxury resort is perfect for couples looking for a little exclusivity.
AIRBNB: LRS APARTMENT
We can personally attest to how great LRS Apartment is, having spent two weeks there. Aside from a beautiful private pool, the apartment itself is modern, well furnished and spacious enough for a couple. (And a cat!) It’s just a 5 minute drive from the hustle and bustle of the restaurants and bars along Panagsama Road, but far enough away to offer a little peace and quiet. We can’t recommend LRS Moalboal enough!
SEARCH ALL HOTELS & RESORTS IN MOALBOAL
MORE CEBU TRAVEL GUIDES
Alegria Canyoneering
Badian Canyoneering
Inambakan Falls Ginatilan
Kabutongan Falls Malabuyoc
Kawasan Falls Badian
Montpellier Falls Alegria
Cancalanog Falls Alegria
Binalayan Falls Samboan
Balaygsawa Falls Samboan
