Alegria Canyoneering and Waterfalls

Alegria is a quiet farming town on the southwest coast of Cebu, just south of Badian. Most visitors know it for one thing: the start of the famous canyoneering trip. You jump into the Kanlaob River in the hills of Alegria and follow it down a narrow canyon of blue-green pools all the way to Kawasan Falls. Stay a little longer and you will also find a handful of quiet waterfalls that few travellers see.

Why go to Alegria

• Canyoneering down the Kanlaob River: jumps, slides, swims and river trekking.
• A finish at Kawasan Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Cebu.
• Quiet waterfalls in the hills, far from the big crowds.
• A slow, friendly town with farms, fresh air and the sea close by.

Canyoneering down the Kanlaob River

The trip usually starts in the upland barangay of Compostela. After a motorbike ride to the jump-off and a short safety briefing, you follow the river downstream for roughly 4 km. The day mixes walking on rocks, floating through pools, sliding down smooth chutes and jumping from ledges into deep water. The route ends at the second level of Kawasan Falls in Badian, often with one last big jump. Most groups take about 3-4 hours.

You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable in water. Most jumps can be skipped if you prefer to climb down. Canyoneering here is regulated: go with an accredited guide, and always wear the helmet and life vest they give you. Packages usually include the guide, gear, river shoes, the motorbike ride and the entrance and environmental fees, and sometimes lunch. Ask what is included before you pay.

Trips are paused after heavy rain, when the river becomes dangerous, and sometimes for safety checks or clean-ups. Confirm with your guide the day before.

Waterfalls around Alegria

The hills of Alegria hide several smaller waterfalls. They are less developed than Kawasan, so ask locally about the trail and the current fees before you go.

• Cancalanog Falls: clear, cold water and deep pools under old trees. The trail down is short but steep and rough, so take it slowly.
• Montpeller Falls: a tall, thin waterfall in the barangay of Montpeller, reached by a short walk through lanzones farms.
• Kanlaob Falls: an easy-to-reach swimming spot along the Kanlaob River, with very cold water.
• Montañeza Falls: a little further south in neighbouring Malabuyoc, another canyon popular for guided canyoneering.

How to get to Alegria from Cebu City

1. Go to the Cebu South Bus Terminal.
2. Take a bus to Bato via Barili, which follows the west coast. Do not take the bus via Oslob.
3. For canyoneering, get off in Matutinao, Badian (near Kawasan) or wherever your guide tells you to meet. For the town and its waterfalls, stay on to Alegria. About 3.5-4 hours.
4. Take a habal-habal (motorbike taxi) up to the jump-off or the waterfalls. Canyoneering packages usually include this ride.

Leave Cebu City very early: canyoneering groups usually start in the morning. Fares and fees change, so check them locally.

Getting around

Buses run along the coastal highway all day. To reach the waterfalls in the hills, hire a habal-habal and agree on the price and waiting time first. Some guesthouses can arrange motorbike rental.

Where to stay and eat

Alegria has a few simple guesthouses, and there are more options in Badian and Moalboal, about an hour north. The town centre has small eateries, a market and stores for water and snacks.

When to go

The dry season, from about December to May, is best: the water is clearer and trips are rarely cancelled. Weekends and holidays are busy on the canyoneering route, so go on a weekday for a calmer river.

Tips for a good trip

• Wear swimwear and a rash guard, and leave valuables at your guesthouse.
• Use a waterproof pouch for your phone, or let your guide carry it.
• Never jump where your guide has not checked the depth.
• Take your trash with you and keep the river clean.

Planning more of the southwest? See our guides to Kawasan Falls and Lambug Beach.

Photo gallery

Tap a photo to see it full size. Gallery photos come from Wikimedia Commons; each photographer's credit shows when you open the photo.

Watch before you go

Photo: "Kawasan River Canyon" by A.C.T. Alejandre, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated October 15, 2026