Adventure in the outdoors of Badian Cebu

We welcomed the new decade with thrill, keenness, and passion. Our bucket list was ready and we wanted to tick off everything with a bang. Some wanted to sport a new look, learn a new skill, and new adventure. But the plans did not work out. The world was shut down by the pandemic. We struggled and dealt with the uncertainty that caused stress. Five months after being stuck at home, we are slowly embracing the new normal.

We are moving forward and we all learn that life is a journey of lessons. Life itself is an adventure. And as we take steps forward, do not stop the things that will keep you going. How about an escape to the outdoors? It gives us an adrenaline rush and the feeling of being alive again.Going on an adventure gives us freedom. It empowers and helps us conquer our fears responsibly. Though travel restrictions are still placed in other countries, now is the opportunity for you to escape to the outdoor but this time in the Philippines.

If you do not have any idea where to go, then let the recent announcement from the Conde’ Nast Traveler serve as your guide for your next destination.

Escaping to Badian

Recently, Cebu topped the Best Islands in Asia 2020 category. The survey was done by Conde’ Nast Traveler, an international luxury travel and lifestyle magazine. Completing the top five are also two islands in the Philippines - Palawan, and Siargao - while the other two are Sri Lanka and Ko Pha Ngan (Thailand). Cebu topped the list where Conde Nast Traveler also cited Kawasan Falls as a popular tourist destination located in Barangay Matutinao, Badian.

The locals named it “Kawasan” in 1960 which is a three-layer waterfall that was derived from the Cebuano word “awas” which means spill or overflow. Aside from Kawasan Falls, the town of Badian is the home of other tourist attractions like Badian Highlands, Kandungaw Peak, Osmena Peak, and Lambug Beach. The town of Badian is 103 kilometers away from Cebu City and can be reached through a public bus or a private car.

But in 2016, more tourists have been interested in Badian after it introduced an adrenaline-pumping activity called canyoneering. It is a fun adventure that involves a three-hour trail walking, rappelling, wading, and jumping into the cool and crystal waters of the Badian river. Canyoneering will test your agility with eight canyon jumps and two slides.

This popular activity in the south has given the town of Badian a 25 percent increase in tourist arrivals. In 2018, Badian’s Tourism Office recorded 20,000 tourists every month while in 2019, an estimated 25,000 tourists were recorded every month.

What to prepare

After five months, the members of the Association of Kawasan Canyoneering Operators in Badian (AKCOB) are working as one to accommodate tourists who want to experience canyoneering under the new normal. Canyoneering resumed its operations back in September 2019 with all safety measures and protocols in place. But before escaping to Badian, you should cross off this checklist to make sure you are more prepared in your upcoming canyoneering experience.

1. Confirmed booking

All tourists are advised to visit the Discover Cebu’s website, a portal launched by the Cebu Provincial Government for reservations. Badian can only accommodate 360 guests per day with a maximum of five people per group. Prepare your P1,500 because payment is needed for a confirmed booking

Website: Discover.cebu.gov.ph

2. Columbia’s Drain Maker Water Shoes

The right shoes will never fail your journey. As the whole trail involves jumping, wading, rappelling, and walking, your feet need a classic hybrid shoe for water or land with enhanced breathability, cushioning, and traction.

For canyoneering activity, a Columbia Sportswear is highly recommended. It will give your feet and the entire body less stress, that way, you will just enjoy the entire adventure. No regrets.

3. Nalgene Water Bottle

It takes three to five hours to finish the whole trail and it is important to keep yourself hydrated. It’s also your way of helping the environment since Nalgene is reusable and reduces the use of plastic, it is very lightweight, unbreakable, leak-proof, and easy to clean.

4. Sea To Summit Dry Sack

The trail’s highest jump is at 45 feet while the lowest is at eight feet. Since we love to capture every moment of the adventure, dry sack helps to protect your gears and essentials dry. With Sea Summit’s dry sack, you feel relieved that your gears are well protected since this has fully taped seams. It has 10,000-millimeter water heard and it is also convenient to use because of its lightweight.

5. Mask

As you look forward to this new experience in the outdoor, don’t forget to travel responsibly. Even on the great outdoor adventure, don’t forget to bring a mask and practice safety measures and protocols at all times. Protecting yourself means protecting the people you love too.

(Michelle Joy Padayhag)