MOALBOAL, CEBU
THE PHILIPPINES SERIES PT4
After swimming with Whale Sharks in Oslob it was off to the west coast of Cebu for some waterfalls and cliff jumping
I HAD THE ENTIRE SARDINE RUN TO MYSELF
Checked into Marcosas Cottage Resort which was in the small town of Moalboal and within 2 minutes work of the Sardine run.
WHERE IS MOALBOAL?
Canyoneering in Moalboal
MOALBOAL
Moalboal is the place to swim with sardines and go canyoneering, which means being stupid and jumping off cliffs. It was a recommendation from the Israelis I met in Malapascua about the sardines and canyoning, a perfect example of keeping your ear to the ground.
WATERFALL
Took a bike on the first day to visit the waterfall (it was incredible) and the plan was to check it out and leave the following day. However, on closer inspect I had a look at some of the jumps that people were doing and immediately signed up to do the canyoneering.
CANYONEERING
Canyoneering is defined as a sport which involves exploring and transgressing through a water filled canyon including cliff jumping and allowing oneself to be carried downstream at high speed. The great thing about this activity, apart from the constant adrenaline rush, is that all the work is done at the beginning when you walk upstream.
Canyoneering in Moalboal
10 METRES
Making it to the top we had our first jump at 10 metres. Apparently this was the smallest of the cliff jumps, something that didn’t fill me with a lot of confidence. But the last thing I was going to do was walk back down again. The guides, who are doing this everyday are jumping off these things for fun, diving, summersaulting, backflips, you name it! What didn’t help was that one of the guides was around 12 and didn’t seem fazed at all!
THE GUIDES
We continued on sliding, climbing and floating downstream, the experience was brilliant and our group seemed to keep up the pace. Finally, we made it to the final jump, one which I and the rest of the group thought was a joke. We were quickly told it wasn’t by way of a backwards summersault by the young guide. I won’t lie, there is usually a huge part of me that pushes me to do it but sober there was just no way!! I’ve done a few bungees in my time but this was never happening!
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TAXI
Back to Cebu (city) tonight. Waiting for the bus I had a taxi driver ask me if I wanted a lift. Told him the bus was fine, much cheaper etc. It was a 2hour journey and he was happy to take 250 pesos (£3.5) so I couldn’t say no (normally 2500pesos). He was actually going to do a pick up at the airport and come back so it was free money 😏 but he tugged on a few heart strings and spoke about family and money problems etc. They have a real knack of playing with your emotions but still some of the friendliest people I have met.
CEBU FRIGHT
Stayed at a hotel again, they are super affordable here, and went out for a walk of the city. I only went to get a few snacks but I swear it must’ve been the red light district. I was instantly surrounded by 5 girls (and a few ladyboys) calling me husband. There was even a scuffle between two of them!
KARAOKE
Went to a karaoke bar where there were more waiters than customers. Karaoke is popular here and a lot of fun as well and if you are the shy type then it’s the right place for you, it’s all done in private booths as opposed to on stage.
NEXT UP
Going to Camiguin tomorrow. An island with a volcano. Click to read.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
34/229
This episode is part of The Philippines Series. Click to view episode1.
