Suroy- suroy: River Canyoneering Adventure in Alegria-Badian

Canyoning or Canyoneering (in U.S.) is an extreme sport of traversing down a river by a variety of means that includes trekking, swimming, scrambling, jumping, floating, and rappelling (for more challenging routes). This sport has been in the country in the early 2000's brought to us by the Americans and only foreigners have been fond of the sport not until two years ago where local adventures also tried it out for themselves. 

Bam and I have been planning to arrange a canyoneering event ever since we heard about it from a motorcycle driver in Dalaguete when we went to Osmena Peak but were not able to push it through for we had other plans. Good thing Ate Sal and the gang, #TeamGoodIntentions decided to do it after New Year. What a way to start the 2016!

Since we're travelling as a group, we decided to rent a van to take us to Alegria where various waterfalls can also be found like Cambais Falls which I was already visited. Alegria is the municipality after Badian so there's no wonder why both are famous for canyoneering. 

We had several stops on our way. We stopped over  at the Milk Station in Barili and at Gaisano, Moalboal which slowed us down a little.We met our tour guide in Alegria where he guided us to the tourism office to register ourselves. We arrived at lunch and we saw a lot of foreigners already in their gears. I couldn't contain my excitement anymore! The package deal we had with the guide included a meal so before we carry on with the strenuous activities that we will be doing, we decided to eat lunch at a nearby carenderia. 

After everything else, we drove our way to the jump- off point where geared-up. We had to put on a helmet, a life- jacket, and snacks (which we really need because we are going to be tired down there!) Most of us wore rubber shoes and trekking sandals. For those who forgot to bring proper shoes, shoes can be rented out for 50Php.

We had 3 guides with us Kuya Hermes is the only name I could remember. They all treated us well and were very hospitable. Of course, before we head on to the main event, we prayed for protection, guidance and a successful activity. We also had a little orientation about what we should do and not to do.

8 JUMPS + 2 SLIDES
That's what we are going to conquer! Here are some pictures.

The jumps are high and really challenging. The guides taught us how to jump properly to prevent ourselves from getting in danger. We had to hold our life- jacket and jump with our legs straight. The water was becoming colder as we carry on and some of us, especially the girls are getting tired. It's good to stop for a while and rest to not strain our body. 

Some jumps are tricky because we have to jump away from the rocks waiting for us below. The current will also drag you with it but it will be fun. Just don't swim against it or you'll just tire yourself out. We had to be extra careful because some parts are already slippery due to sunblock residue from tourists.

For those who can't jump, there's a separate route where basic mountaineering will be applied. Rock climbing and a hiking. Some of us choose to walk because of exhaustion. We were all freezing cold but never ready to give- up!

We also came across boulders of rock where we spent most of our energy but we were never worn out because of the ravishing and picturesque views our eyes feed. We were like dead logs floating in water while we looked up and appreciate the beautiful sceneries our cameras couldn't even capture it. 

 In the middle of the forest, we saw this little barbecue stall which stunned us all! I mean, how did they manage to get there and how were they able to bring those barbecues and the grilling materials? We were bewitched! This is the part where we get to jump on the 30 feet rock formation.

That's me, drained! But I never backed out to jump for the 30 feet. I even jumped twice! How awesome was that?!

When we realised that we were already at the end of the activity, we were all thankful that we survived and at the same time thankful that it is over!

We took our group pictures with and without our tour guides for remembrance not knowing that "tiring" part is still not over because we had to hike-up our way back to the jump- off point! Really, the hike back up is way worst than the canyoneering itself but it's still part of the adventure and the only way back is UP so, we can't say no to that.

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PHOTO CREDITS:

Ate Charlotte Flores

Kuya Warren Manago

Bam Zarate

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FAQ's

1. We payed for a discounted price of ______.

2. If you want to go canyoneering, it's best if you check the internet about canyoneering and maybe able to contact a guide.

3. Take care of yourself and ALWAYS listen to what the guides can say.

4. For transportation, resorts offer shuttle services or you can rent a motorcycle. You can also bring your private vehicle but can be parked in designated areas only.