For many years, the raging rivers of the Philippines remained undiscovered. White water rafting is a new outdoor activity that both local and foreign tourists can enjoy. It is an adrenaline-pumping experience which would surely get one hooked.
Discovery of Chico River and White Water Rafting in the Philippines
The discovery of Chico River as a venue for this outdoor experience was made in 1997 when three Americans spotted the river to be a potential World-class rafting destination via satellite mapping. Dr. Bob Anderson, Ned Sickles and Gary Fondren then travelled to the Cordilleras and had their first exploration of the river.
Their initial run lead to the explosion of white water rafting in the Philippines. Not only was the river conducive to the sport but the scenery along the river banks added more colour and fun to the adventure.
When to Go White Water Rafting
The ideal time to engage in the activity is June to early March. July to January would be the prime white water rafting months. Rainfall during these times is high resulting in higher water levels and more raging rapids.
White Water Rafting Locations
Cagayan River, Cagayan de Oro
June to December is the peak season for this river but the activity is open to any one daring enough all year round.
Expect to see panoramic views of the rocky walls, lush vegetation and the home of native monkeys.
Cagayan de Oro River has rapids that provide the tourist with fun and thrills with intervals of 10-15 minutes apart. This would be a memorable experience for anyone trying the rapids for the first time.
For the more experienced rafters, the wilderness section has Class IV rapids. The overall classification of the river is Class III and III+ indicating that only rafters with Class III skills are allowed.
Chico River, Kalinga Province
The Chico River is for Class III, IV and V white water rafters. The experience is said to be one of the best in the world. The scenery is of numerous waterfalls from vertical walls and hanging gardens. It also passes smoking volcanoes and divides the Cordillera mountain range with more than sixty miles of rapid and an average gradient of a 60 feet per mile drop. This is a fantastic adventure for those who dare conquer the rapids in this river. Kalinga Province can be reached via bus and hired vehicles.
Water rafting in this river can be made all year long but ideal times would be from June to January. Other schedules depend on the water level of the Chico River.
Davao River, Davao City
Davao River is the 7th on the list of river basins in the Philippines. The river is an hour ride west of Davao City.
The total length of the river is 143 kilometers with a lot of stream outlets. The river starts in the province of Bukidnon with its moss forest or timberlands. The larger streams can be found in Davao City where the width varies from 60 to 90 meters.
Rating for this river is Class III+ and it has 2 Class IV rapids. Davao authorities peg the a minimum age requirement to go white water rafting which is 6 years old.
The rafting season is all year round.
Tibiao River, Antique, Aklan
This is not a popular river for white water rafting for has 23 kilometers of navigable water for people to enjoy. The river can be found on the slopes of Mt. Madja which is the highest mountain in Panay Island. It then plunges to 1000 meters into the sea.
Kaliwa River, Quezon Province
Just hours from Metro-Manila, paddlers can enjoy a navigable river with world-class scenery and a 40 kilometer rapids. Kaliwa River is part of the Agus River system.
White water rafters can immediately enjoy Class III and Class IV rapids without having to travel far from the city.
Many fun adventures await when you make the Philippines your destination.