Divers Avoid Deep Sections of Badian Pools
Badian is known for its turquoise water, gentle waterfalls, and canyon adventures.
But deeper inside the mountain pools, there are places few speak about—especially dive instructors.
They stop at 30 meters.
They warn others to turn back.
And when asked why, most avoid giving clear answers.
These aren’t part of the usual tours.
But the stories are spreading.
Where It Happens
The pools are found along a stretch of stream above the popular Kawasan Falls.
Some are accessible by hike.
Others are harder to reach, requiring ropes or local guides.
The ones in question are:
Not on official trail maps
Not part of standard canyoneering routes
Known only to experienced guides and locals
They appear calm.
Still.
Clear on the surface.
But below, they drop fast.
What Divers Say
Several instructors have tried exploring them.
Most stop at the 30-meter mark.
Here’s why:
Visibility drops sharply beyond that point
Pressure shifts feel sudden—not gradual
Equipment reacts oddly—gauges fog, light flickers, straps loosen
Some feel mild disorientation not typical at that depth
One diver shared:
“I’ve done 40, even 60 meters in open water. This wasn’t the same. At 30, my hands went numb. My backup light turned off.”
Another said:
“We didn’t touch the bottom. Just blackness. My partner said he heard something. I didn’t wait.”
No one has confirmed the exact depth.
What Makes It Risky
Unlike oceans, freshwater pools don’t always follow the same patterns.
These pools:
Have no clear current
Show no signs of movement
Are surrounded by sheer rock walls
This creates:
Sudden thermoclines (temperature layers)
Low oxygen zones
Disorienting pressure transitions
But the depth remains the biggest mystery.
It’s not measured.
It’s not charted.
Divers call them “dead drops.”
Why Locals Avoid It
Local guides won’t go near them.
When asked, they say:
“No one touches that water.”
“My cousin dove there once. He got sick for three days.”
“There’s no bottom. That’s all we know.”
Older residents add more:
A goat once slipped in—never surfaced
During the rainy season, one pool makes a low humming noise
Flashlights aimed at the water reflect nothing back
Attempts to Measure It
In 2016, a group from Cebu City brought sonar gear.
They attempted depth scans at two known sites
Results were inconclusive
The signal returned flat, then dropped entirely beyond 30 meters
They tried weighted ropes instead.
The rope reached 50 meters—still no bottom.
The group left, citing “equipment interference.”
What Visitors Should Know
Most tourists will never reach these pools.
They’re outside tour areas.
Not part of any day package.
Not mentioned in brochures.
But if you’re hiking on your own and you see:
A still, round pool
No sound of running water nearby
No sign of wildlife
It might be one of them.
Why It Remains Unexplored
There are no records of fatalities.
No public accidents tied to these pools.
But instructors say the risk isn’t worth it.
Freshwater behaves differently than saltwater.
Add unpredictable conditions and unknown depth—it becomes unsafe.
The pools are quiet.
No movement.
No echo.
Too quiet, some say.
Would You Dive In?
Imagine standing on a ledge, looking down into clear, calm water.
You can see the first 10 meters.
Beyond that—only darkness.
Would you gear up and jump?
Would you trust your equipment in a place with no data?
Or would you turn back, like those who came before?
The Pools Remain
They’re still there.
Still untouched.
No signs.
No names.
Just part of the land—waiting.
Maybe one day someone will bring new tech.
Or maybe they’ll stay as they are.
Unseen.
Unexplained.
Unmeasured.
Badian draws thousands.
But some places ask to be left alone.
This might be one of them.
