Waterfalls Chasing in Cebu: Mantayupan Falls and Batad Batad Falls in One Day

South Bus Terminal (aerial view)

April 21, 2015
Waterfalls Chasing in Cebu
Day 1: Mantayupan Falls and Batad Batad Falls 

The two waterfalls are situated in two different places in Cebu. But both of them are along the south bound route in Cebu. I have to visit at least 10 waterfalls in 5 days in Cebu and this day marked the start of my quest!

How to get there
Mantayupan Falls, Barili, Cebu

Board a flight to Cebu. Arriving in Cebu, go to South Bus Terminal in Cebu. There are different bus companies that you can choose from but Ceres has always been my choice. Board a Ceres bus going to Bato via Barili (there is another one Oslob via Barili but it is longer in route). Bus leaves every hour (4 am, 5 am, 6 am, 7 am onwards until 5 pm). Travel time is 1 hour and 45 minutes or 60 kilometers. Better go early in the morning to vaoid the traffic in Cebu City. Fare is around P80. Alight at Shamrock Bus Terminal (bus usually stops at 7-11 in Barili). Hire a habal-habal to the site for P30 (one-way) or P50 (round trip). Better hire the habal-habal for a round trip ride unless you intend to stay long in the falls. Travel time to the falls is 10 minutes or 4 kilometers. 

I boarded the 6 am bus going to Barili. Normally, the trip is good only for 1 hour and 30 minutes. But it took us 1 hour and 45 minutes. At Shamrock, you can hire so many habal-habal ride to the falls. 

After 10 minutes, we reached the falls and there was an entrance fee only of P20.

It took me only less than 2 minutes of walking and I reached the first falls. Mantayupan Falls is composed of two levels. The first level has 3 falls with the height of 14 meters. 

I crossed a bridge and it took me only less than 5 minutes from the first falls and I reached the second falls.

It was a Tuesday and there were only a few tourists in the area. The second falls is the tallest in Cebu at the height of 98 meters or 321 feet!

Mantayupan Falls

This falls reminded me of the falls in Don Salvador, Negros Occidental and the falls in Sagada, Mountain Province. The height and the feature were almost the same. I stayed only for less than an hour and I went back to the town of Barili and decided to go to Moalboal.

How to get there
MOALBOAL

From Cebu City
Board a flight to Cebu. Arriving in Cebu, go to South Bus Terminal in Cebu. There are different bus companies that you can choose from but Ceres has always been my choice. Board a Ceres bus going to Bato via Barili (there is another one, Oslob via Barili but it is longer in route). Bus leaves every hour (4 am, 5 am, 6 am, 7 am onwards until 5 pm). Travel time to Moalboal is 2.5 - 3 hours or 89 kilometers. Fare is P118 (aircon). Arriving in Moalboal, hire a habal-habal either to White Beach or Batad Batad Falls.

From Barili
Board a Ceres bus to Bato via Barili. Fare is P47. Travel time is more or less an hour or 28 kilometers. 

  
Upon my arrival at the town of Moalboal, I immediately noticed that there is a Gaisano Mall. I looked for a habal-habal ride but this time I have two spots to visit namley: the White Beach in Saavedra and Batad Batad falls.

After a series of negotiation, we were able to agree on the following:

P120 - White Beach (8 kilometers from the town)

P200 - Batad Batad Falls (8-10 kilometers from the town)

Off we went to White Beach (8 kilometeres from the town or 15-20 minute ride). I took pictures and I was reminded of my first adventure here in 2012.

Along the way, I told the driver that I need a place to stay for the night and I was brought to Panagsama Beach. The accommodations are cheaper and better in Panagsama Beach. I stayed in Susan Seaside. 

Room rates

Aircon - P1,000/day (1 pax only)
Aircon - P1,500 (good for 2 pax only)
Aircon - P2,000 (good for 3-4 pax)

Non-Aircon - P800

Rent of motor - 300 for 24 hours (gasoline excluded)

Contact number - 0920-282-0357
Look for Ms. Susan or Clarissa

I went inside my room and I immediately admired the view from my room.

After finding my accommodation, we went to Batad Batad Falls. The road at the start was cemented but along the way, it got worse to worst.

After 15 minutes, we arrived at the jump-off point. You will not miss it. It is the only place where there are lots of people. There is also a waiting shed.

The trek to the falls was good for 15 minutes and the view along the trek was superb! You will see mountains, landscapes and rice fields along the path. 

Finally, after getting lost twice (since my driver/guide did not know also the place), we arrived at the spot.

Batad Batad Falls 

We stayed only for 15 minutes and rested, then, went back to town since it was already 1 pm. We took our lunch, went to the town's plaza and then headed back to Panagsama Beach where I stayed.

My driver/tour guide was Cito (0930-902-7916).

Enjoy Barili and Moalboal! =)