Moalboal: Basdaku

LOCATION:
Moalboal, Cebu (Southwest part of Cebu)

FESTIVAL:
Kagasangan Festival (May 16)
Basdiot Fiesta (April 27)

FEES: (as of June 2016)
Barangay Entrance Fee (5.00)
Basdaku Entrance Fee (10.00)
Cottage (500.00)
Grilling Stand (200.00)
Fares (50.00 - 100.00)

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT:
Pescador Island
Matutinao River
Montaleza River
Orchid Gallery

The perfect white sands of Moalboal greeted our eyes!

Amidst the flocking tourists in Moalboal and an active tourism industry, it is still a fourth income class municipality.

After a cool dip at Mantayupan Falls, we took our swimming to Moalboal. I can't say much about our trip because we feasted our eyes over the handsome foreign nationals (just kidding!). We were too preoccupied with swimming, I forgot to take photos.

Barili: Mantayupan Falls

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LOCATION:
Barili, Cebu (southwest coast of Cebu)

FESTIVAL:
Kaumahan Festival (July 26)

FEES: (as of June 2016)
Bus fare from Cebu South Bus Terminal to Barili (est. 90.00)
Motorcycle fare from Bus Drop-off to Mantayupan Falls (est. 30.00)
Entrance Fee (20.00)
Parking Fee (20.00)
Table (150.00)
Life vest (20.00)
Food corkage (50.00)
Food Group Servings (100.00 - 400.00)

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT:
Molave Milk Station
San Rafael Hill
Sta. Ana Church
Candugay Beach Resort
Paril Mountain Resort
Sayaw Beach
Bolocboloc Spring Pool
AC Tilapia Fun Fishing
Paradise Valley Mountain Resort


Nothing beats this! At last, we set foot at Mantayupan Falls at Campangga, Barili.

Barili, which consists of 42 barangays and categorized as a second class municipality, was believed to have acquired its name from the word balili - a grass which grew in abundance within the area. It was told that when the Spaniards arrived and asked the locals for the name of the place, they had mistakenly answered 'balili', thinking that they were asked about the grass being pointed at.

My collegues and I had planned this escape for quite some time. Even though our trip to Mantayupan Falls was a long one, we were ecstatic and thrilled to see what's in store for us in the early hours of a Saturday. We entered its vicinity and found it to be commercialized - or so we thought.

entrance fees are collected upon entering the vicinity

lavatory and showers

We paid our fees and proceeded ahead.

It only took a few steps and the first station was at sight. It had three falls, all an average of 14 meters tall.

Since another group ahead of us went straight to the second station, we followed their lead which brought us to the majestic view of Mantayupan Falls. The 5-minute hike was worth it.

Charmed by staring at it; mesmerized by the sound of water falling to the base. It was music to the ears. Finally, we saw the tallest falls in all of the Cebu province - the 92-meter waterfalls - an astonishing sight. Kawasan is fully commercialized and we thought Mantayupan had undergone the same improvements, but no, it retained its natural environment.

A good swim ended our Mantayupan Falls visit.

(from left) Jupiter, Ma'am Ting, Cheke, Edward, Mac, Sir Gats, Jade

Introduction

Travelling is the best rejuvenating thing to do. It's enjoyable and relaxing. Not only is travelling a way to embrace the different cultures of different communities, but it's a way of discovering amazing places left unnoticed.