How to get to Barili Cebu and it's famous Mantayupan Falls

Mantayupan Fals, Barili, Cebu

Barili

For years, I have been passing through this place not knowing what it has to offer. I have always considered Moalboal as my all time favorite in the south and in going there buses will always do a quick stop at one of Barili's landmarks, the Shamrock building. If you have enjoyed Moalboal's white beach and corals or enjoyed a quick dip at the fresh cold waters of Kawasan Falls in Badian then most likely you would also want to check out what this town can offer.

Barili Rice Fields

My first checking of the place was when my work team got invited to a barangay fiesta. After all the eating and chitchatting, our host wanted to show us around and decided to take us to Mantayupan Falls. I have heard about the falls from friends who have visited the place but did not think it was worth checking specially that I have been going back and forth to Kawasan whenever family friends would come over to Cebu.

We took our motorbikes with us going to the site, passing through wide-open rice fields, on a well paved road and at the end of it, is the multi-tiered Mantayupan Falls. Although the falls, does not give you a wide swimming area and a crystal clear water compared to Kawasan, It's unobstructed view of the 98 meters water falls make up for it's beauty. There are no constructed cottages around the falls itself giving you a great nature's feel.

How to get there

From any part of Cebu City

First step is to get to the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT).

• If you are not familiar with the city and doesn't know where it is located, you can always take a taxi for convenience in travel.
• If you know the place, head down to the Cebu south Bus Terminal (CSBT) via jeepney.

*Fare:         Taxi                   =                Php 80.00 (+ -)

                   Jeepney             =                Php 7.50

Arrival at Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT)

Upon arriving at the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT), you can always choose from the three Bus Companies plying for the Barili route. The CERES BUS, LIBRANDO BUS, and the ROUGH RIDERS BUS. I personally recommend taking the CERES Bus Lines, but you can take any of the three.

Note: 

• Make sure to read the Bus route signage. All Buses that has Barili, Badian, Moalboal can be taken for the trip.
• Ceres Bus and Rough Riders Bus can be found inside the Cebu South Bus Terminal, while Librando Bus can be found at it's own terminal located right across the Cebu South Bus Terminal.
• Take the left side seats of the bus to get the best road side views
• Travel time is 2 hours for the bus then another 10 mins. if you go to Mantayupan Falls on a motorbike.

*Bus Fare : Cebu City - Barili = Php. 70.00
Check Bus Schedules HERE.

Arrival at Barili's Shamrock Building - Bus stop

CERES bus stop Shamrock Building

Tell the bus driver or the conductor to drop you off at the Shamrock building. Most buses will make a stop over of the place so you will not miss it.

Once you get down from the bus, go across the street and you will find a lot of tricycles and motorbikes for hire that can take you to the falls.

*Fare: Php. 20.00 per head

Mantayupan Falls

For those who will bring their own vehicles, the landmark to make the left turn for the falls would be the 7/11 store or the road going to their public market. You can always ask the locals for directions and they would be happy assist. Parking area is at the entrance of the falls.

*Roosting area available
*Overnight rooms with aircon are already available
Room rates : Needs confirmation but most likely would range from Php. 1000.00 - 1500.00

*Falls Entrance Fee : Php. 20.00

  Parking Fee : Php. 20.00 : 4 wheels

Other things you can do and check in Barili

1. Go stair-climbing on it's 400 steps stair starting right at the entrance of Mantayupan falls.
2. Take a quick dip at it's fresh water springs (Boloc-Boloc Spring/ Tinubdan)
3. Hike it's mountains historical mountains
4. Go swimming at Sayaw beach and Candugay

Candugay - Tinubdan - 400 steps stair to the falls water source

Don't forget to have a taste at it's Halo2x, Otap and Ice cream from the Milk Station

Halo2x - Shamrock Otap - Barili Milk Station

For questions and suggestions feel free to message me using the comment box below, and if you think that this guide helped you, please do share it or click on the Facebook like button at the upper right part of the page. Thanks!

    

How to get to Siquijor Island, The Philippines and Experience a truly Island Beauty

My visit

It's my second time to visit the Island. The first one, was way back 2007 and we arrived on the Island quite late in the afternoon. My first impression then as soon as we arrived at the Port was that, it was going to be a laid-back Island. There was not much people at the Port which you usually see on regular ports. Not much motorbikes for rent you see today lining up as soon as you get out of the port's gate. We even had a hard time getting jeep to take us to where we wanted to stay which was in Salagdoong Beach.

St. Francis de Assisi Church, Siquijor

The island, in my younger years, was always featured in several local TV station documentaries because of certain practices by some people doing faith healing down to the sometimes exaggerated ones like black magic. However, once  you arrive to the place, seeing all it's beauty and it's people, you would know and feel that what you hear is not always true.

I so love the place

The roads around the Island are mostly well paved along with a breath of fresh air and sceneries of rice fields or long stretches of virgin white beaches. The people make the most of it's beauty as well. They are very warm with how they accept visitors.

Next Big thing

Renting a motorbike, going around the island  and seeing it's place accessibility getting worked on by the day gets me excited for the future of the Island and I can't wait to visit it again really really soon.

Cambugahay Falls, Siquijor

For my recent trip, I didn't focus on getting to all the tourist spots on the Island because anywhere on it is... I wanted to just take my time and enjoy the beauty that was literally in front of the room where I stayed. The San Juan white beach, stretching for as far as my eyes could see.

Siquijor

Is a fifth income class island province located in the Visayas region of the Philippines. It is the third smallest province in the country that has six municipalities (Siquijor, Larena, Lazi, Maria, San Juan, Enrique Villanueva)

Century Old Balete Tree and the Lazi Convent

How to get there

The fastest and easiest way in getting to the Island is through Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. If you are from the other parts of the Philippines, take an airplane to Dumaguete City.

Another gateway for people who will have problems getting an airplane, a bus or a boat that is direct to Dumaguete, would be through Cebu City.

For travelers going through Cebu, you'll have three options. You may take another plane going to Dumaguete or head down to Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) and take a CERES bus. Oceanjet fastcraft from Cebu also goes to Siquijor but will pass Tagbilaran Bohol > Dumaguete City > Siquijor first. 

Most local travelers passing through Cebu, will opt to take the CERES bus lines as they offer more trips compared to the other available transportation options mentioned. See bus schedules HERE.

Note:

• CERES bus travel time to Dumaguete City can take 4-5 hours depending on the traffic.
• CERES bus will be transported to Negros Island on car-carrying ferries (RORO). 

CERES Bus on RORO to Negros Island

*CERES: Cebu - Dumaguete = Php. 215.00
*RORO: Cebu - Negros = Php. 70.00

Dumaguete City

Once you arrive at Dumaguete City, if you took the plane, you may charter a tricycle going to Dumaguete port. If you took the CERES bus from Cebu, it will pass by the Dumaguete port area as well. Tell the bus driver or Conductor to drop you off at the highway closest to the port.

Dumaguete Port to Siquijor island

The port offers multiple shipping lines plying for Siquijor. There are small fast crafts available but for safety and convenience take either the Oceanjet fast craft which is bigger and cleaner compared to the others or the normal regular cruising BIG boats as the waves going to the island can sometimes get quite an adventure.

*Oceanjet: Dumaguete - Siquijor = Php. 210.00

Arrival at the Siquijor Port

The port for ships from Dumaguete is located at Siquijor, Siquijor which is the provincial capital of the island. Once you are outside of it, if you want to be able to save money for transportation and you are up for a regular backpacker adventure, you can easily rent a motorbike so you can check on cheap resorts on the Island and decide where to stay. Vans, Jeepneys and Tricycles are available as well.

*Motorbike rental for 24hrs. = Php. 300.00

Recommendations: 

• Buy the things you need in Siquijor, Siquijor area as there is a big difference of item prices in resorts already.
• Rent motorbikes if you know how to drive for easy access to all the places in the island.
• Ask for a free map of the island from the tourism help desk directly located at the gate entrance of the Siquijor port.
• Cheap beach front resorts can be found at San Juan and it's closest to the Port area. 

San Juan, Siquijor

For questions and suggestions feel free to message me using the comment box below, and if you think that this guide helped you, please do share it or click on the facebook like button at the upper right part of the page. Thanks!

    

San Juan Beach Front - Century Old Balete Foot Spa - Cambugahay Falls

How to get to Mt. Manunggal and The Monolith, Balamban Cebu, The Philippines

Wanna go camping, trekking, or just plain nature tripping that is not so far from Cebu City?

Check out Mt. Manunggal and The Monolith.

Most of us have different work/schedules/loads and can't afford to get away from them for days, however, if you want to just get a quick breather, the place is worth to consider.

With just an hour away from the City, you can already do a day hike an overnight camp that's guaranteed with great views and adventure. On top of it, consider the possibility of meeting new people with the same interest for the outdoors not to mention that it's FREE. - Well, except ofcourse for your food and fare. 

Mt. Manunggal

Is located in Barangay Magsaysay, Balamban Cebu, The Philippines. The mountain has an elevation of 1,003 meters above sea level overlooking the sea of Cebu and Negros Islands. It is a historical site as it is where the plane carrying a Philippine President crashed in 1957. You will see part of the crashed plane's engine and a monument of the late President on your way to the campsite.

Safety

• Overall the campsite is safe. There are houses close to the area you can go to if assistance is needed.

What to expect

• Since the place is considered a historical site where a commemoration gets to be held for the late President, some structures like comfort/shower rooms - you can use for free, are present in the area. 

• A road going to the campsite from the transcentral highway that ends with a good parking area is available.

• The campsite gets to be foggy at times and expect some moist to build up on your tents.

• There are dogs in the area so keep your food items in check.

Note: Some of the dogs are good ones and can guide you to The Monolith. Please do take care of them.

Things to bring

For Campers :

• Sim Sealed Tent  - Food and Water - First Aid kit - Camping Jacket

• Camping Knife - Flashlight/Headlight - Cooking sets if needed

For Day Trekkers/Hikers:

• Hiking shoes - Food - Water -  First Aid kit - Poncho or Waterproof Jacket

IMPORTANT: Please do consider the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace (LNT)

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Ground
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize the Effects of Fire
6. Respect Wildlife and Farm Animals
7. Be Considerate of Others

Getting to Mt. Manunggal's Campsite

Taking your own vehicle

If you want to bring your own vehicle, take the transcentral highway. To better give you a sense of direction and it's location, you will need to pass the "Welcome to Balamban" road signage before turning right for the road going to Mt. Manunggal.  A direction signage going to Mt. Manunggal is available at the right side of the road. If you are not able to see it, you can always ask the locals and they'd be happy to give directions.

Taking the Public transportation

1. Get to the Ayala Center Cebu's PUJ/PUV terminal then take a Van going to Balamban. Tell the driver to drop you off at the corner road going to Mt. Manunggal. (Ayala PUV terminal is the one right across Quest Hotel)

2. From the drop off road going to Mt. Manunggal, you can either hike up to the campsite or take a Habal2x(Motorcycle for hire).

Note: If you choose to take the hike up to the campsite, it could take 2 or more hours before you reach it depending on your speed as although you will be walking through a barangay road, the hike will be quite a climb. Estimated distance from the Transcentral corner road to the campsite is 5KM.

Fare:

V-Hire :  Php 120.00

Habal2x:  Php 70.00 + -  (Negotiation needed)

Additional information: The place is accessible for a hike through many trails, like the Tagba-o and Cantipla in Tabunan however it is recommended to have a guide when taking them.

Getting to The Monolith

From Mt. Manunggal's campsite a walk down  and a technical climb for about 30-40 mins will get you to The Monolith. There is not much people who have been to the rock formation as one of the locals told us that the trail leading to it was just recently cleared.

Recommended: Ask owners of the houses in the campsite if they can provide you a guide.

How to get to Osmena Peak, Cebu, Philippines - A break from the usual...

34, 32, 33... These are the usual numbers that are registered almost daily on my phone's temperature readings. Surely, if you are getting the same thing, you would just wish that you are in Iceland or somewhere else cold. For the beach hungry people they'd flock to the closest beach to get away however, considering the surge of resort rates in the area, some people look for something cheaper, something that can give them out of the usual experience - an adventure, at the same time an ease of the hot weather.

Most of us consider how much money we'd spend on a good break, and staying on a beach or a mountain resort may not always be the only better option.

Allow me to break the ice and guide you on where you can go and experience the things I mentioned on top.

Osmeña Peak

I've heard of the place years ago but never bothered to check it. For one, I thought it would be difficult to get there, at the same time, I didn't think it's beauty and it's most talked about weather the location could offer would be something worth checking, - I was wrong. If you'd like to know why, read on...

Osmeña Peak is located in a Mountain Barangay called Mantalongon under the Municipality of Dalaguete. The place is not only known for it's beautiful mountain peaks but as a vegetable basket as well. With this, you can expect that a walk on the place, would be a walk on vegetable gardens your eyes could feast on.

Things to consider

• Travel time takes about 3.5 hours from Cebu City Area
• The road from Dalaguete Proper up to Mantalongon Market is good, but from the market to the peak's drop-off point is a little challenging - some parts are rough road, although they are getting worked on.
• Primary means of transportation in getting there from Dalaguete proper is Habal2x (Motorbike for hire)
• Although the transportation's drop-off area is just a 30 minute hike to the peak, some parts going to it are quite steep, thereby would require a person to be physically fit.

*itravelskiks suggests that if you plan to bring your own transportation, use an SUV.

Going for an overnight stay

Because of the travel time, an overnight stay is recommended, however a day trip can also be considered if you are just after the view it gives.

An overnight stay at the peak allows you to experience a weather to boast for.

Things to Bring

For Campers :

• Sim Sealed Tent  - Food and Water - First Aid kit - Camping Jacket
• Camping Knife - Flashlight/Headlight - Cooking sets if needed

What I would bring :

• Sim Sealed Coleman Go Tent - Food and Water - First Aid Kit  - The North Face jacket
• Camping Knife - Police Flashlight and Headlight - Camping stove - Camping cooking set
• Sleeping bag - Merrell waterproof shoes or Sandugo Sandals - Deuter camping bag
• GoPro Camera

Security and days to consider when going for an overnight stay

• The camp site is very safe and it is right at the foot of the peak itself. 
• Campsite tends to get crowded on a weekend so consider camping on a weekday if you don't like to be on a crowded site.

IMPORTANT: Please do consider the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace (LNT)

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Ground
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize the Effects of Fire
6. Respect Wildlife and Farm Animals
7. Be Considerate of Others

How to get there

1. Get to Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT)

Depending on where you are coming from, it is best that you get to the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT). You can either take a jeepney or a taxi.

Jeepney fare     = Php. 7.00

Taxi fare           = Php 70.00 + - (Depending on where you are coming from in the city.)

2. Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT)

Upon arriving at the terminal, look for the Ceres  or Sunrays buses going to Oslob or Santander via Dalaguete. Ceres  and Sunrays bus personnel are always happy to guide you.

For a really early trip, I suggest that you take the non air conditioned bus, take the left side seats, so you can take pictures and enjoy the seaside views along the trip.

For a late start travel, take the air conditioned bus if you don't feel like taking on some heat from the sun. 

Fare:   Ceres Bus     =  Php  105.00 (+ -)

            Sunrays Bus =  Php  105.00 (+ -)

3. Arrival at Dalaguete, Cebu

For first time travelers who have yet to get to Dalaguete or not familiar of the place, tell the Bus conductor to drop you off at the area for the Osmena Peak habal2x drivers. The  place is known and the bus  conductors would be happy to assist you with it. You may buy additional things you might need while at Dalaguete proper as prices would go up if you buy them in stores on the way to the peak.

4. Dalaguete to Osmena Peak

From Dalaguete Cebu proper, take a habal2x(Motorbikes for hire) going to the Peak.

Fare: 

100 PHP per person - They will always take two passengers, so if you are a solo                                                                                backpacker like me, you will have to pay double one way.

5. Arrival at Osmena Peak drop off area

Once you are at the drop off area, you will have to register your name and a 30.00 peso fee will be collected.

Guides will also be available and would offer their service however if you have no problems carrying your things you don't really need them. 

You can easily follow the trail going to the peak or the campsite by just asking them where to start the hike or by following other hikers/campers.

6. The hike

The hike going to the peak or the camp site can be a little challenging if you are not used to climbing with a loaded backpack. Take your time, follow your own pace and enjoy the view.

7. Getting to the peak the hiker's way (Cheaper way)

Another way in getting to the famous peak is by taking a Bus or a Minibus that would go directly to Mantalongon public market. 

Fare: 100 Php - Drop-off area is at Mantalongon public market.

Once you are in the market, you can either take a habal2x or simply hike it. Habal2x to Osmeña peak from Mantalongon public market is 50.00 PHP only per person.

How to get to Camotes Island Cebu Philippines

Haloi lovely people!

What have you guys been doing these days? Work? Class? Istambay?

Nahhh... break the routine and get yourself moving...

Check out Camotes!

I am pretty sure that you have heard about the beauty of the place, saw pictures of it from your friend's or colleague's Facebook or Instagram page and wondered how to get there.

Well, here is my simple guide on how to get to the Enchanting islands and experience their laid back beauty.

A brief background of the place and things to consider

• Camotes is a group of islands located east of Cebu. The three main islands are Poro, Pacijan and Ponson. Of the three islands, the commonly visited ones are the Poro and Pacijan due to their accessibility.

• One thing to consider when visiting the Islands is that although there are good resorts already, the place is not yet that developed where you might need to bring personal consumable items from mainland Cebu.

• Usual mode of transportation in the Islands is the Habal2x or Motorbikes for rent. For groups multicabs (Small Jeepneys) can be hired. 

• Mobile signal is weak on the islands so expect that there are areas where you might not have one. Experience wise, Globe telecom probably has the better signal coverage in the area compared to the others.

• Some Beach Resorts do have WiFi but because of the weak mobile signals in the area, they are pretty much useless at times. 

• The islands are very laid back, so if you want to be truly at peace with nature, you can expect resort areas would be quiet already after 8PM.

• Don't forget to bring your cameras, your beach wears, your sunglasses and of course, your sunscreens.

Ready na ka?  Let's go!

1. Starting Point

From any part of Cebu, get a Jeepney or a Taxi to the North Bus Terminal (NBT). The easiest way to get to the North Bus Terminal using a Jeepney would be to get to SM City,Cebu then close to it's left side entrance, take the 01K number coded Jeep.

*Update: Oceanjet fastcrafts now have daily trips from Cebu City's Pier 1 to Camotes. Please see the schedule update below.

Note: if you are familiar with the area of the bus terminal you may opt to go for a Jeepney, but if you are not, I would suggest that you take the taxi for convenience of travel.

2. Arrival at North Bus Terminal (NBT)

Arrival at the bus terminal can be a crazy chaotic thing. If you are not familiar with the how's and what's in  the terminal, there will be so many people who would go after you(asking you where you'll be going), so make sure to keep your cool. STOP,THINK, and LOOK for buses that would go through Danao Sea port.

Most if not all buses do pass the port, however for an added safety, I recommend that you take the Ceres buses. Ask the Ceres bus drivers and conductors if they will pass the port while they are parking and they would be happy to help. Buses in the terminal will have signboards on them for their destinations.

Vans for hire (V-Hire) are also available that would  also pass the port however I don't recommend taking them for safety and convenience specially if you have bags with you. 

*I have nothing against other Bus companies and I'm not advertising the Ceres bus liner. I am just comfortable riding their buses at the same time I feel safe with the way their buses are maintained.

3.Arrival at Danao Sea Port

Danao Sea Port is located right beside the highway. If you are from Cebu City it's gonna be at the right side of the road. I would suggest that when you take the Bus, you stay at the right side seats so will not miss it, at the same time if you like seeing seaside views you will have a chance of it on the way. 

The port is not big so once you get to the entrance you can easily see the ticketing counters for the Ferry and the Pump boats plying the Camotes Islands. 

• Jomalia Ferries will dock at "Consuelo port" which is the closest to where the good resorts and nice beaches are.

*itravelskiks recommends that you take the Jomalia Shipping Ferry for safety and convenience.

Schedule:

DANAO CITY TO CONSUELO, CAMOTES
Vessel	Departure	Day
MV MIKA MARI	05:30 AM	DAILY
MV MIKA MARI VI	08:30 AM	DAILY
MV MIKA MARI	11:30 AM	DAILY
MV MIKA MARI III	02:30 PM	DAILY
MV MIKA MARI VI	05:30 PM	DAILY

CONSUELO, CAMOTES TO DANAO CITY
Vessel	Departure	Day
MV MIKA MARI	05:30 AM	DAILY
MV MIKA MARI III	08:30 AM	DAILY
MV MIKA MARI VI	01:30 PM	DAILY
MV MIKA MARI	02:30 PM	DAILY
MV MIKA MARI III	05:00 PM	DAILY

Fare rates: 

• RJR  and Ave Maria Pump Boats will dock at "Poro port" which is quite far from the known resorts  and beaches in the islands.

Schedule:
5:30AM      Ouano Port       to        Poro              Ave Maria pumpboat
10:30AM    Danao Port        to       Consuelo       RJR pumpboat

*Update: Oceanjet Fastcraft now has daily trips to Camotes 

Schedule:

Cebu - Camotes

6:00AM Pier 1 to Poro / 3:00PM  Pier 1 to Poro

4. No Sweat! Arrival at Consuelo Port

Once you arrive at Consuelo Port, there will be a lot of Habal2x (Motorbikes for hire) waiting, lining up, as well as "multicabs - small jeepneys" you can take for groups. Don't give in to pressure when asked by them where to go. 

*itravelskiks recommends that if you have not made prior bookings with a resort to stay and is not sure where to go next once on the Island, that you hid down to "Santiago Bay". Have the driver drop you off at "Santiago Bay Garden and Resorts" entrance. Once you are there, you can check out the resort and their room rates, however if you want cheaper ones, take a short walk down the road and you will be able to find one.  

5. Where to go and What to do in Camotes

The islands are famous for their unspoiled beaches as well as a number of caves. Unfortunately, due to the distance between them and the usual mode of transportation used, going to all those places might be a little tiring for a single day trip. Also,  consider that if you will be taking a Habal2x going to places, it can sometimes be very hot.

*itravelskiks recommends that if you are going to the island for relaxation, you stay at the Santiago Bay area and enjoy the beautiful beach, the sunrise and the sunsets.

*You can get affordable but amazingly good meals on Carenderias-(Local Restaurants) along the  Santiago Bay beach area.

What are you waiting for???

Larga Na!!!