Falling for Cebu: A Biyahe ni Drew itinerary

With this view, you'll surely fall in love with Cebu.

Cangkalanog, Cambais and Monteneza. Those are just some of the lesser known waterfalls in Cebu which prove that this province doesn’t seem to run out of reasons for you to fall in love with it.

You will find these falls at the towns of Alegria and Malabuyoc. Like other towns in Cebu, Alegria and Malabuyoc are abundant with natural wonders like waterfalls and mountain ranges perfect for those who would like to destress from the hustle and bustle of the city.

En route Alegria, Cebu

There are flights going to Mactan Cebu International Airport every day from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). And there are three flights a week going to Cebu from Clark International Airport in Pampanga.

From Mactan International Airport, you can hire a private van or opt for a public bus. The bus ride from Cebu City to Alegria will cost you P160, and will burn three to four hours of travel.

Going to Malabuyoc from Alegria, meanwhile, you can ride a multicab or tricycle for P10 or the bus for P15.

Where to stay

Sun Xi Beach Club
Brgy. Madridejos, Alegria, Cebu

Standard rooms/Beach Hut (good for 2 pax) in Sun Xi Beach Club cost P2200 per night while their Scuba Suites (good for 4 pax) cost P2890 per night.

Falling for Cebu

Montaneza Falls
Brgy. Montaneza, Malabuyoc, Cebu

Think you're brave enough to rappel down these falls? 

Montaneza Falls is said to be the top canyoneering spot in Southern Visayas, with three falls (15-meters, 20-meters, and 25-meters) you can choose from for your rappelling needs.

You can have a tour guide to accompany you in your canyoneering adventure for P2500, a fee already inclusive of a safety harness, life jacket, and meals.

Cambais Falls
Alegria, Cebu

Who wouldn't fall in love with these clear waters?

To get here, you’ll have to trek for about 15-20 minutes from the jump point in Brgy. Guadalupe. And for an entrance fee of P20, you may already swim as much as you want or plunge into the clear water from several jumping points!

Cangkalanog Falls
Brgy. Compostela, Alegria, Cebu

Level-up selfie!

To get to Cangkalanog Falls, you will need to hike for around 20 minutes from the jump point im  Sitio Samoyaw.

The falls may not be that huge but is beautiful nonetheless. The fresh and clear blue water here will surely help you relax after a strenuous canyoneering activity.

Mainit Hot Springs
Brgy. Montaneza, Malabuyoc, Cebu

Drew Arellano making us envy his job as always.

Malabuyoc is full of mountain ranges and hills. Among these hills, you’ll find Mainit Hot Springs.

For an environmental fee of P20, you may soak in their three pools which have different temperatures. The coldest is at 36.1 degree celsius while the hottest is at 42.6 degree celsius.

And according to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology,  the varying heat is proudced by the steam coming from volcanic rocks under the Montaneza River.

Biyahero tip! Don’t get too excited to dip in especially in their hottest spring to getting burned! Take it from our Biyahero, Drew Arellano!

Lobo Hills

Just like Malabuyoc, the town of Alegria also has several hills so you can have the best of both worlds when you’re here!

You’ll have to trek for around 30 minutes to get to Lobo Hills. Once you reach this place, you’ll feel as if you’re in Tagaytay or Baguio because of the chilly breeze and surrounding pine trees.

Bonus! If you want to maximize the view in this place, then you may stay at the Sun Xi Mountain Retreat located on top of the hill where you’re sure to have a breathtaking view from your veranda!

Diving at Kawayan Marine Resort

Malabuyoc, Cebu

When in Cebu, one cannot simply miss out on its rich marine life!

For P3,000, you can already freedive in the beach of Kawayan Marine Reef Hostel without a license. This fee already includes a guide and your rental of scuba gear.

While diving, the team of Biyahe Ni Drew was able to spot some clams, various fishes and even a shipwreck that became a home to the sea creatures here!

Happy tummy, happy biyahero!

When it’s merienda time in Alegria, you will see smoke coming from ovens because they’re preparing two of Cebuanos’ favorite merienda which are...

Pan De Bisaya and Budbod

Drew trying out Budbod, Cebuanos' version of suman.

Pan De Bisaya is bigger than the usual version of pandesal and it is made with coconut milk and cooked in banana leaves to add extra flavor. You can buy this for only P5 a piece!

Cebu’s version of the usual sticky rice or suman is called Budbod. Budbod is pretty similar with the usual suman except that it’s made with coconut milk. It can also be paired with brown sugar, coconut jam or sweet mango slices.  You can buy this for only P5 per piece or P20 per pack.

Pasalubong options

Moringa Nilusak topped with blue ternate. Yum!

Locals in Alegria produce 280 kilos of fresh malunggay within two weeks. They export these to Manila and other provinces. But they don’t forget to maximize it in their own province.

Moringa Nilusak

Moringa Nilusak is made out of mashed banana, sugar and of course, malunggay or moringa! They also garnish this with a blue ternate flower to make the local delicacy more presentable.

Moringa cake

This one is made out of sugar, margarine, eggs, evaporated milk and moringa powder. After mixing everything together, it is placed into an oven until cooked.

Moringa Bibingka

Their version of bibingka in this part of Cebu has pandan, coconut and of course, cheese on top.

This trip proves that wherever part of Cebu you go to, there will always be something for you to see, do and enjoy for the first time. And this is why we Biyaheros just keep coming back for more!--- Via Gonzales/ BMS, GMA Public Affairs