Did you know that the world’s highest waterfall is found in Venezuela? Angel Falls has a height of 979 meters (3,212 feet)! And did you also know that Cebu’s highest waterfall is found in Barili? With a height of 98 meters (321.518 feet), Mantapuyan Falls, also known as Ambakan Falls, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls that are famous to many tourists.
Accessible Location
Unlike other waterfalls that are buried in the middle of thick jungles, Mantapuyan Falls is very accessible to tourists who wish to see the spectacular height of falling waters. From South Bus Terminal in Cebu City, you can take the public bus for the next 2-2.5 hours before reaching Barili. The famous falls are known to the locals so asking the habal-habal driver to take you to Mantapuyan Falls should not trigger any anxious bones for first-timers.
Protected Water Park
Cebu Provincial Tourism Office is very particular with its tourist spots within the province. To continuously encourage tourists to visit beautiful destinations, it became their mission to protect the natural resources in the area. The forest and wildlife are protected by the locals which give you the freedom to observe animals such as birds and monkeys.
The First Fall Below the Hanging Bridge
Before reaching the highest waterfall, you will be greeted with the first 14-meter high waterfall. Still impressive with its milky greenish water sitting in a pool surrounded by the lush of greens, this falls feature a hanging bridge. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to take photos while crossing the bridge for safety purposes. The hanging bridge is sturdy amidst its length and age, though. Standing in the middle of the bridge, you can see the falls below while hearing the roar of the highest falls just a few meters away.
Spotlight: Mantapuyan Falls
During weekends, it’s a party in the area. Full of visitors from different places, the water park is a must-see with friends and colleagues. Canteens sell food so if you missed your lunch box, you don’t have to worry. There’s a grill for rent if you’re up for barbecue. For safety purposes, all visitors who wish to swim are required to wear life vests.
Tip: If you want to see Mantupayan Falls by yourself—no photo bomber, just you and nature—visit the place early during weekdays. Renting a raft for just 100 pesos won’t hurt your pocket if you want to come nearer to the falls—and for a better photo of course.
Power in Barili
Hydropower is the use of falling or fast-running water to produce electricity. Mantupayan Falls is a form of sustainable energy production in Barili for over ten years. You will be impressed how a majestic beauty can provide to the locals in the area not just through tourism but as well as its natural way of giving back to people through an eco-friendly power source.
Preserving and not disturbing the natural habitats in the jungle as well as keeping the scenery safe and accessible to the people, is one way of truly appreciating without destroying the gift of nature. It is one’s job to continuously protect our environment, passing it to more generations to come.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
DAY USE:
- Entrance fee: 40 pesos
- Opening hours: 7:00AM-5:00PM daily
ROOM RATES:
- Cottages/Rooms: Overnight is 500 pesos. Maximum of 4 persons.
- Umbrella with Chairs: 150 pesos
- Grilling Rental: 20 pesos
- Raft Rental: 150 pesos / hour
Other Information:
- Corkage: None
- Contact number: Cebu Provincial Tourism Portal 032-888-2328 loc 1134
- Email address: [email protected]
- Facebook Page: No official Facebook page found
- Website: https://discover.cebu.gov.ph/tour/mantayupan-falls/
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Barili, Southern Cebu — approx. 2 hours away from Cebu City.
BY BUS/TRICYCLE (COMMUTERS):
You can take a bus in South Bus Terminal from Cebu City and ask the driver to drop you off at Poblacion Barili. Estimated travel time is 2-2.5 hours. Riding a habal-habal, you will reach Mantupayan Falls which is only 3.7km only. Fare costs 50-100 pesos.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to Mantupayan Falls in Barili, Cebu. Only 20 pesos for parking fee.
