Cebu has been my home for more than 3 years now because of my job. One can expect that I’ve been to most of the tourist and adventure spots of this lovely island – most, but not all yet. However, it’s on my plans to explore even the smallest attractions and blog about them so that other travelers wouldn’t be limited to the city tour. Yes, there's more to Cebu than Magellan's Cross, Lapu-Lapu Shrine and Taoist Temple. Beyond Cebu City are adventures worth the trip and they await us! Let me start with a one-day adventure of exploring Barili and Carcar City.
Mantayupan Falls
Barili derived its name from a local grass called "balili". It is located 61 kilometers southwest of Cebu City, more or less an hour and 30 minutes travel. Barili’s famous attraction is Mantayupan Falls located close to the end of Carcar-Barili coming from the national highway. Since I'm living in this province, I drove a car going to the destination. For those who do not have their own car, you can hire a van for more or less 3,000php or for cheaper option, ride a bus from the city to Barili at South Terminal. Tricycles and habal-habal are available at the main road going to the falls.
Mantayupan Falls
Barili derived its name from a local grass called "balili". It is located 61 kilometers southwest of Cebu City, more or less an hour and 30 minutes travel. Barili’s famous attraction is Mantayupan Falls located close to the end of Carcar-Barili coming from the national highway. Since I'm living in this province, I drove a car going to the destination. For those who do not have their own car, you can hire a van for more or less 3,000php or for cheaper option, ride a bus from the city to Barili at South Terminal. Tricycles and habal-habal are available at the main road going to the falls.
At the entrance of the falls, you must pay 10php for the entrance fee, 150php for the shade and chairs, and corkage for food and beverage for 15-20php. Cheap, right? Here’s a better highlight: you need not walk 5 kilometers nor a kilometer from the entrance to the falls. At 50 meters, you’ll have the glimpse of the second falls which is about 14 meters (45.93 Ft) in height. And in less than 100 meters descend on the stairs, you’ll be in front of the first falls which is about 98 meters (321.52 Ft) in height.
What a lovely view it was for us even when we were just sitting under the shade or when we took a dip. Truly wonderful and relaxing.
Adventure Tip: Yes, you can swim! But if you’re not a good swimmer, better stay at the shallow part of the pool. Current's a bit strong. And be careful of the slippery rocks.
Molave Milk Station
Traveling back at Carcar-Barili road, you’ll pass by Molave Milk Station (at the left from Barili and at the right from Carcar) where you can drink fresh cow’s milk or eat ice cream made from cow’s milk. It’s worth the short stopover especially for ice cream lovers.
Adventure Tip: Yes, you can swim! But if you’re not a good swimmer, better stay at the shallow part of the pool. Current's a bit strong. And be careful of the slippery rocks.
Molave Milk Station
Traveling back at Carcar-Barili road, you’ll pass by Molave Milk Station (at the left from Barili and at the right from Carcar) where you can drink fresh cow’s milk or eat ice cream made from cow’s milk. It’s worth the short stopover especially for ice cream lovers.
Adventure Tips:
a. The ice cream melts so fast. If you want to enjoy your ice cream longer, I suggest you order in a cup instead of the cone.
b. If you want to bring home fresh cow's milk, make sure you refrigerate within 2 hours or it’ll spoil.
Carcar Lechon
Carcar City is more or less 20 kilometers away from Barili. You'll actually pass by this city when going to Barili. It is located 40 kilometers south of Cebu City and is famous for chicharon and shoes. However, aside from these, you shouldn’t leave without tasting the authentic Carcar lechon. And where to find it? At Carcar Public Market! It's located near the rotunda itself. For 270php a kilo, you’ll have the tastiest lechon ever. I’m not much of a lechon eater even, but I would never hesitate to come back just to eat.
a. The ice cream melts so fast. If you want to enjoy your ice cream longer, I suggest you order in a cup instead of the cone.
b. If you want to bring home fresh cow's milk, make sure you refrigerate within 2 hours or it’ll spoil.
Carcar Lechon
Carcar City is more or less 20 kilometers away from Barili. You'll actually pass by this city when going to Barili. It is located 40 kilometers south of Cebu City and is famous for chicharon and shoes. However, aside from these, you shouldn’t leave without tasting the authentic Carcar lechon. And where to find it? At Carcar Public Market! It's located near the rotunda itself. For 270php a kilo, you’ll have the tastiest lechon ever. I’m not much of a lechon eater even, but I would never hesitate to come back just to eat.
Adventure Tip: Before buying, you can ask for sample of the lechon offered by the sellers. You can also eat the lechon you bought at the eateries surrounding the selling area, just order rice (or hanging rice also known as puso) and drinks.
Marikina of Cebu
For shoe lovers, CUFMAI – OTOP Center is the place for you. In less than a kilometer from the city center on your way back to Cebu City, you’ll see it at the right side of the national highway. The shoes being sold here are of good quality, cheap and mostly of unique designs. Prices range from 150php for slip-ons, less than 500php for wedge and flat shoes, a thousand for high-heeled shoes to 2,000php for leather boots. The richness of this business is the reason why Carcar is considered the Marikina of Cebu.
Marikina of Cebu
For shoe lovers, CUFMAI – OTOP Center is the place for you. In less than a kilometer from the city center on your way back to Cebu City, you’ll see it at the right side of the national highway. The shoes being sold here are of good quality, cheap and mostly of unique designs. Prices range from 150php for slip-ons, less than 500php for wedge and flat shoes, a thousand for high-heeled shoes to 2,000php for leather boots. The richness of this business is the reason why Carcar is considered the Marikina of Cebu.
Adventure Tip: Practice your bargaining skills to lower the price. Plus, the more shoes you buy, the bigger the discount they'll give you.
Overall, It was a short but sweet birthday weekend adventure for me. Cheap too because we brought a car so we only spent around 200php each for the fees and the food, not counting the shoes of course. Yep, that cheap! Big thank you to my friends Rica, Precious and Lawrence for spending such a relaxing and fun weekend with me. We'll definitely have another adventure soon. To my readers, there'll be more Beyond Cebu City adventures to come. Stay tuned! :)
No matter how short the adventure is, enjoy each moment and make the most out of it. - KM
Overall, It was a short but sweet birthday weekend adventure for me. Cheap too because we brought a car so we only spent around 200php each for the fees and the food, not counting the shoes of course. Yep, that cheap! Big thank you to my friends Rica, Precious and Lawrence for spending such a relaxing and fun weekend with me. We'll definitely have another adventure soon. To my readers, there'll be more Beyond Cebu City adventures to come. Stay tuned! :)
No matter how short the adventure is, enjoy each moment and make the most out of it. - KM