Trekking and Waterfall Hopping Tour – Alegria, Cebu (Cambais Falls, Cancalanog and Montpellier Falls)

The abundance of Algeria’s natural water resources is innumerable. Waterfalls hopping , canyoning, and swimming are only few of the activities to enjoy in this quiet town. A day or 2 is not enough to experience them all, so if your trip to Alegria is to chill during rest days from work, might as well do a package tour to see most of its exquisiteness.

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For first timers who want to visit Alegria, the town‘s location is in the Southern part of Cebu, a 2-hour drive from Cebu City. Hop into one of the buses from Cebu South Bus terminal going to Santander via Barili. If confused on which bus to take, ask drivers and bus conductors who would be glad to help.

How to get to Alegria:

• From your location in Cebu, take a jeepney or taxi to Cebu South Bus Terminal.
Regular jeepney fare: 7.00 pesos
Taxi Fare: 40 pesos / 4.00 additional for every 4 kilometers

• Take a bus to Alegria
Fare: 169.00 (one way)

• Once in Alegria, ask the bus driver to pull over at Alegria Heritage Park.

Our waterfall hopping was not planned ahead, we were only thinking of going swimming in Cambais Falls and Cancalanog however, an offer from our habal-habal drivers encouraged us to grab the option to take a waterfall hopping package tour.

Waterfall Hopping Tour Package Inclusion:

• Cambais Falls
• Cancalanog
• Montpellier Falls
• Free tour guide
• Whole day activity
• 600.00 per person
• Food and drinks not included

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Before we started the tour, we prepared and grabbed something to eat at the nearest carenderia located along the highway. They have freshly cooked meals for dine-in or take away. Make sure to prepare yourself before trekking and swimming especially during summer. The heat was unbearable.

Cambais Falls

Trek difficulty: EASY
Entrance Fee: 30.00

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It was a pleasant ride from the highway to Cambais falls since Alegria has good concrete provincial roads compared to other municipalities in Southern Cebu. It was a quick habal-habal ride to the start off trekking area and then a short 10-minute hike to the falls. Before swimming a 10.00 pesos entrance fee was collected at the visitor’s information center.

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Cambais Falls is composed of 3 tiers that smoothly flow down to each basin. Its tortoise crystal clear water is safe for swimming but diving is not recommended. Why? Because the water is not deep enough. Its location is secluded so bring something to eat or drink. Small food stalls are selling local delicacies and drinks at the main road. For those who would like to have a picnic, a table next to the falls is available for rent. The table rent of 100.00 pesos is separate from the 30.00 entrance fee.

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The first tier is great for swimming, but climb up to explore to the 3rd basin of the falls, the view is better for your hashtag chasing waterfalls post on Instagram and Facebook. Jumping and diving are possible, however, do it at your own risk. I got bruises on my foot when I hit a rock after I jumped.

Cancalanog Falls

Trekking Difficulty: Medium to Hard
Entrance Fee: 50.00

From Cambais, we went straight to Cancalanog. It took another 15 minutes uncomfortable ride since it was located somewhere in the middle of a farmland. It was an agonizing less than a kilometer walk, although it was not too far, the heat was crushing, and the return hike from the falls was excruciating.

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Cancalanog was more commercialize compared to Cambais. The entrance fee is more expensive and it tends to get crowded. Refreshments and snacks are available for sale at the registration corner. They also have the comfort of a toilet which is not available in most tourist destinations around town. If I am not mistaken overnight stay or night swimming is allowed.

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I didn’t consider Cancalanog as a waterfall; it was more of a commercialized swimming basin. It has a narrow concrete water channel that allows water to flow and fall into the pool. For adrenaline junkies, they would definitely enjoy Cancalanog. Aside from swimming, jumping off the cliff or from the bamboo bridge to a 10 feet deep water is the most exciting activity to do there.

Montpellier Falls

Trekking Difficulty – Easy to Medium
Entrance – Free

Finally, the last waterfall before going back to town, I was looking forward to rest since my feet was killing me. The trek was  all right but I was not wearing proper trekking shoes.

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The trek from the highway going down to Montpellier Falls took more or less 20 minutes. We passed by houses, grasslands, coconut farms before witnessing its beauty.

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The mood in Montpellier Falls was different compared to both falls we have visited prior. It’s quieter and so in touch with nature. No tables for rent, no sari-sari stores, and no entrance fee, it was nature at its finest, raw, original and untouched. Same as the other waterfalls around Alegria, it’s difficult not to take a dip. The water jumps from a 100-meter cliff and ricochet to the rocks below before its fresh water joins to the pool. A fresh buko offered to us for 15.00 per piece completed our adventure.

Want to chase waterfalls? Contact Kuya Witwa Sanchez: 0935-746-7922

Itinerary:

3:00 – 4:00 – Meet up at Cebu South Bus Terminal
4:00 – 6:30 – Travel to Alegria
6:30 – 7:30 – Breakfast
7:30 – 8:00 – To Cambais Falls
8:00 – 9:30 – Swimming
9:30 – 10:00 – To Cancalog
10:00 – 12:00 – Swimming
12:00 – 1:00 – To Montpellier Falls
1:00 – 2:30 – Swimming
2:30 – 3:00 –  Ride back to town

Additional Travel Tips:

1. Wear proper footwear for trekking and bring slippers or water shoes.
2. Bring food and water. It’s going to be a long day.
3. Make sure to prepare extra clothes for swimming, the water is irresistible.
4. Kuya drivers might overcharge, try to haggle but don’t haggle too much.
5. Swim responsibly.
6. Don’t forget sunscreen, it’s too hot.
7. Always practice clean-as-you-go. Don’t leave trash.
8. Hydrate!
9. If you don’t want to swim in Calcalanog, Ate caretaker might still ask for the 50.00 pesos entrance fee. Ask nicely, she might consider.
10. If you want buko, ask Kuya driver to get you some.

Total Expenses:

Fare (return) – 338.00
Taxi (return) – 200.00
Tour – 600.00
Food and water -180.00
Total – 1318.00

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