Montañeza Falls: Malabuyoc’s Hidden Gem

The great thing about driving a motorbike when traveling is that you can stop wherever you want, whenever you want. A few weeks ago, I was looking for a particular waterfall in the town of Alegria. And although I did not know exactly where it was located, I decided to not ask around and try to locate it without anyone’s help. As expected, I wasn’t too successful in finding it. I knew that I’d failed right when I saw the sign welcoming me to the next town. Instead of turning back, however, I decided to keep on driving hoping that I’d see something interesting.

Luckily, I DID find something very interesting. Right after the bridge in Barangay Montañeza, I saw a road-side sign welcoming visitors to Mainit Spring and Montañeza Falls. I guess it was my lucky day! :)After paying the entrance fee, you begin your short trek to the first drop.




Name: Montañeza Falls
Type: Waterfall System
Municipality: Malabuyoc
Barangay: Montañeza
Features: Waterfall System (7 drops)
Distance from City: 3-4 Hours by Bus
Distance from Town Proper: 10 minutes
Access: Bus / Van / Private
Nearest Tourist Spot: Aranaza Spring
Trekking Time: 5-10 minutes
Standard Rate/Fee: PhP 20
Additional Expenses: Tables / Chairs
Hours: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Restrictions: No Food and Drinks
Guide/Tour Operator: Yes
Tours Offered: Yes
Accommodations: No
Restroom/Changing Room: Yes
Restaurant/Food: Yes
Picnic: Yes
Camping: No
Adventure Level: Beginner to Mid
Rating – Hospitality: ★★★★★★★★★☆
Rating – Safety: ★★★★★★★★☆☆
Rating – Guide: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
Rating – Adventure: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
Rating – Overall: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆


The entire Montañeza Waterfall System is made up of around 7 drops with varying heights and sizes.


There are numerous spots along the trekking route that you will surely find interesting.


Another great thing about Montañeza’s trekking route is that you get to squeeze through narrow holes and under huge boulders to get to the last drop.


Me trying to make it through this tiny hole. I’m a bit claustrophobic so this is a huge deal for me. Haha.


The numerous rock formations that form the gigantic canyon leading to the main drop are also breathtakingly beautiful.


This is one of the most stunning drops in the whole system. Next to the drop, a huge boulder serves as a landing which allows trekkers to safely and easily reach the next drop.


View of the river from one of the boulders.


Taking a quick break to appreciate the beauty of Montañeza.


The trek to the main drop is pretty easy. So even if you are not used to this sort of thing, there is no reason not to do it. 🙂


The man-made steps were covered with all sorts of debris from a recent flooding, so we had to be a little creative to reach the main drop.


The trick is to take your sweet time and never rush. Montañeza ain’t going anywhere so you can take your sweet little time when jumping from one rock to another or when crossing the river while carrying all your belongings.


And there she is! Montañeza Falls looks pretty stunning. But according to those who have visited the place years before, that huge boulder right at the bottom of the drop used to be a nice little pool.


Of course, I wouldn’t leave Montañeza without taking a quick outdoor shower. 🙂





GETTING THERE:

By Bus

1. Get on a Bato via Barili Bus at the South Bus Terminal. Tell the driver or the conductor to drop you off at Mainit Spring in Montañeza, Malabuyoc.
2. When you reach Montañeza, you can take a tricycle or a habal-habal to reach the reception center.
3. You should be at the reception center in around 5 minutes.
4. Pay PhP20 (entrance fee) at the registration and ticketing booth.
5. Enjoy Montañeza!

By Motorbike / Private Vehicle

1. Drive all the way to the town of Malabuyoc.
[Carcar City > Barili > Dumanjug > Alcantara > Ronda > Moalboal> Badian> Alegria > Montañeza]
2. As soon as you enter Malabuyoc town limits, keep an eye out for a small green (concrete) road-side sign that welcomes you to Mainit Spring.
3. Turn left and keep driving straight until you reach the reception center. The drive from the main road to the reception center should not be more than 10 minutes.
4. Pay the PhP 20 entrance fee.
5. Parking slots available (pay PhP 20 per vehicle upon exit)
6. Be sure to obey all community rules and guidelines.
7. Enjoy Montañeza!

5 thoughts on “Montañeza Falls: Malabuyoc’s Hidden Gem

  1. “Stayin” Slang kaau ang signage.

    Montaneza Falls is really beautiful. We visited here several years ago after we climbed nearby Mt. Lanaya. Without an established trail, the river trek to the 7th waterfall was relatively challenging at that time. Also, that huge boulder was not there; apparently, the Bohol earthquake knocked the boulder loose from its perch.

    As usual, beautiful and useful blog post!

  2. wOW KANINDOT GAJUD SA HINIMO SA GINOO. SALAMAT KAAYO LEY NGA NAHIMO KANG INSTRUMENTO ARON KAMING DILI MAKAHIGAYON UG MADASIG UD DAW SAMA NGA AKO USAB NAKABISITA NA SA MAONG FALLS. PERO LAHI GIHAPON NANG PERSONAL JUD TANG MAKAHIMAMAT. SALAMAT SA PAGSULTI NGA NAAY DAPIT SA MALABUYOC, CEBU SA MONTANEZA NGA NINDOT PUD. GREAT JOB LEY. MORE BLOGS…. THANK YOU SO MUCH

  3. Wow!!! Cool kaau, Ley! Nice post! What is the restaurant there like? What are the type of foods and drinks do they sell, Ley? hehe coz no bringing of food there, right? which is good! 🙂

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