Southern Cebu Highest Peak Sunset and Waterfall Tour from Moalboal

4.7 (57 reviews) from travellers who booked this experience

DailyGroup

Southern Cebu Highest Peak Sunset and Waterfall Tour from Moalboal

Overview

This afternoon tour from Moalboal swaps the beach for the cool green highlands of southern Cebu. We pick you up from central meeting points in Moalboal and drive about 45 minutes to Cambais Falls in Alegria, a chain of cascades and natural pools where you can climb, swim and cool off. Then the road winds up through farmland to the highest peak of Cebu, around 1,000 metres above the sea, for a short hike and a sunset over a landscape of jagged, grass-covered hills. A local English-speaking guide leads the way, and the falls and peak entrance fees and bottled water are included. It runs in a small group of up to 12 travellers and suits active couples, friends and solo travellers staying in Moalboal or Badian.

Highlights

Swim in the tiered turquoise pools of Cambais Falls in Alegria
Scenic drive through the vegetable-growing highlands of southern Cebu
Short hike to the highest peak of Cebu, about 1,000 metres high
Sunset over a sea of jagged limestone hills
Cooler mountain air after a hot day on the coast
Small group of up to 12 travellers with a local guide
Pickup and drop-off in Moalboal and Badian

Full Description

Cambais Falls in Alegria

Cambais Falls is a hidden series of cascades in the hills of Alegria, about 45 minutes south of Moalboal. Rather than one tall drop, the river tumbles over several limestone tiers, each with its own clear pool, so you can climb from level to level and swim in the cool water. The rocks are smooth and can be slippery, which is part of the adventure.

Your guide shows you the safest way between the tiers and the best spots for a swim and photos. Plan about an hour here. Is Cambais Falls worth visiting? It is quieter than the famous falls of the region and feels wonderfully natural. The water is usually clearest in the dry season from December to May, while after heavy rain it flows stronger and may turn cloudy.

The Southern Cebu Highlands

From the falls the road climbs through Badian into the mountainous interior of southern Cebu. The air gets cooler and the views open up over terraced farms, where families grow cabbages, carrots, tomatoes and other vegetables that supply the markets of the island; the area around Mantalongon is often called the vegetable basket of Cebu.

The drive takes around 45 minutes and is a highlight in itself, with green ridges, small villages and glimpses of the sea far below. It shows a side of Cebu that most beach visitors never see, and the guide shares stories about life in the highlands along the way. When the road allows, the van can pause briefly for photos of the terraces.

The Highest Peak of Cebu

The summit stands at around 1,000 metres above sea level on the border of Badian and Dalaguete, making it the highest point on the island. From the jump-off point a short but steep trail of about 15 to 30 minutes leads to the top. What makes it famous is the view: dozens of pointed, grass-covered limestone hills ripple in every direction, a landscape unlike anywhere else in Cebu.

On clear days you can see the sea on both sides of the island, with Negros to the west across the Tañon Strait. Many travellers search for how to get to Cebu's highest peak from Moalboal: by public transport it means several changes and a motorcycle ride uphill, while this tour takes you straight to the trail with a guide.

Sunset on the Summit

The tour is timed so that you reach the top in the late afternoon and spend about an hour watching the sun go down. As the light softens, the hills turn gold and then purple, and the shadows between the peaks deepen. It is a peaceful moment, far from the crowds of the coast, and a favourite for photographers.

The best time to visit for sunset is the dry season from December to May, when skies are clearer; in the rainy months clouds can roll in quickly, so views are never guaranteed. After sunset you walk back down with your guide in the twilight, so bring a small torch or use your phone light, and a light jacket for the cool breeze.

Itinerary

Pickup in Moalboal or BadianMeet at a central point in Moalboal between about 12:20 and 12:40; the van leaves at about 13:00.
Drive to Cambais FallsAbout 45 minutes to Alegria.
Cambais FallsAbout an hour climbing between the tiers and swimming in the natural pools.
Drive through the highlandsAbout 45 minutes up through Badian and the farming villages of the interior.
Hike and sunset on the highest peakA 15 to 30 minute hike to the summit, then about an hour for the sunset views.
Return to MoalboalAbout 45 minutes back down to your drop-off point; around 6 hours in total.

What's included

Pickup and drop-off in Moalboal and Badian
Local English-speaking guide
Cambais Falls entrance
Peak entrance fee
Bottled water
Small group of up to 12 travellers

Not included

Meals
Towel
Waterproof camera
Sports shoes (please bring your own)

Not suitable for

Children under 4 years
Pregnant travellers
People with mobility impairments or wheelchair users
People with vertigo or respiratory problems
People with heart conditions, other pre-existing medical conditions or recent surgery
Travellers over 80 years

Meeting point

Pickup is from central meeting points in Moalboal (and Badian) between about 12:20 and 12:40, for a departure at about 13:00. We confirm your exact meeting point and time before the tour, and drop you back at the same area in the evening after sunset.

Important information

Wear sports shoes or sturdy sandals with grip; sports shoes are not provided
Bring swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes for the falls (towels are not included)
Bring a light jacket for the summit, a torch or charged phone for the walk down, and sunscreen
Meals are not included; one bottle of water is provided, so bring a reusable bottle
Bring some cash for snacks and personal expenses
Rocks at the falls are slippery; follow the guide's instructions
Sunset views depend on the weather and are not guaranteed
If you get motion sickness, bring medicine for the winding mountain road

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.

Is this a shared or a private tour?

It is a small-group tour shared with other travellers, limited to 12 people. For a private version for your own group, ask us before booking.

Where does the tour start?

From central meeting points in Moalboal, with pickup also possible in Badian. It does not start from Cebu City; if you are staying there, ask us about a full-day private alternative.

Can we change the itinerary or the pace?

The route and timing are fixed so the group reaches the summit for sunset. The guide adapts the pace on the falls and the hike.

Is the price per person or per group?

The price is per person. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for your date.

Is pickup included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off in Moalboal and Badian are included.

What is included?

Transport from Moalboal or Badian, a local English-speaking guide, the Cambais Falls entrance, the peak entrance fee and one bottle of water.

How long is the tour?

About 6 hours, from early afternoon until after sunset.

How hard is the hike?

The trail to the summit is short, about 15 to 30 minutes, but steep in places. A normal level of fitness is enough.