Looking for the best tourist spots in Alegria, Cebu? CEBU INSIDER has put together a comprehensive travel guide that includes the best things to do and tourist attractions in Alegria, how to get to Alegria, and where to stay.
You will often stumble upon the word Alegria in Cebu when you are planning to do canyoneering. That’s because this small yet charming town is the jump-off zone of all canyoneering activities that end at Kawasan Falls in the neighboring town of Badian.
But there’s more to Alegria than being a canyoneering starting point. Alegria is home to many outstanding waterfalls and has a rich cultural history, making it one of the top tourist destinations in South Cebu.
8 Best Tourist Spots in Alegria, Cebu
If you are already in Moalboal or Badian, grab the opportunity to explore Alegria too. CEBU INSIDER has curated all the best tourist spots in Alegria, Cebu.
1. Cambais Falls
Cambais Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in Cebu located in Barangay Valencia, Alegria. The hike to the fall only takes about 20 minutes if you know where you are going. However, the undeveloped pathways are bumpy so it’s a bit challenging and it’s easy for some tourists to get lost in the jungle.
There are kids around that might offer to guide you. Guides are not mandatory, but they are a huge help for you to get there easily. You can tip them 50-100 PHP (~1-2 USD).
Upon reaching the place, you will be in awe of the cascade surrounded by a thick jungle and cliffs, with a natural coral blue spring water pool for swimming. Cambais Falls has two tiers. Use the bamboo ladder to climb up the upper tier and jump off.
Cambais Falls opens daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is 50 PHP (~1 USD) and the parking fee is 20 PHP (~0.5 USD).
2. Montpellier Falls
Montpellier Falls is the tallest fall in Alegria located in Barangay Guadalupe. The towering waterfall drops at a huge rock where visitors often take pictures. Montpellier Falls has a spacious plunge pool where you may swim in its coral-blue natural spring water. If you look up from the ground, the fall is engulfed in the blue sky and dense green forest that looks like a scene straight from the movie. As of now, there are still no facilities within the fall premises, which means it’s still untouched.
The hike going to Montpellier Falls may not be easy. A lot of tourists lose their way to the fall because there are no signposts around. Although guides are not mandatory, I recommend getting one so you can get there easily. Entrance is free.
3. Kanlaob River
Located in Barangay Compostela, Alegria, Kanlaob is a river system where all canyoneering activities start. Because of the various cliffs in the area, several cascades can be found in the area along with natural blue spring pools where visitors can jump and swim.
If you are not canyoneering, visit Kanlaob River without a doubt. The river system is hands down one of the best tourist spots in Alegria and should be on your itinerary. Entrance is free. Guides are not mandatory.
4. Cancalanog Falls
About 10 minutes from Kanlaob River is Cancalanog Falls, the smallest waterfall in Alegria. What makes Cancalanog Falls one of the best tourist spots in Alegria is not the fall itself, but the emerald-green natural pool surrounding it.
Although small, Cancalanog Falls is worth visiting if you like to stay away from the crowds. Located in Sitio Samoyaw, Barangay Compostela, it is easy to find Cancalanog Falls, so no need to get a guide. Entrance is free. There are life jackets for rent nearby for 50 PHP (~1 USD).
5. Cambusay and Salay Caves
One of the best things to do in Alegria, Cebu is spelunking at Cambusay Cave and Salay Cave, which are situated next to each other. Before you can reach Salay Cave, you need to enter Cambusay Cave through its gaping mouth.
Cambusay Cave is unique due to its fossilized stalactites shaped like flowing waterfalls. You cannot find this kind of feature in other caves in Cebu. Meanwhile, Salay Cave boasts massive stalactites and stalagmites.
Just a friendly reminder, don’t touch the rock buildup. Some stalactites and stalagmites noticeably stopped growing due to human interventions. Substances like human sweat, lotion, perfume, and other skin oils are affecting the growth of these rocks.
6. Alegria Heritage Park
At first glance, Alegria Heritage Park looks like any other small town park—filled with flowers and plants and benches with a sea view. Behind the unassuming park is its rich history. Alegria Heritage Park is home to an 18th-century Saint Francis Parish and a 17th-century watchtower that date back to the Spanish era. The park is also a perfect location to relax with a view of the Tañon Strait. Entrance is free.
7. Libo Hills
If you are looking for more things to do in Alegria other than chasing waterfalls, you might want to try camping at Libo Hills. Although Libo Hills is well-known among hikers and campers, these rolling hills are slowly getting the attention of regular tourists because of its peaceful surroundings and scenic view during the sunrise and sunset. Not to mention, the flat natural grassland terrain makes it friendly to non-climbers.
Libo Hills is located in Barangay Lepanto, Alegria facing the Tañon Strait and Negros Island. Because of its elevation, Libo Hills has a generally cold temperature, thus getting the moniker “Alegria’s Little Baguio.” Admission is free.
8. Mt. Lanaya
If you like a little more challenge, climbing Mt. Lanaya is your best option. Mt. Lanaya stands 700 meters above sea level located in Barangay Legaspi. Also known as Kalo-Kalo among locals, Mt. Lanaya offers an incredible panoramic landscape overlooking the Tañon Strait and Negros Island’s silhouette.
Many trekkers find Mt. Lanaya difficult because of its landfill pattern and steep slope, but it’s definitely doable and worth it. Mt. Lanaya is accessible via three trails from Legaspi, Minag-a, and Lumpan with the Legaspi Trail being the most challenging and can take 4 hours.
A guide is not mandatory. But you can get one through the Barangay Hall. Fee should be around 500 PHP (~10 USD) for groups of 4. Entrance is 50 PHP (~1 USD).
How to Get to Alegria, Cebu
To get to Alegria, Cebu, take a Ceres Liner bus at Cebu South Bus Terminal bound for Bato via Barili. Tell the driver or conductor to drop you in Alegria (or Moalboal or wherever you are staying). Fare is around 300 PHP (~6 USD). Note that there are buses bound for Bato via Oslob, which apparently takes a different route.
Where to Stay in Alegria, Cebu
If you are wondering where to stay in Alegria, Cebu, you don’t have many options. The best accommodation we can recommend are:
Alternatively, you can stay in Moalboal and just drive to Alegria for the trip. Alegria is 30-45 minutes drive from Moalboal. If you are still looking for accommodations in Moalboal, we curated the best hotels and resorts. Check the Best Resorts in Moalboal!
Check Out Our South Cebu Itinerary!
Thinking about exploring Moalboal, Badian, Alegria, Ginatilan, Samboan, Oslob, and Sumilon Island? Check out our comprehensive South Cebu Itinerary where we break down all the details of a trip to the southern part of Cebu for 6 days and 5 nights, including the schedule of activities and expenses.
For now, that’s all for our list of the best things to do and tourist spots in Alegria! Got questions? Drop them in the comments so I can get back to you ASAP.
