Learn how to visit Montpellier Falls, a towering jungle waterfall on the island of Cebu, the Philippines.
Montpellier Falls is a tall and majestic waterfall located in the Alegria Municipality in Cebu. Strangely, this waterfall is still very quiet, meaning it’s one of the best hidden-gems to visit on the island!
After visiting this waterfall myself, I’ve written this guide to help you visit this Cebu waterfall, including how to get here, what to expect, and more!
Where is Montpellier Falls?
It's not the easiest waterfall to find without the right directions. So, you might be wondering, "Where is Montpellier Falls?" The waterfall is located roughly a hour's drive or moped ride from Moalboal.
From Moalboal, you can head south for roughly 45 minutes, past Kawasan Falls and the popular canyoneering spots. This waterfall is largely unmarked, however, I've taken the liberty to pin the location on the map below to help you find it.
If you follow the directions from the pin, you can't go wrong. From the coast, it's a 20-minute ride up the windy road known as Alegria Curve through the mountains leading to Kalaha waterfalls. Keep an eye out for a bamboo hut with a painted sign on the edge of the cliff.
This will be the spot to park your car or motorbike.
Trailhead: MonPellier Falls Trailhead
After parking, you can walk down the mountain path for 15 minutes, passing palms and Cebu jungle on the way. There is a small local community on the path. If you get lost, simply ask one of the kids.
Montpellier Falls
As soon as we began our descent we could already hear the steep flow of water coming from the waterfall.
Montpellier Falls is a tall, but thin waterfall flowing from a funneled point on the steep limestone cliff. The water drops directly onto a large boulder that is half-submerged in the aqua-blue water. It definitely looks like something out of the Jungle Book.
The swimming hole is definitely deep enough to swim, and it's a great spot to cool down on a hot day in Cebu. The surrounding landscape is thick, untouched jungle littered with palm trees and dense tropical flora.
We spent about an hour taking photos of the waterfall with a quick swim beneath its base. As you can see from the photos, the pool is deep enough to dive into but we could still stand up easily.
A Waterfall Adventure Day
Since it takes over an hour to reach Montpellier Falls, why not check out some nearby waterfalls? We chose to check out Montpellier directly after Cambais Falls, which is less than 30-minutes away.
However, if you're coming from Cambais to Montpellier, it's best to simply take the interior roads and use Google Maps and the help of locals to find Montpellier.
In my opinion, it's probably better to check out Cambais first, as to avoid any backtracking.
Where to Stay in Cebu
The best place to stay is in Moalboal as it's close to all of the best things to do and all the epic attractions you'll want to add to your Cebu itinerary. However, if you're planning to travel around the island, then I'd also recommend staying at:
- Cebu City/Mactan
- Oslob
- Malapascua
- Sumilon Island
Here are my 4 top picks for hostels, resorts, and hotels in Cebu for each budget.
1. Ancelle Cristo Re Moalboal
Top-rated luxury resort situated on a private beach near Moalboal where you can snorkel with sea turtles. This hotel is run by three amazing sisters who use their proceeds to support a local orphanage.
2. Bai Hotel Mid-Range
Mid-budget resort in Cebu City with large rooms, daily buffet breakfast, and rooftop swimming pool. Located close to the Cebu International Airport.
3. Chief Mau Hostel
A great hostel with a relaxed backpacker vibe in the heart of Moalboal. Large rooms, an onsite bar, and tours can be booked straight from the front desk.
4. Sumilon Bluewater Island
Stay on a pristine private island with a beautiful white sandbar and crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkeling.
FAQs
What is the trail like to Montpellier Falls?
The trail to Montpellier Falls is a scenic 15-minute hike through lush, palm-covered hills. It winds through a small local community. If you get lost, the friendly locals and their children are usually willing to guide you.
What can I expect at Montpellier Falls?
Montpellier Falls is a tall, majestic waterfall that cascades from a steep limestone cliff into a crystal-clear pool. The waterfall drops onto a large boulder before flowing into the pool, making it a great spot for swimming. The surrounding area is an untouched jungle with dense tropical flora.
Is swimming allowed at Montpellier Falls?
Yes, the pool at the base of the waterfall is deep enough for swimming. It's a refreshing spot to cool down on a hot day.
Are there other attractions near Montpellier Falls?
Yes, there are several other waterfalls nearby, including Cambais Falls, which is less than 30 minutes away. You can plan a waterfall adventure day by visiting multiple falls in the area.
What should I bring when visiting Montpellier Falls?
I recommend bringing water, snacks, appropriate footwear for hiking (although we wore flip flops and it was fine) a swimsuit, and a towel.
What is the best time to visit Montpellier Falls?
The best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat. Although this is one of the quieter waterfalls on Cebu, it is gaining popularity. Morning or late afternoon is less crowded typically.
I hope that you've enjoyed this quick travel guide to visiting Montpellier Falls! While you're here, make sure to check out some of my other blog posts for more adventure inspiration on the island and others in the Philippines.
- Siargao Travel Guide - discover the epic island of Siargao and why there are so many more things to do than just surfing
- Cebu Island Travel Guide - my ultimate adventure travel guide to Cebu
- Siquijor Island Guide - off-beat adventures in Siquijor
- Kawasan Falls - how to visit the Philippines' most famous waterfall
- 10 Best Islands in the Philippines - a roundup of my 10 favorite islands to travel to in the Philippines
- Accommodation Guides: Plan where to stay in Siargao and find great hotels in Cebu
