Montpellier Waterfall, Alegria is one of my favourite waterfalls in Cebu. Although visitors are becoming more aware of its existence, it’s still a secret waterfall and you probably won’t see another tourist when visiting this beautiful natural wonder.
An easy day trip from Moalboal, if you like the road less travelled, due to its off-the-beaten track location, Montpellier Waterfall (also known as Montpeller Falls) is one of the must-see waterfalls in Cebu. It’s a tall and impressive waterfall, and you can swim in its inviting jade coloured rock pool. If you have the opportunity to swim in a jungle waterfall with no other visitors, would you take it? How is that for a bucket list tick off? This is definitely one of the awesome things to do in Moalboal. Montpellier Waterfall is about an hour south of Moalboal in the up-and-coming destination of Alegria, which means happiness or joy in Spanish. In a series of articles showing day trips from Moalboal, if chasing waterfalls is on your agenda, Moalboal Eco Lodge share all you need to know about Montpeller Falls, a hidden gem that shouldn’t be missed. 
Montpeller Falls or Montpellier Waterfall? This secret waterfall is known by two different names
Montpellier Waterfall/Montpeller Falls Visitor Information:
Entrance Fee: FREE Parking Fee: FREE Toilets on site: No Food/Drinks for sale: No Difficulty level: Easy Footwear: Flip-Flops or walking sandals Additional Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, not all waterfalls allow swimming so check first before you go First I need to discuss the name. The mural at this waterfall and how some people know this place is MONTPELLER FALLS, however if you search in your internet browser (Ecosia/Google etc), it will direct you to Montpellier Waterfall. They are the same place.
From Moalboal, Montpellier Waterfall is located in Alegria, about an hour away from our Eco Lodge (directions at the bottom of this post). The drive to Montpellier Waterfall is easy, and because of its location about 30 minutes south of the famous canyoneering at Kawasan Falls, you could easily combine the two adventures in one day. It is also on the same road towards Osmena Peak, Cambais Falls and Lambug Beach, so there are plenty of options if you want an adventure filled day, or a relaxing day. The choice is yours.
As we turned off the main highway and up through the mountains, we wondered if you we were on the right road as there was nothing else around. We felt a slight change in temperature as we head further uphill, then all of a sudden we saw a mural on the left showing Montpeller Falls.
We parked our scooter next to a lookout over the hills and valleys, and what a beautiful view it was. Coconut palm trees as far as the eye could see, and in the distance we saw the ocean. 
Follow the trail to the left of the sign down to Montpeller Falls/Montpellier Waterfall
Next to the mural was a small trail to the left, so we followed this pathway down for about 15 minutes. It was an easy walk through dense, untouched jungle, and we were surrounded by tall, lush coconut palms and green foliage.
Walking towards Montpellier Waterfall, you will be pass through lush coconut palm trees in the dense untouched jungle
We passed locals houses which had chickens and goats, friendly people smiled and waved.
Go around this house, then smile and wave at the locals as you do
We could hear the sound of the falls before we saw them, and as we reached a small footbridge, through the trees we had our first glimpse.
It was absolutely stunning, and not a single soul was around except us. 
First glimpse of the beautiful Montpellier Waterfall
Main view of Montpellier Waterfall
A few more steps and we were at Montpellier Waterfall and I was itching to climb in for a swim. As the water cascaded through the trees, and down the limestone cliffs, I gingerly dipped a toe into the fresh rock pool. Checking Sy’s dive computer, the reading of 23° told us we should just jump in rather than easing in slowly. A bit like ripping off a plaster – just do it fast.
Sy standing ankle height in the fresh water "yeahhhh, this is cold"
The sun shone through the trees lighting up the middle of the pool, as if it was in the spotlight. It didn’t take long to become used to the temperature, we had timed our visit perfectly.
Time your visit right and the sun will shine through the trees onto the rock pool
Swimming across the pool, we felt free as a bird, I just had to lay on my back and take in the magnificent surroundings. As we grew closer to the thunderous falls, we could feel the powerful spray on our faces.
It’s possible to climb the slippery rock and stand behind the waterfall, boys being boys, this is exactly what Sy did. Be sure to take it slow and easy, and be careful! 
You can walk up the slippery rock and stand behind the waterfall - Sy did
There was a small partly subsided rock, so we were able to sit here and just hang out. What better way to spend time than admiring a beautiful waterfall in the middle of a rock pool, surrounded by jungle. A trip to the Philippines doesn’t get much better than this for nature lovers, or for anyone who enjoys chasing waterfalls. It’s the perfect easy day trip from Moalboal!
Note: Take only photos, leave only footprints; there are no bins here so take your trash away with you. Be a responsible tourist, and don’t litter this lovely slice of nature. 
Sit on a rock in the jade pool, relax and admire the beautiful view all around you
When is the best time to visit Montpeller Falls?
The beauty of Montpellier Waterfall is you can visit any time and probably not encounter anyone else. If you visit on a Sunday, you may see a couple of locals playing in the rock pool, but not as many as other more popular waterfalls in the area. The optimum time of day is around 12.00 noon, when the sun shines through the jungle into the rock pool. Please note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it is not permitted to swim in all waterfalls so check first before you visit. As you will know, situations change quickly with Coronavirus updates, and new Executive Orders are issued regularly to ensure people remain healthy to beat this pandemic. How to get to Montpellier Waterfall By Scooter: From Moalboal, head south along the Highway for about an hour. You will drive through Badian, the Municipality for Kawasan Falls and keep an eye out for the next Municipality of Alegria. When you see the large white “Welcome to Alegria” sign on the right, at the next PPF petrol station take a left turning up a hill. Keep on driving for about 10 minutes then on the left you will see a large painted mural for Montpeller Falls. By Bus: Take a Ceres Line Bus or jump in a jeepney and tell them you want Monpeller Falls, Alegria. In Alegria, jump on a habal-habal (back of a motorbike) or trike and get a local to take you. Yes it is too far to walk. Tip: Download Google Offline Map for the area, and type in Montpellier Waterfall, which will navigate you to your destination. 
Moalboal Eco Lodge, the perfect place to stay for social distancing, but close to amenities
Where to stay in Moalboal
When visiting Moalboal, Moalboal Eco Lodge is the perfect place to stay. Located in the middle of a peaceful field, it’s close enough to amenities, but far away so you can have a good night’s sleep. There is plenty of space to observe physical distancing at the Eco Lodge. Please read our COVID-19 Care page for more information regarding your safety. Nestled in amongst palm trees, bamboo and coconut trees, Moalboal Eco Lodge have Bamboo Nipa Huts suitable for solo travellers, couples and friends. We have two private rooms and a spacious 4-bed dormitory, a breakfast area, and a beautiful hammock/yoga/sunset deck. Bicycles are for hire if you wish to slow travel in the most environmentally friendly way, or you can rent a scooter. Take a look at our rooms! For help regarding travel and Visa requirements, visit our Travel Information page
Want More Day Trips from Moalboal?
Taginis Falls & Budlot Spring Simala Shrine Castle Church, Sibonga Basdaku "White Beach", Moalboal Mantayupan Falls, Barili Lambug Beach, Badian Heading to the Philippines? Check out these related posts! Bucket List Ideas and Experiences in the Philippines Fun Facts about the Philippines Is Oslob Whale Shark Watching Ethical? Jeepney Street Art in Moalboal Things You Should Know Before Visiting the Philippines 28 Things to Do in Moalboal, Cebu Must-Try Filipino Foods Wildlife of the Philippines Do you want to be a responsible traveller? Sustainable Travel: How to be a Responsible Traveller 12 Plastic Free & Zero Waste Travel Tips During Coronavirus Plastic Free & Zero Waste Toiletries: Space Saving Travel Essentials
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