South Cebu
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Malabuyoc
A quiet heritage town on Cebu's southwest coast: a coral stone church from the 1830s, an old watchtower by the sea, and waterfalls and hot springs in the hills behind it.
Malabuyoc is a small, slow-paced town on the southwest coast of Cebu, between Alegria and Ginatilan, about 130-140 km from Cebu City. Most people drive straight past on the way to the waterfalls further south, but it is worth a stop. In the town centre stand a coral stone church from the 1830s and an old Spanish-era watchtower, and in the hills behind the town there are waterfalls, cool rivers and natural hot springs.
The name is said to come from buyoc, the Cebuano word for branches bending under the weight of fruit, from the days when the town was full of mango, lanzones and cacao trees.
Why go to Malabuyoc
- San Nicolas de Tolentino Church, a weathered coral stone church with a tall bell tower.
- The watchtower by the sea, built to warn of raids in Spanish times.
- Montañeza Falls and Mainit Springs, a river of small cascades and warm pools.
- A quiet base for the falls of Ginatilan and Samboan, away from the crowds.
The old church
Malabuyoc became a parish separate from Samboan in the early 1830s, and its church, dedicated to San Nicolas de Tolentino (Saint Nicholas of Tolentino), was finished around 1834. It is built of coral stone, with a simple facade, saints in niches and a bell tower topped with a red roof. A historical marker from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines stands by the church. The church is a living parish, so dress modestly, keep your voice down and avoid walking around during Mass.
The watchtower
In the 1700s and 1800s, towns along Cebu's coast built stone watchtowers to spot raiders coming from the sea. Malabuyoc's square stone watchtower still stands near the shore and is clearly visible from the water. It has been used as the small Malabuyoc Museum. Opening times are not fixed, so ask at the municipal hall or the tourism office if you want to see inside.
Waterfalls and hot springs
In Barangay Montañeza, north of the town centre and about 1.5 km inland from the highway, a river runs over limestone in a series of small drops and one big fall: Montañeza Falls. Next to it are the Mainit Springs, warm pools of different temperatures fed by natural hot springs. Visitors usually pay a small environmental fee. The site has been closed in the past for clean-ups and access issues, so check that it is open before you go, and take all your rubbish home.
Kabutongan Falls in Barangay Looc is wilder: a deep pool behind a stone wall, reached by a trek of about an hour up the river with some swimming and climbing. Go only with a local guide and wear a life vest. Ask the tourism office about guided canyoneering and rappelling at Montañeza, which have been offered in the past.
Combine it with Ginatilan and Samboan
Malabuyoc fits neatly into a day along the southwest coast. Just south is Ginatilan, with its own old church and the blue pools of Inambakan Falls. Further on, Samboan has Aguinid Falls, where you climb up several levels of cascades with a guide. North of Malabuyoc are Alegria and Kawasan Falls in Badian. Our Cebu waterfalls guide has more.
How to get to Malabuyoc from Cebu City
- Go to the Cebu South Bus Terminal. See our guide to Cebu bus terminals.
- Take a bus to Bato via Barili, which runs down the west coast. Do not take the bus via Oslob. The ride takes about 3-4 hours.
- Ask the conductor to drop you in Malabuyoc Poblacion, near the church.
- For Montañeza Falls and Mainit Springs, take a tricycle or habal-habal. Agree on the fare first.
Leave Cebu City early to have a full day. If you are staying in Moalboal, Malabuyoc is about 1-1.5 hours south by bus. From Dumaguete, cross to Liloan in Santander and take a bus north up the west coast.
Getting around
Buses and minibuses run along the coastal highway all day, linking Malabuyoc with Alegria, Ginatilan and Samboan. Tricycles and habal-habal cover the short rides inland to the falls and springs.
Where to stay and eat
Malabuyoc has only a few simple places to stay, so most visitors come on a day trip or stay in Moalboal or Badian to the north. There are carinderias and a public market in town for an easy, cheap meal. Bring snacks and water for the falls.
When to go
The dry months, from about December to May, are best for clear rivers and safe trails. After heavy rain the falls can be brown and dangerous. The town fiesta for San Nicolas de Tolentino, with the Binuyocan Festival, is held around 10 September. Check exact dates each year.
Tips for a good trip
- Bring cash in small bills. ATMs are limited along this coast.
- Wear sandals or water shoes with grip for the rivers.
- Hire a local guide for Kabutongan Falls and any canyoneering.
- Skip the rivers after heavy rain.
- Dress modestly in the church and take your rubbish home.
Love old churches? Add Boljoon and Argao on the east coast, or keep going south to Santander at the tip of Cebu.
Photo gallery
Tap a photo to see it full size. Gallery photos come from Wikimedia Commons; each photographer's credit shows when you open the photo.
Watch before you go
Photo: "Malabuyoc Church in Malabuyoc, Cebu 01" by Carlo Joseph Moskito, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Last updated October 16, 2026
