Destination: Barili

CEBU, Philippines - It’s one of the towns most talked about by visitors in southern Cebu. Barili is some 61 kilometers from Cebu City. The bus ride takes about two hours, at P80 fare per person on an air-conditioned bus.

The municipality is on the southwestern side of the island province. The name of the town is said to come from the word “balili,” a kind of grass that grew abundantly in the area.

A more elaborate origin story of the place tells says that many, many years ago, there was a couple who built their house on a plateau in the middle of a swamp near what is now the town center. The had a daughter named Inday Balili. Near their house was a big tree with grass vines creeping up its trunk. That vine is locally known as “luy-a luy-a” or “balili.”

One sunny day, a group of Spaniards supposedly came to take shade under the tree. In conversing with the couple, the Spaniards asked about the name of the place. Not understanding a word in Spanish, the couple thought the men were asking for the name of the grass they were sitting on at the tree’s foot. And so they told them it was “balili.” 

Nature and nostalgia are Barili’s main tourist attractions. But the town has a lot more treats for visitors. One only need to walk and ask around to discover more. 

Mantayupan Falls

It is the main natural attraction that puts Barili on the tourists’ map. Called Ambakan Falls by locals, the falls has two levels. The first level consists of three waterfalls with the height of 14 meters. The second level is a waterfall 98 meters high. Overall, Mantayupan Falls definitely counts among Cebu’s tallest waterfalls.

The distance from the town market to Mantayupan Falls costs around P50 per person by motorbike, known locally as “habal-habal.” If driving one’s own vehicle, there’s a parking fee at the Falls premises. Entrance fee is another P50 per  person.

Sayaw Beach

It is one of Barili’s better-known beaches. It has white-sand and clear waters; and its natural state is not quite altered by development. It also has some good vantage points for a good view of Negros Island. Aside from swimming and beach basking, visitors may also arrange for a boat ride to the nearby rock formations and caves.

The beach is right along the national highway. Multicabs ply the route between the town proper to Sayaw Beach. The fare is P7 per person, one way. The entrance fee to the beach is P10 per person. Boat rental is between P200 and P300.

Bolocboloc Spring

The spring is the favorite destination of visitors – and the locals – during the hot months. A dip in its cool waters is really a treat. Two swimming pools in the area have sulfuric waters. People go there for therapy.

The entrance fee to Bolocboloc Spring is P20 per person. It is located around two kilometers away from Mantayupan Falls.

San Rafael Hill

Both visitors and locals love to watch the sunset atop San Rafael Hill, located just about two kilometers from the town proper. The way up is a little bumpy by motorbike (“habal-habal”) since the road is not quite developed. But it’s a quick ride that takes only five minutes. Others even choose to walk the distance, which takes a mere15 minutes by foot.

But the little inconvenience is a little price to pay for what awaits at the top of the hill. It offers a good view of the town and the Tañon Strait. A good time to go up the hill is around 4 or 5 p.m. when the sun is no longer so hot and it’s close to the beautiful sunset.

Ancestral Houses

There’s a number of ancestral houses in Barili that take visitors back in time. These have been properly maintained by the new generation of owners, many of them actually still residing in those houses.  There’s the Casa Pañares, the villa Elizabeth, the Tomas Delgado House, the Martiniano Alquizola House and the Vicente Gonzalez House. Each of these old houses has had a role in the shaping of the town’s history.

AC Tilapia Fishing Village and Restaurant

The place is a short half kilometer away from Mantayupan falls. In fact, AC Tilapia Fun Fishing Village gets the water for its tilapia ponds and pool from the falls. The place serves tilapia for lunch, cooked in the diners’ preference. The swimming pool is good for all ages, with section for kids and for grown-ups. Aside from fishing, the resort also offers, horseback riding, karaoke, and overnight accommodations.

The entrance fee is P30 per person, and an additional P20 per person for use of the swimming pool. Corkage fee is also imposed on food and drinks brought in.

Barili is abundant with specialty foods. Other food places to check out in the town are the Molave Milk Station for fresh cow’s and carabao’s milk as well as ice cream, yogurt, and cheese; Gustoso Pizza and Pasta for affordably great pizza and pasta; Fun Grill for fun eating and karaoke sessions; and the row of food stalls offering various food choices from snacks to full meals – all at affordable prices.

It’s easy to reach Barili. From the city, one can take a bus at the South Bus Terminal. A good get-off point upon reaching the town is at the Shamrock Terminal. From there one may take a motorbike for Mantayupan or take a stroll to the market area. (FREEMAN)