When I heard about Mantayupan Falls, I knew I had to see it for myself. The stories didn't disappoint. There's something magical about waterfalls that always draws me in. Maybe it's the sound of the rushing water, the cool breeze, or the way nature seems to slow down around them.

Come, and join me as I visit this Mantayupan Falls!

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Early Morning Excitement

My day started early, the kind of early where I can still feel the coolness of the morning air. I woke up with getting excited and a bit curious. With my bag packed (snacks, water, and a fresh change of clothes), I was ready. Mantayupan Falls, located in Barili, Cebu, was just a couple of hours away from my hometown, and I couldn't wait to get there.
Traveling with my cousins made my journey even better. There's nothing quite like a road trip with people you enjoy being around. Our car was filled with laughter and a playlist of old and new songs that kept us all in high spirits. The drive itself was a treat. We passed green fields, small towns, and local sari-sari stores that made me feel like I was just at home. It was peaceful and it also reminded me of the simple joys of life.

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The First Steps

As soon as we arrived at the place, I could hear the waterfall. The sound was not just noise, it was soothing, just like nature's way of saying "Welcome" to all of us. We parked the car and made our way to the entrance. The people there greeted us with warm smiles, then they gave us a quick rundown of the place, and directed us to the falls.

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Seeing the Falls

When I see the Mantayupan Falls for the first time, my heart skipped a beat. It wasn't the biggest waterfall, but it had its own charm. The water fell gracefully, and it makes me amazed watching it fell. I stood there for a while, just watching and feeling the nature's beauty towards me.

Then we went to the hanging bridge. I'll admit, it made me a little nervous. Every step it wobbles, and I couldn't help but grip the railings tightly. From up there, the view was stunning. Below me was the sparkling water, and all around were trees that are so green they looked like they'd been painted. Crossing that bridge felt like I am catching my breath hahaha because you can feel the shaking of the bridge every step you take.

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The Grand Reveal

And then, finally, we reached the main falls, and all I can say was wow, I was speechless when I saw it near me. Standing tall at 98 meters as what our tour guide said, the water came crashing down with power and grace. For me, it was like nature's masterpiece, untouched and perfect. As I stood there in awe, mist filled the air, cooling my face. Tiny rainbows appeared when the sunlight hit the mist. It felt like a dream to witness its beauty.
I found a rock to sit on and just watched the falls. The sound of the water drowned out every other thought in my head. In that moment, everything felt right, peaceful and quiet, yet alive and full of energy.

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Taking the Time to the Water

It wasn't long before we gave in to the temptation and got ourselves into the water. At first, it was freezing cold, but after a few seconds, it felt refreshing. The water beneath the falls was clear, and I could see the smooth rocks below. My cousins were swimming close to the falls and for me, it was tricky because of the strong current, but it was worth it as I followed them though hahahaha, in case one of them drowned I can save them.
The rock around were slippery, so I moved carefully. Thankfully, there were life vests available for anyone who wanted extra safety. We splashed around, I feel being a kid again, carefree and happy.

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Saying Goodbye

As the afternoon sun began to set, it was time to leave. Walking back felt bittersweet. I didn't want to go, but I knew I'd take the memories with me. I will definitely go back to this place, especially one of my friend lived there.

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What Stayed with Me

Visiting Mantayupan Falls was not just about seeing a beautiful waterfall, it was about reconnecting with nature and with myself. It reminded me to slow down, breathe, and appreciate the little things. The laughter, the cold water, the beauty of the falls, it all came together to create a day I'll never forget. I visited many places, especially when it's about waters, I always go for it for I love swimming.

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If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend visiting Mantayupan Falls. It's not just a destination, it's an experience that fills you with peace and wonder. For me, it was a reminder to all, of how beautiful life can be when we take the time to notice it.

So what are you waiting for? Go to Mantayupan Falls now!