Mangitngit Falls
A spring-fed waterfall above Carmen, now accessed through Middle Earth Mountain Resort's spring-water pools.
The overview
About Mangitngit Falls
Mangitngit Falls, also known locally as Carmen Falls, is a multi-tiered waterfall in the hills above lower Natimao-an in Carmen, fed by a natural spring that cascades through a series of levels and pools. In 2007 a landslide at the site killed two people, and geologists determined the surrounding rock to be porous and slide-prone, prompting authorities to close the falls to public swimming. The area later reopened under private management as Middle Earth Mountain Resort, which now serves as the gateway for viewing the falls. The resort channels the same spring source into three developed swimming pools with free-flowing, non-chlorinated water, and offers cottages, cabins, and camping-style tents for overnight stays. Today most visitors experience Mangitngit through the resort's pools and grounds rather than swimming directly beneath the falls themselves, given the past landslide history. It remains a popular half-day or overnight cool-water escape from Cebu City, especially during the dry season.
What makes it worth it
Highlights
- Multi-level natural waterfall and pools
- Spring-fed, non-chlorinated resort pools
- Middle Earth Mountain Resort access point
- Overnight cottages, cabins, and tents
- Cool mountain setting north of Cebu City
- 1 Bring swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes; the resort pools use natural spring water year-round. Swimming directly at the original falls is discouraged following a past landslide, so stick to the developed resort pool areas. Book cottages in advance on weekends, when the resort gets crowded with day-trippers. Location approximate — confirm on arrival.
Wayfinder route
How to get there
From Cebu City North Bus Terminal, take a Carmen-bound bus (about 1.5-2 hours), then hire a habal-habal to Middle Earth Mountain Resort. By car, head north via Cebu North Road through Consolacion and Compostela (roughly 2 hours total).
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Entrance Fee
PHP 100 entrance fee per person; cottages from PHP 2,000+, cabins from PHP 1,500+, tents from PHP 500+ for overnight stays.
Opening Hours
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily
Duration
2-3 hours, or half day with overnight option
Difficulty
Easy
Best Time to Visit
Dry season (December-May); weekdays for smaller crowds.
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