Things To Do
in Barili

The most photogenic spot in Barili — a tall, dramatic waterfall with a plunge pool, surrounding limestone formations and lush vegetation; good for long-exposure shots and portraits.

Sunrise and sunset over the strait produce vivid colors; fishing boats, rocky outcrops and local village life offer atmospheric compositions.

Vibrant everyday scenes, colorful produce, fish stalls and local vendors provide candid street photography opportunities.

Scenic country lanes, karst formations and rice paddies create great landscapes, especially in golden hour light.

Whole-roasted pork with crisp skin and herb-infused meat — Cebu is famous for its lechon and you can find good versions at local celebrations and some eateries in Barili.

Must-Try!

A tangy ceviche made from fresh raw fish or seafood marinated in vinegar or citrus with ginger, onion and chilies. Try it at seaside stalls or small restaurants near the fishing villages.

Puso (rice wrapped in woven coconut leaves) is a local staple and is often paired with grilled fish, squid or pork from roadside stalls.

Short for 'sugba, tuwa, kilaw' (grilled, stew, raw/ceviche) — many coastal eateries will offer combinations of grilled seafood, brothy soups and kinilaw.

The wet market is where locals buy fresh fish, vegetables and snacks; it's ideal for trying grilled skewers, fresh fruit, and seeing local ingredients like puso and tropical produce.

Small grills near coastal barangays sell inihaw (grilled fish and seafood), skewers and simple rice meals — great for an inexpensive, authentic meal.

Use friendly greetings like 'Kumusta?' (How are you?) and 'Salamat' (Thank you). Respect for elders and polite behavior in public are valued.

Dress modestly when visiting churches or rural households; swimwear is fine on beaches but cover up when returning to town.

Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially in rural communities or during market interactions.

Sharing food and accepting offered snacks is common; show appreciation and decline politely if you cannot accept something.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; small tips (20–50 PHP / ~$0.40–$1) for helpful service at restaurants or for guides are common. In local eateries and markets tipping is rare; for drivers and porters a small tip is welcome.

Cash (Philippine peso) is king in Barili — many establishments don’t accept cards. ATMs are limited, so withdraw cash in larger towns or Cebu City. Mobile payments and e-wallets are growing but may not be accepted everywhere.

The main international gateway for Cebu Island located on Mactan Island near Cebu City — about 1.5–3 hours by road depending on traffic; offers domestic and international connections and ground transport to Barili.

Located in Bohol (Panglao), useful if combining a multi-island trip — requires a ferry connection and longer land travel to reach Barili; less convenient than flying into Cebu for direct access.

Vegetarian options exist but are limited; ask for vegetable stews, grilled vegetables and egg dishes, and make clear you want no fish sauce (patis) or shrimp paste (bagoong). Bring snacks or plan to eat at larger towns for more variety.

Vegans may find it challenging due to heavy use of fish products and eggs; stick to plain rice, grilled vegetables, fruit and request dishes without animal products, but expect limited choices.

Halal-certified options are not widely available in Barili; seafood is common and safe for those avoiding pork, but when in doubt ask about preparation and sauces.

Carry translations of your allergies (e.g., shellfish) in Cebuano/Bisaya and ask vendors directly; cross-contamination is common in small kitchens.