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Tara sa Cebu!

There are a lot of attractions and activities to do in Southern Cebu that you surely want to see and try. From chasing some waterfalls, swimming with the gentle giants, beach bumming in white-sand beaches, to canyoneering, this trip will surely satisfy the adventurer in you.

Kawasan Falls, Badian Cebu

How to get there

There are several ways to get to the towns of Southern Cebu. There are bus lines and vans that can take you from Cebu City to the towns of Southern Cebu. South Cebu is also accessible in some nearby provinces like Negros Oriental and Bohol.

Mactan-Cebu International Airport

FROM MANILA
The fastest and most convenient way to get to Cebu would be by air. The travel time from NAIA to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) is around 45 minutes. There are also ferries that can take you to Cebu from Manila but for longer travel time.

By air, PAL, Cebu Pacific, CebGo and AirAsia have Manila to Cebu flights. Cebu Pacific and AirAsia usually have promo flights that are cheaper.

By sea, If you don't like flying, you can take a ferry from Manila to Cebu for a 22-hour travel time. You can check 2Go Travel for pricing and schedules.

Once you reach Cebu, go to South Bus Terminal and ride a bus bound to Bato the last stop for all the buses going South. There are two routes the buses take. Take via Barili route if you are bound to the towns Barili, Moalboal, Badian, Malabuyoc, Ginatilan and Samboan and via Lilo-an for Oslob.

Tagbilaran Port

FROM BOHOL
Cebu is also accessible from neighboring province Bohol by regular ferries and fast crafts.

Go to Tagbilaran City Tourist Port to ride either a regular ferry or a fast craft. The travel time for regular ferries is around 5-6 hours while fast crafts are only 2 hours but it's much expensive.
See directions above for bus ride in South Bus Terminal going to Southern Cebu

Dumaguete is seen in Bato

FROM NEGROS ORIENTAL
The southernmost town of Cebu is Santander. From there, you can see the island of Negros Oriental. You can reach Santander from Negros Oriental by fast crafts and even pump boats.

Go to Sibulan Port in Sibulan and ride a ferry going to Lilo-an Port in Santander. Travel time is around 30 minutes.
From Santander ride a tricycle going to Ceres bus terminal in Bato. From there you can ride a bus to the southern towns.

Where to Stay

Most of the towns in Southern Cebu are coastal towns so you will find a lot of resorts and accommodations where you can stay. Here are some places you can stay in each town.

MOALBOAL

Ester Homestay (Basdaku): +63 927 578-5983 (Recommended)

Club Serena Resort (Basdaku): +63 920 902-8888 / +63 928 507-2026

Ravenala Beach Resort (Basdaku): +63 917 550-0102

Moalboal Backer Lodge (Panagsama): +63 917 751-8902 / +63 908 607-6240

Sunshine Pension House (Panagsama): +63 921 689-1865 / +63 927 305-1105

Maya’s Native Garden (Panagsama): +63 915 480-9610 / +63 32 4743084

BADIAN

La Playa Resort (Matutinao): +63 932 475-1194 / +63 927 808-0972 (Recommended)

La Playa Resort in Matutinao, Badian

GINATILAN

Shiratani Beach Resort (Poblacion): 032 516-1485

Candawog Little Resort (San Roque): 032 478-5729

SAMBOAN

Villa Isabela (Ponong) : +63 916 370-9104 / +63 921 200-2327 (Recommended)

Gorion Beach Resort (Ponong): +63 999 335-7310 / +63 923 603-9238

View from Villa Isabela, Ponong, Samboan

OSLOB

Chateau de Tan-Awan (Tan-Awan) : +63 917 912-7783 / +63 929 785-6976 (Recommended)

Attractions and Activities

There's just a lot of things to do and attractions to see in Southern Cebu, your itinerary will be full and jam-packed. Here are the things you can do and attractions you want to see in Southern Cebu.

Chasing Waterfalls - There are a lot of waterfalls in Cebu. Some of it is already developed so it's accessible to go there. Almost all towns in the Southwestern part of Cebu have a waterfall. Probably the most popular among tourists is the Kawasan Falls in Badian and Tumalog Falls in Oslob. But, there are more waterfalls that are worth to see in Southern Cebu like Mantayupan Falls in Barili, Montañeza Falls in Malabuyoc, Inambakan, Kampael, & Bugnawan in Ginatilan and Aguinid, Binalayan (Hidden), & Dao Falls in Samboan and there's more!

Inambakan Falls, Ginatilan

Town Tour/Visit Heritage Sites - Cebu is not only rich in natural wonders but also in heritage structures. Visit the century-old churches in Malabuyoc, Ginatilan and Samboan and some heritage structures in Oslob like the Cuartel, Baluarte and Immaculate Conception Church.

Heritage Sites in Poblacion, Samboan

Whale Shark Watching - Oslob is very known to many tourists and travelers because of the whale sharks. If you want to see and experience swimming with the gentle giants, then this is the place to be. You can read more about whale shark watching in my article here.

Whales sharks in Tan-awan, Oslob

Tour Sumilon Island - Bluewater Sumilon Island is a small private island resort in Oslob. Staying here is quite expensive, ranging from PhP 10,000.00 and up. But you can have a day tour option to explore, or just to relax on the island. It's beautiful sandbar is open to the public, but, you need to hire a boat to get here. You can read more of our day tour experience in this article.

Sandbar in Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort, Oslob

Beach Bumming in Cangcua-Ay - Aside from the whale-sharks, Sumilon Island and Tumalog Falls, there's another spot in Oslob where you can relax and chill after your adventures. A private beach inside Villa Modern Deluxe resort. Read more about this instagram perfect beach in this article.

Chilling in Cangcua-Ay Beach, Oslob

Canyoneering in Badian - This is the most exciting and extreme activity in Southern Cebu. Go downstream canyoneering in Kanla-ob river in Alegria to Kawasan Falls in Badian. This is really a must-try activity that you should experience. You can also go upstream canyoneering if you're up for more challenge. You can read more about downstream canyoneering in this article.

Downstream canyoneering in Badian

Hike to the Highest Peak in Cebu - Watch the sunset or sunrise in Osmeña Peak, the highest peak in the province of Cebu. Osmeña Peak is in Mantalongon, Dalaguete which is considered the summer capital of Cebu. Read more about Osmeña Peak here.

The highest peak in Cebu

Discover Moalboal's Marine Life - The best diving spots are found in Moalboal. Pescador Island on Panagsama Beach is considered a diver's paradise because of its rich marine life. But, If you don't feel to go diving or snorkeling, you can always go beach bumming in the Basdaku White Beach.

Sardines run in Panagsama Beach, Moalboal

Itinerary

4 days won't be enough to fully experience South Cebu. So Here's a 5-day 4-nights itinerary. This itinerary starts from Samboan (chasing waterfalls), then Oslob (whale-shark watching and Sumilon Island tour), then Badian (canyoneering and hike to Osmeña Peak) and then to Moalboal (Pescador Island).

Day 1 - Arrival in Cebu

7 AM - ETA Mactan-Cebu International Airport
8 AM - ETD South Bus Terminal (bound to Samboan 4-5 hour ride)
11 AM (Optional) - Stopover Barili for Mantayupan falls
1 PM - Lunch/ Town tour in Samboan/Ginatilan
8 PM - Rest, stay in Samboan

Day 2 - Chasing Waterfalls!

6 AM - Wake up call/Breakfast
7 AM - Samboan: Aguinid, Binalayan and Dao Falls
12 NN - Lunch
1 PM - Malabuyoc: Montañeza Falls and Mainit Spring
3 PM - Ginatilan: Inambakan, Kampael and Bugnawan Falls
6 PM - Dinner/Rest

Day 3 - Whale Sharks and Day Tour in Sumilon Island

4:30 AM - Wake up call
5 AM - ETD Samboan to Oslob (an hour ride via Sunrays bus)
6 AM - ETA Brgy. Tan-awan, whale shark resorts
6:30 AM - Whale shark watching
7 AM - Finish whale shark watching/Breakfast
8 AM - Go to Puerto Sumilon port in Bancogon (5-10 minute tricycle ride)
8:30 AM - ETD Puerto Sumilon to Sumilon Island (15 minutes boat ride)
8:45 AM - Day tour in Sumilon Island Resort
4:30 PM - Last trip of the boat from Sumilon to Bacongon/Go back to Brgy. Tan-awan
6 PM - Rest, stay in Samboan

Day 4 - Canyoneering and Hike to Osmeña Peak

5 AM - Wakeup call/Breakfast
6 AM - ETD Oslob to Badian (2-3 hour bus ride)
9 AM - ETA Badian Resort/Gear up for Canyoneering
9:30 AM - Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls (3-4 hours depending on group pace)
12:30 NN - Finish Canyoneering/Lunch in Kawasan Falls
1:00 PM - Back to resort, relax for a bit
2 PM - Ride out to Mantalongon for Osmeña Peak
5:30 PM - Watch sunset in Osmeña Peak
7:30 PM - Back to resort, stay in Badian

Day 5 - Moalboal and Going Home :(

6 AM - Wakeup call/Breakfast
6:30 AM - ETD Badian to Moalboal (45 minutes to an hour bus ride)
7:30 AM - ETA Moalboal Resort/Gear up for diving or snorkeling
8:00 AM - Pescador Island and Sardines Run
11 AM - Finish diving or snorkeling
12 NN - Lunch, prepare and pack up
1:00 PM - ETD Moalboal to Cebu (3-hour bus ride, but depends on traffic in the city)
4 PM - ETA Cebu City
4:30 PM (Optional) - Buy Pasalubong

Dipping in a pool in Mainit Spring

Expenses

Here's a breakdown of what it'll cost per day on a 5-day South Cebu Adventure. This only includes expenses that are necessary like fares, food, tour guides, entrance fees and accommodation. Tips and other expenses like "pasalubongs" are not included.

Day 1: Cebu and Samboan

Taxi Fare (airport to bus terminal): PhP 150 - 200 (it's traffic!)
Lunch: PhP 150.00 per person
AC Bus Fare (Cebu to Samboan): PhP 182.00 per person
AC Room Accommodation (Villa Isabela): PhP 1000.00 per night good for 2 = PhP 500.00
Tricycle Fare (resort to town roundtrip): PhP 20.00 per person
Dinner: PhP 50 per person (it's really cheap in Cebu)
Total: PhP 902.00 (not including the taxi fare)

Day 2: Samboan, Ginatilan and Malabuyoc

AC Room Accommodation (Villa Isabela): PhP 500.00 for 12 hours stay good for 2 = PhP 250.00
Tricycle Fare (resort to town roundtrip): PhP 20.00 per person
Breakfast: PhP 75.00 per person
Motorcycle Rental (waterfalls tour in Samboan, Ginatilan and Malabuyoc): PhP 500.00 per person
Agunid, Binalayan, and Dao Falls entrance fee: PhP 20.00 each waterfall per person = PhP 60.00
Lunch: PhP 50.00 per person
Mainit Spring Entrance Fee: PhP 20.00 per person
Inambakan Falls Entrance Fee: PhP 10.00 per person
Dinner: PhP 100.00 per person (We really got hungry after that adventure!)
Total: PhP 1085.00

Day 3: Oslob

Bus Fare (Samboan to Oslob): PhP 50.00 per person
Resort Entrance Fee (with locker): PhP 100.00 per person
Whale Shark Watching: PhP 600.00 per person
Breakfast: PhP 120.00 per person
Tricycle Fare (Resort to Bacongon Port): PhP 25.00 per person
Sumilon Island Day Tour (with lunch): PhP 1500.00 per person
Tricycle Fare (Bacongon Port to Brgy. Tan-awan): PhP 25.00 per person
Fan Room Accommodation (Chateau de Tan-Awan): PhP 700.00 per night good for 2 = PhP 350.00
Dinner: PhP 120.00 per person
Total: PhP 2890.00

Day 4: Badian and Dalaguete

Breakfast: PhP 120.00 per person
Tricycle Fare (Oslob to Bato): PhP 180.00 = PhP 90.00 per person (special trip)
Non-AC Bus Fare (Bato to Badian): PhP 62.00 per person
Canyoneering + Osmeña Peak Tour: PhP 2000.00 per person
Lunch: PhP 100.00 per person
Fan Room Accommodation (La Playa Resort): PhP 500.00 per night for 12 hours good for 2 = PhP 250.00
Dinner: PhP 60.00 per person
Total: PhP 2682.00

Day 5: Moalboal and Cebu

Breakfast: PhP 75.00 per person
AC Bus Fare (Badian to Moalboal): PhP 30.00 per person
Tricycle Fare (Moalboal town to Panagsama beach): PhP 100.00 / 2 pax = PhP 50.00
Resort Entrance Fee: PhP 75.00 per person
Boat Rental for Island Hopping: PhP 1800.00 / 2 pax = PhP 900.00
Lunch: PhP 120.00 per person
Bus Fare (Moalboal to Cebu): PhP 116.00
Total: PhP 1366.00

Total Expense: PhP 8,925.00

What are you waiting for? Let's go!

When you heard summer capital in the Philippines, you'll always think of Baguio. But, Cebu also has its own summer capital, which is located in a town 84 KM south of Cebu. The mountain barangay Mantalongon in Dalaguete Cebu is around 700 - 800 MASL (meters above sea level), which is also popular by the names, "Little Baguio", "Vegetable Basket", and "Summer Capital of Cebu". Aside from the pleasant climate, one famous attraction here is the Osmeña Peak. Standing at 1013 MASL, it is the highest peak in the whole province of Cebu.

Mantalongon Mountain Ranges

How to get there

From Cebu, ride a bus in South Terminal bound to Oslob or Bato. You can also ask there which bus will pass through Dalaguete.

Ask the bus conductor to drop you off in Dalaguete intersection.

There are motorcycles that can take you to the base of the mountain or Mantalongon market.

Bus fare from Cebu to Dalaguete is around PhP 100.00 and travel time is approximately 2 hours.

Habal-habal ride

Huge rock along the way

Cebu's summer capital

The average temperature in Mantalongon is around 22-degree Celsius. Not that cold as Baguio but somehow similar to Tagaytay. You can also see some pine trees around and farmers with their baskets filled with vegetables.

Brgy. Mantalongon

Highest peak in cebu

We got a package tour for Canyoneering in Kawasan and Osmeña Peak for PhP 2000.00 per pax. From Badian, we rode a "habal-habal" (motorcycle) to the jump off point of the Osmeña Peak for an hour or more. We left the resort around 2:30 pm and got to the jump off point almost 4 pm. It was a long "habal-habal" ride. We rode through some uphill and downhill scenic roads and passing several villages. It started to get cold when we are near Mantalongon.

The mountain ranges seen along the way

Kuya is prepared, wearing a jacket

When we reach the jump off point, we registered and paid PhP 20.00 per person for the entrance fee. Then we proceed to hike to the peak. It is just a 15-minute hike to reach the peak. At the peak, you can see a breathtaking 360-degree view. You can see the coastline of Cebu, including Moalboal, Badian island and when you look southwest, You can see the island of Negros Province and Bohol in the southeast.

Welcome sign

Registration area

Path going to the peak

Almost there

Mantalongon ranges with some photobombers

Badian Island and Moalboal seen from the peak

A cousin of the chocolate hills

Not so visible Bohol Island in the background

The peak is a part of the Mantalungon mountain range. The mountain range is similar to the Chocolate Hills in Bohol but, the top of it is sharper and rocky. The place if perfect for watching the sunrise or sunset. It's cold on the top so you better wear some warm clothing or jackets. There is also a campsite where you can stay overnight in a tent.

Enjoying the scene

Waiting for sunset

Cheers from Dalaguete!

Queen city of the south, That's where we are heading this time. We'll tour around Cebu City and experience it. A little geography lesson, Cebu (the province) is in Central Visayas have 3 independent cities, namely, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City and Mandaue City. The airport, Mactan-Cebu International Airport is located in Lapu-Lapu City, which is in Mactan Island. Ok, I won't bore you more with the geography stuff.

Cebu: Queen City of the South

Marcelo Fernan Bridge connecting Mandaue City to Mactan Island

Anyways, we rented a multi-cab for this tour from my friend's contact, We got it for PhP 1500 (and my friend added some tip), which is PhP 215 each person for the seven of us. You can also ride a taxi if you prefer a DIY tour. The multi-cabs are Cebu's version of the jeepneys in Manila. Just a little smaller.

Customized Multi-cabs are the main transport here in Cebu

Fort San Pedro

Most photographed part of the Fort

We started the tour with this historical structure from the Spanish Era. Fort San Pedro is a triangular shape fort and is very small. Inside the fort are some historical stuff. There is an entrance fee of PhP 30 for adults and 20 for students (tax not included).

Fort San Pedro, Cebu

Sto. Niño on top of the entrance

Left image: Spanish flag during the battle of Manila, Right image: Pictures of the Founding of Cebu

PH Flag at the fort's balcony

Basilica Del Santo Niño

Top image: Basilica del Santo Niño, Bottom image: Pilgrim Center of the Basilica

Next to our tour is oldest Roman Catholic church in the country (according again to Wikipedia), Basilica del Santo Niño (Minor Basilica of the Holy Child). Portion of the church has been affected by the earthquake in Bohol last October 2013 so they are still undergoing some repairs. At the back of the church are some stores that sells some religious items, which reminds me of Quiapo.

Devotees and some stuff you'll see in the Basilica

Prayer candle lighting station

Magellan's Cross

Just a few steps away from the Basilica is Magellan's Cross. This is my first time to see it. I only see the cross on some post cards and text books before. Apparently they are also doing some repairs on the cross at the moment.

Magellan's Cross, undergoing some repairs

At the gates of the small chapel, there are some ladies that are offering prayers. If you tell them your name, they will immediately start praying and offer 10 candles on the cross (each one is designated for something, like health, career, love-life, etc) and when they are done, they will charge you 100 PhP for it. I thought that the lady was just asking my name so I told her my friend's name, so yeah she prayed for my friend and I had to pay for it.

Those candles are the offerings from the prayer ladies. They're not lighting in though

Time for some group shot!

Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral

Church facade

Another heritage church in Cebu and just a few away from the Basilica, is Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. There was a wedding at the moment we got there.

The bride and groom. Where's the reception?

Close-up shot of the Altar

Heritage of Cebu Monument

The monument shows historical events and landmarks in Cebu

On our way to our next place to see, we did a short look at the Heritage of Cebu Monument. This one reminded me of the Bonifacio Memorial Shrine in Manila.

I'm not familiar with some of the statues, I need to review "Sibika and Kultura" (is it still in the curriculum?)

Taoist Temple

Gate of the Taoist temple's parking area

Next stop is in Beverly Hills (subdivision), Cebu Taoist Temple. Located on a higher ground, the temple has a scenic view of Cebu city. The temple is a place of worship so visitors should observe silence. Picture taking in some location especially in the altar are not allowed. The temple also have a souvenir shop that sells a lot of lucky charms (quite expensive though).

Dragon Lion (I guess) Statue

View upon climbing up to the temple

Temple roof, really reminds me of Dragon Ball Z

Cebu Taoist Temple

Group picture outside the temple, taking pictures inside are not allowed

Other stuff you can see in the place

Casa Gorordo Museum

This 19th century house is the home of Cebu's first Filipino bishop, Juan Gorordo. I saw a creepy photo of him when he died in this house. Check this article from filipiknow.net.

Casa Gorordo is now a museum, picture taking inside is not allowed

Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House

Scary looking old house but a lot to see inside

A few walks away is another ancestral house. This one looks like a house in a horror movie but it's actually a museum that have lot of antique stuff inside. They have an entrance fee of PhP 50 by the way.

Sky Experience Adventure

Touring around Cebu wouldn't be complete if you did not try any Sky Experience activities. For me, this is the best part of the tour. See my Sky Experience post here!

Sky Experience in Crown Regency

Elevator to 37th Floor (Sky Experience)

All set for window cleaning!

Crown Regency Tower as seen in our hotel

Other places you could visit

Lapu – Lapu Shrine: Located in Lapu-Lapu City in Mactan

Tabo-an Market: Pasalubong market for dried fish, mangoes and other local products

Colon Street: Aside from a busy crowded street with major establishments, this is the oldest street in Cebu

Lechon Restaurants: Don't miss to try Cebu's famous lechon (see my CnT and Zubchon post here!)

Cebu's Famous Lechon with "Puso" Rice

So that's Cebu. Busy and crowded streets, rushing people from work and school, flooded roads and heavy traffic, feels like I'm just in Manila. But still, it's a great city with rich heritage and have a lot to see! But still, This is a great city and have a lot to see!