#CeBucketList2019: Newest Attractions in Cebu You Must Visit

2018 is so far one of the best years for Cebu, development-wise. Let’s forget about the worsening traffic for now. The Philippines’ Queen City of the South stays true to its name, with so many interesting attractions that opened in 2018 and so many exciting surprises that are yet to open in 2019.

Just like what we do best, we have complied the newest yet the best attractions that opened in 2018 — places where you should include in your #CeBucketlist2019.

1. Neri’s Ville Selfie Corner

The ultimate selfie venue captured thousands of hearts when it opened to the public last September 7, 2018. Located in Barangay Lusaran, Cebu City, Neri’s Ville Selfie Corner features several “Instagrammable spots” for your ultimate feed goals while enjoying nature’s fresh air and breathtaking scenery. It is tagged by many as the “Little Bali (Indonesia)” for its green lush scenery and “Little New Zealand” for its mini cottages inspired by the Hobbit House.

Neri's Ville Selfie Corner Cebu (7)
Photo by Maria Altheia Echavez-Canoog Casiño
  • Entrance fee: ₱50 per head
  • Operating hours: 8AM to 7PM, Mondays to Sundays
  • Overnight: No overnight accommodations yet
  • Contact number: Not yet available
How to get there?

Exact location: Sitio Bombil, Barangay Lusaran, Cebu City

  • BY JEEPNEY: Ride any jeepney going to Talamban via Pit-os. Or, 62B or 62C jeepney from Cebu City. Drop off at the Flying V gasoline station in Pit-os where you can find many habal-habal. From there, ride a habal-habal going to Sitio Bombil in Barangay Lusaran. Fare is ₱80 per head (one-way).
  • BY CAR: If you’re bringing your own car, just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and search for “Lusaran Cebu City”. Then ask around where you can find “Sitio Bombil” or Nora’s Ville.

2. Happy Beach Cebu

This place will literally make you the happiest!

Opened last December 15, 2018, Happy Beach Cebu stands to be prettiest and most Instagrammable boutique resort in Mactan, Cebu. This 16-room resort is the second home of the world-famous “Unicorn Island” and is adorned by the “Bali Beach”, “Happy Jungle Lounge” and “Pink Pool” among others.

happybeachceburesort-6
Introductory Rates:
  • BEACH PASS (Day Tour)
    – ₱669 per person
    – WHOLE DAY access to Mactan Beach, Animal Cabanas, Floating Zoo & Bali Lounge
  • INFLATABLE ISLAND PLAY PASSES**
    – Requires purchase of BEACH PASS (₱669 per person for whole day use).
    – Sprinkle: + ₱299 per head (1 Hour Inflatable Access)
    – Splash: + ₱499 per head (2 Hour Inflatable Access)
    – Spray: + ₱699 per head (Half Day Inflatable Access)
    – Soaked: + ₱1,299 per head (Whole Day Inflatable Access with Lunch Feast)
    – Inclusive of entrance fee
    – Inclusive of WHOLE DAY access to Mactan beach and all attractions (Animal Cabanas, Floating Zoo & Bali Lounge)
    – Exclusions: Locker rental, Hotel pick up and drop off
  • HAPPY JUNGLE LOUNGE + PINK POOL 
    – ₱1,500, good for up to 4 persons
    – Requires purchase of BEACH/INFLATABLE PASS
    – Whole day use of one daybed in the Happy Jungle Lounge
    – Whole day access to the PINK POOL
    – 2 free towel rentals
    – “Tampipi” Feast (assorted food) good for 2pax
Overnight accommodation
  • Happy Room
    – ₱5,999 per night (Early Bird Rate)
    – Good for 2 adults & 2 kids (additional pax: ₱1,500 with breakfast, max up to 6 pax per room)
    – Includes 2 breakfast
    – WHOLE DAY ACCESS to the PINK POOL and BEACH PASS attractions
    – Discounted rates to inflatable + unicorn island
    – All rooms are equipped with 1 Queen-sized Bed, 1 Double Deck and pull-out beds. It can accommodate up to 6 persons comfortably.
Operating hours and other information:
  • Soft opening on December 15, 2018. Inflatable Island opening on January 2019.
  • Opening Hours: 8:00am to 6:00pm, daily (last admission: 5:00pm)
  • Scheduling:
    – Sprinkle & Splash: 8:00am-10:00am, 10:00am-12:00pm, 12:00pm-2:00pm, 2:00pm-4:00pm, 4:00pm-6:00pm
    – Spray: 8:00am-2:00pm, 2:00pm-6:00pm
    – Soaked: Anytime from 8:00am-6:00pm
  • Accept credit/debit cards? Yes.
Contact information
How to get there?

Exact location: Tambuli Beach in Mactan, Cebu — approx. 1 hour from Cebu City, 25-35 minutes from Mactan Airport. The only way to get there is to sail on their Happy Boats which is only ₱50 (round-trip) per person from Angasil Port.

  • BY COMMUTE: From SM Cebu City van terminal, take a van going to Gaisano Island Mall Pusok Lapu Lapu City. The fare will be approximately ₱25 (one-way). Or, From Gaisano Island Mall, ride a multicab going to Maribago and get off at Buyong Road. The fare will be approximately ₱12 (one-way).
  • BY CAR/GRAB/TAXI: If you’re bringing your own car or hailing a Grab/Taxi, just set your destination or inform the driver you’re heading to “Angasil Port”.

3. MSDEA Ornamental Garden

If you love gardens, or anything green and flowery stuff, this is the best place for you.

Sprouted last November 11, 2018, MSDEA Ornamental Garden boasts a cool environment in a garden of heaven with the view of the mountains of Cebu City, the perfect place to unwind, relax and de-stress with an entrance fee of only 60 pesos per head.

MSDEA Ornamental Garden Cebu City (7)
MSDEA Ornamental Garden Cebu City (6)
  • Entrance fee: ₱60 per head for both adults & kids (20% Discount for Senior Citizens)
  • Cottage fee: No fee if less than 3 hours; ₱500 for 3-4 hours (inclusive of corkage)
  • Overnight stay: ₱2,000 per night, good for 2-4 persons
    – They also sell chips and drinks inside.
  • Operating hours: 7AM to 9PM daily
  • Contact number: 0939-859-5421 (Edward)
  • Social: Facebook Page
How to get there?

Exact location: Pung-ol, Brgy. Sibugay, Cebu City — only 30 minutes away from the main road (JY Square Mall). This is located before Sirao & Ayala Heights, from the city going to Balamban. Only few meters away from Sibugay Barangay Hall.

  • BY MOTORBIKE: From J.Y. Square Mall, take a habal-habal that will take you directly to MSDEA Ornamental Farm for ₱400 roundtrip, good for 2 persons already. The driver may ask you for additional waiting fee of ₱100-200 per hour depending on your haggling talent. The ride will take 30-45 minutes to get there.
  • BY VAN: From the Ayala Cebu PUV Terminal, you can ride a v-hire going to Sirao for ₱50 /head (one-way). Ask the driver to drop you off near Sibugay Barangay Hall. From there, ride a habal-habal going to the flower garden but it may take time to find one from this point, fare is ~₱20-30 /head.
  • BY OWN CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and pin your location to “MSDEA Ornamental Farm”. Parking fee is available.
  • BY CAR / VAN FOR RENT: For van or car rentals, or to book an uphill tour (9 destinations in 1 day for only 999 pesos per person), book with our trusted travel partner SquadPH Tours and Travels.

4. Snow World Cebu

Opened last November 11, 2018, SNOW WORLD CEBU is a world-class indoor theme park and is the FIRST of its kind in the Southern part of the Philippines that offers the public a touch of real snow, the thrill and excitement of ice slide and stunning ice sculptures carved by the finest carvers in the Philippines.

Snow World Cebu Actual Photos (5)
Snow World Cebu
  • Entrance fee: ₱350 per head (both adults and kids)
    – Unlimited entry on that day
    – NO time limit inside
  • Opening date: starting November 11, 2018
  • Operating hours:
    – Mondays to Fridays: 1PM to 8PM
    – Saturdays & Sundays: 11AM to 8PM
  • Contact number: 0917 304 4368
  • Email address: [email protected]
  • Social: Facebook Page
How to get there?

Exact location: Snow World Cebu is located inside Belmont One’s Anjo World Theme Park in Cebu South Road, Upper Calajoan, Minglanilla, Southern Cebu — only 1-1.5 hours away from Cebu City and 15-30 minutes from Starmall near SRP.

BY JEEPNEY:
– From CIT University or Punta Princesa or Bulacao/Pardo, ride any jeepney (usually 43/44) going to Minglanilla / Naga.
– From SM City Cebu, ride any jeepney (usually 10H) bound for Bulacao or Pardo. From there, ride another jeepney (43/44) going to Minglanilla / Naga.
– Or from Ayala Center Cebu, ride a 12L jeepney going to Punta Princesa.
then inform the driver to drop you off at Anjo World Theme Park or at Petron Gas Station in Calajoan.

BY BUS: You can also ride any bus or mini bus going south from the South Bus Terminal. Make sure to inform the driver or konduktor ahead that you’re dropping off at Petron Gas Station in Calajoan, Minglanilla.

BY CAR/GRAB/TAXI: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps, and set your destination to “Belmont One” in Minglanilla.

5. Anjo World Theme Park

Officially opened last December 22, 2018, Anjo World Theme Park is Cebu’s first and only world-class theme park within Belmont One. It is also the first integrated family entertainment complex in Cebu, and features different themed zones based on the different continents of the world- Europe, Asia, America, Africa, all in one setting.

7 Rides Opening in December 2018:

  • Golden Carousel
  • Space Shuttle
  • London Taxi
  • Toad
  • Viking
  • Cup
  • Drop Tower

5 More Rides Opening in March 2019:

  • 200-ft Ferris Wheel
  • Spinning Roller Coaster
  • Bumper Boats
  • Boomerang
  • Hip Hop
Photo by John Ray Aligato / The Island Nomad
anjoworld-themepark-belmontone-cebu (7)
Anjo World Theme Park Cebu
  • Operating hours:
    – Mondays to Fridays: 12NN to 8PM
    – Saturdays & Sundays: 10AM to 9PM
  • UNLIMITED RIDES Pass: ₱450 /head on Weekdays (Mon-Fri) & ₱550 /head on Weekends (Sat-Sun) for both adults and kids
    – Unlimited entry on that day
    – No time limit
    – Add ₱200 to include Snow World
  • Snow World Access Only: ₱350 per head
How to get there?

Exact location: Snow World Cebu is located inside Belmont One’s Anjo World Theme Park in Cebu South Road, Upper Calajoan, Minglanilla, Southern Cebu — only 1-1.5 hours away from Cebu City and 15-30 minutes from Starmall near SRP.

BY JEEPNEY:
– From CIT University or Punta Princesa or Bulacao/Pardo, ride any jeepney (usually 43/44) going to Minglanilla / Naga.
– From SM City Cebu, ride any jeepney (usually 10H) bound for Bulacao or Pardo. From there, ride another jeepney (43/44) going to Minglanilla / Naga.
– Or from Ayala Center Cebu, ride a 12L jeepney going to Punta Princesa.
then inform the driver to drop you off at Anjo World Theme Park or at Petron Gas Station in Calajoan.

BY BUS: You can also ride any bus or mini bus going south from the South Bus Terminal. Make sure to inform the driver or konduktor ahead that you’re dropping off at Petron Gas Station in Calajoan, Minglanilla.

BY CAR/GRAB/TAXI: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps, and set your destination to “Belmont One” in Minglanilla.

6. Mt. Manunggal Eco Adventure Park (Baguio De Cebu)

If you want to experience the cold breeze and lush green scenery from the likes of Baguio, you will surely enjoy this.

Opened last March 2018, Baguio de Cebu Eco Mountain Adventures – also known as Mt. Manunggal Eco-Adventure Park in Balamban is tagged as the “Little Baguio of Cebu”. The photos below will explain why.

Here are some activities you can do at Mt. Manunggal:

✓ Sky Bike
✓ Horseback Riding
✓ Camping
✓ Trekking / Mountain Climbing
✓ Food Trip

  • Entrance fee: ₱80 per head
  • Skybike: ₱150 per head, back and forth.
  • Horseback Riding: ₱150 per head, per 15 minutes.
  • Camping: ₱50 per person, just bring a tent if you wish to sleep overnight.
  • You can go camping, trekking, hiking or mountain climbing (choose between Mt. Mauyog, Monkey Mountain or Manunggal Peak). If you opt to have a guide with you, a charge of P400 per 5pax is collected for the guide.
  • Contact numbers: 0949-487-7781 / 0935-193-2437
  • Social: Facebook Page
How to get there?

Exact location: Brgy. Sunog, Balamban, Cebu — approx. 2 hours away from the city. Just about 1.5 kilometers after West 35, right turn to Brgy. Sunog.

  • Take a v-hire going to Balamban from the Ayala Center Cebu Terminal. Ask the driver to drop you off at the alley of Mt. Manuggal or Cantipla. Fare is P120 per person. 1.5-2 hours travel time.
  • To be specific, this is located approx. 1.5km km from West 35 if your route is through Lahug-Busay-Transentral Highway. You will see a tarp on the right side of the road saying “BAGUIO DE CEBU ECO PARK” (turn right) and from there it’s almost 2km to the Mountain. The journey going there is an adventure already. You will be passing a thrilling drive of a 3.0m max wide undeveloped road with sometimes a cliff on both sides of the road.

7. Strawberry de Cantipla Eco Farm

If you ever wanted to go to Sergio’s Strawberry Farm in Dalaguete Southern Cebu but can’t take the long travel of 4-6 hours (roundtrip), you might want to consider this alternative that’s technically just within the city, along the National Transcentral Highway (Busay-Balamban).

Officially opened to the public sometime in April 2018, Strawberry de Cantipla Eco Farm is the go-to attraction in Brgy. Tabunan, Cebu City to satisfy your cravings and sighting for strawberries. It’s a relatively small farm, but surely it gives you a treat of strawberry goodness. Because not only you can do strawberry picking (of course you have to pay for them), but the farm also serves strawberry-flavored shakes, pancakes, and burgers.

Photo by Shaie Nayne
strawberrydecantipla-cebucity
Photo by Chandy Montecillo
Food Menu
  • Strawberry Shake: ₱60
  • Strawberry Burger: ₱80
  • Strawberry Pancake: ₱70
  • Banana Split with Strawberry Ice Cream: ₱89
  • Fries: ₱35
  • Fried Chicken with Rice: ₱75
  • Regular Burger: ₱35
Other information
  • Operating hours: 8AM to 6PM, Mondays to Sundays
  • Entrance fee: ₱40 per head (same rate for kids)
  • Contact number: 0919 231 7924
  • Social: Facebook Page
How to get there?

Exact location: Sitio Cantipla, Brgy. Tabunan, Cebu City – approx. 1 hour away from the city.

  • BY VAN: From the Ayala Center Cebu PUV Terminal, take a v-hire going to Balamban. Tell the driver to drop you off at the Strawberry Farm in Cantipla. Van fare is ₱120 per head (one-way).
  • BY CAR: If you’re bringing your own vehicle, just pin your location to “Strawberry de Cantipla Eco Farm”. Hailing a cab or Grab is not possible, unless you rent a car.

8. Ka-Tilong Sunflower Farm

Another must-visit attraction in Brgy. Tabunan.

Officially opened to the public last August 18, 2018, the Ka-Tilong Sunflower Farm is just a 5-minute drive away from the Strawberry de Cantipla Eco Farm in Cantipla 1, Brgy. Tabunan, Cebu City – along the National Transcentral Highway (Busay-Balamban). It boasts an area of 2,000sqm, overflowing with bright sunflowers and other “IG-worthy” spots. The best part? Entrance fee is only 30 pesos per head!

katilong strawberry farm cebu (1)
Photo by Erana Mariel
  • Operating hours: 8AM to 6PM, Mondays to Sundays
  • Entrance fee: ₱30 per adult / ₱15 per kid
  • Contact number: N/A
  • Social: N/A
How to get there?

Exact location: Sitio Cantipla 1, Brgy. Tabunan, Cebu City – approx. 1 hour away from the city. It is located just a few kilometers away from Sirao Garden, and few meters away from 21 Kilometers Coffee.

  • BY VAN: From the Ayala Center Cebu PUV Terminal, take a v-hire going to Balamban. Tell the driver to drop you off at the Sunflower Farm in Cantipla. Van fare is ₱120 per head (one-way).
  • BY CAR: If you’re bringing your own vehicle, just pin your location to “21 Kilometers Coffee”. Hailing a cab or Grab is not possible, unless you rent a car.

9. Dalaguete Sunflower Farm

If you are up for an adventure and a 3-hour road trip to southern Cebu, this should be in your stopover list. To make the most out of your trip to Dalaguete, here are the Top 10 Attractions in Dalaguete that you should consider visiting.

Dalaguete is famous for its beginner-friendly, scenic mountain peaks from the likes of Osmena Peak, Kandungaw Peak and Casino Peak. It also boasts a public white beach and a strawberry farm. No doubt this municipality is tagged as the “Summer Capital of Cebu”. But guess what? There’s a new attraction in Dalaguete you will surely love – the Sunflower Garden or the “I Love Dalaguete Flower Farm” in Mantalongon, Dalaguete.

Aside from sunflowers, this garden also features a variety of flower species.

Photo by Edfer Villahermosa
  • Entrance fee: P50 per head
  • Operating hours: 8AM to 5PM, Mondays to Sundays (as of March 2018)
How to get there?

Exact location: Sitio Alang-Alang, Mantalongon, Dalaguete, Southern Cebu — approx. 3 hours away from the city.

  • From the South Bus Terminal, ride any bus bound for Dalaguete. Inform the driver or conductor to drop you off at 7-Eleven Dalaguete. Bus fare is ₱130 (one-way).
  • From there, ride a motorbike (habal-habal) going to the Sunflower Garden. Fare is ₱100 per person (one-way).

10. Paradise Hills Mountain Resort

With its lush greenery, hilly landscape, and magnificent mountain views, Paradise Hills Mountain Resort is the perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. It really lives up to its name as it is a rejuvenating and refreshing oasis

Opened last March 18, 2018, Paradise Hills Mountain Resort is located in Brgy. Buluang, Compostela, Cebu. It has entrance fee of 100 Pesos per head only.

paradise-hills-mountain-resort-compsotela-cebu
Paradise Hills Mountain Resort Compostela (7)
Photo by Jean Angel
  • Entrance fee: ₱100 per adult; ₱50 per kid
  • Parking fee: ₱100
  • Table Rental: ₱300 per day
  • Cottage: ₱500 per day
  • Mushroom Table: ₱800 per day
  • Tent rental: ₱1,500 per day (with 2 tables and 10 chairs)
  • Corkage: None as of the moment
  • Operating hours: 8AM to 6PM, Mondays to Sundays (Time extension from 6PM to 10PM, additional rate applies.)
  • Contact number: 0926-055-5260 / 0923-043-4973
  • Social: N/A
How to get there?

Exact location: Barangay Buluang, Compostela Cebu — just a few meters from the entrance of Q-Park Calvary. More or less 1 hour travel time from the city.

From SM CITY CEBU, you can ride:
– Vhire going to Danao ETT: 1 hour and 10 minutes Fare: ₱50
– Or jeep going to Danao (27 = Jeep Number) Fare: ₱20-25
…just tell the driver to drop you off at “Skina Buluang”.

For there, there are motorbikes or halal-habal and tricycles at the skina, tell them that you’re going to “Paradise Hills Mountain Resort”. Fare is ₱10-20 per head.

If you’re bringing your own vehicle, just navigate via Waze and search for “Q-Park Compostela”. Once you have reached to the destination, you can ask around for the directions for Paradise Hills Mountain Resort.

11. Issa’s Haven: Little Santorini of southern Cebu

Santorini is the supermodel among the islands in Greece. The island is iconic for its blue and white structures lined along the coast. It offers amazing panoramic views, pristine white sand beach, and romantic sunsets. No wonder it is in almost everyone’s travel bucket list.

The awesome thing is, even without flying to Greece, you can get a piece of it via this Santorini-inspired resort in Oslob, Southern Cebu — at Issa’s Haven Resort.

issas-haven-santorini-oslobcebu
  • Walk-ins are discouraged. Make sure to book first before going to the resort.
  • Corkage: Only snacks / junkfood are allowed inside. Other food and drinks may be charged. Cooking is not allowed.
  • Facebook Page: link
  • Website: link
  • Email: Not yet available.
  • Contact number: 0915-657-0524
HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Brgy. Looc, Oslob, Cebu — 3-4 hours away from Cebu City.

  • BY BUS: From the South Bus Terminal (near Emall), ride a Ceres bus going to Oslob. You may tell the bus to drop you off at Looc Elementary School. The resort is just located along the highway, around 2-3 minutes walk from Looc Elementary School. You may also navigate via Waze or Google Maps.
  • BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and search for “Issa’s Haven” in Oslob. Parking space is available.

12. Bacalla Woods Campsite

No mobile signal — just quality time with friends (and strangers-turned-to-friends) and a relaxing, peaceful experience in the middle of the forest. If you really want to escape from the hustles and bustles in the city, this is the place to be.

Bacalla Woods Campsite in San Fernando, Southern Cebu identifies itself as the home of the artists, environmentalists, explorers, extreme sports athletes, campers, and all nature enthusiasts. It’s said to be the place where you can find real happiness.

bacalla-woords-campsite-infinityswing2
Photo by Ed Lim
bacalla-woords-campsite-strangers
  • Entrance fee: ₱100 per head
  • Hammock rental: ₱150
  • Overnight w/ breakfast (camping fee): ₱200 per person (inclusive of Electricity, Maintenance, Usage of CR, Drinking Water, Kitchen Use, and FREE Breakfast)
  • Room for 2: ₱1,300 per night
  • Tent rental: ₱1,000 (good for 10pax)
Other information:
  • WALK-INS ARE NOT ALLOWED. Make sure to book or reserve first before going.
  • Contact number: 0923-825-6945
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Facebook Page: link
How to get there?

Exact location: Libo, Ilaya, San Fernando, Cebu — near Hidden Paradise Resort, approx. 40km or 1-2 hour travel from the city.

  • From the South Bus Terminal, ride any bus you can find there — all buses will pass through San Fernando (P30-40 bus fare). Tell the konduktor to drop you off at the eskinita going to Hidden Paradise Mountain Resort. From there, ride a habal-habal to reach your destination (P40 fare per person). Just tell the driver that you’re going to Bacalla Woods.
  • You can also bring you own private vehicle. Simply navigate via Waze or Google Maps and search for Bacalla Woods Campsite in San Fernando.

13. Kinatarcan Island

Last April 2018, this “hidden gem” in northern Cebu captured the hearts of many local and foreign tourists.

Geographically, it lies about 25 kilometres (16 miles) off the west coast of Cebu, 12 kilometres (7 mi) northeast from Bantayan Island, and 10 kilometres (6 mi) from Hilantagaan Island. The island is within the municipality of Santa Fe and comprises three barangays: Hagdan, Kinatarkan and Langub. The locals call this place as Kinatarcan.

Kinatarcan Island flaunts long white sand beaches and magnificent overlooking views. This island also consists of a number of caves and a lagoon.

Photo by J-co Samz
Photo by J-co Samz
FEES:
  • ₱384 (₱192 /way) – Airconditioned bus from North Bus Terminal to Daanbantayan. Travel time is 4 hours.
  • ₱20 (₱10 /way) – Tricycle from/to Daanbantayan Public Market and Maayahay Port.
  • ₱100 (₱50 /way) – Regular boat going to Kinatarcan Island. Travel time is 1 hour. Or you can rent the whole boat for ₱1,500 good for 20pax.
  • ₱200 per tent – Overnight fee (bring your own tent, or you can rent)
  • Going to Laaw Lagoon? ₱50 per head (motor, one-way); or ₱150 per head for whole day tour with the driver as the guide.

…so that’s a total of ₱754 and you’ll already get to experience this paradise!

Food available: Chips, canned goods, and softdrinks. They can also cook for you at an affordable price. Just hand them whatever you want them to cook. They cook delicious food.

HOW TO GET THERE?

Travel time: ~4 hours from Cebu City to Daanbantayan + ~60 minutes from the port to Guintacan Island.

From the North Bus Terminal, take a bus bound for Daanbantayan, tell the driver or the Bus conductor to drop you off at the Daanbantayan Public Market. Then ride a tricycle going to the port bound for Guintacan Island where regular passenger boats are lining up. Ask for a boat bound to Pasil Kinatarcan Island.

If you’re going there as a group, you can rent a boat from Daanbantayan for only ₱1,500 roundtrip, can fit up to 20pax.

GOING BACK TO CEBU CITY:
1. You can ride a boat near Kuya Willie Resort at 7AM ONLY. Be sure to leave early or you have to rent an entire boat to bring you back to the mainland. Fare is ₱50 Only.
2. From Maayahay Port, ride a Tricycle to bring you to the Bus Terminal. ₱10 fare.
3. From Daan Bantayan Bus Terminal, ride a bus bound to Cebu City. ₱192 aircon bus fare.

14. Carnaza Island

Probably today’s hottest and trending beach island destination in Cebu since January 2018.

Wondering what’s in the northernmost tip of Cebu? Welcome to Carnaza Island, an island paradise located off the northern coast of Cebu, in the middle of the Visayan Sea — it is part of Daanbantayan, Cebu.

The face of this island has been a mystery to many people even those who live in the municipality where it is situated. It’s distance and accessibility are among the factors why there’s not much tourism in the area. That’s why most people prefer Malapascua Island in their itineraries. And majority of its land area is privately owned by Cebu’s former Governor, Lito Osmeña.

Nevertheless, the island is perfect for backpackers and those who are on a budget. Expenses aren’t too high as compared in Malapascua. Visiting the island only requires you to pray for a perfect weather or else you’ll be compelled to postpone next #TravelGoals.

Carnaza Island Cebu Budget Traveling
carnaza-island-daanbantayancebu
Photo by Jack Ponpon
carnaza-island-daanbantayancebu
Photo by Jack Ponpon

Read our full feature of Carnaza Island here.

  • ₱424 (₱212 /way) – Airconditioned bus from North Bus Terminal to Tapilon Port in Daanbantayan. Travel time is 4 hours.
  • ₱300 (₱150 /way) – Boat going to Carnaza Island. Travel time is 2 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a pump boat for ₱7,000 roundtrip which can carry around 25-30 people.
  • ₱200 /head – Entrance fee at Carnaza Eco Park with access to Skull Cove.
  • ₱100 (₱200 /room) – Room rate per night, good for 2pax.

TRAVEL TIPS:
– The more friends, the cheaper you have to pay for the boat ride.
– Bring food and drinks
– Bring powerbank and extra batteries
– Bring tent and other beddings
– Leave no trace

How to get there?

Head on to Cebu North Bus Terminal and ride the bus bound for Maya-Bagay or you can simply ask and conductor around the bus terminal and tell them that you’re going to Tapilon Port. Travel time is around 4 hours and fare is ₱212 (airconditioned bus). Take the first trip if you’ll be only doing day tour in Carnaza Island.

Once you arrive at Tapilon Port, ride a boat going to Carnaza Island (₱150 per way). First trip is at 7am-10am but it would actually depend on the condition of the sea. When we got there its low-tide, so the first trip will be at 10am and departs by 1pm. So we rented a pump boat instead (since were only doing a day tour) for ₱7,000 roundtrip it can carry around 25-30 people. Tapilon Port to Carnaza Island travel time is 2 hours.


Also read

Ram Mancelita
Ram Mancelitahttps://sugbo.ph
"Experiencing Cebu one post at a time."

Editor | Cebu City

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11 COMMENTS

  1. Wow so excited to visit Cebu again ! Will surely go there after this pandemic. You can also check this blog for more adventures !

    check this blog for more adventure: https://www.wkadventures.com/philippine-travel-guide/new-things-to-do-in-cebu-exploring-the-queen-city-of-the-south/

  2. Thanks for the informative post! There are so many things to do in cebu especially since it’s one of the biggest tourist spots in the country.

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  5. Nice post. However, in the future please talk with the owners or if this is writer’s point of view to do away with descriptive titles such as “little (whatever) of Cebu” that doesnt help in making our tourist sites attractive to tourists or guests who went to the “real sites” of that country. Hope you can make it more or soundlike “uniquely Cebu”.

  6. Heyyyyy!! Thank you for this wonderful list.Makes me really go outside and travel. Hmm, not now but someday, I’ll be checking my travel bucket list :)

  7. Hi, the information you give out are heaven sent for us. It’s very helpful and has helped us make our laag much better organized and enjoyable. Do keep it up.
    I would like to read sometime, places to see in Cebu that are senior citizen friendly. We once had a family member that had difficulty in walking up and down stairs (MSDEA for example) that she had to stay up while we enjoyed the displays down below.

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