Top 12 Attractions in Uphill Cebu (Mountain Tour)

It is without a doubt that Cebu has a lot to offer.

From food, malls, events, and of course, must-visit tourist spots. But if there is a must-recommend by your best Sugbo guide, it would be Busay and/or Balamban. These two famous uphill destinations have taken the internet by storm through its picturesque spots.

1. Mt. Manunggal Eco-Adventure Park (Little Baguio)

Fondly tagged as the “Little Baguio of Cebu,” Baguio de Cebu Eco Mountain Adventures offers the same excitement and aura of the Summer Capital of the Philippines.

From Sky Biking, Horseback Riding, Camping, and Trekking, there’s nothing more you could actually ask for. You need not to worry too because you can have your ‘cool’ foodtrip-ing with your family and friends while enjoying the cool breeze.

What to do here?

  • Sky Bike
  • Ziplining
  • Horseback Riding
  • Camping
  • Trekking / Mountain Climbing
  • Food Trip

Fees:

  • 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.

Other information

  • Contact numbers: 0949-487-7781 / 0935-193-2437
  • Social: Facebook Page

How to get there?

Exact location: Brgy. Sunog, Balamban, Cebu — approx. 2.5 hours away from the city. Just about 1.5 kilometers after West 35, right turn to Brgy. Sunog.

BY VAN: 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.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and search for “BAGUIO DE CEBU ECO-MOUNTAIN PARK ADVENTURE”. Parking space is available. Hailing a taxi or GrabCar is not possible.

RENT A CAR/VAN: For a hassle-free trip, rent a van at SquadPH Tours and Travels.

2. Adventure Cafe

For the travel junkies and thrill seekers, Adventure Cafe and Zipline should be on your bucket list when in Cebu. More so, they claim to be the first resto-adventure in the Philippines.

Aptly named as such, the aforementioned offers thrilling adventures like Zip Lining, Stress Wall’s Plate Smashing, Caving, and the like.

EXCITING ADVENTURES THAT YOU CAN DO

ZIP LINE

Conquer your fear and fly over the sky!

zipline in cebu
Photo by chasingpotatoes.com

The zip line is 256m long (one line); you take two lines. Fee is only P150 per person.

RAPPELLING / WALL CLIMBING

Climb high and test your strength and endurance.

rappelling wall climbing

FEE: P100 per person

STRESS WALL

To thy suppressing world, shout out your unexpressed feelings.

stress wall cebu

FEE: P25 per plate

GUIDED TOURS

A quick getaway from the hustles and bustles of the city.

adventure cafe caving
gaas falls balamban

RATES OVERVIEW:

  • Zip Line – ₱150 per person
  • Plate smashing at the stress wall – ₱25 per plate
  • Climb/Rappel – ₱100 per person
  • Caving – ₱250 per person (minimum of 5 people per group)
  • Waterfalls – ₱650 per person (minimum of 5 people per group)
OTHER DETAILS:
  • Operating hours: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, daily
  • Contact details: 0999 681 2339
  • Social: Facebook Page

How to get there?

• Exact location: Brgy. Gaas, Balamban, Cebu (30-45 min drive from JY square or Marco Polo via the scenic Transcentral highway).

  • PUBLIC: Take a V-hire from the Ayala Center Terminal going to Balamban via Transcentral highway route. Fare is P120 per person (one-way). Inform the driver to drop you off at Adventure Cafe.
  • PRIVATE: Parking space available. Just search for “Adventure Cafe ” in Gaas Balamban via Waze or Google Maps.
  • RENT: Avail an Uphill Cebu Package Tour (9 Destinations in 1 Day) for only P999 at SquadPH Tours and Travels.

3. BUWAKAN NI ALEJANDRA

Be fascinated by Cebu even more with this vibrant flower garden, Buwakan ni Alejandra.

Flowers of different kinds and of different colors made this flower garden exceptional and trending. If you’re up for the ‘gram game, this is perfect!

  • Entrance Fee: ₱75 per adult, ₱50 per head for Kids, PWD & Senior Citizen
  • Operating hours: 7AM to 6PM, Mondays to Sundays – but if there’s a storm, they will close the premises to protect the flower garden.
Buwakan ni Alejandra - Sugbo.ph
Photo by John Ray Aligato

How to get there?

Exact location: Brgy. Gaas, Balamban, Cebu – few meters away from Adventure Cafe (30-45 min drive from JY square or Marco Polo via the scenic Transcentral highway).

  • PUBLIC: Take a V-hire from the Ayala Center Terminal going to Balamban via Transcentral highway route. Fare is P120 per person (one-way). Inform the driver to drop you off at Buwakan ni Alejandra.
  • PRIVATE: Parking space available. Just search for “Buwakan ni Alejandra” in Gaas Balamban via Waze or Google Maps. Buwakan ni Alejandra is just few meters away from Adventure Cafe.
  • RENT: Avail an Uphill Cebu Package Tour (9 Destinations in 1 Day) for only P999 at SquadPH Tours and Travels.

4. D’ Village Antique House

Chill and dine, day and night with your friends and loved ones at D’Village Antique House.

Get the chance to also savour Cebu’s famous dishes at really affordable prices. So, after all the hustle and bustle of your travel, don’t forget to drop here and chill.

  • Entrance fee: None
  • Operating hours: 7AM to 10PM (lights off)
  • Location: Brg. Gaas, Balamban Cebu
  • Contact no: 0906-299-0215

How to get there?

Exact location: Brgy. Gaas, Balamban, Cebu – few meters away from Buwakan ni Alejandra (30-45 min drive from JY square or Marco Polo via the scenic Transcentral highway).

  • PUBLIC: Take a V-hire from the Ayala Center Terminal going to Balamban via Transcentral highway route. Fare is P120 per person (one-way). Inform the driver to drop you off at D’Village Antique House.
  • PRIVATE: Parking space available. Just search for “D’Village Antique House” in Gaas Balamban via Waze or Google Maps. D’Village Antique House is just few meters away from Buwakan ni Alejandra .
  • RENT: Avail an Uphill Cebu Package Tour (9 Destinations in 1 Day) for only P999 at SquadPH Tours and Travels.

5. Florentino’s Eco Park (Little Tagaytay)

Pegged as the Little Tagaytay of Cebu, Florentino’s Eco Park will surely please you with its chill and cozy outdoor ambiance, and the breathtaking view and the foggy weather.

  • Entrance Fee: ₱100 per person (₱50 is consumable)
  • Operating hours: 6AM to 7PM, Mondays to Sundays (Best time to go: 6-7AM & 4-6PM)
  • Corkage fee: None for now, you may bring your own food and drinks. ButBE RESPONSIBLE of your trashes. Leave no trace.
  • Contact details: 0932-876-4019 / Facebook Page

How to get there?

Exact location: Brgy. Gaas, Balamban, Cebu – across Adventure Cafe (30-45 min drive from JY square or Marco Polo via the scenic Transcentral highway)

  • PUBLIC: Take a V-hire from the Ayala Center Terminal going to Balamban via Transcentral highway route. Fare is P120 per person (one-way). Inform the driver to drop you off at Adventure Cafe (Florentino’s is just right across).
  • PRIVATE: Parking space available. Just search for “Florentino’s” in Gaas Balamban via Waze or Google Maps. Florentino’s is just across Adventure Cafe.
  • RENT: Avail an Uphill Cebu Package Tour (9 Destinations in 1 Day) for only P999 at SquadPH Tours and Travels.

6. FORESSA TRAILS

To someone who enjoys walking, what is better than a refreshing walk with nature? Nothing, unless you’re walking with good company.

To fulfill this fantasy, visit Foressa Trails with your peers. Bike or hike around this spacious little town and be one with nature while fulfilling your own adventure.

• The Trails Package
– Inclusive of hiking, biking, and camping
– P500 per person

• Hike and Bike trails
– Day use only
– P150 per person

• Viewing only
– Day use
– Entrance fee: P60 per person

Separate fees for use of the camping grounds, tent and cottage rentals. Exclusive events can also be arranged upon request.

How to get there?

Exact location: Foressa Mountain Town, Cansomoroy, Balamban, Cebu (approx. 90-minute trip from Ayala Center Cebu) — approx. 2.5 hours away from the city. Just about 1.5 kilometers after West 35.

BY VAN: Take a v-hire going to Balamban from the Ayala Center Cebu Terminal. Ask the driver to drop you off at Foressa. Fare is P120 per person.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and search for “Foressa Trails”. Parking space is available. Hailing a taxi or GrabCar is not possible.

RENT A CAR/VAN: For a hassle-free trip, rent a van at SquadPH Tours and Travels.

7. Terrazas de Flores

Claimed to be the country’s only flower terraces botanical garden, Terrazas de Flores Botanical Garde allows you to enjoy nature, art, poetry, and music all at once.

Get the chance to walk and dine while being one with nature while feasting your eyes with at least 127 species of plants and flowers.

  • Opening hours: 8AM to 12MN daily
  • Entrance Fee: ₱100 per head
  • Contact number: 0917 653 4227

How to get there?

Exact Location: Malubog, Cebu City (20 minutes away from JY Square and approximately 1km from the La Tegola / Tops Lookout – Busay road). Its garden gate is just right across Malubog Integrated School.

  • It’s still best to bring your own vehicle so you won’t have a hard time going back to the city. Parking spaces are available.
  • You can ride a v-hire or van going to Balamban from Ayala Cebu Terminal.
  • RENT: Avail an Uphill Cebu Package Tour (9 Destinations in 1 Day) for only P999 at SquadPH Tours and Travels.

8. Tops Lookout

It is always best to end your day with a breathtaking panoramic view of the city lights. Where better way to spend it? Tops Lookout.

Get the chance to experience the cold night breeze of Cebu City while enjoying the glittering lights of the Queen City. You can chill with a beer on hand and just savor the moment with friends and loved ones.

  • Operating hours: 10AM to 2AM daily
  • Entrance fee: ₱100 per person
  • Cottage fee: None
  • Corkage Fee: None
  • Allow walk-ins? Yes
  • Contact: 0909-890-5357

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact Location: Cebu Tops Road, Busay, Cebu City, Cebu — 20 minutes away from the main road (from JY Square).

BY JITNEY: Ride any jeepney going to Busay such as 04L or 04H and tell the driver to drop you off to JY Square. From there, ride a habal-habal (motorbike) and tell the driver to drop you off to Tops Lookout, approximate time of travel is about 30 – 40 mins. Fare is ₱100 per person (one-way).

BY CAR: If you’re driving your own car, just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and pin your location to “Tops Lookout” or refer to the map below. Parking space 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 per person), book with our trusted travel partner SquadPH Tours and Travels.

9. Don Emilio Botanical Garden

One quick escape you can go to in Cebu City, that is only 20-30 minutes away from the city proper, is this new garden located in the uphill side of Cebu. Dr. Emilio Osmeña Botanical Garden has finally opened its doors to the public.

It is the perfect place for your Instagram photos, or you can simply enjoy and appreciate the beauty of the flower blooms and the cool breeze. 

  • Operating hours: 24/7 – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Entrance fee: ₱100 per head (24 hours)
  • Pyramid Sheds: ₱200 good for 2-3pax, but no fan and foam
  • Tables / Cottage: FREE for now
  • Corkage fee: FREE for now

How to get there?

Exact location: Tops Rd., Busay, Cebu City — steep road of Busay, in between Balay sa Busay restaurant and La Vie in the Sky / Tops Lookout.

BY CAR: (Best option) Just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and search for ‘Balay sa Busay’ in Cebu Transcentral Highway. The garden is located few meters after ‘Balay sa Busay’ restaurant and before Tops Lookout. Parking space is available.

BY COMMUTE: Hire a habal-habal driver (Motorcycle for hire) near JY Square Mall in Lahug, and inform him to drop you off at the said garden. Estimated fare is ₱75-100 per person (max of 2).

BY TAXI: Hiring a taxi cab is possible but that can be hefty. Most of them won’t give you a metered reading system – hence, they’ll be offering you an estimated fare in going there.

BY CAR / VAN FOR RENT: For van or car rentals, or to book an uphill tour (9 destinations in 1 day for only ₱999 per person), book with our trusted travel partner SquadPH Tours and Travels.

10. La Vie in the Sky

The company behind the “Little Paris” restaurant in Lahug, Cebu City is taking the French dining experience to a higher level (literally) via La Vie in the Sky, the newest mountain-top restaurant and winery located at the steep roads of Busay, Cebu City.

If you loved the truly unique aesthetics of La Vie Parisienne, you will love this even more. It’s one of the most elegant restobars we’ve seen in Cebu with so many Instagram-worthy spots in and outside the restaurant. You can really feel the classic and posh “Little Paris” (French) ambiance while you can enjoy the beautiful skyline of Cebu City. 

  • Entrance fee: ₱100 per head (all consumable for food & drinks)
  • Operating hours: 7AM to 2AM daily (Mondays to Sundays)
  • Contact numbers: (032) 260-4388 / (032) 505-0274
  • Social: Facebook Page
  • Nearby Hotel in Cebu City: link

How to get there?

Exact location: Brgy. Busay, Cebu Transcentral Highway, Cebu City — along the road on the way to the popular Tops Lookout (20-30 minutes drive from JY Square Mall in Lahug, Cebu City)

BY CAR: (Best option) Parking space available. Just search for ‘La Vie in the Sky’ in Cebu Transcentral Highway via Waze or Google Maps. ‘La Vie in the Sky’ restaurant is located near Tops Lookout Viewing Deck.

BY HABAL-HABAL: Hire a habal-habal driver (Motorcycle for hire) near JY Square Mall in Lahug, and inform him to drop you off at the said restaurant or at
Tops Lookout Viewing Deck. Estimated fare is P100 per person (max of 2).

BY TAXI: Hiring a taxi cab is possible but that can be hefty. Most of them won’t give you a metered reading system – hence, they’ll be offering you an estimated fare in going there.

11. Temple of Leah

The “Taj Mahal” of Cebu, Temple of Leah is a grand gesture of love from a husband to his late wife.

Most lovers visit this place because they say this symbolizes love. However, regardless of one’s status, you should visit the place to also show yourself some love because we all deserve it.

  • Visiting hours: 7AM to 6PM daily
  • Entrance fee: ₱50 per person
  • Parking fee: ₱100 if inside the premises; free if outside but limited slots only
  • Other fees: ₱2,500 for professional photography for events
  • Contact number: (032) 233-5032

How to get there?

Exact location: Landon Heights Roosevelt, Busay, Cebu City — few meters away from Temple of Leah and Mountain View Nature’s Park, and 15-20 minutes away from JY Square or city proper.

BY HABAL-HABAL: Ride a motorbike (max of 2 persons per bike), near or surrounding from JY Square Mall in Lahug. It would cost only ₱100 per head per way – ₱150 for 2 people. You may need to pay more and schedule ahead if you want a ride back from the city.

BY TAXI/GRAB: T\Max of 4 persons only per car. Some drivers might be okay with it, some are not. Some might ask for more, so be understanding and negotiate well since the road is a bit steep. Estimated cost is ₱200-250 per way from the city (Ayala Center).

BY CAR: This is the best option, if you want to have peace of mind and not worry about your way back home. The road is concrete and well-maintained, but a bit steep so it’s safe to bring your own car. Parking space is also available. Just navigate via Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Temple of Leah”.

BY CAR RENTAL: You can rent a car or book an uphill tour with our trusted travel partner, SquadPH Tours and Travels.

12. Sirao Flower Gardens

Dubbed to be Cebu’s ‘Little Amsterdam,’ Sirao Flower Garden and Farm became infamous because of the visitors’ irresponsibilities. The visitors became uncontrollable.

Nonetheless, Sira Flower Garden and Farm never lost its beauty. With a vast expanse of beautiful and colorful flowers, this is definitely a must-visit too for the ‘gram!

NOTE: For the information of everyone, there are TWO (2) gardens in Sirao. Both gardens are located just beside each other.

1. Original Sirao Flower Garden – Little Amsterdam of Cebu

  • Entrance fee₱100 per head
  • Operating hours: 6AM to 6:30PM
  • Contact details: 0943 706 3437

2. Sirao Pictorial Garden and Camping Site (PGCS)

  • Entrance feeP50 per head
  • Operating hours: 6AM to 6:30PM for all visitors; 6:30PM to 6:30AM for campers
  • Contact details: 0946 937 7891

How to get there?

Exact location: Brgy. Sirao, Cebu City. Going there in your own vehicle can save you from the hassle of transferring between vehicles and can save you from spending for the fare. Your landmark would be Ayala Heights, take a right turn to Sirao Flower Farm.

BY MOTORBIKE: From J.Y. Square Mall, take a habal-habal that will take you directly to Sirao Flower 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 Sirao Flower Garden. 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 “Sirao Flower Garden”. Parking fee is ₱20.

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.

Also read

Sarah Ladeza
Sarah Ladeza
"Cebu needs no Disneyland because it is already a wonderland."

Copywriter | Boholana

For advertising inquiries, kindly directly email Sugbo.ph at [email protected].

3 COMMENTS

  1. Never go to Don Emilio Botanical Garden.
    Sheds are First come First serve, but they secretly accept reservations.
    The water of pool is totally dirty.
    You can’t use Tent. You can’t barbeque your food.(It’s not a camping site)

    Anyway Shed management is terrible.

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