1. Cebu Safari & Adventure Park
If you’re visiting Cebu, you should never miss going to Cebu Safari & Adventure Park, the famed haven for hundreds of different species of plants and animals!
A lot of the animals in the safari are endangered species, and the property creates a safe space for these animals in its impressive 170 hectares of developed mountain terrain. Aside from observing thousands of animals from 120 different species, you can stay overnight in their luxurious Safari Camp, or go on a wild adventure in the safari’s very own Adventure Park, with one of the longest and highest ziplines in the country – 1.3 kms. long and 671 m. above sea level!
PARK SCHEDULE:
- Wednesday to Sunday
- 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Last entry/ticket selling is 2:00pm
ENTRANCE FEE:
- Adult: ₱800.00
with one set lunch meal(NO more set lunch included) - Kids 2 to 3ft: 50% off
- Kids below 2ft: FREE
- Senior Citizens & PWDs: 20% off
CONTACT DETAILS:
- Online booking: cebusafari.ph
- Contact numbers: 0929-196-8191 / 0945-301-3700
- Email address: [email protected]
- Social: Facebook Page
How to get there?
Exact location: Toril, Brgy Corte, Carmen, Cebu — approx. 2 hours away from Cebu City.
For convenience, it’s recommended to bring your own vehicle or rent a van/car. You may just simply navigate via Waze or Google Maps and search for “Cebu Safari and Adventure Park”. Cebu Safari is located approx. 8km away from the highway. The landmark is the Carmen National High School — if you’re coming from Cebu City, make a left turn before this school. There are signages along the road to guide you.
If you are to commute, you may ride a north-bound bus at the Cebu North Bus Terminal in Mandaue City. Ask the driver to drop you off at Carmen Public Market. From there, you may ride a habal-habal to Cebu Safari.
2. Cebu Ocean Park – SM Seaside
Another attraction filled with natural wonder is Cebu Ocean Park, the Philippines’ largest oceanarium.
From many colorful and characteristic fishes to snakes, sharks, rays, and even birds, there are hundreds of animals to discover in Cebu Ocean Park. Its highlight is a 360-degree viewing tunnel in the oceanarium. The Park also features a Jungle Trek, Creepy Critters, and a Bird Show with intelligent macaws and cockatoos. The Ocean Park also is right across SM City Seaside, Cebu’s grandest mall destination with 241,600 square meters of shopping and dining space!
Operating hours:
- Opening hours: 9AM to 6PM, Thursdays to Sundays
Ticket Prices:
- Weekdays:
₱600₱549 per head (adults/kids) - Weekends:
₱800₱649 per head (adults/kids) - Children below 2ft are free of charge.
Day Use Inclusions:
- Jungle Trek
- Creepy Critters
- Lorries
- Seven Seas
- Stingray Interaction
- Oceanarium Journey
- Ampitheatre
- Main Tank Gallery
Add-ons:
- Sea Trek – ₱1,200
- Crocodile Cage – ₱2,000
- Fish spa – ₱100 per 20 mins.
- Swim w/ the Sting ray – ₱1,000
Other information
- Online booking: www.cebuoceanpark.com or via Klook
- Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/cebuoceanparkofficial/
- Contact number: (032) 888-5288 ext. 805, 804
- Email address: [email protected]
How to get there?
Exact location: SM Seaside Complex, South Road Properties (SRP), Cebu City — beside the San Pedro Calungsod Chapel, at the back of SM Seaside City Cebu; 15 minutes away from Fuente Osmeña Circle, 30 minutes away from Ayala Center Cebu.
BY MYBUS: You can take a FREE MyBus ride from/to BDO Fuente Osmena. Or ride any MyBus from Mactan Airport, SM City Cebu, Talisay, Mandaue City, Parkmall. Check the routes & schedules here: https://sugbo.ph/2019/cebu-mybus-guide/
BY CAR/GRAB/TAXI: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Cebu Ocean Park”. Parking is P30 per entry.
3. Cebu IT Park
No Cebuano is a stranger to IT Park, the city center for hustling, bustling, living, and dining!
The 27-hectare business park is a hub for international and local software research and development companies, BPOs, and contact centers. At the same time, a big chunk of the area is dedicated to dining, shopping, and leisure facilities. Here you can find countless restaurants, numerous bars, the fully-decked Ayala Central Bloc mall, the spacious and grassy Garden Bloc, and the famous Sugbo Mercado. With all of these, Cebu IT Park has become a lifestyle destination for locals and visitors alike!
HOW TO GET TO CEBU IT PARK?
Exact location: Cebu I.T. Park, Lahug, Cebu City — 15-20 minutes away from Ayala Center Cebu, 30-45 minutes away from SM City Cebu.
BY TAXI/BUS: If you’re already in Cebu City, just hail a taxi cab or ride a bus that’s going to IT park. IT Park is quite big and easy to get lost in so it would be best to know your destination before going out.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “I.T. Park” in Cebu City. Multiple parking spaces are available within the park.
4. Buwakan ni Alejandra
While Cebu is known for its white sand beaches and mesmerizing waterfalls, you might be surprised to discover its other attractions.
One such hidden gem is something that garnered attention only in the recent years: Buwakan ni Alejandra, or in English, Alejandra’s flower garden. Buwakan ni Alejandra is an oasis of vivid hues and explosive color amidst the mountain forests of Balamban. The garden showcases a big variety of flowers and colorful plants that just pop in the sun and in front of the green backdrop of the mountains of Cebu. Just as long as you’re responsible and careful of the flowers, you can take as many pictures as you like – and believe me, you’ll want to take lots!
- Entrance Fee: ₱75 per adult, ₱50 per head for Kids, PWD & Senior Citizen
- Opening hours: 7AM to 6PM, Mondays to Sundays — if there’s a storm, they will close the premises to protect the flower garden.
- Contact number: 0908-768-9379
- Social: Facebook Page
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.
5. Top of Cebu
You’re already here on the mountains of Cebu, why not stay a bit longer for dinner? A scrumptious dinner, at that.
Enjoy great food at top-rated restaurant, Top of Cebu! The restaurant cooks up delicious Filipino and Cebuano favorites, as well as delectable dishes with their own twists. Take for example their Pancit de Cebu with spicy pancit canton and crispy noodles served with seafood, meats, and Cebu’s chicharon. Then you have their Salted Egg Calamares and the Sizzling Bangus with spicy coconut cream. With dishes like these cooked to perfection, you’re set to have a memorable meal with a lovely view of the metro.
Food Menu
OTHER INFORMATION
- Operating hours: 11AM to 11PM, Mondays to Sundays
- Contact number: (032) 515-0718
- Social: Facebook Page
– Open for reservations / bookings for exclusive events or private parties.
How to get there?
Exact location: Brgy. Busay, Cebu Transcentral Highway, Cebu City – just beside the popular Tops Lookout (20-30 minutes drive from JY Square Mall in Lahug, Cebu City)
BY CAR: (Best option) Spacious parking space available. Just search for ‘Top of Cebu’ or ‘Tops Lookout’ in Cebu Transcentral Highway via Waze or Google Maps. ‘Tops of Cebu’ restaurant is located just beside the popular Tops Lookout.
BY MOTORBIKE: 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. Estimated fare is P50 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.
6. Simala Church
Every now and then, it’s nice to break away from the city and the crowds. Sometimes we need a good trip to refresh not just our minds, but also our spirit.
The Cebu Simala Church is a popular destination for locals and visitors. Whether on a pilgrimage or just visiting for a day, many people visit to pray or even just to witness the “miraculous” Birhen sa Simala. The Virgin Mary is believed to have cried tears of blood on her birthday, September 8, hence why people see her as miraculous. Seeing her up close is an experience that is one of a kind, and even if you don’t get inside, the castle church is a majestic sight to behold.
Details:
- Opening hours: 6AM to 6PM daily
- Mass schedule:
- 12PM to 1PM daily;
- 12PM to 1PM & 3:30PM to 4:30PM on Sundays
How to get there?
Exact location: Sibonga, Southern Cebu — 2-3 hours away from the city.
BY BUS: From the South Bus Terminal, ride a bus going to Oslob or Liloan/Santander. Tell the conductor you will get off at Simala to go to Simala Church. Fare is ₱85 (one-way). Alight at Simala near 7Eleven. Then ride a habal-habal (motorcycle) to take you to Simala Church. Fare is about ₱20 per person.
BY CAR: If you’re bringing your own car, just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and pin your destination to “Simala Church”. Very spacious parking space is available with a fee of ₱20 per vehicle.
7. Sumilon Sandbar
Now, who doesn’t love fine white sand and crystal-clear waters together?
Get the best of both when you come to Sumilon Sandbar! You can find it on Sumilon Island, just 20 minutes away from Oslob. The sandbar is a wide stretch of powdery white sand surrounded by clear turquoise waters. There are no rocks in sight, and the sandbar slopes gently into the sea. It’s the perfect place to marvel at the sea and watch the sunset, and if you came to Cebu to get a feel of its beaches, you can’t miss out on Sumilon Sandbar.
RATES:
- Sumilon Island Boat Transfer Fee – P1,500 per boat
- Environmental Fee – P50
- Sumilon Island Day-Pass – $30 or P1,440 based on Klook
OTHER INFORMATION:
- Link to Purchasse Bluewater Sumilon Day Pass – https://www.klook.com/en-PH/activity/17620-bluewater-sumilon-day-pass-cebu/?aid=9244&aff_adid=543413&utm_medium=affiliate-alwayson&utm_source=long&utm_campaign=9244&utm_term=&utm_content=
- Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bluewater.sumilon
- Contact Number: +63 998 964 1879
- Website: http://www.bluewatersumilon.com.ph/
HOW TO GET THERE:
Exact Location: Sumilon Island, Oslob, Southern Cebu — approx. 3-4 hours away from the city.
BY BUS: From the South Bus Terminal (near Emall), ride a Ceres bus going to “Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort”. All buses bound for Oslob operate 24/7. Bus fare is ~P155 /head (one-way). Inform the driver to drop you off at the main Whale Shark activity site or to the resort you’re heading.
BY CAR: Road trips are fun, especially if you’re going south. Make sure to navigate via Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort”.
8. Solea Mactan Cebu Resort
Are you looking to experience the sea a little closer to the city?
Solea Mactan Cebu Resort is an upscale resort at Mactan, just within an hour from Cebu City. The vast resort features a wide array of amenities to give you a truly relaxing experience with the best value for your money. Here you’ll find an immense garden, multiple inviting freshwater swimming pools, and pristine beaches with panoramic views of the sea. Treat yourself to a mix of activities accommodated by Solea and its very own Nouveau spa. Whether it’s for a holiday, a day trip, or a weekend stay, Solea offers you a relaxing time.
Contact information
- Contact numbers: (032) 517-8889 / 0998-589-6764 (Smart) / 0917-621-8987 (Globe)
- Email address: [email protected]
- Social: Facebook Page / Instagram
- Online bookings: link
Room Rates
To book online, click here.
How to get there?
Exact location: Wahing Street, Barangay Alegria, Cordova, Cebu — 45 minutes away from the city proper, and 30 minutes from Mactan Airport.
BY CAR/GRAB/TAXI: Just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Solea Mactan Cebu Resort”.
BY COMMUTE: From SM City Cebu, ride a v-hire going to Gaisano Cordova (last stop). From there, ride a tricycle going to Solea Mactan Resort.
9. WaterWorld Cebu
From waterfalls to springs and beaches, you will never run out of destinations to enjoy water here in Cebu.
Even inland, in the bustling city of Mandaue, WaterWorld opens its doors for fun times in the water for everyone! WaterWorld Cebu is the biggest water park in Central Visayas, boasting 3 hectares of slides, rides, and aqua fun. The huge water park comes with over 30 slides, a giant 1,500 square meter wave pool, a waterhouse for kids, and a 400-meter-long flowing river. The water park is completed with its food outlets offering snacks and refreshments after you splash in the cool waters.
Operating hours:
Saturdays & Sundays: 9AM to 5PM (starting April 4, 2021)
April 2021 Promo:
- Day Use: P500 per head (Buy 10 tickets, Get 1 FREE)
- Multiple entry in one day per ticket
- Entrance fee:
- ₱400 per head (weekdays) for both kids & adults
- ₱500 per head (weekends) for both kids & adults
- Kids 3 feet below are FREE OF CHARGE.
- Table rentals: ₱400 per day, good for 8pax
- Locker rentals: ₱100 per locker (same group may share one locker)
- Aqua Suites: ₱2,500 (Day Use only)
- Air-condition function rooms are also available for rent.
*Strictly NO outside food & drinks allowed. There are several food outlets inside the resort.
Where to buy the tickets?
You can only avail the tickets onsite or at the ticket counter of WaterWorld Cebu in Mandaue City.
Location:
It is located at Barangay Umapad, Mandaue City, Cebu — near the tip of Marcelo Fernan Bridge in Mandaue City side.
10. Prime Mactan Resorts
Finally, while you’re staying in Cebu, make sure to visit its world-class resorts in the island of Mactan!
The 16.5-hectare 5-star JPark Island Resort & Waterpark, the 11-hectare tropical paradise Plantation Bay Resort & Spa, and the 6-hectare luxury Crimson Resort & Spa. Whichever of these top-class, high-end resorts you decide to go to, you’re sure to be attentively taken care of and pampered to the fullest. These resorts showcase the beauty of Mactan shores and extend the world-famous Philippine hospitality. Which one’s the best? They’re all great, even we can’t decide!
To get the best rates for the best resorts in Mactan, click here.
