Cebu is home to many wonderful works of nature, and the municipality of Carmen is no exception. This municipality has a rich history and culture; in fact, before the Sinulog festival was ever a thing in Cebu, Carmen had already a festival of their own similar to that of the Ati-Atihan of Kalibo, Aklan. It was named as the “Ati-Atihan sa Carmen” but the following year, it was renamed as the “Sinulog sa Carmen”.

This municipality truly has many treasures to be discovered by the masses. If you are planning on travelling or staying in Carmen, here are some of the places worth visiting there.

1. Cebu Safari and Adventure Park

Cebu Safari Zoo, a 170-hectare property owned by Cebuano pawnshop tycoon Michel J. Lhuillier, features more than 100 species including lions, giraffes, camels, tigers, zebras, among others. The park offers many exciting features and activities but topping the list are the African Savanna, Michelle’s Garden, Gardens of the World, and the White Lion Safari.

Rates & Other Information

ENTRANCE FEE:

• Adults: P600 per head
• Children & senior citizens must be accompanied by guests with pre-booked tickets.
• Child tickets & senior citizen discounts can only be availed at the park (subject to the park’s existing requirements & guidelines).

*Rates above are “Welcome Back” promo rates and may be changed without prior notice.

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.

2. Alhibé Farm

Alhibé Farm, a one-hectare private property situated in the mountains of Carmen, was developed as a natural farm & a boutique mountain getaway for guests who want to take respite from city life and immerse oneself back to nature. Guests are treated with an exclusive use of the whole property at the same time having a farm stay experience that offers bonfire activities, star gazing, spring-fed pool, and more.

Rates & Other Information

NOTE: Walk-ins are NOT allowed. Make sure to book a reservation first using the links provided below.

The Homestay Experience includes up to 6 Guests with breakfast and Hut+Bell Tent/s accomodation”. For bigger groups, additional guests can be accommodated up to 17.

OVERNIGHT RATE: P9,000 per night, good for up to 6pax (same rate applies for 1-6pax); rates may increase for bigger groups.

Other information

• Social: Facebook Page
• Email address: [email protected]
• Contact number: N/A

How to get there?

Exact location: Sito Baucan, Brgy. Sac-on, Carmen, Northern Cebu — at the back of the Cebu Safari & Adventure Park.

RENT A CAR: The farm offers air-conditioned Van Transportation as per availability with certain charges. You can also rent a car via SquadPH Travels.

BY CAR: Just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to Cebu Safari and Adventure Park. From there, ask around where you can find Alhibe Farm.

BY BUS: For commuting guests, a bus ride from the city’s North Terminal and getting off at Carmen Public Market is the easiest way. The farm is located in Barangay Sacon, 10km from the National Highway and is about a 30minute drive of uphills & downhills, river crossing & a single-lane rough road experience before arriving. There are no regular public transit system going to Barangay Sacon from the town proper, however Motorcycles for hire “habal-habal’’ are readily available for a P50 per head, minimum of 2 per trip. Most of the motorcycle drivers are familiar with the fenced farm, few meters from the MLhuillier’s Safari back gate going to Barangay Lanipga.

3. Mt. Mago

Mt. Mago in Carmen is one of the easiest hiking and camping destinations in the province that allows you to experience the sea of clouds. Being able to see fog amidst the backdrop of nature is one of the most beautiful natural sceneries that we can enjoy.

Rates and Other Information

FEES:

• P40 (one-way) – Mini bus going to Carmen (P50 for Ceres Regular, P60 for Ceres Tours)
• P100 (one-way) – Habal-habal / motorbike going to Brgy. Santica
• P20 per head – Guide’s fee (~P100 /head if guide is an adult)

How to get there?

Exact location: Brgy. Santican, Carmen, Danao City — 42 kilometers (1-2hr travel) from the city.

1. From the Cebu North Bus Terminal, ride any bus going to Carmen. Tell the driver to drop you off at Carmen Public Market. Fare is P40 per head per way.

2. Carmen Public Market is just along the national road. Metro Supermarket Carmen with MetroBank ATM machine (sometimes it’s offline so better bring cash), Carmen Public Market, 7 Eleven store, pharmacies and bakeshops are the establishments nearby for your shopping and essential needs.

3. Ride a habal-habal or motorbike going to Brgy. Santican, Danao Barangay Hall. Travel time is take 1-2 hours, fare is P100 per head per way.

4. Get a guide to help you reach to Mt. Mago Peak. THIS IS RECOMMENDED for your safety. At least get guide who is a kid to lessen the cost – guide fee is at least P20 per head. An adult’s guide fee is around P100 per head (or P300 for the whole group) — this is also recommended for first-timers.

4. Mangitngit Falls & Middle Earth Mountain Resort

Always give yourself time to cool off, and a good place to start would be at the Middle Earth Cold Springs. Along with the falls is a cold spring in an establishment called the Middle Earth Mountain Resort. The waters of the cold spring sip right from the falls itself and the place gives a charming and relaxing vibe as you swim along.

Rates & Other Information

Fees:

• Entrance fee: P50 per adult; P30 for kids below 10y/o
• Regular Cottage: P400 per day, inclusive of 1 table & 5 chairs
• Large Kiosk: P3,000 per day, inclusive of 2 tables and 10 chairs
• Extras: P200 (additional table with 5 chairs) / P10 (additional chair)

Other Information

• Opening hours: 7AM to 5PM daily
• Contact number: 0936-837-9660 or contact Carmen Municipal Hall at (032) 429-9215; 266-8740
• Social: Facebook Page

How to Get There

Exact Location: Cantucong, Carmen, Liloan, Northern Cebu — approx. 2 hours away from Cebu City.

5. Durano Eco Farm & Spring Resort

The Durano Eco Farm and Spring Resort in Carmen offers replenishing eight multi-level pools. Relax and submerge yourself in this interesting spring in the middle of the lush, green scenery of Carmen — perfect for chill out with your family and friends.

Rates & Other Information

Rates

• Entrance fee:
  • P100 per adult
  • P50 per kid (9 y/o & below)  
• Picnic Table: P300 per day (with 4 chairs, large umbrella)
• Day Cottage: P1,000 to P1,500 per day
• NO Corkage Fee. You are allowed to bring your own food and drinks.

Overnight Rates

The Tree House Room:

• Good for 2pax
• With aircon and CR
• Additional P100 /head entrance
• P950 per night, for 2pax
• P1,500 per night, for 6pax

Other information

• Contact number: 0917-506-8335
• Email address: [email protected]
• Social: Facebook Page

How to get there?

Exact location: Bgy. Corte, Carmen, Northern Cebu — approx. 2 hours away from Cebu City.

BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal, ride any bus bound for Carmen or Sogod. Inform the driver to drop you off at Carmen Public Market. Bus fare is ₱40 per person. From there, ride a habal-habal and tell the driver to bring you to Durano Eco Farm. Fare is ₱35 /way. Travel time is around 15 minutes.

BY JEEP / MINIBUS: You can also ride a jeepney or mini-bus going to Carmen, from Sun Gold near the crossing in SM City Cebu. Inform the driver to drop you off at Carmen Public Market. Bus fare is ₱40 per person. From there, ride a habal-habal and tell the driver to bring you to Durano Eco Farm. Fare is ₱35 /way. Travel time is around 15 minutes.

BY VAN: You can ride a v-hire from SM City Van Terminal. Inform the driver to drop you off at Carmen Public Market. Bus fare is ₱40 per person. From there, ride a habal-habal and tell the driver to bring you to Durano Eco Farm. Fare is ₱35 /way. Travel time is around 15 minutes.

BY CAR: For convenience, bring your own vehicle and navigate via Waze. Just search for “Durano Ecofarm and Spring Resort”. The resort is located 15-20 minutes from the main road. But this is not recommended as the roads are not concrete.

6. Balwarte ni Vossing

Just on the way to Cebu Safari and Adventure Park, Balwarte ni Vossing is an enchanting eatery in a forest that will be hard to miss. It is a simple container van converted into an aesthetic and charming space for eating. Occasionally, Balwarte ni Vossing is shrouded in fog or mist that gives the place a mysterious vibe and a calming ambiance.

Rates and Other Information

Menu:

Other Information:

• Contact number: 0915-896-6388
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/balwartenivossing/

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Toril, Corte, Carmen, Northern Cebu — approx. 2 hours away from the city.

BY BUS: Find your way to the Cebu North Bus Terminal. Ride any bus that’s bound for Carmen and ask the bus driver to take you to Carmen Public Market. Upon arrival, take a habal-habal to Cebu Safari & Adventure Park and Balwarte ni Vossing will be just a few meters from the entrance.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Cebu Safari & Adventure Park” in Carmen. Just before the turn to the entrance of the park is a red container van by the side of the road. That is Balwarte ni Vossing. Parking space is available upon arrival.