Transcentral Highway is the gateway to reach the deepest, and arguably the best, parts of Cebu Island. It has provided access to both locals and tourists to be able to fully experience all that Cebu has to offer to them. Due to the various benefits that the Transcentral Highway offers to everyone, it is regarded as one of the most revolutionary transportation innovations Cebu has ever made. Through this mountain highway, land trips to a lot of places in Cebu’s central and northwestern parts are faster and easier.
Aside from an efficient travel option, the Transcentral Highway has one of the best mountainside views that travelers can testify to. Long and quiet drives become bearable with the various sights that motorists and drivers will pass through. As a result of the highway attracting many motorists, travelers, and drivers to the tranquil road, many have taken advantage of the charming views which has given travelers to pass by it more often.
Here are 6 new and famous hangout spots with charming views that are worth the long drives.
1. Charlie’s Cup
Charlie’s Cup is a roadside nature cafe hanging by the cliffs of Balamban. It perfectly combines the elements of wood, metal, and glass to give it a refreshing and charming look that makes it blend well with its natural backgrounds.
Have a cup of coffee and experience the simple and rustic vibe that is both pleasant and comforting to the soul. More than just being a chill tambayan, Charlie’s Cup welcomes with wide and open arms fur parents who want to take their fur babies on a trip with them.
MENU:
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- Breakfast meals, coffee, tea, cakes are available
- Pets are allowed
- Mini playground for your kids
- Wifi connection (5 pesos per hour)
- Parking space available
OTHER INFORMATION:
- Opening hours: 8:30AM – 6:30PM daily
- Contact number: 0917-328-1777
- Email address: [email protected]
- Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Charlies-Cup-102007591757337/
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Brgy. Tabunan, Cebu City — just before the “Welcome to Balamban” sign, approx. 1 hour away from the city. It is located along the highway going to Balamban and just a few meters from “21 Kilometers Coffee”.
BY VHIRE: From the Ayala Center Cebu PUV Terminal, take a v-hire going to Balamban. Tell the driver to drop you off at Charlie’s Cup in Brgy. Tabunan. Van fare is around P120 per head (one-way).
2. The Grove by Serenity
A quarantine project of the Tan family that turned into a trendy spot for nature lovers, The Grove is an enchanting Bamboo Park decorated with dazzling lights that complement the relaxing atmosphere which makes the night more magical.
Get ready to experience the magic of the mountains as the sun sets and lights in The Grove start to dance with the swaying bamboos.
MENU:
RATES:
- Entrance fee: P200 per person (P100 is consumable for food and drinks)
- Movie Nights (Mon – Wed): P250 per person, with buttered popcorn
- Acoustic Nights (Thurs-Fri): P100 per person
OTHER INFORMATION:
- Contact numbers: 0917-304-3089 / 0921-283-0542
- Email address: [email protected]
- Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thegrovebusay/
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Sitio Tiguib, Brgy. Malubog, Busay, Cebu — approx. 20-30 minutes away from the main road.
BY CAR: (Best option) Parking space available. Just search for ‘The Grove by Serenity’ in Cebu Transcentral Highway via Waze or Google Maps.
3. Liel’s Kitchen
Dine outdoors and chill at a restaurant where you can literally hang on a net suspended above the mountains.
Another charming hangout spot by Serenity Farm and Resort, Liel’s Kitchen offers a variety of modern Japanese dishes with a unique way to experience its flavors. As you partake in the refreshing flavors of Japanese cuisine, you can also treat yourself with the panoramic views of the mountains in front and below you.
Photo by Chaste Egay-San Pablo 
Photo by Chaste Egay-San Pablo
MENU:
OTHER INFORMATION:
- Entrance fee: P100 per head (consumable for food and drinks)
- Opening hours: 12NN to 9PM daily
- Contact number: 0956-031-4799
- Email address: [email protected]
- Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LielsKitchen/
How to get there?
Exact location: Within Liel’s Kitchen by Serenity Farm and Resort, Malubog Busay, Cebu (along Transcentral Highway) — approx. 30 minutes away from the city proper or JY Square Mall.
BY CAR: (Best option) Parking space available. Just search for ‘Serenity Farm and Resort’ in Cebu Transcentral Highway via Waze or Google Maps.
4. Chixboy Busay
It’s an undeniable fact that Cebuanos love to eat and Cebuanos are one of those who dominate the food scene in the country. From tasty kwek-kweks on the streetside to fancy dining in restaurants, the Cebuano palate is ready to take in anything that stimulates the taste buds.
For an al fresco dining experience, Chixboy in Busay offers a barbecue dining experience to its customers. Experience eating your barbecue favorites in the presence of stunning views and refreshing backgrounds. There’s no better way to feed a hungry stomach and a soul longing for a relaxing time.
MENU:
- BBQ – P20
- Belly – P150
- Tocino – P35
- Chorizo – P40
- Samgyeopsal – P60
- Sisig – P120
- Pork Steak – P160
- Chicken Paa – P90
- Chicken Pecho – P90
- Chicken Skin – P30
- Tuna Panga – P170
- Scallops – P120
- Scallops with Sisig – P140
- Rice – P20
- Pusó – P8
OTHER INFORMATION:
- Operating Hours: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Contact Number: 0956 789 5704
- Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/chixboycebu/
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Busay, Cebu City (near Temple of Leah) — 15-20 minutes away from JY Square or the main road
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 P100 per head per way – P150 for 2 people. You may need to pay more and schedule ahead if you want a ride back from the city. Inform the driver to drop you off at the new Chixboy Restaurant (few meters away from Temple of Leah, or show him the map below).
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps, and search for “Chixboy” in Busay. Parking space is available. 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.
5. EVO Nature Camp
Nature-lovers will find themselves falling deeper in love with the many wonders of Cebu as they connect and bask themselves in the rejuvenating energy of nature in EVO Nature Camp.
It is a 4.5 hectare adventure camp found in the refreshing lands of the municipality of Balamban. Explore and immerse yourself in the calming beauty of 40,000 bright and vibrant flowering plants and 2,509 pine trees, giant ferns, and mountains of green.
MENU:
RATES:
- Entrance fee: P75 per head (with Environmental Fee); FREE for kids 5 years old and below
- Includes free use of Board Games: sungka, chessboard, jenga, snake and ladder, etc.
- Use of Gazebo: P100 per hour (includes use of hammocks)
- Camping:
- Own tent: P300 per head
- Tent rental: P300 (for 2 pax); P500 (for 4pax); P700 (for 6pax) — rental comes with inflatable beds
- Note: Bring your own beddings
- Corkage fee applies for food brought
- Trekking: P2,500 (for 1-5 pax); P500/excess
Glamping:
Glamping tents are fully air-conditioned and furnished like hotel rooms.
- Weekdays: P4,000 per night, good for 4pax with breakfast
- Weekends: P5,000 per night, good for 4pax with breakfast
Other Information:
- Opening hours: 7AM to 8PM daily for day use
- Contact numbers: 0910 818 3651/ 09954283762/ 09164440633
- Email address: [email protected]
- Social: https://www.facebook.com/evonaturecamp
How to get there?
Exact location: Brgy. Gaas, Balamban, Cebu – few meters before Adventure Cafe; approx. 1 hour drive away from JY Square Mall or Marco Polo via the scenic Transcentral Highway.
BY VAN: From the Ayala Center Terminal, take a v-hire going to Balamban via Transcentral highway route. Fare is ₱120 per person (one-way). Inform the driver to drop you off at EVO Nature Camp in Brgy. Gaas.
BY CAR: Parking space available. Just search for “EVO Nature Camp” in Gaas Balamban via Waze or Google Maps.
RENT A CAR / TOUR: Avail an Uphill Cebu Package Tour (9 Destinations in 1 Day) for only P999 at SquadPH Tours and Travels.
6. Happy Buddha
Cebuanos love dimsum. Cebuanos also love refreshing mountain views. In Happy Buddha, Cebuanos get the best of both worlds with their tasty Dimsum dishes. There’s no better way to experience the mountains of Busay than by having a warm bowl of Dimsum and a refreshing breeze from the mountains.
MENU:
Other information
- Operating hours: 8AM to 8PM daily
- Contact numbers: 0927-449-2221 / 0977-207-0623
- Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/happybuddhacebu/
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Cantipla, Cebu Transcentral Highway, Busay, Cebu City — approx. 1 hour away from the main road.
BY VAN: From the PUV terminal at Ayala Center Cebu, take a VHire to Balamban. Tell the driver to drop you off at Happy Buddha in Cantipla (near the Strawberry Farm Cantipla). Van fare is ₱120 per head.
BY CAR: If you’re bringing your own vehicle, just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and pin your location to “Unplug” in Transcentral Highway. Hailing a cab or Grab is not possible, unless you rent a car.
