There are times, if not all the time, that you cannot withhold your wanderlust. You want to continue moving your feet and exploring throughout the world, uncovering all the hidden secrets and gems of Cebu.
However, there are also times, if not all the time, when we’re broke i.e. don’t have enough money to travel around. How can you feed this wandering soul within you?
Lucky for you, not everything is set with a price. Here is a list of 10 attractions in Cebu that you can visit for free! Hopefully, you have at least some fare to go there.
1. Lapos-Lapos Cave
Ever feel like you want to find a hidden easter egg but in real life here in Cebu? Lapos-Lapos Cave gives off the same type of vibe of something completely concealed from humanity. Within the caves’ premises, there lays a huge statue of the holy Mother Mary. When you find yourself in times of trouble, you come to her and let it be.
How to get there?
Exact Location: Brgy. Bunga, Toledo City, Cebu
BY BUS: From Cebu City South Bus Terminal, you can ride a bus bound to Toledo and you can request the driver or conduct to be dropped off at Poog or Eskina Bunga. Once there, you can hail a habal-habal bount to Bunga Barangay Hall to register and the officers there will provide you a guide that can take you to Lapos-Lapos Cave.
2. Panagsama Beach
With the right snorkeling and swimming equipment, Panagsama Beach in Moalboal is an underwater gem full of vibrant marine life. Their famous attraction is the sardine run, but then again, you cannot see it without the proper equipment, so if you plan to come here, be sure to bring them.
How to get there?
Exact Location: Panagsama Road, Moalboal, Southern Cebu — approx. 3 hours away from Cebu City.
BY BUS: From the South Bus Terminal, ride a bus heading to “Bato via Barili”. Inform the driver ahead to drop you off at Gaisano Grand Mall or the Moalboal Municipal Hall. Bus fare is ~₱120 per head (one-way), travel time is around 3 hours.
From either Gaisano Grand Mall Moalboal or the Municipal Hall, ride a tricycle to your hotel. Or tell the driver to take you Pinagsama Beach (since this is nearer to Pedascor Island). There’s also lot of diving shops here where you can for island hopping tours. Fare is ₱20 per person (one-way), travel time is approx. 15 minutes.
3. Magellan’s Cross
Of course, we also need to appreciate the culture of Cebu because it is the foundation of Cebu itself. Found in the heart of Cebu, Cebu City, is the very famous and historic monument Magellan’s Cross. It is a large wooden Christian cross planted by the Portuguese and Spanish explorers when they first discovered the Philippines.
How to get there?
Exact Location: P. Burgos St, Cebu City, Cebu (in front of Cebu City Hall and across one of the entrances to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño)
BY CAR: Tourists coming from or staying at hotels on Mactan Island will have to drive or hire a cab going to Cebu City. It takes around 20 to 30 minutes to travel from Mactan to Cebu City. The easiest way for tourists to get to Magellan’s Cross is via taxi as they would definitely know where it is located.
BY PUJ: You can also get on a jeepney with a signboard going to the City Hall or the Basilica.
4. Basilica del Santo Niño
How to get there?
Exact Location: Pilgrim’s Center, Osmeña Blvd, Cebu City
BY CAR: Tourists coming from or staying at hotels on Mactan Island will have to drive or hire a cab going to Cebu City. It takes around 20 to 30 minutes to travel from Mactan to Cebu City. The easiest way for tourists is via taxi as they would definitely know where it is located.
BY PUJ: You can also get on a jeepney with a signboard going to the City Hall or the Basilica.
5. 24/7 Cebu City Public Library
Tracing its roots back as a branch of the National Library of the Philippines in Manila, the Cebu City Public Library is also a significant figure in Cebu history. It first opened in April 13, 1919 and survived the second World War. Now, the Rizal Memorial Library is its permanent home and it is here to continue providing knowledge and information collected throughout the world.
How to get there?
Exact location: G/F, Rizal Memorial Library and Museum Bldg, Osmeña Blvd, Lungsod ng Cebu.
BY PUJ: You can ride any PUJ that will pass through the capitol, 14D, 04H, 17D and many more.
BY CAR: NO parking space available. It might be better to commute or hail a taxi or GrabCar when going there.
6. Mt. Lanaya
Dubbed as the most difficult trek in Alegria according to many mountaineers, Mt. Lanaya is truly a hike worth taking for those who would like to go high places and relax in the beautiful scenery of nature. Plug off from the digital world as you stay here and camp with your barkada. When you’re there, be sure to get creative with your angles to perfect that Instagram post.
How to get there?
Exact location: Barangay Legaspi, Alegria, Southwestern Cebu — 3 hours away from the city.
BY BUS: From the South Bus Terminal, ride a bus bound for Bato, Samboan, or any bus going southwest Alegria. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Alegria town proper. Fare is ₱155 (one way). From the town proper, you can either take a habal-habal (motorcycle) going to Barangay Lumpan or if you have enough time and want to try the challenging Legaspi trail, proceed to Barangay Legaspi.
BY CAR: If you’re driving your own car, just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and pin your location to “Barangay Legaspi, Alegria, Cebu” or refer to the map below. Park your car at your own risk within the town.
7. Simala Shrine
The Philippines is a very catholic country, and the Simala Shrine is a testament to Cebu’s devoted faith. This magnificent castle of a temple is a perfect place to heal your soul and meditate. However, it is important to take note that we should always be respectful and be mindful of our actions as it is a solemn place.
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.
8. Taoist Temple
While the Philippines is a Catholic country, Cebu is a melting pot of different cultures and religions. This serene temple was built by the Chinese community in 1972 and has been open to all those who want to experience their traditions. Again, let us be mindful of our actions since this is a religious shrine.
How to get there?
Exact location: Beverly Hills Subdivision, Lahug, Cebu City
BY JEEPNEY: From Cebu City, ride a jeepney bound for Lahug along Osmeña Boulevard and get off at JY Square Mall. From there, ride a habal-habal up to the subdivision’s entrance gate. Walk for 10-15 minutes to reach the temple.
9. Maravilla Beach
This public beach found in Medellin is one of the many marvelous beaches of Cebu. If you like the feel of the white sand through your toes during this upcoming summer, then Medellin Beach is a perfect place for you. The locals are very friendly which is one of the perks of this beach.
How to get there?
Exact location: Maravilla, Tabuelan, North-Western Cebu — 2-3 hours away from Cebu City.
BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal, ride any bus going to Tabuelan – fare is ~P100 per person. Drop off at Tabuelan Public Market – where you can buy ahead your food. From the Public Market, ride a motorbike or habal2x going to Maravilla Brgy Hall. Once you’ve arrived at the Barangay Hall, you will see a basketball court behind it. Walk through the eskinita or alley for about 3-5 minutes until you reach to the beach.
10. Sirao Peak
Another great hike in Cebu is the Sirao Peak. Satisfy your body’s craving for a good climb here and let your mind rest as you pass amazing sceneries of nature, such as the Budlaan River. It is also the perfect place for camping because of how spacious the area is, so bring your friends and have a chill night under the starry night.
How to get there?
Exact location: Mount Kan-Irag, Sirao, Cebu City — approx. 1 hour away from JY Square Mall
BY PUJ: From JY Mall, Lahug, Cebu City, ride a habal-habal and disembark to the base of Sirao Peak (Ayala Heights).
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