Badian may be known for Kawasan Falls, canyoneering, and Lambug Beach, but its highlands has a different kind of laag. Along the Dalaguete-Mantalongon-Badian Road, travelers can find cool mountain air, open landscapes, and views toward Badian Bay and the sea. Read on to discover what to see at Badian Highlands, how to get there, and why it is worth adding to your next Cebu road trip.
Views From the Highlands
Badian Highlands sits along the scenic mountain road connecting Dalaguete and Badian. From the higher sections of the road, visitors can see parts of the surrounding towns, Badian Bay, Tañon Strait, and even Negros Island on a clear day. The elevated setting also gives the area a cooler atmosphere compared with the lowlands.
Part of the Dalaguete-Badian Road
The scenic road passes through several upland barangays in Badian, including Basak, Talayong, Dobdob, and Tiguib, before reaching the boundary toward Ablayan in Dalaguete. The road itself has become part of the experience, with mountain scenery appearing along the drive.
Catch the Sunrise or Sunset
The open highland views make Badian Highlands a good place to pause during a road trip. Early visitors can catch the changing colors of sunrise, while afternoon travelers can stay for the sunset as the sky turns over the mountains and coastline. Weather conditions can affect visibility, so clearer days offer better chances of seeing Negros across the Tañon Strait.
Bring Your Bike or Running Shoes
Badian Highlands is not only for sightseeing. The uphill roads are also used by cyclists, runners, and travelers who want to take a walk while enjoying the mountain scenery. If you’re bringing a bike or planning to run, be prepared for inclines and sections of road where vehicles may pass.
A Road Trip Destination
The highlands work well as part of a South Cebu road trip rather than a destination that requires a full-day itinerary on its own. Travelers can combine the drive with other attractions in Badian or Dalaguete, then spend time at the highlands before continuing to their next stop.
How Much Does It Cost?
Badian Highlands is primarily a scenic roadside destination, so there is no general entrance fee reported for the highland road itself. Your expenses will mainly come from transportation, fuel, food, and any other destinations you visit along the way.
Price upon writing: No reported entrance fee; transportation and other personal expenses are separate.
What to Bring
Bring water, sun protection, comfortable shoes, and a light jacket if you plan to stay until early morning or evening. The weather can be cooler at higher elevations, while exposed viewpoints can still become warm during the day.
Leave No Trace
Badian Highlands is part of Cebu’s mountain landscape, so keeping the area clean is everyone’s responsibility. Avoid leaving food wrappers and bottles along the roadside, do not damage vegetation, and be mindful when parking or stopping for photos. Enjoy the views, but leave the highlands looking the way you found them.
How To Get There?
Location: Badian-Dalaguete Rd., Badian, Cebu, Philippines
By Car: From Cebu City, take the Cebu South Road heading toward the southern towns and continue toward Dalaguete. From the Dalaguete area, take the Dalaguete-Mantalongon-Badian Road toward Badian and continue through the upland barangays. Badian Highlands is along this scenic mountain route, so use a navigation app and slow down when approaching viewpoints or stopping areas.
By Commute: From Cebu City, take a southbound bus from the Cebu South Bus Terminal toward Badian or Dalaguete, depending on the route available. From the nearest accessible point along the main road, you can arrange a habal-habal to take you uphill toward Badian Highlands. The highland section is roughly 13 kilometers uphill from the national highway, so confirm the fare and exact drop-off point with the driver before starting the ride.
