6 spots in Balamban to visit this summer

Did you know that in midwest Cebu, there lies a world-class shipbuilding municipality? 

Yes, there is! Facing the beautiful Tañon Strait, the municipality of Balamban boasts its industrial hub wherein the largest ferry was built, along with an economically and socially progressive community. 

With the town’s well-implemented plans and sustainable projects, the place is filled with spots you can visit this summer to witness their progress towards their goal of developing a vibrant economy.

With their tag being “Breathtaking Balamban”, here are 7 attractions you can explore wherein you can see how stunning the district is for yourself.

1. Dome de Valentine

A summer igloo, a bolt for a wooden dreamland! Dome de Valentine is your perfect escape to somewhere private and surrounded by nature.

Dome de Valentine is a geodesic dome that you and your loved ones can book and enjoy being surrounded by lush greenery while having the place all to yourselves. This could be your perfect getaway for this summer if you are looking for something more intimate and less rowdy while still enjoying the aesthetics of earthy textures and contemporary fittings. 

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Exclusive stay:

– P12,000 per night, good for 10pax (Mondays to Thursdays)
– P14,000 per night, good for 10pax (Fridays to Sundays and Holidays)

• Maximum of 15 persons only
• Extra headcount fee: P1,000 (13y/o up)/P500 (3-12y/o)
• Book now! Click this link first: https://www.airbnb.com/c/ramm357 and sign up. After signing up, head on to this link.

Contact information and inquiries are made via Airbnb only.

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

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Brgy. Hingatmonan, Balamban, Northwestern Cebu — 2-3 hours away from the city.

The host will be providing you with the complete instructions on how to get there. Below directions will just give you an idea of the transportation options.

BY VAN: 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 Brgy. Hingatmonan.

2. EVO Nature Camp

Camping could never go wrong during summer. If staying overnight surrounded by flora and fauna under the stars is your thing, EVO Nature Camp is awaiting your experience with them.

Camping can be troublesome, but EVO Nature Camp levels up the activity to something more glamorous, and they call it “Glamping” as they should because of the luxuries they offer.

The tents they offer have air-conditioning and other comfortable amenities. As tempting as it may sound to just stay inside and sleep on the comfortable bed, the area outside of your private domain shows you over 40,000 flowers and a lot more activities to do such as trekking and obstacle courses.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

GLAMPING:

Glamping tents are fully air-conditioned and furnished like hotel rooms.

• GLAMPING DELUXE W/ AIRCON:
  • Weekdays: P4,000 per night
  • Weekends: P5,000 per night
  • Good for 4 persons w/ FREE BREAKFAST & guest toiletries.
• GLAMPING STANDARD:
  • Weekdays: P2,500 per night
  • Weekends: P3,000 per night
  • Good for 4 pax. No free breakfast. With toiletries.

Day use rate is 50% off

CAMPING:

• P300 per head (Camping Fee)

For those without tents, tents w/ mattresses are available for rent as follows:

• P300 (good for 2)
• P500 (good for 4)
• P700 (good for 6)
• No beddings. Please bring your own

TREKKING:

• P2,500 (good for 1-5 pax)
• P500 for every excess pax
• With guide & Safety Equipment

OTHER RATES:

• Entrance fee: P55 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

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.

3. Sermon on the Mount Retreat Resort

Have your zen moment at this relaxing resort in the mountains! Sermon on the Mount Retreat Resort allows you to reconnect with your inner self by letting you immerse in what nature has to offer you. 

You can book a room with your friends and family and stay together in a scenic spot uphill that gives you the best views of Balamban. Sleepy and surrounded by mist that unfolds like a blanket, if you are looking to relax, then this is the retreat for you. You can also choose to submerge yourself in their pool if you believe you meditate best in water.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

DAY USE:

Day use rates:

• Adults: ₱500 per head, minimum of 7-10 guests;
• Children: ₱250 per head

Inclusions:

• Use of Swimming Pool, Sauna, Viewing Deck, Trekking, Kitchen
• Exclusive use from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, weekdays only

OVERNIGHT USE

Rate: ₱12,500 per night, good for 10-12 persons

Inclusions:

• 4 queen-sized beds and 4 bunk beds
• Hot and cold shower
• Electric Fans
• One Safety Deposit Box
• Complete cooking and kitchen utensils

AMENITIES

• Swimming Pool
• Sauna
• Karaoke
• Trekking within the vicinity
• Forest Bathing at the wooden viewing deck

KITCHEN

• Cooking and kitchen utensils
• BBQ Grill
• Refrigerator
• Electric Water Pot

RESORT RULES

• No pets allowed
• No wild parties allowed
• No music after 10PM

NOTE: The resort does not accept walk-in reservations and only allows online booking as a safety precaution and to avoid crowding the resort.

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Corkage fee: None
• Contact numbers: 0920-920-1726
• Email address: [email protected]
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SermonMountRetreatResort/

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Transcentral Highway, Gaas, Balamban – just an hour’s drive away from Cebu City

BY SHUTTLE (most recommended): The guests can arrange pick-up and drop-off to and from the airport to Sermon on the Mount for a full package service. Contact them in their Facebook page for more details.

BY JEEPNEY: Take a jeepney bound for Balamban in the Ayala Bus Terminal. Inform the driver to drop you off at the Sermon on the Mount Retreat Resort

BY HABAL-HABAL: Hire a habal-habal driver just around JY Square Mall in Lahug. They already know where the place is. The fare to the resort is about P150 only.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Sermon on the Mount Retreat Resort” in Balamban. Parking space is available upon arrival.

4. Mt. Mauyog

Another mountain makes it to the list because mountains are always a good idea, and Balamban is abundant in them. 

A new experience is something you should seek before summer ends, and mountain trekking all the way up to Mt. Mauyog is a rewarding encounter. A green highland with vast fields accompanied with a gentle breeze might just be that new story you’re looking for to put in your summer chapter.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

FEES:

• Entrance fee: ₱30 per head
• Guide fee: ₱200-300 per group (optional)

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Balamban, Cebu — approx. 2.5 hours away from the city. Just about 1.5 kilometers after West 35, right turn to Brgy. Sunog.

BY COMMUTE: From Ayala Terminal, hop on a v-hire and tell the driver to be dropped off at the corner towards Mt. Manunggal. Estimated fare for the v-hire ride is Php 120.00. Once you reach there, habal-habal drivers or motorcycle taxis are available from the Barangay Outpost and they can take you to the jump-off of Mt. Mauyog at Php 100.00 per head.

RENT: Avail an Uphill Cebu Package Tour (9 Destinations in 1 Day) for only P999 at SquadPH Tours and Travels.

5. JVR Island in the Sky

From down the earth, we go up and reach greater heights! JVR Island in the sky allows you to visit the highlands with their colorful hanging bridge and cable car, if you are looking for something more on the exciting and heart-racing side of things. Should you not want the adrenaline rush, worry not because a pool is accessible for you. 

After all the fun activities, you can stay overnight in their rooms if traveling back home after being placed in several exciting situations.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

FEES:

• Entrance: ₱55 per adult; ₱30 per kid
• Open Cottages: ₱350 per day
• Cable Car: ₱150 per head
• Swimming Pool: ₱50 per head

ROOM RATES:

COUPLE ROOMS
– Good for 2 pax
– ₱1,500 per night (Black Cottage, Snow White Cottage)

FAMILY ROOMS
– Good for 4 pax
– ₱2,500 per night (Ivory)

• BARKDA ROOM 1
– Good for 5 pax
– ₱4,500 per night (Nala & Simba)

• BARKDA ROOM 2
– Good for 8 pax
– ₱3,500 per night

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Operating hours: 7AM to 7PM daily
• Contact details: (032) 272-3409 / 0916-138-5764
• Email address: [email protected]
• Social: Facebook Page

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Brgy. Gaas, Balamban, Cebu – across 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 JVR Island in the Sky (just a few meters ahead of Adventure Cafe).
• PRIVATE: Parking space available. Just search for ‘JVR Island in the Sky’ in Gaas Balamban, Transcentral Highway via Waze or Google Maps.
• RENT: Avail an Uphill Cebu Package Tour (9 Destinations in 1 Day) for only P999 at SquadPH Tours and Travels.

6. Florentino’s Art Space

We are ending this list with something a bit more different than the other ones above. We believe you should consider an underrated place to head to for self-reflection this summer, which is an art gallery. 

Somewhere around a hilltop in Balamban, you can find Florentino’s Art Space, an art exhibit by Florentino “Jun” Impas wherein you can look everywhere around you and find art. Even when you go outdoors, the art space extends there with the grandeur of nature that surrounds the place. A hillside garden, mini-playground, and orchard — it cannot get any more aesthetic than this! But yes, it still does.

Not only does it satisfy your eyes, but your appetite as well. It has a cafe they call Sunset Cafe that offers light snacks and meals that plates their food as though it were a part of the exhibit.

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Opening hours: 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM on Fridays to Sundays, and holidays only (as of Feb. 2022)
• Age limit: No age limit. Kids and senior citizens are allowed.
• Corkage fee: Applies to all outside food and drinks brought.
• Reminders:
  • No face mask, no entry policy. Physical distancing must be observed with other guests when visiting.
  • Pets are only allowed if guests are responsible enough to look after them.
• Contact number: 0917-864-0184
• Email address: [email protected]
• Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/FlorentinosArtSpace/?ref=page_internal 

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Km 33, Transcentral Highway, Gaas, Balamban 6000 Balamban, Philippines, approximately an hour away from the city.

BY CAR: You may navigate with the help of Waze or Google Maps. To get exact directions from your app, set your destination to “10.660, 123.770” in Tuburan, Cebu. When you’re already in the area, you may ask locals for directions to “Florentino’s Art Space.”