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2021 Guide: Cebu South Bus Trips & Schedule

In case you missed it, Cebu Province has officially opened its borders for tourists from anywhere in the Philippines.

We’ve already created a guide for Cebu North Bus trips, but if you wish to travel to Cebu south by bus, here’s the latest guide on Ceres bus schedule for southern destinations.

Routes:

  • Cebu City to Bato via Oslob and vice versa
  • Cebu City to Bato via Barili and vice versa
  • Cebu City to Moalboal and vice versa
  • Cebu City to Argao and vice versa
  • Cebu City to Alcoy and vice versa

Trips / Schedule:

Cebu South Bus Terminal:

The Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) is located along N. Bacalso Avenue, Cebu City, near Elizabeth Mall (E-Mall).

Travel Requirements:

The Cebu Provincial Government eases the travel requirements, but they advise travelers to secure a prior appointment or booking to their desired resort or destination.

It’s also important to observe the minimum health requirements such as:

  • Must always wear face mask & face shield
  • Must always observe social distancing

There’s also no age limit in Cebu Province areas. Note, the Cebu Province only covers the towns and municipalities in Cebu outside Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City and Mandaue City.

CEBU TOURISM CONTACTS

In case you have specific questions or concerns when traveling, it’s best to contact directly the local government unit’s Tourism Department of your destination.

Below is the latest list of Tourism Contacts per LGU in Cebu:

LGUContact NumberEmail Address
Alcantara9085220632[email protected]
Alcoy9436899062[email protected] / [email protected]
Alegria9562335753[email protected]
Aloguinsan09199067172 / 09773213301[email protected]
Argao9083594026[email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]
Asturias0923-160-7074[email protected]
Badian0966-5569-065[email protected]
Balamban9989894363[email protected]
Bantayan9087672264[email protected]
Barili9323448645[email protected] / [email protected]
Bogo City0927-222-8063 / 9201354727[email protected]
Boljoon9422185110[email protected]
Borbon9455512304 / 09084344768[email protected]
Carcar City9270392761[email protected][email protected]
Carmen9982672067[email protected]
Catmon9154135763[email protected] / [email protected]
Cebu City+63 943 702 4607[email protected]
Cebu Province9178437984[email protected]
Compostela0949-658-8046[email protected]
Consolacion9176771852[email protected]
Cordova9491317457 / 09434401981[email protected]
Daanbantayan9167771157[email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]
Dalaguete9477076048[email protected]
Danao City9228055957[email protected]/[email protected][email protected] / [email protected]
Dumanjug9276587113[email protected]
Ginatilan0917-327-7555[email protected]
Lapu-lapu City9162174220[email protected]
Liloan9224323166[email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]
Madridejos9471460372[email protected]
Malabuyoc9055632886[email protected]
Mandaue City09322665767 / 09177701134[email protected]
Medellin9173076656[email protected]
Minglanilla9566026422[email protected]
Moalboal9276151287[email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]
Naga City9176555533[email protected] / [email protected]
Oslob9222504860[email protected] / [email protected]
Pilar9489378965[email protected] / [email protected]
Pinamungajan0917-319-4414[email protected] / [email protected]
Poro0939-910-4598[email protected] / [email protected]
Ronda9054022960[email protected] / [email protected]
Samboan0925-506-1879 / 09173254808[email protected] / [email protected]
San Fernando9567144502[email protected]
San Francisco9334195684/ 9176347776 / 09123337726[email protected] / [email protected]
San Remigo0910-880-2172[email protected]
Santa Fe0928 616 5391[email protected] / [email protected]
Santander0926-678-6981/09293569943[email protected] / [email protected]
Sibonga9054332706[email protected]
Sogod09985597247/ 09179646429[email protected] / [email protected]
Tabogon09325200711 / 09993795808[email protected]
Tabuelan9482774680[email protected]
Talisay City9674024735[email protected]
Toledo City9569075008[email protected] / [email protected]
Tuburan9193194612[email protected]
Tudela9072327676[email protected] / [email protected]

Also read:

6 Must-Visit Destinations in Daanbantayan

When it rained stunning islands jeweled with long stretches of powdery white sand shorelines in the Philippines, Daanbantayan town in Cebu certainly got a good catch.

Located in the northern part of Cebu, Daanbantayan has become a renowned tropical getaway among local and foreign travelers. It is famous for its attractive beaches and breathtaking dive spots. Few parts of the town are best locations for snorkeling with rich marine life and diverse coral reefs.

It’s time to get salty and sandy. Here’s a list of the six tourist destinations that you should include in your itinerary when travelling to Daanbantayan.

1. Carnaza Island

It looks like a turtle-shaped island from an aerial view. While it’s true that its distance and accessibility are among the factors why there’s not much tourism in the area, the island is still worth the travel. It is a paradise of crystal-clear waters and breathtaking landscape. This is not just a place for swimming and snorkeling, the place is also a home of unexplored caves and thick forest vegetation. Although when travelling, make sure that you bring with you enough sources of battery supplies (powerbanks) since the island has limited power supply.

John Ray Aligato / The Island Nomad
Photo by Mary Jane Cabrera
Photo by Mary Jane Cabrera
John Ray Aligato / The Island Nomad

Exact Location: Northernmost distance from the shore of Daanbantayan Northern Cebu and at the North of Malapascua Island — approx. 4 hours away from the city.

Tent Rates:

  • Regular Season – P100 (tents offered by the staff of Carnaza Eco Park)
  • Peak Season – P300 (tents offered by the non-staff of Carnaza Eco Park

How To Get There: Head on to Cebu North Bus Terminal and ride the bus bound for Maya-Bagay or you can simply ask and conductor around the bus terminal and tell them that you’re going to Tapilon Port. Travel time is around 4 hours and fare is P212 (airconditioned bus).

Once you arrive at Tapilon Port, ride a boat going to Carnaza Island (P150 per way). First trip is at 7am-10am but it would actually depend on the condition of the sea. Alternatively, you can rent a pump boat for P7000 roundtrip it can carry around 25-30 people. Tapilon Port to Carnaza Island travel time is 2 hours.

2. Malapascua Island

Malapascua island is a must-visit for beach staycation. Here, you won’t just frolic on its white sand beach but you can also snorkel in the shallows. There are also bars and restaurants scattered around Bounty Beach, the island’s main beach.  You can chill around, take a stroll, get some light snacks, and eventually dip in the cool waters surrounding the place.

malapascua island cebu
Photo by @omglennys 
Photo by Thomas Dietz

Exact Location: Malapascua Island, Daanbantayan, Northern Cebu — 4 hours away from Cebu City, and 30 minutes away from Maya Port.

Where to Stay:

How To Get There: Head to Cebu City North Bus Terminal. Ride a van or Ceres bus bound for New Maya Port (around P210 fare, 4 hours travel time). Walk to the port or take a motorcycle for P20/head. Take the boat to Malapascua with P100/person fare (45 mins travel time). If it’s low tide, the boat can’t dock near the shore so you will be transferred by a small boat. Fare is P20/person. You may also charter a boat for P1500 good for 15 passengers. Alternatively, you can also drive to New Maya Port using your vehicle, but you’ll have to park it near Maya Port. Parking fee is P100/day.

3. Gato Island

Gato Island is a rocky island located in between Malapascua and Carnaza Island. Bamboo sharks, white tip sharks and cat sharks are known to be dwelling here. It holds a huge diversity of marine life such as banded sea snakes, stingrays, tuna, snappers, seahorses, cuttlefishes and a lot more, making it a good spot for diving.

Gato Island also boasts interesting underwater rock formations and corals. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a huge cave that shelters many animals serving essential roles in the island’s ecosystem.

Joemar Revelo the Pinoy Islander
Joemar Revelo the Pinoy Islander
Joemar Revelo the Pinoy Islander
Joemar Revelo the Pinoy Islander

How To Get There?

Gato Island is usually included in island hopping tours alongside Kalanggaman Island, La Manok, and Malapascua Island.

For a hassle-free trip, it’s better to book a trip and hire an island hopping service agency in advance. You may contact ECebu Finest Island Hopping Tour Partners at 0916-557-7118.

DO-IT-YOURSELF (DIY): From Cebu North Bus Terminal, take a ride to a bus bound to Daanbantayan, specifically in Maya Port. The trip is roughly around 4-5 hours. Upon arrival to the port, register to take a boat ride going to Malapascua Island. The first trip departs at 7 AM while the last trip is at 5 PM, though the locals will still consider faring beyond that time depending on the number of passengers. The boat ride is roughly around 30-45 minutes and upon arrival, the locals can be asked for further directions on how to get to Gato Island.

Fare Rates:

  • Bus Fare from Cebu to Daanbantayan: P160
  • Fare from Port to Daanbantayan Proper: P10
  • Fare from Daanbantayan to Maya Port: P10
  • Fare from Maya Port to Malapascua: P100

The island is indeed a sight to behold and through the locals’ efforts, the island is preserved and hopefully would stay that way for many generations to come.

4. Monad Shoal

Swimming underneath the waters with towering corals, playful turtles, and a wide variety of fishes, can be fun and exciting. But swimming with sharks? Monad Shoal gives you that thrill.

This place is widely known for being one of the world’s sites that attract thresher sharks. Thresher sharks are easily recognized by the long upper lobe of the caudal fin (top half of the tail). They are considered mostly harmless to humans.

These sharks can be seen before sunrise in the region.  The sea mount acts as cleaning area for them to remove the parasites from their skin, mouth and gills. There are also devil, eagle and manta rays, including occasional hammerhead sharks, swimming in the area.

Photo by Erwin Verweij
Photo by Lewis Lexter Yap
Photo by Lewis Lexter Yap
Photo by Lewis Lexter Yap

Exact Location: 7.8 kilometers from Malapascua Island, Daanbantayan, Northern Cebu.

How To Get There: First, you need to get to Malapascua Island by following the instructions above on how to get there.

5. Golden Sands Destinations Resort

Swimming, island-hopping, diving, and snorkeling can be exhausting. Daanbantayan just can’t let you go without a little royalty pamper.

Golden Sans Destination Resort located in Daanbantayan, Cebu offers you a stay that is bathed with endless picturesque and world-class properties and amenities, thirst-quenching concoctions, and if there’s enough energy left, activities that you should never miss.

You can go paddle boarding, kayaking, and biking.  Their “Boogie’s Restaurant and Bar” is also a must-try as it offers a fusion of local and international delectable dishes.

Photo from Golden Sands Destination Resorts Facebook Page
Golden Sands Destination Resorts Daanbantayan Cebu (2)
Photo from Golden Sands Destination Resorts Facebook Page
Photo from Golden Sands Destination Resorts Facebook Page

Exact Location: Sitio Suba, Brgy. Maya, Daanbantayan, Northern Cebu

Room Rates:

  • Garden Villas: P8400/night good for 2 pax with breakfast 
  • Lagoon Villas: P12200/night good for 2 pax with breakfast
  •  Family Villas: P18300/night good for 2 pax with breakfast

How To Get There: Head to Cebu City North Bus Terminal. Ride a van or Ceres bus bound for New Maya Port (around P210 fare, 4 hours travel time). Tell the driver to drop you off at Maya Public Market in Daanbantayan. From there, ride a habal-habal or tricycle going to Golden Sands Destination Resorts (formerly Sandoval Beach Resort). Fare is P20-30 per person.

6. Kandaya Resort

Kandaya Resort is also Daanbantayan’s flagship bearer when it comes to idyllic, luxury destination in the heart of the historic Daanbantayan. It is named in homage to Datu Daya, an ancient brave tribal chieftain who once stood as protector of old Bantayan. The resort offers a serene environment mixed with adventure, relaxation and tradition to reinvigorate the body. The resort offers Asian and Western cuisines.  They also have a spa that would certainly rejuvenate your senses to a state of balance and well-being.  However, Kandaya Resort is temporarily close until further notice. They are looking forward to open by mid-December.

Kandaya Resort Daanbantayan Cebu (2)
Kandaya Luxury Resort Daanbantayan Cebu
Kandaya Resort Daanbantayan Cebu (1)

Exact Location: Agujo, Daanbantayan, Cebu, Philippines

Standard Room Rates:

  • Deluxe Room: P11610 per night  
  • Premier Room: P15500 per night
  • Ocean View Suite: P21500 per night
  • Garden Villa: P15500 per night
  • Garden Pool Villa: P21500 per night
  • Beach Pool Villa: P29500 per night

How To Get There: Go to Cebu North Bus Terminal and tell the conductor that you’re heading to Kandaya Resort in Agujo Daanbantayan. Fare is P200. Also, you can just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and pin your location to “Kandaya Resort”. Ample parking space is available.

We are blessed with so much of nature’s generosity and it just blends well with the creativity and dexterity of the human race. Let’s strive our best to become better stewards so that treasures and places like these in Daanbantayan will last through ages.

Dynamic Herb-Borromeo Sports Complex: Cebu City’s World-Class Football Turf

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Sports action in Cebu is about to get more exciting with the addition of a world-class football turf and sports complex along the south coastal road of the already jam-packed SRP in the metro.

Developed by the Dynamic Herb Sports Inc., the Dynamic Herb-Borromeo Sports Complex is an artificial contemporary multi-sport complex spanning a gross land area of 1.2 hectare in the South Road Properties.

It will feature an outdoor multi-purpose turf playing field and complete indoor gymnasium that can accommodate a wide range of field sports including football, futsal, rugby, frisbee, flag football or American football as well as other Filipino favorites like basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, handball and more.

Photo by Justin Judilla
Photo by Justin Judilla
Photo by Justin Judilla

The football field is complete with facilities such as comfort rooms, canteen, shower rooms, locker rooms and bleachers that can accommodate about 500 persons by proper seating.

A running pathway will also be built for joggers and fitness buffs. On top of that, the place is set to accommodate national and international events as well as house a sports academy and seminars in the facility.

Photo by Justin Judilla
Photo by Astrid Mae Pacifico Erasga

Ugur Tasci, owner and managing director of Dynamic Herb Sports Inc. said, “This is my first project and I was thinking everything would be easy, but I didn’t know that it is very complicated. Building the football turf took us a lot of big work. I thought it was easy, but we realized it was very complicated to put it up, it was a big challenge.”

The said facility is deemed to be the first of its kind in Cebu.

Photo by Astrid Mae Pacifico Erasga
Photo from Dynamic Herb Sports Inc. Facebook Page

“I want to give what Cebu deserves and I want to give justice to what a football field should be,’’ he further added.

The Dynamic Herb-Borromeo Sports Complex was supposed to host the PhilamLife Vitality Kampeon Cup last March 13 to March 15 but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was rescheduled to a later date for the safety of all the people involved in the event.

Photo by Justin Judilla

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Cebu South Road Properties, Antuwanga, Cebu City – few meters from Gaisano Capital

BY COMMUTE: You can book a Grab/taxi ride and inform the driver that you’re heading to Dynamic Herb-Borromeo Sports Complex.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Dynamic Herb-Borromeo Sports Complex” in SRP Cebu. Parking space is available.

Cebu logs 332 new cases on March 7

On Sunday night, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of March 7, 2021.

Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 332 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 410 new recoveries, and 1 new death. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 38,595, while the active cases decreased to 6,725 (from 6,804).

Breakdown of cases:

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 18,617 (+154 new)
– Total recoveries: 14,494 (+354 new)
– Total deaths: 759 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 3,364

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 4,567 (+69 new)
– Total recoveries: 3,452 (+37 new)
– Total deaths: 125 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 990

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 4,562 (+45 new)
– Total recoveries: 3,347 (+0 new)
– Total deaths: 187 (+10new)
– Active cases: 1,028

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 10,849 (+64 new)
– Total recoveries: 9,023 (+19 new)
– Total deaths: 483 (+1 new)
– Active cases: 1,343

Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 6,725
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 38,595 (+332 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 30,316 (+410 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,554 (+1 new*)

A total of 2,789 laboratory results were released for today.

NOTES from DOH-7:

  • *As per DOH-7, the additional deaths in the report are not due to the overnight spike in deaths but due to more accurate data collection and validating efforts. Not all of those deaths occurred today but occurred more than a week ago.
  • Reports maybe subject to change as these claims undergo thorough validation by the local healthcare offices and health personnel.

DOH-7 Full Report (Central Visayas):

DITO offers unli data, SMS, and calls promo for only P199

While DITO has been buzzing about their internet speed, this new telco has also recently announced their new offering. Starting on March 8, for only P199, DITO Telecommunity could provide you with unlimited data, SMS, and calls.

DITO’s P199 Welcome Offer comes with:

  • Unlimited DITO-to-DITO SMS for 30 days upon activation of the promo.
  • Unlimited DITO-to-DITO calls for 30 days upon activation of the promo.
  • Unlimited data for 30 days upon activation of the promo

Note: This promo is only available from March 8 – 31, 2021.

How to Avail?

  1. You must have a valid and working DITO prepaid sim card.
  2. Must have an installed and working DITO app in your device.
  3. Once installed, log-in to your DITO app.
  4. Go to the App Home Page then click the buy promo “WELCOME OFFER” button.
  5. If successful, you will receive a text confirmation

This promo is available in the following cities and/or municipalities:

  • Cebu City
  • Carcar
  • Consolacion
  • Danao
  • Liloan
  • Mandaue
  • Minglanilla
  • Naga
  • San Fernando
  • Talisay
  • Panabo, Davao
  • Tagum, Davao
  • Carmen, Davao
  • Davao City
  • Digos

Where to buy the DITO SIM cards in Cebu?

You can buy DITO SIM cards at any of these official outlets in Cebu:

  • SM City Cebu
  • SM City Consolacion
  • SM Seaside City Cebu
  • Robinsons Galleria Cebu
  • Robinsons Cybergate

Should you wish to buy your own DITO prepaid sim card, check the list of their outlets here: https://www.dito.ph

Cebu logs 382 new cases on March 6

On Saturday night, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of March 6, 2021.

Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 382 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 186 new recoveries, and 5 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 38,263, while the active cases increased to 6,804 (from 6,615).

Breakdown of cases:

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 18,464 (+161 new)
– Total recoveries: 14,140 (+43 new)
– Total deaths: 759 (+4 new)
– Active cases: 3,565

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 4,498 (+61 new)
– Total recoveries: 3,415 (+31 new)
– Total deaths: 125 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 958

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 4,516 (+49 new)
– Total recoveries: 3,347 (+57 new)
– Total deaths: 187 (+1 new)
– Active cases: 982

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 10,785 (+111 new)
– Total recoveries: 9,004 (+55 new)
– Total deaths: 482 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 1,299

Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 6,804
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 38,263 (+382 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 29,906 (+186 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,553 (+5 new*)

A total of 3,731 laboratory results were released for today.

NOTES from DOH-7:

  • *As per DOH-7, the additional deaths in the report are not due to the overnight spike in deaths but due to more accurate data collection and validating efforts. Not all of those deaths occurred today but occurred more than a week ago.
  • Reports maybe subject to change as these claims undergo thorough validation by the local healthcare offices and health personnel.

DOH-7 Full Report (Central Visayas):

Unli Cue Grill & Bar: All You Can Eat Buffet in Talisay for P249

In times that we’re down and sad or in times when we have something to celebrate, there is one thing that’s present every time – food.

Food is the universal companion and it can always, without a doubt, bring happiness into everyone’s lives. Outside being a necessity in everyday meals, food can be a lot of things – a treat for a hard day’s work, a gift for a friend, or simply something to share with others.

Photo from Unli Cue Talisay Facebook Page
Photo from Unli Cue Talisay Facebook Page
Photo from Unli Cue Talisay Facebook Page
Photo from Unli Cue Talisay Facebook Page

Although food has many forms, there is only one place in Talisay that will surely bring happiness to every Cebuano and that is Unli Cue Grill & Bar. It is an unli-everything buffet with a wide selection of Filipino dishes and other favorites that will fill everyone’s bellies.

Their staff are also experienced caterers so rest-assured that they’d be able to attend to every customer’s needs. Unli Cue Grill & Bar has one and only one goal – to satisfy every Cebuano’s cravings. Open wide as you take your fill of various grilled specialties, seafoods, desserts, and pizza and go home happy and content.

Photo from Unli Cue Talisay Facebook Page
Photo from Unli Cue Talisay Facebook Page
Photo from Unli Cue Talisay Facebook Page
Photo from Unli Cue Talisay Facebook Page

Celebrate paydays more wisely and have unlimited food options for as low as P250. Customers will also surely enjoy the rustic vibes and adorable table setup with butane stoves that will give them an enjoyable cook-it-yourself experience. If the buffet still isn’t enough, then they also have Dragon’s Nest kiosks serving milkteas and pizzas.

Whether it’s celebrations, get-togethers, or even just a normal day, Unli Cue Grill & Bar promises to serve quality meals that are freshly prepared and just as good as those served in hotels. Customers will surely come back for more.

Photo from Unli Cue Talisay Facebook Page
Photo from Unli Cue Talisay Facebook Page
Photo from Unli Cue Talisay Facebook Page

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS:

  • Lunch: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, Wednesday to Sunday
  • Dinner: 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM, Wednesday to Sunday

MENU

Photo from Unli Cue Talisay Facebook Page

Unlimited Buffet & Sugba: P249 per person

Grilled

  • Shrimp
  • Salmon
  • Chicken
  • Pork Longganisa
  • Tempura

Main Course

  • Fried Chicken
  • Fish Fillet with Special Sauce
  • Pancit Canton Guisado
  • Pork Lumpia

Desserts

  • Fruits
  • Chocolate Cake
  • Yema Cake
  • Ube Cake
  • Custard Cake
  • Mocha Cake

Pizza

  • Hawaiian
  • Pepperoni
  • Everything on Top

Drinks

  • Unlimited Iced Tea

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Fab Fidel Bas St., Linao, Talisay City, Cebu — approx. 1hr away from the city.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Unli Cue Grill & Bar” in Talisay. Parking space is available upon arrival.

LOOK: The ‘Mini Switzerland of Cebu’ in Campo 6, Talisay

A hidden gem in Cebu has recently been discovered by netizens in Facebook.

Campo 6, Talisay is being dubbed in social media as the “Mini-Switzerland” in Cebu City. The place features gentle rolling hills and lush, green fields and vegetation with a backdrop of massive verdant mountains extending into the distance. The featured sitio is actually a mountainous area with no signs of urbanization which helped it preserve its luscious landscapes.

Photo by Louie Lawrence Lacson
Photo by Louie Lawrence Lacson
Photo by Louie Lawrence Lacson
Photo by Louie Lawrence Lacson

This secret grassland is only known to locals and the few Cebuanos who pass by the area. Basically, it can be considered as the nature-lover’s paradise with various flora present at every angle. The open fields are perfect for nature activities such as hiking and biking due to the refreshing mountain air. The fields also make for great camping sites especially at night with its unobstructed views of the stars and the sky (be sure to check the weather forecast).

Some of the mountains may look appealing for a good mountain climb but it would be safer to consult with the locals first. Atop the higher mountains, there are panoramic views of the different cityscapes, roads, and forests of some parts of Cebu. Lastly, there are also perfect spots to watch sunset and sunrise for those who know how to look.

Photo by Louie Lawrence Lacson
Photo by Louie Lawrence Lacson
Photo by Louie Lawrence Lacson
Photo by Louie Lawrence Lacson
Photo by Louie Lawrence Lacson

The area is a bit hard to access due to the lack of a proper road in the sitio. It is far from the main road and requires a habal-habal ride or a private vehicle to discover. Getting to the place is quite a challenge but it is a natural wonder that will be worth the travel.  

Photo by Louie Lawrence Lacson
Photo by Mario Niocena Jr

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Campo 6, Sitio Campinsa, Brgy. Manipis, Talisay City, Cebu — approx. 1hr away from the city.

BY PUJ/JEEPNEY: Ride a jeepney bound for Talisay, Cebu. Drop off at Yahay Food Park in Lawaan. Look for habal-habal drivers who are willing to take you to Campinsa and ask for assistance from the locals when necessary.

TIP: Visit the place on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday for a higher chance to find a willing driver. It is more challenging to find a willing driver on weekdays due to the distance of the place.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination as “Yahay Food Park” in Lawaan. It would be better to ask for directions from people who have been there before driving off or you could ask the friendly locals for a little help for directions.

Most Beautiful Flower Gardens in Cebu

In today’s booming tourism of Cebu, a visit to the Queen City of the South is incomplete without dropping by her gardens scattered around Cebu. This post is intended for those looking for IG-worthy flower gardens in Cebu.

1. Original Sirao Flower Garden – Little Amsterdam of Cebu

Dubbed to be the “Little Amsterdam” or “Mini Holland” of Cebu, Sirao Garden (or Celosia Flower Farm) is an 8,000-square-meter piece of uphill land. You will be seeing different types of flowers there, but the star is the celosia, which fully blooms in October. There are also bicycles, a windmill, fountains, and picket fences to resemble the fields of Amsterdam.

0 sirao flower garden
new-sirao-flower-garden-farm
Photo by Mj Magallon
MORE INFORMATION:
  • Entrance feePP100 per head
  • Operating hours: 6AM to 6:30PM
  • Contact details: 0943 706 3437
How to get there?

Exact location: Brgy. Sirao, Cebu City. Going there in your own vehicle can save you from the hassle of transferring between vehicles and can save you from spending for the fare. Your landmark would be Ayala Heights, take a right turn to Sirao Flower Farm.

  • BY MOTORBIKE: From J.Y. Square Mall, take a habal-habal that will take you directly to Sirao Flower Farm for ₱400 roundtrip, good for 2 persons already. The driver may ask you for additional waiting fee of ₱100-200 per hour depending on your haggling talent. The ride will take 30-45 minutes to get there.
  • BY VAN: From the Ayala Cebu PUV Terminal, you can ride a v-hire going to Sirao for ₱50 /head (one-way). Ask the driver to drop you off near Sirao Flower Garden. From there, ride a habal-habal going to the flower garden but it may take time to find one from this point, fare is ~₱20-30 /head.
  • BY CAR / VAN FOR RENT: For van or car rentals, or to book an uphill tour (9 destinations in 1 day for only 999 pesos per person), book with our trusted travel partner SquadPH Tours and Travels.

2. Sirao Pictorial Garden and Camping Site (PGCS)

This garden is located just adjacent to the original Sirao Flower Farm. It still is worth checking out. The Sirao Flower Pictorial Garden features several “Instagrammable” spots and an infinity pool.

MORE INFORMATION:
  • Entrance feeP50 per head
  • Operating hours: 6AM to 6:30PM for all visitors; 6:30PM to 6:30AM for campers
  • Contact details: 0946 937 7891
How to get there?

Exact location: Brgy. Sirao, Cebu City. Going there in your own vehicle can save you from the hassle of transferring between vehicles and can save you from spending for the fare. Your landmark would be Ayala Heights, take a right turn to Sirao Flower Farm.

  • BY MOTORBIKE: From J.Y. Square Mall, take a habal-habal that will take you directly to Sirao Flower Farm for ₱400 roundtrip, good for 2 persons already. The driver may ask you for additional waiting fee of ₱100-200 per hour depending on your haggling talent. The ride will take 30-45 minutes to get there.
  • BY VAN: From the Ayala Cebu PUV Terminal, you can ride a v-hire going to Sirao for ₱50 /head (one-way). Ask the driver to drop you off near Sirao Flower Garden. From there, ride a habal-habal going to the flower garden but it may take time to find one from this point, fare is ~₱20-30 /head.
  • BY OWN CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and pin your location to “Sirao Flower Garden”. Parking fee is ₱20.
  • BY CAR / VAN FOR RENT: For van or car rentals, or to book an uphill tour (9 destinations in 1 day for only 999 pesos per person), book with our trusted travel partner SquadPH Tours and Travels.

3. Terrazas de Flores

Being proudly a work of art by the local farmers using interlocking stones, Terrazas de Flores is a flower terraces botanical garden in Malubog, shortly after Busay. Originally thought of by a father to express his love for his children, truly, a labor of love will be observed. 127 species of beautiful tropical flora as well as music, poetry and paintings surround the garden. They also have a cafe that serves light meals, desserts, coffee and other refreshments among others. Their cozy cabanas and viewing decks are also spot-on to unwind and bask in nature’s glory.

Photo by Issa Perez
MORE INFORMATION:
  • Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 12:00 MN
  • Entrance Fee: 100 pesos per person
  • Contact number: 0917 653 4227
  • Email address: [email protected]
How to get there?

Exact Location: Malubog, Cebu City (20 minutes away from JY Square and approximately 1km from the La Tegola / Tops Lookout – Busay road). Its garden gate is just right across Malubog Integrated School.

  • BY VAN: From the Ayala Cebu PUV Terminal, you can ride a v-hire going to Busay/Balamban for ₱120 /head (one-way). Ask the driver to drop you off near Terrazas de Flores.
  • BY OWN CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and pin your location to “Terrazas De Flores”.
  • BY CAR / VAN FOR RENT: For van or car rentals, or to book an uphill tour (9 destinations in 1 day for only 999 pesos per person), book with our trusted travel partner SquadPH Tours and Travels.

4. Buwakan ni Alejandra

Touched by the History of Passion and Love, this breathtaking place is only a few hours away from the busy streets of the city. Buwakan ni Alejandra, which is a Cebuano translation of: “Alejandra’s flower garden,” truly embraces Mother Nature for its varieties of blooming beautiful flowers. This flower garden is ideal for the nature lovers who’d love to go on adventures for they have a few equally amazing destinations too.

Buwakan ni Alejandra - Sugbo.ph
Photo by John Ray Aligato
MORE INFORMATION
  • Entrance Fee: ₱75 per adult, ₱50 per head for Kids, PWD & Senior Citizen
  • Operating hours: 7AM to 6PM, Mondays to Sundays – but if there’s a storm, they will close the premises to protect the flower garden.
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)

  • 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 Buwakan ni Alejandra.
  • BY CAR: Parking space available. Just search for ‘Buwakan ni Alejandra’ in Gaas Balamban via Waze or Google Maps. Florentino’s is just across Adventure Cafe.
  • BY CAR / VAN FOR RENT: For van or car rentals, or to book an uphill tour (9 destinations in 1 day for only 999 pesos per person), book with our trusted travel partner SquadPH Tours and Travels.

5. EVO Nature Camp

With around 40,000 bright and vibrant colors of the flower plants and 2,509 pine trees, giant ferns, and mountains of green, EVO Nature Camp in Balamban is the perfect place to unwind.

Aside from their beautiful flower garden, they also offer camping and trekking tours.

Rates:

  • Entrance fee: ₱55 per head (with Environmental Fee); FREE for kids 7 years old and below
  • Use of Gazebo: ₱150 per day
  • Camping:
    • Own tent: ₱300 (1-4pax) & ₱200 (5pax up)
    • Tent rental: ₱300 (for 2 pax); ₱500 (for 4pax); ₱700 (for 6pax) — rental comes with inflatable beds
    • Note: Bring your own beddings
  • Corkage fee for food brought
  • Trekking: ₱2,500 (for 1-5 pax); ₱500/excess; + ₱300 guide (per group)
  • FREE use of Board Games: sungka, chessboard, jenga, snake and ladder, etc.
  • Under Development
  • Coming soon: Glamping “Glamorous Camping”

Other Information:

  • Opening hours: 7AM to 8PM daily for day use
  • Contact numbers: 0910 818 3651/ 09954283762/ 09164440633
  • Email address: [email protected]
  • Social: Facebook Page

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. MSDEA Ornamental Garden

Opened last November 11, 2018, a new flower farm has sprouted in Cebu City. But this time, it’s in Brgy. Sibugay (before Sirao from the city). MSDEA Ornamental Garden boasts a cool environment in a garden of heaven with the view of the mountains of Cebu City, the perfect place to unwind, relax and de-stress with an entrance fee of only 60 pesos per head.

MSDEA Ornamental Garden Cebu City (7)
MSDEA Ornamental Garden Cebu City (1)
MORE INFORMATION:
  • Entrance fee: ₱60 per head for both adults & kids (20% Discount for Senior Citizens)
  • Cottage fee: No fee if less than 3 hours; ₱500 for 3-4 hours (inclusive of corkage)
  • Overnight stay: ₱2,000 per night, good for 2-4 persons
    – They also sell chips and drinks inside.
How to get there?

Exact location: Pung-ol, Brgy. Sibugay, Cebu City — only 30 minutes away from the main road (JY Square Mall). This is located before Sirao & Ayala Heights, from the city going to Balamban. Only few meters away from Sibugay Barangay Hall.

  • BY MOTORBIKE: From J.Y. Square Mall, take a habal-habal that will take you directly to MSDEA Ornamental Farm for ₱400 roundtrip, good for 2 persons already. The driver may ask you for additional waiting fee of ₱100-200 per hour depending on your haggling talent. The ride will take 30-45 minutes to get there.
  • BY VAN: From the Ayala Cebu PUV Terminal, you can ride a v-hire going to Sirao for ₱50 /head (one-way). Ask the driver to drop you off near Sibugay Barangay Hall. From there, ride a habal-habal going to the flower garden but it may take time to find one from this point, fare is ~₱20-30 /head.
  • BY OWN CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and pin your location to “MSDEA Ornamental Farm”. Parking fee is available.
  • BY CAR / VAN FOR RENT: For van or car rentals, or to book an uphill tour (9 destinations in 1 day for only 999 pesos per person), book with our trusted travel partner SquadPH Tours and Travels.

I hope this article has helped you in your search but remember, ALWAYS BE A #RESPONSIBLELAAGAN.

Cebu logs 392 new cases on March 5

On Friday night, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of March 5, 2021.

Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 392 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 135 new recoveries, and 2 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 37,884, while the active cases increased to 6,615 (from 6,359).

Breakdown of cases:

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 18,306 (+172 new)
– Total recoveries: 14,098 (+35 new)
– Total deaths: 755 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 3,453

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 4,438 (+54 new)
– Total recoveries: 3,384 (+0 new)
– Total deaths: 125 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 929

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 4,467 (+73 new)
– Total recoveries: 3,290 (+14 new)
– Total deaths: 186 (+1 new)
– Active cases: 991

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 10,673 (+93 new)
– Total recoveries: 8,949 (+86 new)
– Total deaths: 482 (+1 new)
– Active cases: 1,242

Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 6,615
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 37,884 (+392 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 29,721 (+135 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,548 (+2 new*)

A total of 3,519 laboratory results were released for today.

NOTES from DOH-7:

  • *As per DOH-7, the additional deaths in the report are not due to the overnight spike in deaths but due to more accurate data collection and validating efforts. Not all of those deaths occurred today but occurred more than a week ago.
  • Reports maybe subject to change as these claims undergo thorough validation by the local healthcare offices and health personnel.

DOH-7 Full Report (Central Visayas):