Your visit to The Woodside in Moalboal will show you why Moalboal is not always about white sand beaches and the famous Sardine Run.
Nestled in the elevated and secluded parts of Brgy.Balabagon in Moalboal, The Woodside is an exclusive accommodation featuring two (2) native bamboo cottages and a wide veranda furnished to appear as a cozy and classy version of the traditional Filipino payag. Being away from the crowd of tourists flocking the beaches of Moalboal, this place serves as a top pick for everyone yearning a peaceful and isolated retreat.
Here, you will be delighted by the bamboos and other indigenous materials that comprise the payag accommodation. It gets even lovelier at night when the lights are turned on since the lightings complement well with the interiors of the place. Each cottage room also is equipped with the necessary bed accessories for a comfortable sleep.
If you are into Instagram and other social media thingamajigs, you can take advantage of their sunflower garden for a photoshoot. The number of sunflowers planted aren’t that much, but they bloom all-year round so you will surely have some flowers waiving at you when you visit here anytime.
Their bamboo shower is wide and so IG-worthy you wouldn’t even realize you’re in a shower room.
The Woodside can prepare food for you, but you can also try their seafood bilao consisting of irresistibly good and mouth-watering seafood delights like garlic butter shrimp, chili crab, grilled scallops, calamares, and grilled tuna. Who wouldn’t want that?
When staying here, there is really nothing much that you can do other than soaking in the laidback atmosphere that the place provides. And the catch? You can sit and marvel at the surreal sunset while sharing an ice-cold drink with your loved ones. We all need to calm the chaos within us and visiting places that offer peace that comes from doing nothing is the therapy we need. It clears the mind.
Moalboal is a town in the southern parts of Cebu that’s known for its shorelines jeweled with creamy white sand beaches. Its water isn’t just clear but is also teeming with rich biodiversity. Swimming with a thousand sardines is a one-of-a-kind experience. Indeed, when one thinks of Moalboal, it’s these exciting beach activities that usually top the list of must-do activities.
BY BUS: Go to Cebu South Bus Terminal and ride a bus going to Moalboal. Alight at Moalboal town proper and ride a tricycle going to Brgy. Balabagon. From there, ride a habal-habal to The Woodside. Alternatively, you can ask the bus conductor to drop you off at Brgy. Balabagon and then ride a habal-habal on your way to The Woodside.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Cebu North Coast Beach Resort” in Sogod. Parking space is available.
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 26, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 217 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 334 new recoveries, and 5 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 44,877, while the active cases decreased to 5,478 (from 5,599).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 21,169 (+104 new) – Total recoveries: 18,481 (+155 new) – Total deaths: 803 (+3 new) – Active cases: 1,885
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 5,441 (+24 new) – Total recoveries: 4,231 (+15 new) – Total deaths: 132 (+0 new) – Active cases: 1,078
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 5,521 (+31 new) – Total recoveries: 4,328 (+93 new) – Total deaths: 199 (+1 new) – Active cases: 994
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 12,746 (+58 new) – Total recoveries: 10,683 (+71 new) – Total deaths: 542 (+1 new) – Active cases: 1,521
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 5,478
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 44,877 (+217 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 37,723 (+334 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,676 (+5 new*)
A total of 2,843 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.
Serene beaches in Cebu are one of the most abundant things that can be found in the tiny island. There are just as many beaches as there are towns in Cebu and almost every place you go to will have their own beach to be proud of.
Located along the pristine shores of San Remigio, Cebu is the simple yet charming beach of Goopio Beach Resort. It flaunts the fine, white sands and turquoise waters present in all beaches, both public and private, located in the municipality.
Photo by Michael Erana
Photo by Michael Erana
Photo by Fritzel Anne Fernandez Felicano
Goopio Beach Resort is a family-friendly resort with a spacious beachfront and native cottages that can accommodate families and serve as a venue for reunions and get-togethers. With no entrance fee and spacious cottages that are affordable, every family will have a great time in this simple retreat.
Goopio Beach Resort has a scenic view of the ocean and an unpolluted beachfront with shallow waters that’s perfect for swimming. What’s more, the waters near the beachfront have a bed of fine, white sand under it that makes swimming a very enjoyable experience for everyone.
Photo by Michael Erana
Photo by brian bruce
The native cottages on the shore blend perfectly well with the natural backgrounds of San Remigio and provide a cool shade for everybody. Mantalisay trees also dot the sands on the beach, creating canopies formed by its long branches which also provide shade to the cottages and kids playing on the sand.
Goopio Beach Resort is the perfect family getaway in San Remigio with its affordable cottages and scenic tropical backgrounds that’s perfect for picture taking. There’s no better way to experience the pristine beauty of San Remigio than by spending a day of fun in the sun in Goopio Beach Resort.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
DAY USE:
Entrance fee: No entrance fee, but must rent a cottage
COTTAGE RATES
Cottage Fee: As low as P200
OTHER INFORMATION:
Corkage fee: None
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Poblacion, San Remigio, Northern Cebu — approx. 2.5-3 hours from Cebu City.
BY BUS: Head on to Cebu North Bus Terminal and hop on a bus for San Remigio. Fare is around P150-P200 pesos and travel time is around 2.5-3 hours. Tell the driver that you’re going to get off at the poblacion or town proper. Upon arrival, you may ask the locals for directions going to Goopio Beach Resort and ride a habal-habal to your destination.
Hikers just can’t get enough of the mountain views. The views just become more and more beautiful in every climb.
In Busay, despite the number of establishments already lining up on the mountain municipality, nature-lovers and trekking enthusiasts still want to experience the mountain in its raw form. There are two ways to climb and reach the foot of the hill depending on the difficulty that the group or climber prefers.
Photo by KE V IN
Photo by Oñedra Gel
Photo by Oñedra Gel
Photo by Oñedra Gel
Climbers may ride a habal-habal or a motorcycle for hire from Lahug all the way to the foot of Chalet Hills or they may opt to challenge the slopes by walking from the entrance of the Mountain View entrance. Athletic trekkers and hikers will take just about 30 minutes to reach the foot of the hill from there but less experienced hikers will take about an hour or two.
There’s a sari-sari store selling easy-to-cook food at the foot of the hill so stocking up on food for the next day won’t be a problem.
One of the charms of the hill is the starry night sky complimented by chilly night air. On one side of the mountain are other verdant hills and trees while on the other is the famous city lights of Cebu which can be seen in majority of the places in Busay.
Photo by Mika Sy
Photo by Oñedra Gel
Photo by Michelle Anne Rule
Photo by Michelle Anne Rule
As morning comes, a breathtaking sunrise greets and wakes up the campers along with the refreshing breeze of the morning and the sound of birds singing. The city view in the morning is just as fine as the night view. The view shows where the sea and the city meet as well as a view of nearby islands.
Chalet Hills may be one of the most accessible campsites in Cebu because of its location but it still offers the same picturesque views and calming atmosphere like any other mountain.
Make sure to bring water that’s enough for both drinking and cooking
Tents and any form of portable light
Warm Clothing. The hills get really cold especially at night
Easy-to-cook meals such as canned goods, noodles, fruit, and bread
Portable Stove for cooking. Campfires are not allowed at the site
Cooking Utensils
Tarp for the tent in case of rain
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Brgy. Babag, Busay, Cebu — approx. 30 minutes away from the city proper or JY Square Mall.
BY TAXI: The most affordable way to catch a taxi is to commute going to JY Square at Lahug and then catch a cab from there. The taxi driver can’t go all the way up so you might just hike some parts going to the hills. Talk with the driver before riding to explore your options.
We all know that Cebu has many tourist attractions flocked by millions of local and foreign tourists each year, but beyond the centuries-old landmarks and its pristine beaches, Cebu also has a rich history, culture and heritage to take pride of, especially as we mark the 500th anniversary of Magellan’s arrival, birth of Christianity in the Philippines and victory at Mactan.
With all the information jam-packed in the web, it can be overwhelming and hard to go through all of them. It is even harder to know which is fact and fiction. With the help of technology, RAFI’s Gabii sa Kabilin (GSK) and Casa Gorordo Museum (CGM) have organized a wide range of online activities from webinars to virtual tours to help share local culture and heritage to those living in and out of Cebu.
Here are six ways to learn more about Cebu’s rich culture and heritage from the comfort of home with Gabii sa Kabilin (GSK) and Casa Gorordo Museum (CGM):
GSK has always been an experience of a lifetime before the pandemic– visiting museums, touring the city, riding the tartanilla and at the same time learning about Cebuano culture and heritage. GSK is bringing the magical experience online with free webinars on the fourth Friday of the month on GSK’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Previous webinars include The Impact of 500 Years of Christianity to Filipino Life and Culture, Fujian Ceramics Traded in Precolonial Philippines, Visayan Tattooing and Tattoo Designs, and The Journey of the Sto Niño: Origins up to the Kaplag. All of which can be replayed on Facebook and YouTube.
The success of GSK 2020 gave way to a wider reach and it is now teaming up with local museums, historians and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines’ (NHCP) National Quincentennial Committee (NQC) for another year of free online activities.
Watch the next GSK webinar on March 26, 2021, which will focus on the 1521 Easter Sunday Mass at Limasawa. It will feature historian, author and professor, Dr. Rolando O. Borrinaga who will discuss the evidences considered by the 2019 Mojares Panel in concluding that Limasawa was the site of the historic Mass. Register here: https://forms.gle/RgWdLnBs1szDEPp16.
2. Take part in GSK One Night Only on April 16
Aside from its monthly online activities, Gabii sa Kabilin will be holding a special heritage night on April 16, 6 p.m. to 12 midnight. For just P80, participants can enjoy special documentaries and presentations from 16 museums and heritage sites in Cebu, and watch it with friends and family at home.
The theme of the virtual event is “The Arrival” and it will highlight the 500-year anniversary of the arrival of Magellan, the birth of Christianity and the victory at Mactan, and its impact on Cebuano culture, heritage and way of life.
Tickets can be purchased via GCash, credit or debit card and PayPal. For more information, visit #GSKONO’s Facebook event page or Eventbrite page.
To date, Gabii sa Kabilin One Night Only is sponsored by Pilipino Cable Corp. (SkyCable), Visayan Electric Company, Inc. (VECO), and supported by Junior Chamber International (JCI) Cebu Sinulog and Philippine Junior Jaycees (JJC Philippines).
3. Listen to Visayan stories through Handurawan: Cebuano Folklore for Children
Listen to folktales and legends from Cebuano or Visayan folklore through monthly Handurawan storytelling episodes. The show is initially intended for kids aged 4-7 years old but let’s face it, everyone loves a good and fascinating story, especially if the tales have been told and handed down through many generations. Handurawan is streamed on the GSK Facebook page in English and Cebuano.
The first three episodes are now available online:
Stories of the Santo Nino
The Lost Epic of Central Visayas
The Legend of Maria Cacao
This is organized in partnership with St. Theresa’s College and RAFI Dolores Aboitiz Children’s Fund.
4. Get to know the unique and colorful towns and provinces of Cebu with Sugbu-tiful: Cebu Town Features
Learn all about every town in Cebu town from Daanbantayan in the North to Santander in the South, and catch your hometown being featured as well. The online series, which began last year, showcases the unique and colorful aspects of local towns and aims to activate Cebuanos’ pride of place. Videos will be posted on the town’s annual fiesta and can be viewed on the Casa Gorordo Museum’s official Facebook page.
Get a chance to hear experts share their insights on various topics like Cebuano arts, language and history with Casa Gorordo Museum’s monthly informative webinars on Cebuano culture.
Don’t miss CGM’s third talk of the year on March 29, which will focus on “Life in a Caravel” or the living conditions during the Magellanic expedition. Historian Dr. Danilo Gerona will talk about what it was like to be a crewmember in the 1,082-day voyage around the world. Register here:https://forms.office.com/r/UBGz1bnNh3.
6. Go on a virtual tour of Casa Gorordo Museum (CGM)
Missing museum visits? Casa Gorordo Museum is opening its doors to visitors for free virtual walkthroughs. Stroll around, explore and learn more about the historic house all from the comfort of home aided by dramatizations of various house traditions and practices, along with audio and video narration of the house’s history, rooms, artifacts, and exhibits.
On Thursday 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 25, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 303 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 373 new recoveries, and 5 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 44,662, while the active cases decreased to 5,599 (from 5,673).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 21,074 (+129 new) – Total recoveries: 18,328 (+114 new) – Total deaths: 800 (+1 new) – Active cases: 1,946
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 5,417 (+18 new) – Total recoveries: 4,216 (+79 new) – Total deaths: 132 (+0 new) – Active cases: 1,069
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 5,484 (+55 new) – Total recoveries: 4,236 (+70 new) – Total deaths: 198 (+1 new) – Active cases: 1,050
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 12,687 (+101 new) – Total recoveries: 10,612 (+110 new) – Total deaths: 541 (+3 new) – Active cases: 1,534
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 5,599
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 44,662 (+303 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 37,392 (+373 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,671 (+5 new*)
A total of 3,282 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.
As Cebuanos, all of us have probably tasted this famous delicacy eaten during breakfast and even as an afternoon snack. Paired with “sikwate”, the Cebuano pure hot chocolate, makes the one and only “puto maya” a household name.
What is Puto Maya?
Puto Maya is “a type of rice cake which originated from Cebu [and] is made of glutinous rice, fresh ginger, and sweetened milk.” – Lalaine of Kawaling Pinoy
Xiang Navarro
Lumanog Golding
Although there are many ways to make puto maya, such as with coconut milk, and many ways to eat puto maya, like alongside ripe mangoes, in essence puto maya is a sweet sticky rice cake. In Carbon, it is commonly wrapped in banana leaves, which is eco-friendly.
Puto Maya, as mentioned, comes in different ways to be prepared and made. The most famous one arguably is the original white Puto Maya, while the other one is the “tapol” Puto Maya, which can be differentiated by its distinct brown colour. The “tapol” Puto Maya is made of purple sticky rice as opposed to white sticky rice, giving it its color, and both delicacies can be found in Carbon.
Photo by Nikka Jane Cabuenas
Photo by Nikka Jane Cabuenas
What is Carbon?
Puto-maya is commonly bought in Carbon. A public market in Cebu known as the oldest and largest farmer’s market and is considered a major tourist attraction, although be wary of your belongings. Many wares are sold here is a cradle of many cultural delicacies as well, and Puto Maya is no excuse.
As described by makadato, the sticky rice is steamed in a large “kaldero”, and when finished is transferred into a tub. Meanwhile, a mixture of coconut milk, commonly referred to as “gata”, and sugar with salt is prepared to be mixed into the tub. Once thoroughly mixed with the rice, the mixed sticky rice is put back in the “kaldero” to be steamed once again.
Taking pride of its long stretches of white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, San Remigio continues to be the one of the most visited towns in Cebu province.
It shelters marine sanctuaries that attract local and foreign divers – beginners and experienced.
Pofer Beach Resort in Tambongon, San Remigio is an exciting place for your next North Cebu escapade. It flaunts a lovely sunset view and a perfect spot to relax, refresh, and recharge. Just a 3-hour drive from Cebu City, this place caters everyone who want to experience the unique San Remigio climate.
Photo from Pofer Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Pofer Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Pofer Beach Resort Facebook Page
The resort’s amenities are more than enough for a fun-filled day. Their swimming pool is overflowing with cold water to diffuse you from a weeklong pressure. Take a dive and soak to your heart’s content. No one’s stopping you here from enjoying the little break you deserve.
If you want the seas to kiss your skin, you can go out and enjoy their beach area. There are claims that swimming in the sea is linked to stimulating the parasympathetic system responsible for rest and repair and can trigger the release of dopamine and serotonin. These are a vital part of keeping us happy.
Photo from Pofer Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Pofer Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Pofer Beach Resort Facebook Page
Pofer Beach Resort also has available cottages of different sizes to choose from. Small group? Big group? They got your team covered. Also, not just for day use, the place also has overnight accommodation if you want to spend the rest of the night here. Your tired but happy soul definitely will yearn for a sound and comfortable sleep after a day of swimming, laughing, and fun. Pofer Beach Resort’s rooms just give you that.
The good thing about this resort is that it offers exciting activities online so guests and its followers can actively engage. Few activities include #iLovePBR 2020 Photo Contest and Best Halloween Costume 2020 among others where winners were given free access and free use of the its amenities.
Photo from Pofer Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Pofer Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Pofer Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Pofer Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Pofer Beach Resort Facebook Page
While walk-ins are still accepted, everyone who plans to visit the here is advised to book a reservation since it is always fully booked especially during weekends. The place strictly adheres to the health protocols set by the LGU so you might be denied entrance if you plan to walk-in and the resort is already at its 50% capacity.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
DAY USE:
Entrance fee:
Adult: P100
Kids (6-12 y/o): P60
Opening hours: 8:30AM – 6PM
Note: 20% discount applies if you can present your student/senior citizen ID.
COTTAGE RATES:
Small: P350
Big: P400
Seaside: 450
ROOM RATES:
Standard Room: P1,600/night (good for 3-4 persons)
Family Room: P3,500/night (good for 5-6 persons)
Extra person charge:
Adult: P300/night per person
Kids (6-12 yrs old): P150/night per person
Photo from Pofer Beach Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Pofer Beach Resort Facebook Page
Inclusions:
Welcome drinks (good for 4 persons only)
Free access to pool area
Free use of 1 cottage
OTHER INFORMATION:
Corkage fee (drinks): 50% of the resort’s price/bottle
Exact location: Baybay, Tambongon, San Remigio, Cebu 6011 – 3-4 hours away from Cebu City..
BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal, ride any bus going to San Remigio or Tabuelan. Tell the driver to drop you off at Pofer Beach Resort in Baybay, Tambongon. Bus fare is ~P155 (one-way).
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Pofer Beach Resort” in Tambongon, San Remegio. Parking space is available.
On Wednesday 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 24, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 327 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 305 new recoveries, and 8 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 44,359, while the active cases increased to 5,673 (from 5,662).
Breakdown of cases:
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 20,945 (+111 new) – Total recoveries: 18,215 (+124 new) – Total deaths: 799 (+2 new) – Active cases: 1,931
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 5,399 (+65 new) – Total recoveries: 4,137 (+36 new) – Total deaths: 132 (+0 new) – Active cases: 1,130
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 5,429 (+41 new) – Total recoveries: 4,166 (+59 new) – Total deaths: 197 (+0 new) – Active cases: 1,066
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 12,586 (+110 new) – Total recoveries: 10,502 (+86 new) – Total deaths: 538 (+6 new) – Active cases: 1,546
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 5,673
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 44,359 (+327 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 37,020 (+305 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 1,666 (+8 new*)
A total of 2,983 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.
Olango Island Group remains to be a stunner. Its beautiful beaches, marine sanctuaries and other spots have always created a lasting impact to those who have visited the place. A motorized boat away from mainland Lapu-Lapu City, this island group is one of the top choices of those people from the metro seeking peaceful refuge without having to go far.
Olango Island Group is composed of seven (7) small islands namely Olango (the largest and the most famous), Sulpa, Guilotongan, Nalusuan, Caohagan, Camungi, and Pangan-an. This group of islands is about 5 kms from the island of Mactan and is a little over a thousand hectares wide.
But don’t let its size fool you because it has nothing to do with how big the experience you will get once you set foot here. Here’s a checklist of the things that you can do when travelling to Olango Island.
1. EXPLORE WILDLIFE AND MARINE SANCTUARIES
One very notable feature of Olango Island is it being a home of different wildlife and marine sanctuaries. While you’re here, you can explore the different sites where rich biodiversity thrive and are protected by both the local government and its citizens. It’s also a way of educating ourselves about the island’s flora and fauna and how our simple practices can, in one way or another, affect the larger picture of our region’s ecosystem.
Photo from Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary Facebook Page
Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary is your first stop. It serves as a major refueling station for approximately 40,000 migratory birds. Imagine yourself seeing a haven of birds coming from Siberia, Northern China and Japan – that’s just life-changing! Accordingly, there are 97 species of birds in Olango, 48 of which are migratory birds seeking refuge from the winter climate, while the rest are resident birds of the island.
Photo by VR360 CebuTrip
Photo by 임그레이스
Photo by Chance Rover
Photo by Tsuyoshi
To be able to see a large concentration of birds, you will have to visit at least two hours before high tide. The peak months are October to November for the southward East Asian–Australasian migration, and February to March for the northward leg. Several species of birds that are found here include Chinese Egret, Little Egret, Little Heron, Grey Plover, Kentish Plover, Greater Sand-Plover, Far Eastern Curlew, and Eurasian Curlew.
Another sanctuary that you need to visit is the San Vicente Marine Sanctuary. It was established to protect the marine resources that serve as the livelihood of the locals in the area while promoting marine diversity. It boasts sandy beach, seagrass beds, mangrove forests and marsh grass to name a few. This paradise spans approximately 4,482 hectares.
One famous activity to do while in this sanctuary is to walk on the boardwalk made of bamboo which passes through the mangroves. At the end is a “floating” cottage where underneath those are fishes of different kinds ready to be fed.
Last but not the least on our list is the Asinan Eco-Tourism Park. It features the iconic bahay-kubo-inspired accommodation sitting in the heart of Olango Island. You will never go wrong spending the night with a homey feels like that of the ‘payags’ that we know. Renting a tent and setting it up in the spacious grounds of the park is also another option for you to spend the night.
Photo by Juleta Remulta Soon
Photo by Juleta Remulta Soon
Photo by Juleta Remulta Soon
Photo by Juleta Remulta Soon
Photo by Juleta Remulta Soon
You can maximize your stay in this part of Olango by renting their paddle boats and wade your way through the waters. They also have tables for rent if you choose to stay for the day and swim.
Swimming is the best part when you’re in Olango Island. Travelers will never be disappointed of how awesome the beaches here and how clear the waters are. You can’t resist the invitation of the sea.
Photo from Talima Beach Villas and Dive Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Talima Beach Villas and Dive Resort Facebook Page
Talima Beach Villas and Dive Resort assures everyone a paradise-like retreat. Secluded in a private location on a coral rock cliff, this resort is perfect for a total rest and relaxation. It is for everyone – couples, groups, divers, snorkelers – who wants to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city life.
Photo by Myrson Augusto Taneo
Photo by Myrson Augusto Taneo
Photo by Ritchell Nimer
Enjoy the day in this resort by snorkeling in their 14-hectare fish sanctuary, relaxing in their infinity pool, wellness massages, parlor games, badminton and other beach activities including watersports. They can also arrange island hopping tours. The place is surrounded with papayas, bananas, Talisay and palm trees.
Sagastrand Beach Resort is another popular accommodation in Olango Island. Guests can rent either a house, an apartment, or a room with a very nice view towards the garden, the sea and Cebu. It boasts a 75-meter white beach but is also very accessible form the highway, one thing that a tourist needs especially if one wants to maximize the time visiting all the best places in the island.
Photo from Sagastrand Beach Resort & Restaurant Facebook Page
Photo from Sagastrand Beach Resort & Restaurant Facebook Page
Photo from Sagastrand Beach Resort & Restaurant Facebook Page
Photo from Sagastrand Beach Resort & Restaurant Facebook Page
Photo from Sagastrand Beach Resort & Restaurant Facebook Page
Photo from Sagastrand Beach Resort & Restaurant Facebook Page
Photo from Sagastrand Beach Resort & Restaurant Facebook Page
In Sagastrand, you can make use of their nice garden facilities for both activities and relaxation, or you can explore Olango Island by arranging a tour with them. From the resort, there is a 10 minutes-walk to the famous Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary and a fish sanctuary just outside their beach.
If you want to pamper yourself with an exclusive and grand accommodation without spending much, Casa Blanca by the Sea is for you. This resort will make you feel like a royalty during your stay. It boasts comfortable rooms and a pool that will beat the heat away. From the outside, the structure looks very grand in its white paint complemented by the reflecting blue waters of the pool in front of it. Your Instagram posts won’t be bland, swear.
This a private resort located that sits on a lush 2.7 hectares land area. The resort name is derived from the Spanish words “Casa” which means Home and “Blanca” which means White.
It is without a doubt that the wonders of Olango Islands aren’t only limited to what we see above the surface of the waters and in the shores. The display of magnificent views is even grander and more colorful underwater.
Santa Rosa Diving Site allows you to experience heavenly feels underwater with sights of corals, fishes, and other marvels we can only witness when diving. The good thing about this diving spot is its suitability for all levels of divers. Open water divers can dive on the slope before the wall while more experienced divers can dive with bigger fishes.
This diving site is at the south end of the Talima diving spot. It is well-known for underwater macro-photography. Why not? It has all the critters, fingerlings, and school of fishes living around the scattered corals. Bigger predators around are ready to ambush little fishes.
Aside from Santa Rosa Diving Site, there are also other interesting spots for dive enthusiasts in the island including the Talima Sanctuary, San Vicente Dive Spot and Tingo Point. You can ask assistance from the lobby attendant of your hotel accommodation if you want to experience the pleasure in diving into the depths of Olango waters.
4. STROLL AROUND AND FEAST ON FOOD
And yes, who would forget tasting the food in Olango Island? TheFloating Restaurants in the coastal Brgy. Caw-oy, Olango Island serves fresh seafood and other delicious meals that will satisfy your gastronomic interests. Although termed as ‘floating,’ these restaurants aren’t really floating but are resting on wooden stilts. The area is spacious, and you can be guaranteed of a hearty meal while you feel the breeze of the air and the watch the full expanse of the sea.
Photo by Cheser Quiroga Abellar | @anchor_kid
Here, you will be given the option to choose your main ingredient from a variety of fresh catches like prawns, crabs, lobster, and fishes. Then, you will decide how you want them prepared – grilled, fried, steamed, boiled, etc. What a good way to end your Olango Island trip, right?
Photo by John Dyve
Photo by John Dyve
You can rent a bicycle if you want to take your time to stroll around the island and get some small talks with the locals. It’s always better if we immerse not just to the sceneries but also to the people that form the communities protecting these beautiful pieces of nature.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Olango Island, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu
BY COMMUTE: Ride any jeepney to SM City Cebu. From there, you can ride a 01K jeepney going to Parkmall or if you are from Cebu City, you can ride 01K jeepney from Emall. When you get to Parkmall, ride a jeepney heading to Soong and drop off at Hilton port beside Movenpick Hotel. Ride a motorized boat going to Santa Rosa Port of Olango Island. You can then travel by bicycle or a motorcycle to get to the different tourist attractions in the island.
