Forget about sandy toes and sandy skins. How about this time, we try a resort that sits on top of a cliff by the sea?
Odlot Hide-Away Resort in Bogo City is a unique beach resort experience for everyone who loves to go the non-conventional way. It is conveniently located on the rocky cliffs facing the sea in Brgy. Odlot, Bogo City, Cebu.
The place is perfect for your weekend barkada and family plans. It offers amazing getaway experience to revitalize travelers complete with essential amenities at a budget-friendly price. In fact, it’s the reason why many locals flock here over the weekends.
It has numerous cottages that you can rent for day use. They also have hammocks and sunbathing loungers. For billiards fanatics, they have billiard tables for you so you can spend the rest of the day hitting balls and shooting them into the table pockets.
Since the place isn’t like the other beaches with sandy shorelines, everyone needs to be extra careful if you want to swim in the open seas. Take note that the area has no shore and dry sand. But worry not, there’s a pool where you can dip into. The best part? It faces the sea, so you’ll have a wonderful view of the sun kissing the horizon during sunsets.
The good thing as well about Odlot Hide-Away Resort is that it also has its own restaurant where you can feast on their seafood options. There are also choices for your local and international dishes cravings. Not just that, there’s a bamboo-themed small bar in the resort offering alcoholic drinks. Just a reminder though to avoid jumping into the sea when under the influence of alcohol.
This resort can be a good choice for your celebrations and gatherings. It gives you green and warm ambience filled with salty breeze of the air coming from the open seas. Although this place doesn’t really give you much of the extravagance we normally have with other resorts, you will still appreciate how this place gives you a sense of privacy and seclusion – away from the things that worry us the most back in the city.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
DAY USE:
Entrance fee: P50 per adult; P30 per child (12 y/o below)
Opening hours: N/A
COTTAGE RATES:
Good for 8-10 pax: P300
Good for 12-14 pax: P500
Good for 15-20 pax: P600
Good for 25-30 pax: P800
Good for 30-40 pax: P1000
ROOM RATES:
Standard Room: P1,500 per night, good for 2 persons
Photos of soon-to-be wedded couple donning Money Heist-inspired outfits caught the public’s attention online.
Though we have seen this iconic location, Temple of Leah, in so many different themes, this one is totally different. Temple of Leah looked exactly like Netflix’s ‘Bank of Spain’ in Money Heist.
With the idea to make their prenuptial photoshoot a fun shoot, Couple Andre and Inez has decided to choose this theme. The Salvador Dali masks and red jumpsuits are the iconic costumes worn by robbers on “La Casa de Papel” or “Money Heist.“
Done last November 9, Hafid Caballes has surely done wonders for the couple in making their dream photoshoot a reality.
These are the people behind the successful prewedding shoot:
A new milk tea in town will challenge your milk tea bias with just one sip.
Gāo Xìng Tea in downtown Cebu offers premium Taiwan milk tea made better with careful blending making it undeniably delicious.
Located across Gaisano Capital South in Cebu City, Gāo Xìng Tea is the Chinese translation of the words “happy tea” which is aptly named for it is a milk tea place that radiates happiness and positivity.
CREAMY AND FUN MILK TEA
Their signature milk teas are a flavor of their own for they have successfully perfected just the right creaminess we all want in our milk tea. Unlike other milk tea brands that clearly outline the separation of the cheesecake, theirs are mixed beforehand so you get to taste and enjoy its full flavor down to the last sip.
To top it off they have Instagrammable cups too. Their cup walling is incredibly fun and creative, making your milk tea experience complete.
A must-have when you visit this place are:
Red Winona: It tastes like liquefied red velvet cake
Black Yogi Berry: a mouth-watering mixture of blueberry and milk tea
GXT cake milk tea: a perfect blend of flavors and probably the creamiest milk tea
BLACK BEAR IN NATURE
They have also adopted the concept of a black bear that makes for an interesting milk tea shop design. It’s filled with trees, leaves and an ambience of a relaxing modernized forest within the city.
GXT black bear is their mascot to cater to children and as you might have guessed the names of their drinks are based on bears too.
OTHER OFFERS
Aside from their signature Milk Teas, they also offer GXT premium milk tea which has no mixed cheesecakes, but just pure tea. They also have fruit teas “Fruit Au Lait” that is water-based and a yogurt series which is a delicious war of flavors.
Snacks series and combo meal series are also available for a nice stomach filing.
DELIVERY SERVICES
Gao Xing Tea is available on Grab and Foodpanda. They accommodate orders and pickups through deliveries until 7:30 pm only. They cater bookings for events as well.
PROMO ALERT!
Grand opening will be on November 12 at 8:00 am. 1st 20 customer will receive Gao Xing Tea freebies
On a tight budget but still want to experience the world-class beaches of Cebu province? Worry no more! There are still a lot of white sand beaches with amazing views around the province that can satisfy your beach-cravings without making your budgets cry in despair.
1. LAMBUG BEACH
Located in the town of Badian, Lambug Beach is the perfect side-trip after your Kawasan falls or canyoneering experience. The pristine white sand beach and blue waters are the main attraction. Unlike other white sand beaches, this one is not yet highly commercialized so you get to experience a peaceful escape.
Photo by Jerllan Randell Labora
Photo by Jerllan Randell Labora
Photo by Maja Romeo
Entrance fee: None (but there are several resorts with entrance fees ranging from P10-P50)
Other information:
Room rates:
Angela’s Beach House: Starts at P1,500/room/night
Lambug Beach Homestay: P400/person/night
Grandeur Beach Resort: P350/person/night
Cottage fees: (prices vary depending on where you rent) 200-P300 (6-10 persons)
How to get there?
Exact location: Barangay Lambug, Badian, Cebu
BY BUS: From Cebu City, go to the South Bus Terminal and ride a bus bound for Bato via Barili. Fare is at P150-P170 (one way) and travel time is around 3-3.5 hours. Tell the driver that you’re going to get off at the corner heading to Lambug Beach. Then ride a tricycle or habal-habal towards the beach.
2. MARAVILLA BEACH
Located in the town of Tabuelan, Maravilla beach is one of the most famous beaches in the northern part of Cebu due to its white sand and turquoise waters. Best time to visit is on weekdays because the beach becomes crowded with overnight campers during weekends and holidays.
Photo by John Ray Aligato / The Island Nomad
Photo by John Ray Aligato / The Island Nomad
Entrance fee: None
Other information:
Camping fee: P100 per tent (exclusive of the tent; there tents you can rent nearby)
Room rates:
Maravilla Beach Club: P2,000 per night (2 persons)
The Tree Sunset Resort: P3,500 per night (6 persons)
Durhan White Beach Resort: P1,000 per night (4 persons)
How to get there?
Exact location: Maravilla, Tabuelan, Cebu
BY BUS: From Cebu’s North Bus Terminal, hop on a bus bound for Tabuelan (P100). Get off at the Tabuelan Public Market and ride a habal-habal to Maravilla beach.
3. TINGKO BEACH
Tingko beach is popular for its white sand beach that stretches for more than a mile. It is divided into 4 major areas: the public beach, Tingko Beach 1, Tingko Beach 2, and Voda Krasna Resort. Go to the public beach area for a zero entrance fee experience.
There is also a nearby Spanish watch tower known to locals as “Bantayan Sa Hari” or you can join a group to check out the sandbar island (Mabad-on Reef) located across the beach.
Photo by Do Yan An
Photo by Do Yan An
Photo by Roman Garces Cisneros Jr.
Photo by Roman Garces Cisneros Jr.
Entrance fee: Depends on where you enter, but the public beach area is FREE.
Other information:
Cottage fee: P300-P1,000
Camping fee: P100 (exclusive of tent)
How to get there?
Exact location: Alcoy, Cebu
BY BUS: From Cebu City’s South Bus Terminal, ride a bus bound for Oslob (fare at P90-P150) and travel time is 2-3 hours. Ask the driver to drop you off at Tingko Beach in the town of Alcoy.
4. BASDAKU BEACH
If you are planning to do some diving in Moalboal, you also need to check out Basdaku beaach. It is a long stretch of fine white sand that is perfect for your after-dive chill time. Also make sure to visit their Pescador Island and do some snorkeling or diving.
Photo credits to the owner. If you own the photo, please contact us.
Photo by Jubert Valmores
Photo by Jepoi Lazaro
Photo by Jepoi Lazaro
Entrance fee: Depends on where you enter, some are free while some resorts have P10-P20 entrance fee.
Other information:
Camping fee: P100
Cottage fee: P300-P2500
How to get there?
Exact location: Barangay Basdaku, Moalboal
BY BUS: Hop on a bus bound for Moalboal at Cebu City’s South Bus Terminal. Fare is P110-P130 (one way). Ask the driver to drop you off at Barangay Basdaku. From there, ride a habal-habal to the beach (P50-P80).
5. DALAGUETE BEACH PARK
A white sand beach that somehow resembles Basdaku Beach in Moalboal, the Dalaguete Beach Park is operated and owned by the Dalaguete Municipality. It is also known to the locals as Casay Beach since it is located in Barangay Casay.
Photo by Edfer Villahermosa
Photo by Edfer Villahermosa
Photo by Edfer Villahermosa
Photo by Edfer Villahermosa
Entrance fee: P30 (adults), P15 (children)
Other information:
Open: 7AM-5PM
Cottage fee: P200-P350
Parking fee: P20
How to get there?
Exact location: Barangay Casay, Dalaguete, Cebu
BY BUS: Ride a bus bound for Dalaguete at Cebu City’s South Bus Terminal. Fare is around P130 and travel time is around 2 hours. Get off at the corner of the Dalaguete Beach park. From there, you can ride a habal-habal to the beach and fare is around P10 per person.
6. ALOGUINSAN HIDDEN BEACH
A 1-kilometer stretch of nothing but fine white sand, numerous coconut trees, crystal clear waters and a perfect view of the Negros Island is secretly hidden under the edge of a cliff in the town of Aloguinsan.
The Aloguinsan Hidden Beach is indeed one of the best white sand beaches in the province that is accessible through a 2-hour bus ride from the city.
Photo by Anew Tagupa Loquias
Photo by Anew Tagupa Loquias
Photo by Anew Tagupa Loquias
Entrance fee: P15 per person (also depends on where you enter)
Other information:
Cottage fee: P300 per day
Wooden tables and chairs: P150
Tent: P300 (overnight use)
Rooms: P600 per night (4 persons)
How to get there?
Exact location: Aloguinsan, Cebu
BY BUS: Ride a bus bound for Pinamungajan at the South Bus Terminal. Fare is P80 and travel time is around 3 hours. From there, take a jeep going to Aloguinsan. Upon arrival at the town proper, ride a habal-habal going to the hidden beach.
7. Lapyahan sa San Remigio
Located along the long stretch of white sand beaches in San Remigio, Cebu, Lapyahan sa San Remigio is a well-maintained white sand beach that requires no entrance fee.
Aside from the powdery white sand and turquoise waters, you can enjoy watching the stunning sunset view from here.
Photo by Maistrang Laagan
Photo by Maistrang Laagan
Photo by Maistrang Laagan
Photo by Maistrang Laagan
Entrance fee: None (Cottage rates may apply)
Other information:
Open: 7AM-6PM
Camping fee: P100 per night (exclusive of tent)
Tables: P150 each
Chairs: P20 each
How to get there?
Exact location: Barangay Anapog, San Remigio, Cebu
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 can ride a habal-habal to Lapyahan (fare around P10-P20).
Catmon is home to cheap beach destinations that are perfect for budget get-togethers with friends, family and other relatives. One of these beaches is casually located on the side of the road of Catmon and can easily be spotted. Albeit not a white sand destination, it is equally relaxing as other famous beaches and can still provide an enjoyable getaway with friends and relatives.
The most prominent feature of the resort is the sheer number of coconut trees dotting the area that contributes greatly to the atmosphere of the resort and makes the experience truly tropical. Taking shade under the canopies of the trees are neatly arranged nipa cottages that can accommodate a decent amount of people.
There is no corkage so groups can bring any food that appeals to them. It has enough space to set up Filipino and Cebuano delectables that will surely enhance the tropical beach experience. At the beachfront is an unobstructed view of the ocean and a silhouette of the Camotes Islands just sitting at the distance.
Photo by ExequelJames PlaridelDelpilar Pateres
During high tides, the beachfront can rise up to the waist level or even more so visitors wouldn’t need to go too far for a proper saltwater soak. Or if others would prefer just soaking their feet, then just beside the main resort are shallow waters. Ocean View Beach Resort provides enough comfort for groups of friends and families to have fun under the sun without worrying about spending too much just to have a good time.
Exact location: Bacjao, Catmondaan, Catmon, Northern Cebu — approx. 2 hours away from the city.
BY BUS: Ride any north-bound bus in Cebu North Bus Terminal going to Sogod or Catmon. The bus drivers may be familiar with the place so don’t forget to remind your driver to drop you off at the entrance. The entrance of the resort can easily be spotted by the side of the Bacjao-Catmondaan road.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Catmondaan” in Catmon. Parking space is available upon arrival. The Consolacion-bound route is the most recommended road to take.
“We are now seeing that it would be to the advantage of our provincial constituents that we develop a government center in one of our municipalities,” – Gwen Garcia, Cebu Province Governor
In line with her administration’s goal to establish Enhanced Countryside Development in the Province, this soon to rise Provincial Government Center in the municipality of Balamban will be the center of all Cebu province government activities and will replace the Provincial Capitol located in Cebu City, an independent chartered city not under provincial jurisdiction.
This project has been thought of for quite a while including the previous governors and can now finally come to fruition.
The proposed budget for the site acquisition and development of P550-million was included in the proposed P15 billion annual budget submitted by the governor to the Provincial Board last week.
Balamban’s strategic location of being the center of Cebu and its accessibility by both the northern and southern towns makes it ideal to bring development to the countryside. The Capitol also eyes at the economic activities that will be created with the entry of more schools and other businesses in the western Cebu.
Provincial Capitol in Cebu City
The Provincial Capitol currently located at the heart of Cebu City, which is already a national historical landmark built in 1937 to 1938, will be preserved and kept as a museum.
Glorious sunrise, rich history, and natural wonders – these are the holy trinity of the town of Boljoon which can all be captured in the Eli Rock View Deck.
Photo by ED Mar
This view deck is a scenic limestone cliff that greets tourists and visitors upon their arrival to Boljoon, Cebu. It shows a panoramic view of some of the city’s heritage sites, the vast blue ocean near its shores and the different islands surrounding the town.
Photo by Jimmy Villahermosa
If people have the determination to wake up and travel really early, they can be rewarded with an unobstructed view of a beautiful sunrise along with the silhouettes of Bohol and Siquijor.
Aside from picturesque views, this two-tiered majesty of a limestone also has a rappelling board on its first level for those looking for a little rush.
Fun Fact
In the past, the Eli Rock View Deck faced controversies from the locals and concerned netizens. Originally, the view deck was a DPWH-led project to reduce the chances of a landslide which might be caused by the cracks from the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit the town in 2013. At the start of the carving of the limestone, locals were furious for the destruction of the “City of the Engkanto (Fairies)”.
They warned how this would cause calamities to befall them but, ironically, it ended up making the road safer for crossing motorists. Others also bashed DPWH for destroying such a beautiful scenery but became one of the most-visited places in Boljoon.
Photo by Kurt Janssen Sapilan
Now, this view deck stands at the center of Boljoon and attracts visitors to the best place to see the entire town. Although it requires a little bit of effort with its 136 steps, it won’t be enough to stop people from seeing Boljoon in all its glory.
Photo by ED Mar
Photo by ED Mar
Photo by ED Mar
Photo by ED Mar
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
Entrance fee: None as of the moment
NOTE:
Eli View is closed from 6PM to 5AM (the next day).
For the sunrise-catchers traveling from Cebu, the bus ride to Boljoon takes about 2-3 hours. It would be a good idea to travel really early to avoid missing this spectacle.
There are no trees or any form of shade on the view deck. Either bring an umbrella or visit early.
Don’t forget to pack snacks and water. There are no immediate stores near the area.
Be careful when taking photos near the cliff area.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Boljoon, Cebu — 3 hours from Cebu City.
BY BUS: Find your way to the Cebu South Bus Terminal (currently stationed at Lantaw, SRP). Take a bus bound for Boljoon and ask the driver or conductor to drop you off at Eli Rock View Deck. This is located at the right side of the road if you’re coming from Cebu. The fare is P146.00 for a one-way trip.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Eli Rock View Deck” in Boljoon. Parking space is available upon arrival.
Family gatherings have become one of the most treasured moments most especially during the pandemic which is its relevance today has become apparent to many.
Aya Beach Resort is one of many resorts that prioritize fun-filled gatherings with family and relatives and offer their facilities at family-friendly prices.
Aya Beach Resort is a small family-oriented resort situated in Catmon, Cebu with a very straightforward setting. Upon entry to the resort, the entire area is already visible and guests would already have an idea of most of the things that they can do inside.
The immediate view that greets the guests are rows of small and large nipa hut cottages which are perfect for a short and quick day gathering. There are also function halls that can accommodate up to 75 guests – a great venue for big reunions with relatives.
On both ends of the resort are barbecue grills that are available upon request. Moreover, the resort has a videoke station that can be used by anyone with only a cheap fee of P5 per song.
The swimming pool area is the forefront of the resort with an area that covers almost half of the entire place. It is situated just between the gate to the shore and the nipa huts which makes it very difficult to resist taking a dip.
When the tides are high, the sea water outside creates a waist-deep swimming area just outside in the front for those who prefer to have a sea swim and a sun-tanned skin.
They allow walk-ins but cottages and other facilities can be reserved beforehand so that they may be prepared upon arrival. Reservations for exclusive use of the resort is also allowed so families may enjoy their private time together in peace.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
DAY USE:
Entrance fee: P60 (w/ pool) or P30 (w/o pool) per head
Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday – Thursday
BY BUS: Find your way to the Cebu North Bus Terminal and board a bus bound for Catmon, Cebu. Ask the driver to drop you off the nearest stop to the Aya Beach Resort.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Aya Beach Resort” in Catmon, Cebu. Private vehicles may park by the roadside near the entrance.
I’m sure you’ve heard it as it has made waves on social media, specifically in Cebu. “Cebu wants Subway” has trended because of sharing its plans to open their first store in Cebu City.
Subway is the largest fast-food chain in the United States and in the world and this haven is planning to open its doors in the Queen City of the South. On their Facebook post published on November 8, 2020, Subway shared that they are awaiting for the response of Axis Entertainment and SM Seaside City Cebu so they can already share to the public the final deets.
Hence, if you are planning not to succumb to hunger, do it with a stuffed sandwich on hand. Whether you are up for a roasted chicken, ham, meatball marinara, even steak and cheese on your sandwiches, you name it, they’ll sure have a sandwich for that!
I guess they are not dubbed to be the largest sandwich hub for nothing, yes? Let’s just hope they’ll get to open one branch soon so we could all try this much-talked subs.
The need to boost a local economy through tourism must always be balanced with the protection of our natural ecosystems. There are several declared marine sanctuaries all throughout the province of Cebu.
These are teeming with colorful corals and fishes, hence, attracting tourists both local and foreign. In this article, we will run down some of the most popular marine sanctuaries in the province of Cebu.
1. NALUSUAN ISLAND MARINE SANCTUARY
About 17 kilometers away from Mactan, Cebu, Nalusuan Island is a marine sanctuary that is frequently visited by divers, both beginners and experts. This island boasts of amazing coral formations as well as reef fishes.
It also has white sand beaches but are not really suitable for swimming and snorkelling because of the shallow water levels. Soft and hard colorful corals can be seen at a depth of 25-40 meters.
– Make sure to book at least 1 week in advance. They accept walk-ins, but the resort is fully booked at times. – Electricity (Genset) starts at 6:00 pm and ends at 8:00 am. – Bringing of foods and beverages are not allowed.
Exact location: Olango Reef, Cordova, Cebu
2. HILUTUNGAN ISLAND
Considered as the oldest protected marine life in Cebu, Hilutungan island is perfect for diving, snorkelling and fish feeding. A lot of fishes will swarm around you if you start feeding them with bread.
Small fishes can already be reached at just 5 meters depth and larger fishes can be encountered already at 10-15 meters (unlike in Nalusuan where you have to go way deeper). The western and northern parts of the island have white sand and is perfect for swimming.
Entrance fee:
Snorkelling: P100
Scuba diving: P300
Exact location: Olango Reef, Cordova, Cebu
3. CAOHAGAN ISLAND
Unlike other marine sanctuaries that are teeming with divers and tourists, Caohagan Island is a less popular destination because it does not have a port. Make sure to visit only on high tides so you can approach the island easily (water level is very shallow on low tides). The eastern part of the island is perfect for snorkeling.
John Ray Aligato / The Island Nomad
Dawn Suzzaine Macapaz
Entrance fee: ₱200 per head (inclusive of environmental fee)
Exact location: Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu — near Nalusuan Island in Olango.
You can hire a boat from any tourism providers, especially those located on Maribago, Mactan Island. Or, you can also rent a ‘pumpboat’ that can drop you off the island.
Pumpboats are available at Angasil port, beside Mactan New Town. Boat fee starts at ₱100 per head, but make sure to agree first on the fare before proceeding.
4. TALIMA MARINE SANCTUARY
Very popular to both scuba and free divers, Talima has a coral slope that is inhabited by various colorful corals and fishes. The most famous spot here is a wreck of a wooden boat which is now home to several colorful marine life. This is one of the sanctuaries that are heavily monitored by authorities to assure that it is indeed protected and preserved. The place is also popular due to the bird sanctuaries and mangrove jungles around the island.
Reef fee: P100 per head
Diving operators: See at the end of the article
How to get there?
Exact location: Brgy. Talima, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu — 1-2 hours away from the city.
Olango Island is only about 20 min boat ride from Mactan Island. There are 2 piers to catch boats, one is located in Angasil Port (beside Mövenpick Resort in Punta Engano) and the other is in Portofino resort. Boat fare is only ₱15 /head (one-way).
– From SM City, ride a 01K jeep (across APM Mall or near Sun Gold) going to Parkmall. Or ride 01K jeep from Emall. – From Parkmall, ride a jeep heading to Punta Engaño and drop off at Angasil port beside Movenpick Resort. Boat fare is ₱20 per person (one-way). – Once you have arrived at the port, look for the boat going to Olango Island. – From there, ride a motorcycle and inform the driver to drop you off at Talima Beach Villas and Resort. Motorcycle fare is ₱30 per person (one-way). Or you may opt for a tricycle — fare is ₱150 good for 4-6 persons.
5. CAPITANCILLO MARINE SANCTUARY
This islet is not only popular for its lighthouse and crystal clear waters, it is also a top destination for divers. It has 3 dive sites: Ormoc Shoal, Nunez Shoal, and the southwestern part of the islet. This is a perfect side-trip if you are exploring around Bogo City, which is only a 20-minute boat ride away.
• Tricycle: Bogo Proper to Brgy. Siocon Bantay Dagat outpost= ₱25 per head • Other fees: ₱300 docking area (per group); ₱200 cottage (per group) • Pumpboat: Brgy. Siocon Bantay Dagat outpost to Capitancillo Islet (via boat) – Option 1: ₱3,000 good for 12 pax (roundtrip) with FREE cottage for day use – Option 2: ₱5,000 good for 15 pax (roundtrip) with FREE cottage for day use
How to book?
For booking and more information, you may contact the Bogo Tourism Department as you dial (211) 260-5183 or 260-5310.
How to get there?
Capitancillo Islet is located at the northeastern coast of Cebu province just about 116 kilometers from Cebu City.
You may just ride a bus or vhire going to Bogo City at the North Bus Terminal that would last for approximately 3hrs. and be sure to drop-off at Bogo Proper. Upon reaching the place, you have to ride a pedicab going to Brgy. Siocon Bantay Dagat outpost for less than 30mins. Then, from this drop-off point, your journey to Capitancillo starts and will last for more or less 45 mins. by boat.
Diving Operators in Cebu
These spots are commonly visited by divers, both advanced and beginners. We recommend that for easier transactions and processing of fees and transportation, you coordinate with your chosen diving agencies. Here are some which offers diving experience and tours in the aforementioned sites:
