Many of us who are out on vacations or roadtrips find leisure not just to the destination alone but also to the stopovers along the way, both expected and unexpected.
Whether it be a pee break, get some snacks, or rode down a nice view to take a picture with, we’ve all been there. Though sometimes, some stopovers are meant to be visited. Here we have is almost all south-bound travelers’ most looked forward detour: getting some ice cream at the very famous Molave Milk Station in Barili.
The Molave Milk Station is very popular among travelers and commuters bound south, particularly because of it’s specialty goat milk ice cream. Yes, their ice cream is made from pure goat milk, giving its distinct taste and creaminess.
They also have other ice cream that are made with cow and carabao’s milk, which are also must-tries. Their fresh cow milk is a delight as well, perfect to quench your thirst from that long trip.
Photo by Call me Oniichan
Photo by Call me Oniichan
Photo by Call me Oniichan
What’s more in their menu are their tasty rice meals that are not only delicious but at very reasonable prices. Their bestsellers in rice meals are their Chicken Liver Adobo and Mushroom Pork Chop.
Talking about the vibe of the place, the milk station is primarily a stopover so benches are packed all over the place. Weary travelers are more than welcome to take a seat for a rest and also to enjoy their refreshing delights.
BY BUS: Head to Cebu South Bus Terminal near E-Mall and take the bus bound to Barili. Make sure to inform the conductor that you get off at Molave Milk Station and the estimated regular fare is Php 90.00 with travel time of two hours approximate.
BY CAR: Navigate Waze or Google Maps and enter Molave Milk Station in Barili, Cebu as the destination point.
Have you just passed by the Molave Milk Station in Barili? If so, make sure to really visit the place because it’s really worth it!
Adorned with dragon statues and intricately beautiful architecture, the Cebu Taoist Temple is one of the most visited spots in Cebu City. Situated on top of a hill, this temple was built in 1972 by the Chinese community in Cebu.
If you’re planning to drop by, here are some fun facts about the Cebu Taoist Temple that will make your trip more educational and fun.
The place was built to serve as the center of Taoism worship in the city. However, due to its location and stunning design, the Taoist temple has also now become a tourist spot. Taoism is a religion that heeds the ancient teachings of the Chinese philosopher, Lao Zi.
Dragon statues
In Taoism, green dragons symbolize good fortune and energy. It also allows one person to reintegrate with his or her spiritual life. That’s why in the Taoist temple, you will see a lot of dragon statues. The colors around the temple are also more on red and green, with their roofs having a pagoda-like design.
Photo by Prinsesa Samson
Communicating with God – the Taoist way
Taoists have this unique way of communicating with God: with the use of 2 wooden kidney-shaped blocks. First, one must clean his or her hands. Then light a joss stick and kneel. Ask for guidance. You must hold the blocks with the flat side facing up. Now, you can ask your question or make a wish, then drop the wooden blocks. It’s a “yes” if one block is flat, while the other is half-round. If both blocks are half-round, it means “no”, while both blocks being flat translates to “maybe”.
Panoramic view of the city
The view in the Taoist temple is also a reason why a lot of tourists come and visit. It gives you an overlooking view of the Cebu City, and on clear sunny days, you may get to see the Islands of Mactan and the nearby province of Bohol.
Photo by Prinsesa Samson
Photo by Prinsesa Samson
Prinsesa Samson
Prinsesa Samson
Giov Bernaldez
Giov Bernaldez
Giov Bernaldez
Giov Bernaldez
Giov Bernaldez
Giov Bernaldez
Giov Bernaldez
Giov Bernaldez
Giov Bernaldez
Giov Bernaldez
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
Day use:
Entrance fee: FREE
Other information:
Open: 9AM-5PM daily
Sleeveless shirts, shorts, and short skirts are not allowed.
Photographs are not allowed inside the prayer rooms and temples.
You can only stay in the temple for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Tables and chair can be used for free inside the temple.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact location: Beverly Hills Subdivision, Lahug, Cebu City
By private car or taxi: Since the place is located within the city, getting there through a taxi or private car is the most convenient way. Just set the address on Waze to “Cebu Taoist Temple”. Taxi fare estimates is at P130-P150 if you’re within Cebu City already.
By motorbike or habal-habal:From JY Square Mall, you can hire a habal-habal to drive you to the temple. Fare is around P20-P30. Motorycles are allowed up until the gate of the subdivision only, so you still need to walk to the gate of the temple (around 15 minutes of walking).
A natural paradise hidden away in the mountains of Alegria is famous as a glamping paradise.
Sun Xi Mountain Resort is an eco-friendly mountain resort sitting atop a tranquil mountain that offers quality sojourn for its guests. The resort is covered in a blanket of green dotted with a small number of trees and wooden payags.
Azure skies and a cool breeze compliment the verdant backgrounds of the mountain resort which give its gardens that complete nature feel. The panoramic view of the resort is occupied with the mountains and farm lands of Alegria that are just pleasing to the eyes.
The quality of their rooms are also top-notch but come at affordable prices. Although not equipped with air conditioning, the cold air that dominates at night is more than enough for a good night’s sleep.
Moreover, they have 24 hours of electricity, excellent room service, and luxurious comfort rooms complete with hot showers. The mini bar also has an internet connection which is accessible to working guests. They even have darts and billiard tables to alleviate the boredom if the quiet is too much for some people.
Sun Xi Mountain Resort can also be the starting point to get to other nearby attractions. They offer services such as canyoneering, hiking, diving, and many more that will help many guests explore Cebu attractions such as Kawasan Falls with ease. If anyone is looking for a peaceful seclusion and a one-stop shop to explore Cebu, then Sun Xi Mountain is the place to be.
Exact location: Lepanto, Alegria, southern Cebu — 30 minutes from the main area of Alegria, approx. 2 hours away from Cebu City.
BY BUS: Find your way to the Cebu South Bus Terminal (currently located in Lantaw, SRP). Board a bus bound for “Bato-Barili via Moalboal” and alight at Alegria Heritage Park. Sun Xi provides a free shuttle from the Heritage Park to Sun Xi Mountain Resort, just be sure to contact them beforehand.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Sun Xi Mountain Resort” in Lepanto, Alegria. Parking space is available upon arrival.
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.
