It is quite undeniable that the list of things we are looking forward to after this pandemic keeps growing. I am pretty sure we all picture ourselves out doing something we have been missing the past few months.
Here is one thing you can also look forward to after this pandemic – a hidden gem known as the Serenity Mountain Cafe. Nestled in Busay, this quaint yet affordable cafe offers gorgeous mountain scenery as you and your friends enjoy either your coffee or your cuppas.
Photo by Fritche Durano Garcia
Photo from Serenity Mountain Cafe
Photo from Serenity Mountain Cafe
Photo from Serenity Mountain Cafe
Photo by Fritche Durano Garcia
Photo by Fritche Durano Garcia
Photo by Fritche Durano Garcia
Photo by Fritche Durano Garcia
Photo by Fritche Durano Garcia
Photo by Fritche Durano Garcia
Photo by Fritche Durano Garcia
Photo by Fritche Durano Garcia
Photo from Serenity Mountain Cafe
Whether you are making a pit stop on a road trip or decide you would like to experience this cafe, you will surely be glad you visited.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
Menu:
OTHER INFORMATION
New opening hours: 11:30AM to 9PM daily (under community quarantine)
Exact location: Sitio Tiguib, Brgy. Malubog, Busay, Cebu City — approx. 30 minutes away from the city proper or JY Square Mall.
BY CAR: (Best option) Parking space available. Just search for ‘Serenity Farm and Resort’ in Cebu Transcentral Highway via Waze or Google Maps.
BY HABAL-HABAL: (Not available under community quarantine.) Hire a habal-habal driver (motorcycle for hire) near JY Square Mall in Lahug, and inform him to drop you off at Serenity Farm. Estimated fare is ₱100 per person (max of 2).
BY TAXI: Hiring a taxi cab is possible but that can be hefty. Most of them won’t give you a metered reading system – hence, they’ll be offering you an estimated fare in going there. You can also rent a car via SquadPH Travels.
Famous for its canyoneering, Kawasan Falls and Lambug beach, Badian has another tourist magnet up its sleeve – the Badian Highlands. Talk about never-ending list of tourist spots, right? This town in the southwestern part of Cebu province is indeed an emerging giant in local tourism.
Badian is now banking on its mountainous terrain, adding yet another potential tourism hotspot to its already long list of tourist attractions.
The Badian Highlands is a recently opened view deck that is approximately 1,640 feet above sea level. It is part of the Dalaguete-Mantolongon-Badian Road and covers the following barangays of Badian: Basak, Talayong, Dobdob, Tiguib and Barangay Ablayan of the municipality of Dalaguete.
It was officially opened to the public last July 10, 2020 (Friday) amid community quarantine. This particular spot is considered as a “No Build Zone”, hence, no physical structures can be constructed.
The Badian Highlands gives tourists a jaw-dropping panoramic view of the Tanon strait, Badian Bay, and the giant Kanlaon Volcano of the province of Negros Oriental. This is also the perfect site for walking, jogging, biking, and for those who just want to enjoy a panoramic view from a mountainside – something which you will never see in the city while on your job. The view is purely magical.
The best time to visit is on an early morning to enjoy the sunrise or in the afternoon for some sunset photos. At night, the pollution-free surroundings will give you a clear view of the night skies and stars.
The Badian Highlands will definitely give you FB-worthy photos that will make your social media friends hit that “heart” or “wow” react!
For now, the Badian Highlands has been opened to private vehicles and still has no entrance fees (for now).
The local government unit of Badian is very hopeful that the opening of Badian Highlands will help their local economy recover from the massive losses brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
It’s best to drop by the Badian Highlands if you already have a tour or appointment in the town of Badian. You can come here before or after your scheduled canyoneering or trip to Kawasan falls.
BY BUS: From Cebu South Bus terminal (temporarily situated at Lantaw SRP), hop on a bus bound for Oslob or Badian. The fare is around P140 and travel time is more or less 3 hours. Ask the driver to drop you off at Badian.
From the natonal highway, you can hire habal-habal to take you to Badian Highlands. However, it’s one long ride (13 kilometers from the national highway). So we recommend that you visit this place on a private car or motobike or a rented vehicle with your group.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and search for “Badian Highlands”.
TraceFast, a COVID-19 Exposure app has been launched as a new digital platform for easier contact-tracing.
The Department of Health and the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) have endorsed this app and declared as the official Google Apple COVID-19 Exposure Notification App of the Philippines.
By turning on the bluetooth signal of a 2G, 3G, and LTE device, this will notify those who were in contact with a COVID-19 positive patient. Confirmed COVID-19 patients will be using their IDs on the app and notify health officials to help them contain the spread of the disease.
TraceFast also features:
COVID-19 information
Prevention Tips
Updates
Global and Local Statistics
TraceFast is available on iOS 13.5 devices and up via the App Store. It will also be available on Android devices soon.
On Friday, the Department of Tourism (DOT) proudly announced that the Philippines has been awarded as the ‘Best Overseas Diving Area’ at the Marine Diving Awards 2020 held recently in Tokyo.
This is the first time the country ranked first in the overseas diving category in the Japan-based magazine company. It cited the islands of Moalboal in southern Cebu, Malapascua in northern Cebu, Bohol, and Negros Oriental as among the best diving sites in the Philippines.
Moalboal, Cebu | Photo by Ken Suarez on UnsplashSardine Run, Moalboal | Photo by Giachen’s World on UnsplashTurtle Point, Moalboal | Photo by Olga Tsai on Unsplash
The Philippines won by 814 votes (out of the 3,572 total votes) cast by the magazine’s subscribers, recognizing the country as “a first pick for many diving lovers.”
According to Marine Diving Magazine, the diving sites in the Philippines have “captured the hearts of many divers and make them want to revisit the Philippines again and again. And with its easy access from Japan and reasonable tour prices, the Philippines is no doubt a first pick for many diving lovers.”
Ocean Vida Beach & Dive Resort Malapascua
Ocean Vida Beach & Dive Resort Malapascua
Photo by @bryanchu
“This award is a testimony that diving is more fun in the Philippines, with each underwater paradise offering a unique adventure and experience to behold, and return to. Our underwater landscape is a colorful kaleidoscope of nature’s living jewels, one that divers cannot find anywhere else,”
Lapu-Lapu City, along with other areas in Cebu, is now under the ‘more relaxed’ modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) for the whole month of September. This means, more movements of people, including tourism-related activities, are now allowed.
With this, Sugbo.ph will be publishing a series of content focused on resorts that have re-opened and complied with the local permits to re-operate under MGCQ. Previously, we featured resorts in Cebu south that are open as of September.
In this article, we have enlisted 10 resorts in Mactan that are now ready to accept local guests.
NOTE: Walk-ins are discouraged. Prior reservation or booking is required and proof of booking (along with your Certificate of Employment or Quarantine Pass) must be brought/presented at border checkpoints.
DISCLAIMER: Rates indicated below may not be accurate as some resorts may have changed their rates due to the new guidelines. It’s best to contact the resorts directly online or through the contact numbers provided.
1. Dusit Thani
Be captivated and enchanted by Dusit Thani, a charming place to relax and enjoy without a care in the world. Their pool is so large; it could be a swimmer’s delight. And, whether you believe it or not, the resort itself is a 5-star resort. Come and experience what it feels like.
Exact location: Punta Engano Road, Mactan Island, Lapu Lapu City 6015, Cebu — 20-30 minutes away from Mactan Cebu Airport, 1.5-2 hours away from Cebu City.
Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu is located on the northern tip of the Punta Engano Peninsula. It is easily accessible by land and sea transport, just 11 km from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and is accessible to nearby points of interest and popular island-hopping ports.
2. BE Resort Mactan
BE Resort Mactan is as stylish as it gets. Its serene atmosphere is the right atmosphere to calm the soul and mind. Whether be it swimming in the pool, in the beach, or just relaxing and sitting while watching the clouds, it is up to you. They even have game rooms and a buffet if it is up to your taste.
Rooms
Be Cool Room (City View): ₱5,125/night; 2 Queen Size Beds
Exact location: Buyong Maribago, Mactan Island Lapu-lapu City Cebu
4. Solea Mactan Cebu Resort
Solea Mactan Cebu Resort is much more like a city itself than a resort. It has a lot of accommodations: from their gym, souvenir shop, and their very own airport transfer, it’s a bustling city of luxury and comfort. Be ready to meet and mingle with a lot of people!
Exact location: Wahing Street, Barangay Alegria, Cordova, Cebu — 45 minutes away from the city proper, and 30 minutes from Mactan Airport.
5. Alta Cebu Resort
Photo from Agoda Photo from Agoda
Alta Resort hails itself as one of the well-known resorts for events such as weddings, gatherings, get-togethers, and more. Impressively, it is a great pick for events because of its wide area and great service. With its design, staying here will immerse you to the culture of Cebu.
Two of the popular tourist attractions in Cebu City have officially re-opened now that the city is placed under the ‘more relaxed’ modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) for the whole month of September.
The Original Sirao Garden Little Amsterdam and the Sirao Pictorial Garden are now ready to accept guests under the new normal, while making sure health and safety protocols are in place.
1. Original Sirao Flower Garden – Little Amsterdam
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. These flower gardens are located adjacent to each other.
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.
The whole island of Cebu has recently been placed under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) for the whole month of September. Under the more relaxed MGCQ, more movements of people are now allowed. This includes traveling in MGCQ areas.
Though many attractions and tourism-related businesses are already allowed to re-open, they still need to acquire some permits required by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the IATF to resume their operations. This is to make sure that companies and their staff will comply to all the health and safety protocols and guidelines set by the local authorities.
With this, we have been getting a lot of inquiries as to what attractions, hotels and resorts have re-opened so far. To start off this series of such articles, here are some of the resorts in southern Cebu that can now accept guests.
NOTE: Walk-ins are discouraged. Prior reservation or booking is required and proof of booking (along with your Certificate of Employment or Quarantine Pass) must be brought/presented at border checkpoints.
DISCLAIMER: Rates indicated below may not be accurate as some may have changed their fees due to the IATF guidelines. It’s best to contact the resorts directly online or through the contact numbers provided.
1. Tubod Flowing Water Minglanilla
Operating Hours: 8AM to 8PM daily
Entrance Fee: P180 for adults, P90 for kids (8 y/o & below)
Cottage Rates: P400 per table for 8pax; P500 for 10-15pax; P700 for 15-20pax; P800 for 30 pax
Exact Location: Along White Beach of Brgy. Saavedra, Moalboal, Cebu – a car drive approximately 15 minutes from Gaisano Grand Mall Moalboal and roughly 2 hours away Cebu City Proper.
Day use rate – 200php/pax for 4hours use of beach only (no swimming pool) and entrance fee is not consumable. Day use and walk-in guests are subject to availability and cannot be granted.
Room Rates:
Standard couple room aircon good for 2pax with 2 free bkf , pool view – 2850php/night
Standard family room with aircon good for 2pax – 3250 php/night
Superior Couple room with aircon and private terrace, good for 2pax – 3900 php/night
Superior Family room with aircon and private terrace, sea view good for 2 pax – 4600 php/night
De luxe Dome suite non aircon, private terrace and sea view good for 2pax with 2 free bkf – 4200php/night.
De Luxe Talisay Bungalow suite with aircon, private terrace, sea view, jaccuzi and sauna good for 2 pax – 5000 php/night
Quadouble Occupancy (4 pax): ₱3,890 per night – Rates vary during peak season (December 24th to June 30th)
Double Standard
Standard (2 pax): ₱1,950 per night
Triple Occupancy (3 pax): ₱2,450 per night – Rates vary during peak season (December 24th to June 30th)
Quadouble Standard
Standard (2 pax): ₱2,000 per night
Triple Occupancy (3 pax): ₱2,500 per night
Quadouble Occupancy (4 pax): ₱2,995 per night – Rates vary during peak season (December 24th to June 30th) – Excess is ₱500 per head per night
Other information
NO option for Day Use.
Corkage fee? ₱600 /head (food) and ₱300 per can, bottle or canister. This is because they have a restaurant inside, and they discourage guests to bring food or drinks. Food and beverage menu are provided above.
Entrance fee: ₱200 per adult / ₱100 per kid (8AM to 5PM only)
Cottage: ₱400 per day (Open Cottage) / ₱500 per day (Japanese Cottage)
Billiard: ₱100 per hour
Videoke: ₱500 first 2 hours (₱100 / succeeding hour)
Therapeutic Massage: ₱400 per hour
Hiking at Eli Rock: ₱100 per person (with guide and bottled water)
Boljoon Church & Museum Tour: ₱200 per person (with guide and van)
Overnight Room Rates
Row house type: ₱2,000 per night
Single Detached: ₱2,600 per night
Casita: ₱3,600 per night – All rooms are good for 2 adults & 2 kids. – Pay ₱200 per person per night excess. Max. of 6 persons per room. – Extra bed is ₱200. – Check-in at 2PM / Check-out at 12NN the next day
– Hot and cold shower – Basic bath amenities like shampoo, soap and towels – 32″ LED TV with premium cable channels – Airconditioned – RATE: P3,000 per night, good for 2pax with breakfast
Other information:
DAY USE: No option for day use / pool access. The resort is exclusive for overnight staying guests only.
Corkage: Corkage for food & drinks is P300 per person. Corkage for whole lechon is P500.
Day Use: P1,500 per person on weekdays; P2,000 per person on weekends and holidays
Day Tour inclusions: Roundtrip boat transfers from Bancogon (Oslob) to Sumilon Island; Plated lunch per person at the resort restaurant; Island activities (snorkeling, paddle boating, kayaking) and use of picnic huts and swimming pool
Room Rates:
Deluxe Room (Sea View): ₱10,500 /night, good for 2pax w/ breakfast
Premiere Deluxe: ₱10,500 /night, good for 2pax w/ breakfast
Glamping Tent: ₱11,500 /night, good for 2pax w/ breakfast
One Bedroom Suite: ₱18,700 /night, good for 2pax w/ breakfast
NOTE: Walk-ins are discouraged. Prior reservation or booking is required and proof of booking (along with your Certificate of Employment or Quarantine Pass) must be brought/presented at border checkpoints.
DISCLAIMER: Rates indicated below may not be accurate as some may have changed their fees due to the IATF guidelines. It’s best to contact the resorts directly online or through the contact numbers provided.
Do you want to add something in this list? Comment down below or message us on Messenger.
We all have those days when we just suddenly think we need a break — especially after a long day at work or a hell week at school. And us, Cebuanos, really love to treat ourselves with delicious food and/or crazy adventure or getaway with family and friends. Even if there are times that our wallets do not permit, we definitely find ways. And what’s the best getaway? Going for a roadtrip and hitting the beach. But this time, you might want to consider an exclusive resort in the city with a BREATHTAKING scenery of nature. After introducing to you Rancho Cancio resort, Sugbo.ph proudly takes you to another paradise in the city — the Serenity Farm and Resort.
Photo by Nathalie Sacay
Located in Brgy. Malubog, Busay, Cebu City, approximately 20-30 minutes away from the city proper, Serenity Farm and Resort is a private and exclusive rest house that can accommodate up to 35 people for day use, overnight group stays and catered events. It flaunts a beautiful infinity pool facing the breathtaking panoramic view of Busay, Cebu’s mountainous nature.
Overnight: ₱17,000 per night (inclusive of 1-16 guests)
Excess: ₱350 per head – Maximum 25 guests in total inside the house. – More than 25 guests is suggested to get another house/room for a more comfortable stay;
Additional guests day-use (6hours): ₱175 per head (no limit with the no. of guests), Day-Use (2PM-8PM or 6AM-12PM)
Security bond: ₱5,000 (refundable)
HOUSE 2:
Overnight: ₱10,000 per night (inclusive of 1-8 guests)
Excess: ₱350 per head per night
Additional guests day-use (6hours): ₱175 per head (no limit with the no. of guests), Day-Use (2PM-8PM or 6AM-12PM)
Security bond: ₱5,000 (refundable)
HOUSE 3 (Consists of 2 villas):
Overnight: ₱15,000 per night (inclusive of 1-14 guests)
Private swimming pool
Excess: ₱350 per head per night, more than 20 guests is suggested to get another house/room for a more comfortable stay.
Additional guests day-use (6hours): ₱175 per head (no limit with the no. of guests), Day-Use (2PM-8PM or 6AM-12PM)
Security bond: ₱5,000 (refundable)
CHECK-IN TIME: not earlier than 2PM
CHECK-OUT TIME: not later than 12NN
FACILITIES & AMENITIES:
• KARAOKE: ₱2,000 per day (TJ Media with 2 microphones)
• HOUSE 1
4 big bedrooms (1st room with 3 twin beds, 2nd room with 2 queen beds, 3rd room with 2 queen beds, 4th room with 1 king and 1 queen beds)
4 toilet and bath inside the rooms and 4 also outside the house near the pool, with hot and cold bath
Spacious living room with nice sofa set, TV With cable, WiFi, Piano
Dining room with 12 seater hardwood table
Kitchen with refrigerator, stove and gas, microwave, electric kettle, coffee maker, juicer, griller, utensils, cookwares, and other kitchen tools
Swimming Pool with Panoramic View
Jacuzzi Pool
Koi Pond
• HOUSE 2
4 bedrooms with queen size beds each
3 toilet and bath and a powder room
Cozy living room with nice sofa set, TV With cable, WiFi
Dining room with 6 seater hardwood table
Kitchen with refrigerator, stove and gas, microwave, electric kettle, coffee maker, juicer, griller, utensils, cookwares, and other kitchen tools
Swimming Pool with Panoramic View
• COMMON AREAS
Spacious deck
Spacious parking lot
Tables and chairs in the garden
Overwhelming panoramic view of the mountains
TRANSPORTATION
Toyota Super Grandia – can fit 10 guests.
₱1,500 (JY Square mall to Serenity roundtrip)
₱2,000 (Ayala to Serenity roundtrip)
₱2,500 (SM to Serenity roundtrip)
₱3,000 (Airport to Serenity roundtrip)
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1.) Day-use rentals will only be accommodated during Mondays-Thursdays. 2.) Normal check-in time for day use and overnight stay is 2pm and check-out time for day-use is 10pm (same day), for overnight stay is 12nn (next day). 3.) If your group requests an upgrade from a day use rental to an overnight use, please inform the staff 2 hours or more before arrival to allow the resort to properly ready rooms and bed sheets for your consumption. 4.) Guests are required to pay the balance of accommodation, 2 days prior to check-in. 5.) If full payment has not been made within two (2) days of check-in date, booking and all payments made will be void. 6.) Should you cancel after paying down payment, no refund of the 20% reservation fee will be provided. 7.) Date change requests will only be allowed seven (7) days prior check-in time. 8.) Please keep Serenity Farm and Resort clean at all times by putting everything in order. 9.) No hard drinks allowed. 10.) Please make sure that you endorse all beddings, blankets, towels, pillow cases and kitchen utensils to the person in-charge properly. 11.) All damage of property and materials in-house, losses will be charged off the bond. 12.) Bond will also be revoked due to following cases: • Improper behavior • Smoking in the house, especially in rooms • Mess done due to drunkenness • Playing with the fishes or dipping of any part of a guest’s body 13.) Standing on the swimming pool ledge and house roof are strictly prohibited. 14.) The management will not be responsible for any injury, disability and/or death that might occur in Serenity Farm and Resort, Busay.
Location: Brgy. Malubog, Busay, Cebu City (20-30 minutes away from the city proper)
There is no public vehicle that can take you directly to Serenity Farm and Resort. The trip could take approximately 20 minutes from JY Square Mall. You may need a private vehicle to get to the place, rent the van offered by Serenity, or rent your own vhire or jeepney (pakyawan). Many drivers are not familiar of the place, so make sure to ask for a detailed guide or instructions on how to get there from the owner once you have made a reservation. The place can also be found in Waze or Google Maps.
If you have already been to Serenity Farm and Resort, we would love to know your experience. Just hit the comment section below.
Missed traveling? Now you can as Cebu Province resumes more tourism activities under the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) status. One of the allowed activities now is the famous Canyoneering in Badian and Alegria in southern Cebu.
On August 31, the tour guides and operators welcomed Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia at the entrance of the town’s Kawasan Falls for the official re-opening of canyoneering activities in the tourism site.
Cebu Governor Garcia has been pushing for the reopening of the tourism sector as this is Cebu’s main economic driver and many locals are highly depending on tourism as their source of income and livelihood.
New Canyoneering Guidelines:
Operating hours: 6AM to 3PM only
Maximum height of 30ft for waterfall jumping
Groups of maximum of 5 persons will be accompanied by 2 trained guides. Only persons traveling together will be allowed in a group.
Guides must strictly observe good personal hygiene and wear proper uniform.
Strict physical distancing must be observed with 7-minute interval between each group.
Maximum of 300 tourists per day only for canyoneering.
Selling of food and drinks is not allowed.
Visitors are required to wear proper gears and equipment to be provided by the tour operators.
Canyoneering operators are required to set aside one day of every week for cleanup and maintenance.
Rate
BADIAN CANYONEERING & KAWASAN FALLS ADVENTURE:₱1,500 per head, inclusive of entrance fee and use of required gears and equipment. (Same rate for Alegria canyoneering.)
How to book?
Interested individuals may place their advance bookings or reservations online via https://discover.cebu.gov.ph/, Cebu Provincial’s official travel booking portal. Walk-ins are also allowed.
How to get there?
Exact location: Badian, Southern Cebu — 3 hours away from the city.
BY CAR: Just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Kawasan Falls” in Badian. Parking space is available at the church area.
BY BUS: From the South Bus Terminal (temporarily situated at Lantaw SRP), take a bus going to Badian or Oslob. Fare is is around ₱155. Tell the bus driver to drop you off at the Badian church or starting point of Kawasan Falls.
