Staring in envy of those amazing travel photos of the famous and traditional Torii Gates at the Sanko Shrine in Inuyama, Japan?
Stare no more because there’s now a local version of the Torii Gates in Lahug, Cebu City. Symbolically, these Japanese gates marks the transition from the mundane to the sacred.
Beth Dacuma
Beth Dacuma
The torii gates are located in front of E-Nihon Mono, a Japanese surplus store. Take that Insta-worthy picture now as there is NO entrance fee!
How to get there?
Exact location: E-Nihon Mono, Wilson Street, Lahug, Cebu City — previously Pino Filipino Restaurant, beside Yelo Hotel.
BY JEEP: Ride any jeepney going to JY Square. Or: – 04L from SM City Cebu (near APM Mall) – 17B/C from USC Main (near Jollibee) – 04C from Colon via Ramos – 04H – from Colon via Jones – 04D from Carbon via Jones
Then drop off at JY Square and walk your way to Torii Gates (or going to Tsai Hotel). You may ask around for directions.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and search for “Yelo Hotel” in Lahug. The store is located just beside it. Parking space is available.
It’s the food that comforts us and brings
back memories. It’s the taste that we always crave and will always be our
favorite.
Found in most Gaisano Grand Malls in Cebu, is the restaurant that serves us these delicious all-time favorite dishes — May Abohan.
There is just something about those soup: Sinigang, Bulalo, Tinolang isda and Nilagang baka. The warmth and flavors that make us crave them.
Their selection of sizzling dishes or that
crispy pata and chicken curry and that beef kaldereta, dishes that can make us
salivate just reading about them.
The food that will never be out of place and the ones enjoyed by families the most. Our own Filipino food, readily accessible and affordable only at May Abohan.
With Cebu’s famous peaks, it is
without a doubt that trekking is definitely one of all Cebuanos’ favorite
hobbies. Trekking is a fun activity, yet can be pretty exhausting. And the one good
thing that could revitalize you after a long trek is to find a cold spring at
the end.
The Dingayop Spring and Nature Park is a locally known cold spring. The trees that surround the area are definitely one of the contributing factors that make it so cold. The spring showcases the “Malalag”, big rocks that were naturally formed underneath the Dingayop waterfalls. The “Malalag” is called as such because of its yellow color.
Richie Indig
The cold spring is the ultimate prize
in this tourist spot, but you still have to go through some trails to get
there. With a mixture of hill and river trek, trekking along the way gets
harder but it is totally worth it since the cold spring is picture perfect.
Richie Indig
Richie Indig
Richie Indig
Not only that, the place also has the
“Eagle’s Cave”, called so because of the stalactite formation that resembles
the legs of an eagle. Be reminded though that there is no actual eagle that
resides inside the cave, which is a common misconception.
Grace Barquio Asingua
Grace Barquio Asingua
Rates & Other Information
Rates:
Entrance fee:
Spring: ₱50 per head
Cave: ₱100 per head
Helmet & Life Jacket: ₱30
Trail guide fee: ₱20 per head
Tour guide fee: ₱500 per head (Max of 5pax, spring tour only)
Package Tour (max of 4): ₱375 per head (inclusive of guide fee, entrance and gears)
Parking fee: FREE
How To Get There?
Exact location: Obo, Dalaguete, Southern Cebu — approx. 3 hours away from the city.
BY BUS: From the Cebu South Bus Terminal, take a bus bound for Dalaguete. You can ask for the driver or conductor to be dropped off at Mantalogon or Osmena Peak. The bus ride is roughly 2 to 3 hours. Bus fare is ₱130 (one-way). Upon arrival, habal-habal drivers are readily available to take you to Dingayop Spring and Nature Park.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and search for ‘Obo Guadalupe Chapel’. From there, ask for the locals on how to get to Dingayop Spring and Nature Park. Be reminded that the parking spaces there are limited.
Are you ready for that weekend trek
with your squad? Then don’t hesitate to visit Dingayop Spring and Nature Park
afterwards, as it will surely be an experience.
Cebu, the ‘Queen City of the South’, couldn’t be more apt – its magnificent kingdom with beaches, tourist attractions, and even establishments, are even more precious than jewels. Cebu is truly a showcase of what you can find in the entire Philippines.
This Cebu travel guide has all you need to know to plan your trip to one of the most diverse and adventure-packed islands in the Philippines. What to do, how to get around, food to eat. You don’t even have to worry about your accommodations, because it’s just a RedDoorz away!
HOW TO GET TO CEBU?
Whether you come by air or by sea, our suggested main point is the Basilica Menore de Santo Niño or Fuente Osmena Cirlce (the center of the whole Cebu province).
However, if you have no place to stay just yet so you can leave your things, this article is also the perfect guide. Whether you wish to go to the Northern or Southern part of Cebu, we have all recommended accommodations for you.
NORTHERN CEBU ATTRACTIONS
If you wish to visit the Northern part of Cebu, here are our recommended tourist attractions and highly recommended accommodation for comfortability and affordability.
• Cebu Safari in Carmen
Cebu Safari Zoo, a 170-hectare property owned by Cebuano pawnshop tycoon Michel J. Lhuillier, features more than 100 species including lions, giraffes, camels, tigers, zebras, among others.
Photo by Joshua Padillo
Photo by Joshua Padillo
Photo by Joshua Padillo
Photo by Joshua Padillo
NORTHERN CEBU: REDDOORZ AWAY
• RedDoorz Plus near UV Mandaue Cebu
Address: JL Briones St (Known as Plaridel St) Purok Manga, Cambaro, Mandaue City, Cebu
Anjo World is Cebu’s first and only world-class theme park within Belmont One. It is also the first integrated family entertainment complex in Cebu, and features different themed zones based on different continents – Europe, Asia, America, Africa, all in one setting.
Anjo World Theme Park
Photo taken in July 2019
Photo taken in July 2019
Golden Carousel
Viking
• Badian’s Kawasan Falls & Canyoneering
Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls has to be one of the most exciting and daring adventures not only in Cebu, but anywhere in the Philippines! There are quite a few ways to experience this attraction, but all of them guarantee you have a thrilling day, surrounded by some of the most beautiful natural scenery you’ve ever seen.
• Oslob Whale Shark & Sumilon Bar
Undoubtedly, one of the most popular — talking about worldwide recognition — tourist attractions in Cebu is the Whale Shark Watching or Swimming with the Whale Sharks in Oslob, Southern Cebu.
Cebu Ocean Park is the first marine park in Visayas and Mindanao, and has the largest Oceanarium in the Philippines (bigger than Manila Ocean Park) with function spaces and a food hall. It is geared for an all-year round tourist destination.
• Sto. Nino Church
The Santo Niño de Cebú is a Roman Catholic title of the Child Jesus associated with a religious image of the Christ Child widely venerated as miraculous by Filipino Catholics.
• Uphill Attractions (Temple of Leah, Sirao Garden, Tops Lookout)
With everything in Uptown Cebu, there is no way you should miss out these attractions. With the undying love in Temple of Leah, colorful gardens at Sirao Garden, and a good view at Tops Lookout, you should never miss the opportunity.
Temple of Leah | Thor Media Tops Lookout | Thor Media Sirao Garden
CEBU CITY: REDDOORZ AWAY
• RedDoorz Plus @ Jones Avenue Cebu
Nearby: Historical landmarks, museums, cafes, restaurants and cashpoints.
Nearby: Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, budget restaurants and cafes, and famous landmarks which you can explore whenever guests have an opportunity to be around.
Address: Jacynth Urban Homes, Logarta Street, Barangay San Roque, Cebu City
Everywhere in Cebu is just a Reddoorz away to a more comfortable stay.
Worry no more because once you have planned your itinerary, all that you have to do is book your accommodation by downloading the RedDoorz app because we are all just one RedDoorz booking away!
Cebuanos are fond of drinking and having a
good time. Grills and restobars can be found at almost any corner in Cebu City,
as each boasts different styles in customer service. Some offer live
performances from local bands and some offer promos in their drinks.
Edsnath’s Payag-Payag, Grill and Restobar is the newest tambayan in the Banilad area. What makes it different among the local common drinking spots is their bamboo furniture, providing that homey vibe, making drinking sessions more intimate together with close friends and family.
The restaurant also compliments its native
interiors with various food and drinks. Their liquor includes beer, rum,
tequila, gin and many more. When it comes to their food, they also have a wide
menu that will surely satisfy your palate.
The place also has that lively vibe and
ambience, making your get-togethers more memorable. The atmosphere, the music
and the people around are more than ready to make your next tagay session here
surely for keeps.
Other Information
Operating hours: 9AM to 3AM daily
Contact number: (032) 326-7001
How To Get There?
Exact location: Nasipit, Talamban, Cebu City — across Doña Rita Village.
BY JEEPNEY: Ride any jeepney going to Talamban or Banilad. From Colon Street, you can ride a 13C/62C/62B jeepney and drop off in Banilad. The restaurant is just along the road and can be seen once you drop off. It is also directly across Barbeque Boss.
BY CAR: Navigate with Google Maps or Waze then set the destination to ‘Dona Rita Village’ in Banilad. The place is located just right across the village.
So, gather up the gang and head on to this
place to have a good time. Cheers!
Cebu is booming and is one of the few Philippine destinations with so many things to see & do, whether you go north or south & places in between!
And if it’s just public transportation that you are depending on, then you will have quite a headache. Here’s a solution that will clear all those travel stress – an exclusive and affordable car and van for rent, from Cebu Easy Rent-A-Car | Transport & Tours.
Cebu Easy Rent-A-Car | Transport & Tours even gives you the choice either to self-drive or rent with driver at very affordable prices.
Self-Drive Rental
For the more adventurous travelers, rent self-drive & discover Cebu’s various tourist spots & activities at your own time & pace. Create your own itinerary and manage your travel time with ease and flexibility. Self drive rental for as low as P1,000 to P4,500 depending on vehicle type and transmission, excluding driver and fuel.
With Driver Rental
Travelers can also rent with driver services to enjoy a worry-free trip to top destinations such as Oslob, Badian and Moalboal. The company’s drivers will tour you around Cebu and will make sure that you have a safe, fun, easy and memorable trip. Rentals for as low as P600 to P6,500 depending on the number of passengers, destination and number of hours rental, inclusive of driver and fuel already.
Left photo by Explorerssaurus | Right by Miraluna BalucaSouthern Cebu Travel
Cebu Easy Rent-A-Car | Transport & Tours has more than 90 available vehicles so you don’t have to worry. They can accommodate you even if you bring the whole barangay. They are already 6 years in service, so you are guaranteed to get the best service and experience.
Camotes is one of the most beautiful islands in Cebu. One can never go wrong in visiting it and one can never fall short too since it’s very affordable.
Here’s a resort that would let you experience Camotes in the most private and comfortable way possible, the Kah Motes Private Resort.
The best thing about it is that, they didn’t do much on the outside and, therefore, preserves the natural beauty of the place. It’s raw, and it’s beautiful.
All the resort accessories and designs are in the huts and building, and even those are patterned to a simplistic oriental approach with aesthetics that allow us to breathe and relax.
Kah Motes Private Resort also flaunts naturalistic native feels that just calls to our roots without sacrificing the comfort and style of modern times. Those native cottages and hammocks are just inviting us to lie down.
Its spectacular view of the ocean, on the other hand, would take your breath away. It’s not your typical white sand. It’s a sea cliff- rock formations that showcases the strength of the waters, all while overlooking into those deep blue green sea.
They even have beds attached to the
walls, talk about innovative and space saving.
Rates & Other Information
Rates:
Private room (w/o kitchen): ₱1,500 per night, good for 2pax
Private room (w/ kitchen): ₱2,750 per night, good for 2pax
Exclusive rate: ₱6,500 per night, good for 10pax. After the 10th guest, there would be a charge of ₱300 per excess. Inclusions of exclusive:
Exclusive for guests and their guests
Outdoor grill
Outdoor rest rooms and showers
Fully equipped kitchen
own water source and a generator (no interruptions for both)
Rooms are ALL air conditioned
Guests are welcome to put up tents if they prefer.
FREE floor foams provided
Note: Rates vary from time to time depending on season and demands.
Services Provided:
Tour cab 14-15 pax 2,800/ Day for 5 destinations
Tulang diot
Santiago Bay
Lake Danao
Amazing
Paraiso Cave
Pick up and drop from CONSUELO PORT (If PORO port there would be a 500 pesos additional)
Exact location: Sitio Mankahilo, Brgy. Consuelo, San Francisco, Camotes Island, Northern Cebu — 2-3 hours away from the city.
This place is approximately 10 minutes from Consuelo port. Approximately 8 minutes away if you have a ride or a motorcycle which is abundant in the port, you just have to get a right deal.
You have three (3) options going to/from Camotes Islands:
OPTION 1: OCEANJET FAST CRAFT – Travel Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes – Cebu Port: Pier 1, Cebu City – Camotes Port: Poro, Camotes – Advantages: Take this option if you want to arrive faster, and you live/stay near Pier 1 or SM City Cebu or you’re from Southern Cebu.
OPTION 2: JOMALIA RORO/EXPRESS – Travel Time: 2 hours – Cebu Port: Danao City Port – Camotes Port: Consuelo, Camotes – Advantages: Take this option if you want to save 50% on transportation, if you’re willing to travel or you’re from/near Danao City.
OPTION 3: JOMALIA FAST CRAFT – Travel Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes – Cebu Port: MACTAN WHARF of Island Central Mactan Mall – Camotes Port: Consuelo, Camotes – Advantages: Take this option if you want to arrive faster, and you live/stay near Mactan.
If you are someone who likes to party and wants to be a part of something big and significant, we strongly suggest you join one of the Philippine’s grandest festivals, the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City.
Though Sinulog falls this January 2020, it is recommended to book your flights and accommodations ahead as there will be millions of people, tourists and locals alike, attending this event. Hence, most hotels are reported to be full by the last quarter of this year.
But fret no more, because RedDoorz got you covered!
Photo from the Sinulog Foundation, Inc.
Photo by Migs Rizarri
THINGS TO CONSIDER FOR YOUR ACCOMMODATION:
Pick an accommodation that is near the parade (Capitol, Ayala Center, SM City, Fuente Osmeña, just to name a few) so you get to witness the parade firsthand.
Pick an accommodation that is a walk away from the Basilica Menore del Santo Niño for convenience when attending mass and lighting of candles.
Pick an accommodation that offers free toiletries because groceries are jampacked and you wouldn’t want to join the chaos.
Pick an accommodation that has nearby restaurants because a full stomach allows you to go a long way.
Pick an accommodation that is comfortable because you need to rest after that long and tiring day.
Sinulog Procession (Chang Euldan)
Cebu Sinulog Grand Launch
Sinulog Fluvial (John Ray Aligato)
Sinulog Festival Queen
The aforementioned are truly a RedDoorz away! Yes, their accommodations are not only convenient, but also comfortable and they offer free toiletries. Did I mention they are affordable too? Yep, with everything you wish in one accommodation, RedDoorz will give you the convenience, affordability, without having to compromise comfort.
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATIONS
1. RedDoorz – (near) Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral
Affordable accommodations in the Queen City of the South. RedDoorz near Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral resides at San Roque, Cebu City near businesses, colleges and universities, budget restaurants and cafes, and famous landmarks which you can explore whenever guests have an opportunity to be around.
Address: Jacynth Urban Homes, Logarta Street, Barangay San Roque Cebu City
Promo code: REDTRIPPH (Download the RedDoorz app here)
2. RedDoorz – Junquera Extension Cebu
RedDoorz @ Junquera Extension Cebu
offers a relaxed atmosphere and clean, comfortable yet affordable rooms in the
student neighborhood of Cebu City. Each room comes with amenities such as
toiletries and grooming kits to give guests a complete and refreshing stay.
Well-trained members of staff are warm and welcoming, ready to answer any
inquiry or help with any request.
Promo code: REDTRIPPH (Download the RedDoorz app here)
3. RedDoorz Plues – Jones Avenue Cebu
Located in the student district of
Cebu City, RedDoorz Plus @ Jones Avenue Cebu offers convenient accommodations
near historical landmarks, museums, cafes, restaurants and cashpoints. Rooms
come complete with amenities including free fast, reliable Wi-Fi, toiletries
and mineral water. Polite and well-trained staff man the 24-hour frontdesk,
eager to assist with any request or concern.
Promo code: REDTRIPPH (Download the RedDoorz app here)
4. RedDoorz near Mango Avenue
RedDoorz Plus near Mango Avenue Cebu
offers gorgeous rooms that mix Filipiniana and art deco elements to create an
inviting space. Near Mango Avenue, the area is ideal for tourists, surrounded
by shopping malls, museums, restaurants, cafes and cashpoints. Rooms come
complete with amenities including free fast, reliable Wi-Fi, toiletries and
mineral water. Polite and well-trained staff man the 24-hour frontdesk, eager
to assist with any request or concern.
Promo code: REDTRIPPH (Download the RedDoorz app here)
5. RedDoorz Plus near Cebu Capitol
RedDoorz Plus near Cebu Capitol
features delightful, stylish and elegantly furnished rooms near Cebu’s historic
provincial capitol. Conveniently located, the hotel is surrounded by
restaurants, cafes, bars and shops perfect for tourists and those traveling on business. Each room comes
furnished with amenities for guests’ enjoyment. The 24-hour front desk is
manned by well-mannered and highly knowledgeable staff ready to assist with any
request or concern.
Seafood will always have a special place in the heart of the Filipinos. If you are looking for a wonderful restaurant serving mouth watering seafood of great taste at an affordable price, then you are in for a treat.
Co Jordan Bangus and Talaba Eatery is an outdoor type family restaurant with the three checks; great food, great place and great service.
Mark Arvin Santiago PhotographyMark Arvin Santiago PhotographyMark Arvin Santiago Photography
It is also a fishing lagoon which
guarantees a fresh seafood and even allow you to fish on their pond. Just equest
from the management that you want to go fishing for Bangus, buy fish bait and a
fishing rod will be provided. How ever mind you, fishing is not easy. If you
are lucky enough to catch one, you can have someone from the restaurant cook it
for you.
Mark Arvin Santiago Photography
Mark Arvin Santiago Photography
You can have private cottages big enough for your family and friends. And for the musical lovers at heart, some cottages have Karaoke machines on them.
The place serves Bangus and Talaba as this is their specialty, however, Co Jordan also serves shrimps, squid and crabs. The great thing about this place is the freedom to choose how to cook your food. Whether you like it fried, grilled, or etc, just say it and they will do it just for you.
Mark Arvin Santiago Photography
Mary Ann Masong Labrejos
Gladies Abalo
Gladies Abalo
Gladies Abalo
Gladies Abalo
Gladies Abalo
Rates & Other Information
Cottage rent: ₱100 to 500 for 3 hours (additional after 3hrs)
Exact location: Tayud, Consolacion, Cebu — 1-2 hours away from the city depending on the traffic.
BY
JEEPNEY: Ride any 01k jeepney going to Parkmall.
GO down at the jeepney terminal. From there, ride any jeepney going to
Consolacion or Liloan. There will be no problems finding for one since there
will be jeepney parking labels in the place. After boarding a jeepney to
Consolacion, ask the driver to drop you off at SM Consolacion Cebu. Jeepney
fare will be 9php. A few meters before SM Consolacion, before the bridge, you
will see tricycles. Inform the driver that you are headed to CO Jordan.
Tricycle fare is 10php per person.
BY CAR: If you’re bringing your own car, just navigate with Waze or Google Maps and search for “Co Jordan Bangus / Talaba Eatery”. Parking space is available.
Coffee shops have been popping everywhere
in the city, yet only a few seem to leave a mark. It is true patrons will
always come back for the food and drinks, but only a handful manages to make
its patrons come back because of the ambience it brings. RCC Café is one of
those.
RCC Café is Talamban’s newest coffee and chill place. Conveniently located along the road in Nasipit, Talamban, the coffee shop is perfect for those who wish to be isolated from the busy streets of Cebu while overlooking it. It was formerly located in Banilad but relocated in Nasipit, with a better and bigger place.
Irish L. Aloyan
Irish L. Aloyan
Irish L. Aloyan
Irish L. Aloyan
Irish L. Aloyan
The café’s aesthetic interiors are what
really makes it remarkable. With
different pastel colors on each cube, the café seems like a giant palette. More
than that, the chill ambience of the place makes it a relaxing affair once you
spend your time here.
Not just mainly caffeine, RCC Café has a
wide menu. They also offer milk tea, tea, shakes and food. That includes
sandwiches, cakes and pastries. They even offer local specialty food such as
the delicious sisig.
Exact location: Nasipit, Talamban, Cebu City — near USC-TC, beside EV English Academy (brown building with RCC Café signage).
BY JEEPNEY: Ride any jeepney going to Talamban. From Colon Street, you can ride a 13C/62C/62B jeepney and drop off in Nasipit, Talamban. The café is just along the road and can be seen once you drop off.
BY CAR: Navigate with Google Maps or Waze then set the destination to ‘RCC Café in Nasipit, Talamban’. Limited parking space is available.
If you reside in Talamban, no need to go to
the main city to visit your favorite cafes; let RCC Café be your new favorite
hangout coffee place!
