CEBU SOUTH TOURIST DESTINATION

SOUTHSIDE TOURS

You might have already guessed my love for beaches. I don’t go hiking mountains as I cannot endure the stress of climbing uphill. As much as I would like to but I value my health for my children’s sake. I can go for thrills and high adrenaline adventures as long as it doesn’t include climbing.

Let’s start with the white beach in ALCOY. The fact that it’s pristine sandy white beach made it famous not only to the locals but as well as to foreign tourists and mind you it’s free admission to public.

For those who are commuting, there’s a bus ride from South Bus Terminal with WiFi on board. Just inform the bus staff to drop you off at Tingko Beach in Alcoy. Bus fare is Php150 and takes 3-4 hours from the city.

Next on the list is OSLOB, where it’s famous for whale sharks encounters. You must be there early morning. There’s a registration and a short briefing about Whale Sharks and what to do. Whale watching costs: Php300 (locals), Php500 (foreigners), Swimming with whale sharks cost Php500 (locals), Php1,000 (foreigners).

You should not miss SUMILON ISLAND. It is 15 minute boat ride from the port. The whole boat rents Php1,500. We suggest that you go here in a group so you could split the 1500 Php boat fare. Some locals will tell you to rent the boat for yourself so you don’t have to waste your time waiting for other guests to whom you could split the fare with.

 

ALL PICTURES ARE MINE. 

CEBU ISLAND HOPPING

Mactan Island Hopping 

You can also try out hopping islands. There are available boat rentals for cheaper rates depending on the number of pax. 

For 10 Pax, the boat alone will cost you Php3,000. It can already take you to three islands. Entrance fees are shouldered by guests. 

Gilutongan Island 

Entrance Fee: Php100/head

Nalusuan Island

Entrance fee: Php400/ head

Inside Nalusuan Vicinity 

Caohagan Island

Entrance fee: Php200/head

My family took a hassle free service from Cordova Island Hopping with buffet style food inclusion. We paid Php700 each for a minimum of 10 pax. Although we went to our three chosen islands, it was only in Nalusuan Island that we decided to pay an entrance fee. For the other two islands, we only swam near our boat. 

Rate as of March 2019.

ALL PICTURES ARE MINE. 

CEBU CITY TOURIST ATTRACTIONS (Part 3)

Going to the other part of Cebu is Lapu-Lapu City. It’s an hour ride without traffic. Let me take you to Mactan Shrine to fully engage in our Filipino history. It is where the battle between the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and Mactan Island chieftain Lapu-Lapu happened.

Lapu-Lapu Shrine

Mactan Shrine

You can also find the newly added attraction popularly known for its 10,000 LED roses which lights up at night, the 10,000 Roses Cafe. 

Mactan Island is well known for its fine white sand beaches. Among those beaches were the ones in my bucket list. These are some of my favourite beaches in the island of Mactan based solely on my wonderful experience with them. 

First is my go to resort “Crimson”. I’ve been here more than 5 times with my family and the service is nothing but exceptional. The kids and I love it here not only for the scenic view but as well as the staff’s hospitality. Not to mention their mouthwatering dishes. No wonder it’s considered a five star resort. They offer a day use rate of Php2,500 with lunch buffet inclusion. 

Crimzone Pool

Infinity Pool

Crimzone Playground

Crimzone Playground

This five star hotel also known for it’s pristine sandy white beach and crystal clear water should be in your bucket list. My favourite part is their Chocolate Hour once the time sets at 3 in the afternoon. I’m Drooling 🤤. Introducing Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island. They offer day use rate of Php2,500 on weekdays and Php3,000 on weekends with lunch buffet. 

I would also recommend going to Costabella Beach Resort for I had an amazing experience with my family and friends back in  2014. 

The resort although is relatively small compared to the other resorts I have been but this resort is very competitive. Their food is excellent and the pools are well maintained. It has an affordable day use rate of Php1,650 per adult and Php990 nett for kids 10 and below. 

Shangri-La Mactan. This is by far the most expensive resort my family and I have indulged. This was during my husband’s birthday. I had saved up and prepared for his special day. The place is huge. Considering the amenities and the royal treatment my family has received, I strongly believe it was all worth it. It was worth every penny. 

ALL PICTURES ARE MINE. 

CEBU CITY TOURIST ATTRACTIONS (Part 2)

Once I get to visit the church of the said place, then I am ready for my adventures.

I always go to which is the nearest from my first destination. In Cebu City, the closest to Basilica Minore Del Sto Niño are as follows: Magellan’s Cross, Plaza Independencia, and Fort San Pedro. They are just walking distance from the church.

Magellan’s Cross

Next on the list is Taoist Temple going to Lahug. From there, you can go directly to Busay for the breathtaking view of Cebu City. I suggest you start your uphill mountain tour in the afternoon so you have a clear picture of the area. In Busay, you can visit Temple of Leah, Mountain View, Tops, Terrazas De Flores, SIRAO Garden. I prefer to take my guests to Mountain View than at Tops for practical reasons: affordable entrance fee plus a bigger space with unlimited view. Tops is small but has a wide area and entrance fee is double compared to mountain view.

Taoist Temple

Temple of Leah

Temple of Leah

Tops

Terrazas de flores

Terrazas De Flores 

Terrazas De Flores 

SIRAO (second one)

SIRAO (second one)

SIRAO (first one)

SIRAO (first one)

There are two SIRAOs to which I’ve been to both. The first one does not only have a cheaper entrance fee but it also has a lot of intragrammable stuff in every corner,  “The Hand” to name one. While the other one, has a lot of beautiful flowers. The wide place complements the ambience.

Don’t worry when you get hungry as there are food stalls right across or if you fancy heavy meals, you can visit the restaurants along Tops Road like Delice, Balay sa Busay, La Vie in the Sky, and Top of Cebu.

ALL PICTURES ARE MINE.