So, the adventure continued and we’re feeling so high…
The higher, the closer to heaven.
Ace and Demi in Mt Kan-Irag
We feel high…
We felt high… when we learned we were climbing Mt. Kan-Irag through Budlaan.
We felt high… despite the gloomy weather the day before our adventure.
We remained high… although there were only five of us who showed up on the day of our scheduled jaunt.
Ace and Demi in Budlaan Falls
We felt high… when we started trekking Kabang River and witnessed the mightiness of Budlaan Falls.
We felt higher… when we bathed in the flowing water of Kabang river.
Sirao Peak
We still felt high… just by eating isaw, and chicken feet bbq for lunch beside a basketball court.
We felt higher… when we continued our quest to the peak of Mt. Kan-Irag.
We felt high… seeing our national animal taking a dip in a muddy puddle under the scorching heat of the sun.
We felt high… as we took a short break and rested our bodies in the grassy field.
We felt higher… when a mother cow chased us and saw her sexy baby posing elegantly in front of our camera.
We still felt high… though our paced slowed down because our bodies were already exhausted.
We felt high… even though we had to take a lot of short breaks to regain our energy.
We felt even higher… when we reached the shoulder of the peak and saw the city below us.
We felt high… as we enjoyed the wonderful view and pointed the trail we passed through.
We felt high… as we realized we’re just a dot in this vast universe.
We felt high… as we contemplated on mundane things that we missed to notice below.
We felt higher… when we were welcomed by the blooming flowers of cogon grass which brought us to a different world.
We even felt higher… as we started walking and making our way through those grass that are taller than me.
A beautiful paradise.
We felt SUPER high… when we finally reached the top and saw a beautiful paradise below us.
We felt high… as we rejoiced because we finally reached the peak.
We felt higher… while looking at the clouds and identifying the shapes they formed.
We felt high… talking about life and past experiences.
We felt higher… while dancing to beat of the infamous Despacito and the Shark Song.
We remained high… even until the sun started to set painting the sky a different hue. Even higher… as we argued whether the hue was pink or orange.
Truly, Mt Kan-Irag being the highest peak of the city’s highland, made us feel high as we scaled her wonderful trail. Even looking and reviewing the photos we took during our trek make us feel high. No wonder why most outdoor souls who are always hungry for adventure love to go back to her peak.
Our first week of May was worthily spent in SURIGAO along with new awesome friends. The place was in our bucket list but we did not expect to visit it it soon. Somehow, blessings made our way to the City of Island Adventures. (And this marked our first venture outside the Visayas region.)
An old friend invited us to visit her hometown. It so happen that Ace and I had plans to go to Negros and Bantayan Islands but the enticing places in Surigao made us change our minds.
I must say, we had made the BEST decision ever.
Surigao swept us off our feet since the first day and all throughout our sojourn. From the amazing fjord of Bucas Grande and Sohoton Cove, the untouched islets of Dinagat Islands, the awe-inspiring sight of Tinuy-an Falls, to the beguiling beauty of Enchanted River — everything went beyond our expectations.
Here’s a photo diary that will show you how the City of Island Adventures made us fall inlove.
How would you like to build your house in an island overlooking other tiny islets and the cerulean sea?
A stunning vista of the islets from an abandoned rest house in Dinagat Islands.
Or maybe have the island all by yourself?
Another picturesque spot on the other side of the abandoned rest house.
When you have the fine sand, the calm sea and a wonderful… body? (Excuse me!)
The fine sandbar in one of the islets of Dinagat Islands. (Duyos Beach)
That Palawan dream… Surigao made it happen. 😀
A rock formation that serves as home of some Kalaw birds or the Philippine Hornbills in another Dinagat Islands’ islet. (Kabukungan Islet.)
Entered a new world through Bucas Grande and got lost with the confusing inlets. Explored the hidden gems of Sohoton from caves to coves.
A fjord to Bucas Grande.
Saw amazing rock formations that we’ve never seen before and heard folklores from a local tourist guide.
Unique rock wall in Sohoton Cove.
Plunged and communed with nature. Or chose to swim with thousands of stingless jellyfish.
Dipping in the water surrounded by stingless jellyfish.
Ticked off the widest waterfall in the country from our bucket list.
A fascinating sight of the country’s widest waterfall — Tinuy-an Falls. (The 2nd tier.)
Chased the cascades of this multi-tiered waterfalls. And treated ourselves with a massage from the water curtain.
The cascades of Tinuy-an’s first tier.
Dabbed a ‘squadgoal pose’ with the gang.
Squad goals? Yeah, not without this pose. 😀
And stroke more squadgoal poses…. 😀
Squad pose with Tinuy-an Falls’ stamp.
Admired the mystifying beauty of Hinatuan’s Enchanted River.
A vibrant scene of Hinatuan’s Enchanted River. Simply enchanting.
Repleted our eyes as we stared at the enchanting river to our hearts’ content. Also enjoyed swimming and going with the river flow.
Staring at the water to her heart’s content.
Whilst our fleeting stay in Surigao we couldn’t help but DECLARE to come back for more, soon. The city surely has more gems yet to be discovered.
Thank you for the wonderful experience Surigao. ’til our next visit on your land.
Cheers!
With love, Ace and Demi
P.S A huge thanks to our friend Annel Hope Mayuga and to her wonderful family for adopting us during our four days stay in Surigao. Thank you for your warm welcome and for making this venture possible. ’til next time.
Let’s wander where the WIFI is weak or where there’s no SIGNAL at all.
While everybody’s planning for a beach getaway, we, on the otherhand, found ourselves in the middle of the woods, surounded by mountains, hearing the music not everybody can hear. We’re going back to nature!
Ace and Demi Coal Mountain Resort Story
Who would have thought a place which was used as a grazing ground for carabaos could give us a total relaxation away from chaotic life in the city? In the outskirts of Argao, lies this wondrous haven called Coal Mountain Resort, a perfect place for those who wanted retreat from the bustling metropolis.
Find Demi.
The hubby and I had our post-Valentine celebration (we just need some reason to getaway, you know) in this haven. I was very excited that I booked a room more than a week ahead. Well, I think that was just right because when I called, most rooms were already booked and there were only two deluxe rooms left. The staff whom I talked to said the resort is usually full on weekends especially the family and group rooms. So yah, I suggest to book your rooms ahead.
Deluxe rooms.
Our one hour butt-aching motorcycle ride was totally worth it. Admittedly though, when we arrived at the resort, I was kind of “disappointed” as there was no wonderful decoration that would make anybody curious and interested to see what’s inside. The look from the outside was very simple and straightforward.
But, see “never judge a resort by its gate”. 😀
The resort’s viewing deck.
Yet, when we went inside I felt euphoric as I ran towards their viewing deck. It offers a panoramic view of the lush greeneries of the mountains that surrounds the resorts, some of which are part of Dalaguete mountain range. Not to mention the invigorating mountain air, I felt like we were transported to a different world.
Imagine waking up to this view.
I was very excited to roam around to see what other wonders the resort has to offer. So, right after we threw our bags inside the room, I immediately went to explore the place. Look at this wonderful view from our room, don’t you want to wake up everyday for this?
Morning view from our room.
It’s wonderful how the resort mainted its homey environment. It so much felt like I was having a vacation in my grandparent’s house in the countryside. Oh, I could live like this forever.
Stairs to the deluxe rooms.
The resort has three swimming pools, all are fed by free-flowing spring water. But you have to go through the woods to reach the third pool which was the deepest, too.
The first pool is 4ft deep. It is mango-shaped, by the way. It also has a slide for kids or for those who are kids at heart.
Four-feet pool.
Just when you thought you lost your heart, then you realized it’s in the resort. “Buti pa sa Coal Mountain, may heart.” 😛 Behold, the pool with a heart, er, heart shape. The second pool is 7ft deep. There’s a jumping platform if you want to plunk.
The pool with a heart, seven-feet deep.
The third pool is the deepest. Imagine 16ft deep. I bet one couldn’t swim more than 15 minutes here because it’s just sooooooo cold. The hubby and I are into cold springs but this is the coldest one that we’d been to so far. I did not reach 5 minutes swimming here because my nerves were already freezing. There is also a diving platform on this pool that rises up to 30ft high. Perfect for “buwis-buhay” exhibition.
The deepest pool, 16ft.
You have to walk through this canopy walkway in the middle of the woods. It’s quite scary because it was slippery and the steps looked weak. But duh, get that fear out of your system and step carefully. I didn’t expect the hanging bridge to be that far, I honestly felt dizzy before we get to the end of it.
Canopy walk.
The resort also offered a mining demo which includes exploration of a mining tunnel. It was drizzling during our visit, the soil was wet and muddy, so the hubby decided that we go on full gear with the overall, boots and helmet. But you can opt to just have the helmet and boots if you are not comfortable with the overall. We suggest you try this one. Let’s get to work!
Ace and Demi, off to work!
Now, get ready to explore the tunnel that stretches up to 145 meters long and 70 feet below the ground. I swear I was anxious while we were still at the entrance of the tunnel. Seeing the dark and narrow hole, I felt like it’s going to swallow me anytime. But the hubby and the guide were so assuring that I was persuaded to continue.
I’m not scared. Really not scared. 😛
I can’t tell how happy I was when we were about to exit the tunnel. It was an achievement. Along with that fullfillment was a realization. A miners’ life is no easy. The danger while staying several feet below the ground is already something to be scared of, not to mention stooping for hours. But yeah, I did it!
Ahhh, I did it!
The one thing I loved during our stay in Coal Mountain Resort was the fact that we were so far from the civilization. Our smartphones were not getting any signals in the area. If not because of the camera, we wouldn’t be using our phones during our entire stay in the resort. It was another perfect moment for the hubby and me to talk about us, our life. At night, we stayed at the balcony and gazed at the stars in the sky while we contemplated about mundane affairs.
And oh, for the first time in a long time I saw fireflies coming near me. It’s rare to see them in the cities.
Chilling.
It was a healing moment — staying outside the room, breathing fresh air and only hearing the sound of the crickets and the night owls. I felt like I was brought back to nature, to the time when there were only trees, water and air.
Our lungs had their dose of cleansing and our eyes were pampered by the green healthy surrounding. We felt so healthy during our two days stay in the resort.
Ace and Demi are summer ready!!!
We hope you enjoyed our Coal Mountain Resort story. We’d love to hear yours, too. 😀
Stay tuned for our Coal Mountain Resort travel guide in a later post.
We couldn’t seem to get enough of the towns in the southern part of Cebu. After that South Cebu Tour we had last year, we thought we’ll have to give North Cebu its time to shine. But that time has not come yet. There’s still so much more to South Cebu that we couldn’t move on.
Last February, the hubby and I celebrated our Valentine’s Day in Coal Mountain Resort in Argao, Cebu. But I’ll talk about that in a later post. For now, let’s see what Argao has in store for us.
Half of our second day in this municipality was spent walking in the town proper. It’s amazing how Argao managed to keep the Spanish flavor around.
Cabecera de Argao
Argao, Cebu
Just a minute or two walk from the main road, the town hides the remnants of the Spanish era, from the church to the government buildings.
Saint Michael, the Archangel Parish
Our first stop was the 200-year old church of Saint Michael, the Archangel.
Ace and Demi in Argao, Cebu
Just like most churches in Southern Cebu, this church walls are also made from coral stones. The facade contains articulate carvings depicting the patron saint displayed on its niche. There are urn-like finials flanked at each corner of the pediment. It’s great that they have preserved this old structure.
The interior.
You should not miss checking the interior of the parish, too. The ceiling immediately caught our attention because of the colorful painting that depicts that archangel’s life. We did not have the chance to check the altar because it was under rennovation.
The Hall of Justice.
Argao’s Hall of Justice.
Second stop, was the town’s Hall of Justice. One of the edifice in the town that shows evident Spanish taste. This served as military barracks during the old times but now functions as the Hall of Justice.
Torta, Argao’s delicacy.
Have you tasted that delish sweet flatbread called “torta“? How was it? If you think it wasn’t delicious then you have not tasted Argao’s torta. 🙂
I say, “Torta is Argao, and Argao is Torta!”
Home of delish tortas.
When you visit the town, don’t you dare miss this delish delicacy. Argao is known for its homemade tortas that are traditionally baked in a clay oven and they use tuba (coconut wine) as the leavening agent. They said “with time, it gets tastier” or “magkadugay, magkalami“. Hmmm? I ate mine after two weeks, I say they’re right. 🙂
Nature Park.
Argao’s nature park.
The town also has a nature park where you can relax and think about your existence. (Kidding.) They offer canoing for only Php10. You can have a picnic or try their wall climbing, too. The park has an entrance of Php5.
Personal rambling:
Our short jaunt in the town proper brought to us a Spanish flavor. Despite the pain the era had caused us, it’s nice to know how we are so forgiving, how we showed importance to its legacy. It would be easy to move on from the Spanish colony by destroying everything that reminds us of that time, but we chose not to. Because these…these things is a constant reminder of how our great grandparents fought for our freedom. A constant reminder that we have to take care of this sovereignty we have now. A constant reminder that we had been a slave once and we should not go back to being one anymore. 🙂
We hope you enjoyed our virtual diary about Argao.
Everybody is hyped up for summer. Got your weekends’ schedule full, yah? Most of us are planning for beach get-aways, some prefer the cold springs to beat the heat of this season. Us…we’re cycling, still.
Don’t limit your challenges. Challenge your limits, instead!
Inspired by a famous ice cream commercial, you should be familiar of the line, “Saan aabot ang 20 pesos mo?” (Where does your 20 pesos lead you?) Remember the product? Now grab it and continue reading. 😀
Few weeks ago, I decided to challenge myself to try biking around Olango Island with just 200 pesos on hand. So, where did my 200-peso lead me? Did I survive?
Demi in Olango Island
Let’s take a quick trivia of this island:
Olango is part of Olango Group of Islands with its six satelite islets — Sulpa, Gilutongan (also spelled Hilutungan), Nalusuan, Caohagan, Pangan-an, and Camungi. The islands are low-lying with elevation reaching no more than 10 metres (33 ft) above sea level.
The hubby wasn’t available because he went cycling with the Cebu Friendly Bikers Club in the highlands of Cebu City. So, I hesitated to pursue my plan because I’d never been to Olango island since. And the fact that I don’t know anyone who lives there was giving me more doubt. Because of my three awesome friends who gladly accompanied me on this venture, this 200-peso experiment was realized.
My friends and I met up at JCenter mall at 7am and hailed a jeepney bound for Punta Engano. (By the way, these jeepneys pass by Andy Hotel, Parkmall, Chong-Hua Mandaue…just in case you don’t know.) We asked the driver to drop us off at Movenpick Hotel where the port to Olango was located.
Bird watching in Olango Island
It was a 10-15 minute relatively smooth boat ride to the island. I forgot to tell you that we did not have an itinerary for this escape. We just knew we’re to explore the island with a bike. There are bicycles for rent in the area for as low as Php10 per hour. It was a quarter to ten o’clock when we arrived in Sta. Rosa Port. We immediately rode a tricycle to take us to Barangay Candagsao where we can rent a bike.
After five minutes, we were greeted by the smiles of friendly locals who were kind to tell us where Kuya Erwin’s bike rental place. After choosing our preferred bicycles, we signed an agreement paper and off we go.
Bicycling around Olango island.
Our first stop was the Tungasan Boardwalk. Unfortunately, the paseo was closed for renovation. The locals said, the storm had devasted the boarwalk very much that it was now unsafe to step on the walkway. We had no choice but to settle with the view.
After a few minutes, we proceeded to San Vicente Marine Sanctuary to eat our lunch. We were thinking of seafoods but to our disappointment, the staffs were not very friendly to us. We even felt discriminated because they prioritized their foreign guests. Our tummies were already growling but they just told us they don’t have rice even though we saw the rice on the table. Huhuh. 😥
We couldn’t stay there and drool, we headed to Olango Wildlife Sanctuary to experience the bird-watching. Contrary to what happened in the Marine Sanctuary, the staffs in the Wildlife Sanctuary were very friendly and accommodating. They even lent us a binoculars to use in the bird-watching area. Sadly, they don’t have food but chips and snacks. Huhuh…more growling of our tummies.
After repleting our eyes with the migratory birds, we went back our way and dropped by Sagastrand Restaurant to eat our lunch. Finally!!
I’m proud to say that I SURVIVED and my experiment was a SUCCESS. Information about my expenses after this. 🙂
Ace and Demi cycling in Olango Island.
I didn’t have enough of my biking tour in the island and the following weekend, I brought my younger brother and the hubby with me. Coincidently, the CFB team were also going. Yahoo!
Brother and Me cycling around Olango island.
My brother and I rented our bikes in the same rental place. He chose the mountain bike but I chose the folding bike because I don’t know how to use the big bike. As a result, I caused delays of the team’s ride. (Sorry.) Gladly, they live by their name “friendly bikers” and understood my shortcoming.
Ace cycling around Olango Island.
This time, we had our sumptuous lunch in Barangay Talima. Our good host prepared saang and grilled fish for us. We devoured the feast in just few minutes because we were all hungry.
Once again, for the second time I have proven my 200-peso experiment in Olango. 🙂
When in doubt, PEDAL it out.
Here’s a breakdown of my expenses: (Day-tour in Olango Island)
Php30 — (back and forth) jeepney fare to and from Mandaue City (Php15)
Php30 — (back and forth) boat fare
Php6 — terminal fee (Php5 and Php1)
Php40 — (back and forth) tricycle fare to and from bike rental (Php20)
Php30 — three-hour bike rental (Php10/hour)
Php30 — lunch
Php30 — entrance fee to Bird Watching
Do the Math and that’s all my expenses.
Hence, I conclude that your 200-peso will let you survive in Olango Island.
Just a few reminder: **You’ll probably love to stay in the island for a long time but if you are in a day-trip make sure to be at the port before 4pm because it is the boats’ last trip to the mainland. **You can buy seafoods at a very cheap price like saang, talaba and etc., in Barangay Talima. ** Rent a bike at Kuya Erwin’s bike rental in Barangay Candagsao.
The greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. ~~ Roald Dahl
Tinubdan Falls, Catmon
Catmon, Cebu — home of Cebu’s second highest peak, Mt Kapayas. Despite being flocked by outdoor enthusiasts and the like, this town remained self-effacing and humble. And lately, with people’s never ending quest of discovering wonderful places to visit, Catmon, in all fairness has another reason to boast.
Behind the tall mountains of the municipality hides a wonderful haven full of nature’s bliss. A mysterious river slithers through the valleys of the town and divided it into the Old Catmon and New Catmon.
This place is not known to many people not even to most locals. Some of them knew the place but never dared to visit it because of the creepy stories that circulates around the town. Not even the kids in the area are fond to play in this river.
Rumors have it that there were mysterious disappearances in the area. Sometimes, locals nearby hear uproarious sounds coming from the river but there are no people around. Our guide forwarned us to leave the river before 5:00pm to avoid any untoward circumstances.
Hmm? That sounds really creepy!
We trekked for about five minutes before we caught a glimpse of this beguiling watercourse. Just the sound of the water cascades was already inviting. As if nature’s telling us to leave the worries behind and commune with her. And that, my friends, we couldn’t resist. Before we knew it, our feet were already in the water and we’re ready to plunge into an unknowingly great adventure.
There’s something with rivers that we like so much. We love the beach but we always long for the streams.
It gives us the thought that life is indeed like a river. It keeps flowing.
Ace and his emotion.
There are times that life is calm and peaceful. Times when life is steady, just the way you like it to, like nothing wrong could come its way. The water maybe placid but it is vulnerable. This tranquility won’t stay that way.
Struggle pa more!
Sometimes, this life could be harsh that you struggle and fluctuate. The flow could be strong that it could drown you, that it could wash you away forcing you to leave your comfort zone. These times will come when you least expect it, it’d slap you on your face and you couldn’t do anything to stop it.
Kapit lang, bes!
Yes, you’ll have a lot of struggle, a lot of holding on, a lot of letting go, too. But one thing is for sure, all of these things will lead you to a better place. All of these struggles will lead you to something great. Really great that you also did not expect it.
Tinubdan Falls
Yay!!! I couldn’t believe I just wrote that. hahah
Let’s get back to reality, everybody. 😀 And after that musing, Tinubdan Falls finally! Look at that isn’t that worth our struggles? Waterfalls everywhere.
Ace and Demi cheesy moments.
Hubby and I were very astounded. Tinubdan Falls is not as tall as the waterfalls in the Southern part of Cebu, but it’s stunning just the way it is. It’s unique in its own way. Albeit its height, it would never disappoint you.
We also learned that during the Second World War, this place was developed by the Americans in order to supply electricity for their camp at combat in Agsuwao, Catmon. However, there were no trace of that.
River trekking in Catmon.
We saw more mini falls as we continued trekking downstream. We climbed more rock boulders along the way which tested our balancing skills. It was one great adventure indeed!
P.S We had a wonderful time in this place and would love to come back again. Let’s help keep this place the way it is. Practice responsible tourism. LEAVE NO TRACE.
Hey, everyone! I know this post has long been overdue. I was hoping to retrieve some of the photos we had on this place but we couldn’t seem to do so anymore. Anyway, I hope you’d still enjoy reading this one.
When you least expect it, the great adventure finds you.
Remember our South Cebu Tour few months ago? (Oh, I hope you do but you can click here just in case you don’t.)
One of our most unforgettable adventure during that jaunt was our visit to Inambakan Falls. This mighty 100-foot waterfall is hidden in the outskirts of Ginatilan, Cebu — a half-hour motorcycle ride from the trash-free town.
Ace and Demi in Inambakan Falls
Upon disembarking from the motorcycle, we could already hear the sound of water crashing down from afar giving me a relief from the pain I felt because of that ride.
After paying the entrance fees, our guide led us to a cemented staircase which was very slippery because of the moss. I couldn’t count how many times I tripped. So, please take extra caution. (I’m talking.) As we got nearer, the sound of the water got louder, too. At last, after about 10 minutes of walking, this majestic beauty of Inambakan Falls was like telling us our search was all worth it.
The vehement pressure of the water falling from a hundred-foot height already hollowed the banks resulting to small cave behind the waterfall. The falls has a catch-basin as deep as 8 feet but there is also a shallow part for those who don’t trust their swimming skills like me.
Ace and Demi conquered Inambakan Falls
During our visit, there was already a newly-made makeshift raft. We were lucky to use the raft solely for ourselves because we were the only people there. Our guide also let us go to the small cave and plunge into the natural massage of the falling water.
Got your curiosity rising yet? Here’s another trivia, Inambakan falls is also dubbed as Ginatilan’s hidden treasure because this falls is not known to many people yet. the surrounding remained untouched except for the small hut cottages made for guests who wish to stay for a couple of hours in the area. Who would not love to hear the sound of nature alone?
What do you say? Are you ready to visit the place?
We hope you enjoyed our travel diary of Inambakan Falls despite the scarcity of photos. Have you been here? Tell us about it.
Every mountain is, rightly considered, an invitation to climb. ~ Henry Van Dyke
Situated in the far-flung barangay of Liloan, Cebu is a hill which is perfect for first-time climbers or for those who just want to get a dose of greeneries. They call it Lanigid Hill.
After a month delay of our plan to climb Lanigid Hill, it was finally realized last Saturday. It then served as a pre-valentine climb. Climbing with me were my single friends hoping to find love on top. 🙂
Feet forward.
The hubby was not able to come with us because he went biking with his friends. So it was my first venture without him, sort of ‘the girls’ climb’.
We rode a motorcycle at the old Liloan Public Market and paid 100 pesos each. After a 30-minute of almost an uphill ride, we reached Mulao’s barangay hall. There we registered our name and paid the Php10 environmental fee. After few minutes of warm-up we then started our trek to the hill.
The ascent was a bit easy but enough to get those sweats flowing. For first-time trekkers like Gichelle, it was a strenuous one because of the steep slope and loose soil. But she made it! (Clap, clap!)
Me and Louise.
Some of the plants along the way had been cut off for the wood to make charcoals which is the locals’ main source of livelihood. But we think, they’re also planting new ones to replace those.
After 20 minutes of ascending, we finally reached the top of the hill. And this view of Mr Sun greeted us. He’s very up but the wind beat his heat.
For office people like us, the kind of moment at the top is priceless. With all the lush greeneries and thick vegetation in the area we can’t help falling in love.
My girls, indeed, found love on top.
After few hours at the top, we agreed to go down and have a quick visit to Mulao River. You might want to check out our adventure to this wonderful river on my previous post.
How about you? Have you been to this hill? How was it?
Gardens and flowers have a way of bringing people together, drawing them from their homes. ~ Clare Ansberry
While the Chinese and Korean communities were celebrating the Lunar New Year, we found ourselves jaunting the highlands of Cebu City to escape the bustle in the metropolis and get ourselves an ounce of repose.
Together with some wonderful friends, we visited Terrazas de Flores – Cebu’s first ever botanical garden in terraces. Located in Barangay Malubog, Cebu City (900 meters from La Tegola, Busay), just across Malubog Integrated School.
This botanical garden started operating last October 1, 2016. Since then, it continuously draws the attention of many people from all walks of life.
With over 120 species of local flora that are arranged on a mountain slope to form a flower terraces, it’s impossible to leave the place without getting the dose of relaxation we needed.
In collaboration with the Department of Biology from University of San Carlos, the species and names of these local flowers were being identified, as well as its horticulture.
What’s more amazing is that these flowers are very common and are often ignored. We have seen most of them in the streets, in the wild, in our grandparent’s houses…but we did not really notice their beauty.
Could it be because they are meticulously arranged here? Or, it could be because they are well taken cared of by the local farmers whom the owner hired to tend the place.
Aside from the garden, the place also has a cafe where visitors can have a sip of their preferred beverages while enjoying the scenic surrounding.
From the cafe, one can see the view of the neighboring hills which are breathtaking.
You can also choose to stay in their beautiful cabanas while you enjoy watching the butterflies land from one flower to another.
Or, while you read your favorite book. 🙂
Or, just chitchat whith your friends. 🙂
Girls just wanna have fun!
Or, you can bring out your inner emo!?
Emo girl. 😛
Or, perform Yoga?! Why not, the place is quite and peaceful, not to mention the smell of the nature.
Everywhere here is so wonderful. You can’t help smiling and falling in love with it. Every corner is also picture perfect. You’ll love how the colors of the nature compliment each other.
Ace really had a great time practicing his phonetography, er, phone photography. He took over 50 photos of the flowers.
The gang!
But of course, the whole gang did! We left the place feeling relaxed and ready to face the city life again. 🙂
The garden is open everyday from 7am to 8pm with 100 pesos entrance fee.
Ace and Demi in Terrazas de Flores Botanical Garden.
Let the waves hit your feet and the sand be your seat.
Want a quick breathe from the hustle and bustle of the city? We suggest you consider visiting Sumilon Island. Not only it’s a four-hour ride from the metropolis, it does not require you a full wallet, too.
Ace and Demi in Sumilon Island.
This beautiful secluded island is privately owned by Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort. They generously opened their sandbar to public for a very affordable fee.
When in Sumilon island.
Visiting Sumilon Island Sandbar was included in our itinerary during our South Cebu Tour. We headed to this place right after our whale shark encounter.
The Sumilon island sandbar.
Almost half of the sandbar portion was already submerged in water when we arrived but because the water was crystal clear, it was still visible.
The Sumilon island sandbar.
There were not too many visitors during that time. We had a great time snorkling and enjoying the waves. After few minutes of basking in the sandbar, our tour guide offered us to tour the other part of the island. We climbed the giddy precipice which we thought is not for acrophobic individuals.
When in Sumilon island.
But if you resolved to conquer that fear, this spot shows a panoramic view of the mainland and a wonderful view of the ocean. So, drop that fear, honey!!! You cannot miss this!
Ace and Demi in Sumilon Island.
What do you say? Are you ready to visit the island?
We hope you enjoyed our travel diary of Sumilon Island. Have you been here? Tell us about it. 🙂
Ace and Demi Travel Stories 