Monday, March 23, 2015

23 Summer Destinations Near and Within Cebu - Part 1

Every region in the Philippines has something unique to offer so if you were already mesmerized by some of the tourist spots that are near in Manila, all the more will you be captivated by the summer destinations that are just close to Cebu.
Here’s a quick guide which you might want to consider if you wish to explore some of the must-see tourist destinations that are near in Cebu.

Sta. Fe Beach in Bantayan Island

Photo by Gay General
With its captivating blue skies, fresh blue waters and fine white sand beaches, Bantayan Island is the ultimate vacation spot to visit for a matchless summer delight. Dotted northwest of Cebu proper’s tip, Bantayan Island caters local and international tourists flock the island especially during holidays when a place for recreation and solitude is greatly needed. Bantayan Island features a lot of nice resorts for you to explore but among all Sta. Fe is deemed as one of the crowd-favorites.
How to get there: The island can be easily reached from Cebu City. You may take a bus from Cebu North Bus Terminal to drop you to Hagnaya port, which is 2-4 hours away. From the port, several ferry boats travel for about an hour and a half to the pier in Sta. Fe.

EXPLORE BANTAYAN ISLAND FOR AS LOW AS P3,200/pax [3D/2N]

Malapascua Island,  Cebu 

Photo from Malapascua Exotic Island Dive Resort
Malapascua Island is nestled in baranggay Daanbantayan of Cebu, it is gifted with scenic coasts and several remarkable diving destinations for you to choose from. Malapascua is also well-loved for its old lighthouse which offers delightful overlooking views of seascapes, landscapes and lush coconut trees.
How to get there: There are a lot of buses in Cebu North Bus Terminal that are bound for Maya-Daanbantayan in the northernmost district of Cebu. Buses typically leave every hour and travel time usually takes 3-4 hours. Upon arriving in Maya port there are several boats docked which can take you to the island. Travel time takes about 40-50 minutes.

Sumilon Island, Cebu Philippines

Photo by Gay General

Sumilon is an island surrounded by pristine blue waters packed with rich marine life. It is more often regarded as South-eastern Cebu’s hidden jewel situated in the municipality of Oslob. Sumilon’s pure white sand beaches are famous for its unique sandbar which changes shape depending on the season. Furthermore, dipping and diving into its clear waters is like venturing into a paradise that is extraordinarily beautiful.
How to get there: Take a bus from the South Cebu Bus terminal then drop off at the town of Oslob which is about a three hours drive from Cebu City. Once you arrived in Oslob you may take a 7-minute boat trip to Sumilon.

Camotes Island

Santiago White beach/ Photo from Lanyaw.com
Camotes Island is endowed with diverse culture and is also dubbed as the “Lost Horizon in the South” because of its pristine environment. It is also famous for its remarkable spots such as the valley of coconut crops, potatoes and corn and its scenic lake which is known for its natural wonder and cleanliness. Camotes Island is positioned in Danao City and ins greatly acclaimed for its stunning views.
How to get there: The best way to get to Camotes Island is thru riding a bus from Cebu City North Terminal. Metered taxis are available outside the Mactan Aiport and taxi fare is around 150-250 pesos. From the Cebu North Terminal take a north-bound bus and inform the conductor to drop you at the “pantalan” or port of Danao, bus fare is around 40 pesos. Travel time from Cebu to Danao is about 1- 1 ½ hour. From Danao Port take a boat that is Consuelo Port bound. First trip is usually around 530 am while last trip is between 4-530 pm. Consuelo is dotted in the town of San Francisco, Camotes. Upon arriving in Consuelo you may take single motorcycles if you’re along or you may hire multicabs if you are a big group.

Basdaku Beach Resort, Moalboal


Basdaku Beach Resort is undeniably one of the famous beaches that captivates the attention of tourists in Moalboal. It is renown for its extensive stretch of white sand and lucid blue waters. In Cebuano or Visayan dialect the word basdaku was created to perfectly describe the beach which means big or wide sand.
How to get there: To head to Basdaku Beach you may take a bus or a van from Cebu’s South Bus Terminal that is bound for Moalboal. The terminal is positioned in Lion Kilat Street just near the Elizabeth Mall. Just bear in mind to inform the conductor to drop you off at Basdaku. Travel time is about 2-3 hours.

Oslob, Cebu

Swim with Whale Shark at Oslob, Cebu
In Oslob, Cebu lies one of the most amazing gigantic sea creatures. Since 2011, Oslob’s whale sharks or butanding/tuki for the locals has captured the attention of several tourists especially those who are enthusiasts of the aquatic wildlife.
How to get there: Go to South Bus Terminal in Cebu City which is around 30 minutes from Mactan Airport. Ride on an Oslob bound bus then tell the conductor or driver to drop you off in Tan-awan, Oslob. Travel time takes about 3-4 hours.

Dalaguete Beach Park


Dalaguete Beach Park is well-known for its white-sand, palm-fringed coasts and pristine waters. Dalaguete is also regarded as one of the most affordable beach resorts to visit in Cebu with its cheap entrance and cottage fees. Aside from being known for its beach Dalaguete is also recognized as the “Vegetable Basket of Cebu” due to its foggy hills which are ideal for cultivating vegetables.
How to get there: From the Mactan Airport, you may take a taxi to Cebu’s South Bus Terminal. Taxi fare will range from 100-150 pesos. Once you arrive at the terminal, ask the conductor to take you to a bus bound for Dalaguete Beach Park’s entrance. Travel time usually takes about 2-3 hours.

Carnaza Island Beach, Daangbantayan

Photo from Panoramio.com

Carnaza Island is a turtle-shaped island offering a peaceful place to unwind and relax. It lies close to Malapascua Island that’s why most of the tourists also drop by the island to swim and snorkel. Carnaza Island is without a doubt a perfect paradise for beach lovers due to its white sand shores and rich marine life.
How to get there: From Cebu’s city proper you may take a bus in the North Bus Terminal that is bound for Maya-Kawit or Maya-Bagay. Tell the bus conductor to drop you off at the Tapilon Port, of Daanbantayan, Cebu. First trip to Maya is at 2am. From Tapilon Port you may ride the outrigger boats which head to the island since there are no ferry boats going there. First Trip to Carnaza is at 7 am while last trip is at 4pm. Travel time by bus from Cebu-Tapilon is around 3-4 hours while outrigger boat from Tapilon-Carnaza is about 2 hours.

Lambug Beach in Badian

Photo by Jona Branzuela Berin for InterAksyon.com

Lambug Beach Resort is one of the public beaches positioned in Badian Cebu that is famous for its extensive stretch of sand, clear blue waters, sun-kissed winds and huge waves. Lambug is not yet commercialized that’s why both local and foreign tourists are drawn to explore and visit the area since it’s not yet crowded.
How to get there: From Cebu South Bus Terminal ride a bus that is going to Badian and tell the conductor ahead of time to drop you off at Lambug, Badian. From Lambug you may ride a tricycle to take you to the beach of Lambug.

Tingko Beach, Alcoy

Photo by Ace Macasero
Tingko Beach is a famous vacation spot positioned in Daan Lungsod of Alcoy Cebu. It is to be found in a little but deep lagoon across the island of Mabad-on Reef which entirely disappears during high tide and is only visible during low tide. It is primarily separated by a slim canal from the chief land. Tingko Beach is branded as a long stretch of coastline with pear white sand and turquoise clear waters, ornamented with coconut trees and limestone cliffs.
How to get there: From Cebu South Terminal, take a bus going to Alcoy. If you're not familiar at all with the terminal, ask the staff where to find the bus that is bound to Alcoy. Alcoy is more or less 2 hours ride from Cebu South Terminal. Just bear in mind to inform the konduktor (the fare collector) that you're heading to Tingko Beach of Alcoy, Cebu.

Durhan White Beach Resort in Tabuelan, Cebu

Photo from durhanwhitebeach.com

Picture yourself being in a perfect paradise where you can have the most intimate walk along the shores with your loved one, have the best time with your friends and family, or simply have a quality time with yourself, relax and just stare at the scenic beauty of the sky and listen to the calming sound of the waves- you are bound to enjoy all these in the ideal vacation spot of Durhan White Beach.
How to get there:
Durhan White Beach resort is dotted approximately around 90 kms in the North-Western part of Cebu Province, at Tabunok Tabuelan. You can use the Northwestern part of the route. From Cebu you will pass through Mandaue City, Danao City down to Sogod.When you reach Lugo you can see the Lugo church, you turn left going to Tabuelan.When you reach the town of Tabuelan you will find an intersection, you will turn right going to San Remegio but Durhan White Beach Resort is only 2 kms from the town, so you can see a big signage Durhan White Beach Resort at the left side, so you turn left there to finally reach Durhan White Beach Resort.

Nalusan Island

Photo from nalusuanislandresort.com
This island haven of Nalusan is one of the beautiful gems nestled in Olango Reef, Cordova of Cebu’s Mactan Island. It offers crystal clear waters where you can truly enjoy snorkelling and swimming. Witness firsthand the well-preserved coral reefs and breathtaking sea creatures. For those who do not want to take a dip, you may opt to simply chill out and relax, enjoy the fresh air and do sun-bathing. For foodies you may simply indulge on the richness of grilled seafood or quench your thirst with fresh tropical juices while waiting for the sun to set.
How to get there: From the airport you may ride a taxi to drop you off at Mactan Port. The port is around 45 minutes away from the airport. Upon arriving at the port you may haggle with the boatmen to take you to Nalusan Island. Travel time is about 30-45 minutes and boat cost is usually 2000 pesos round trip.

Bohol


Treat yourself with nature’s wonderful work of art thru visiting Bohol. Bohol island is a wonderful place to visit because of the various tourist destinations it can offer.
Among the tourist spots worth seeing in Bohol are the Chocolate Hills, Philippine tarsier, Baclayon Chuch, Man-made Forest, Hanging Bridge at Sevilla, Butterfly Garden at Bilar, The Loboc River Cruise and a whole lot more.
If you opt to experience the beach more you may indulge in Bohol’s Panglao Island and allow yourself to be drawn by its clear aquamarine waters and impressive white sand beaches the traditional Boholano way.
How to get to there: The best way to reach Bohol is via Cebu. From Cebu proper you may take a one and a half hour fast craft to Tagbilaran. Riding ordinary boats usually take about 4 hours travel time. Another option that you may take which is believed to be cheaper is to ride a ferry to Tubigon. From Tubigon you may ride a bus or a van to Tagbilaran.

Luxury Resorts in Mactan Island, Cebu

Majority of the luxury resorts in Cebu are strategically located in Mactan to offer more convenience to its guests since its just situated near the airport. So if you want to experience a posh and sophisticated vacation ambience with first-class amenities and services then staying in one of the famous luxury resorts in Mactan Island, Cebu is a must-try for you. 
How to get there: Hotels to be found in Mactan are strategically located close to Cebu’s Mactan airport. They can be reached by riding a taxi from the airport and can take around 10-20 minutes travel time depending on the traffic. For those who opt to be picked up by their respective hotel representatives from the airport you may arrange this ahead of time with your chosen hotel but just be reminded that they may cost you a great deal of money for their service charge.

Plantation Bay

Website: http://plantationbay.com/

 Dotted in a spot near Cebu’s airport is Plantation Bay Resort and Spa. Plantation Bay is one of the most sought-after exclusive, luxury resorts in Cebu owing to its lucid blue bodies of water, beautifully-developed ambience with an elegant fusion of colonial-plantation architecture and a lot of watersports activities, spa treatments and luscious cuisines to choose from.


Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa


Website: http://www.shangri-la.com/cebu/mactanresort/

Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa- a luxury resort placed in lush beautiful landscapes, crystalline-clear coastlines and developed with superb architectural design, Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa is highly recognized as one of leading luxury resort property in the Philippines.


Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island, Cebu


Website:  http://www.moevenpick-hotels.com/en/asia/philippines/cebu/resort-cebu/overview/


 Be drawn by the trendy and contemporary design of this first-class hotel and be captivated more with its five-star beachfront, state-of-the-art amenities and services that can cater the taste and needs of both leisure and business-related travelers. Truly, the hotel exudes intimacy and peace with its sophisticated accommodation, stunning tropical gardens and delectable restaurants.


Crimson Resort & Spa of Mactan


Website:  http://www.crimsonhotel.com/mactan/

Crimson Resort & Spa of Mactan, Cebu- is considered as one of the Top 3 hotel resorts in Mactan, Cebu featuring a gorgeous view of the beach, classy villas, first-rate facilities and good service. Also Crimson is recognized for patronizing world-class Cebuano design and artistry of its intricate furnitures.


Maribago Bluewater Resort


Website: http://www.bluewatermaribago.com.ph/

Maribago Bluewater Resort is undeniably one of the finest resorts to be found in Mactan, Cebu when it comes to amenities, cleanliness and services. It is specifically located in Buyong, Maribago of Lapu-Lapu City. Maribago is well-loved for its large-space suite rooms, 3 pools surrounding the entire hotel and a first-class man-made island where you can enjoy several beach activities. Moreover, its Amuma Spa features varied relaxing massages plus its Alegro Restaurant serves both local and international cuisine to cater to diverse tastes of clients.

Mantayupan Falls


Mantayupan Falls is nestled near the east edge of Carcar-Barili Road where it joins the national road. Barili is a province that is well-known for its challenging trails, laidback atmosphere and hidden sanctuary of waterfalls. Mantayupan falls is a two-layered waterfall that is around 321 feet high. From its basin you can swim, have fun or just rest in its chilly waters.

 How to get there: Heading to Barili is easy and accessible. First, you have to get to Cebu’s South Terminal and board the Shamrock/ Barili bound bus. Majority of the buses bound there are not air-conditioned and leave once they are filled with passengers. Travel time from South terminal to Barili is around 2-3 hours. From Barili you may ride on a single motor to get you to the falls. Travel time usually takes about 10-15 minutes. 

Kawasan Falls


Situated in Badian, Cebu is the Kawasan Falls which exudes serene natural wonders. Kawasan is renowned for its ice-cold flowing waters and among its falls, a 15-minute mounting trek to the 2nd Falls is deemed as the most beautiful and most challenging. Lately though, the background of Kawasan has been too commercialized since structures were erected to accommodate more people who would like to spend a night or two at the area.

 How to get there: Ride a bus from Cebu South Bus Terminal and stop by at the Matutinao Church of Badian. Travel time takes about 3-4 hours. From there you start hiking to the falls which is 1.5 km away from the church. 

Tumalog Falls

After whale-watching in the morning, you may opt to go trekking to discover the raw exquisiteness of Tumalog Falls. Tumalog Falls or Toslob and Mag-ambak Falls for the locals displays several small umbrellas of cascading falls and is surrounded by lush green vegetation.

 How to get there: You may hire a van or ride a single motor to take you to the highlands of Oslob which takes around 15 minute from the whale-watching area then trek for another 15 minutes to reach the falls. 

Inambakan Falls


Another must-visit Falls within the close proximity of Cebu is Inambakan Falls. Inambakan is dotted at Baranggay, Calabawan, Ginatilan and is popular as an attractive and quiet spot for adventure aficionados, campers, rappellers and mountain climbers who take pleasure in hearing the lively sound of the waterfalls.  

How to get there: Travellers who wish to visit Inambakan must set off directly to the South bus terminal. If you are not familiar with the terminal you may ask any staff to lean you to the Ginatilan bus post. Travel time is approximately about 4-5 hours. From Baranggay Calabawan you have to hire a single motorcycle to take you to the 3.9km far waterfalls. 

Montaneza Falls in Malabuyoc
Photo from bigsonfoot.wordpress.com

Montaneza Falls estimated to be 100 meters high with a very shallow catch basin. It is one of the most exciting spots to exploe in Malabuyoc since you have to trek several huge rocks and narrow caves and 3 smaller cascading waterfalls. The pathway is deemed to be hard though since there are no ladders or ropes to hold to assist you as you climb but for those who are into breathtaking adventure, rapelling can be even done if the area if you just have the paraphernalia with you.

 How to get there: Take the Ceres Bus in South Bus Terminal of Cebu that is bound for Bato-Barili. Travel time usually takes about 3 hours. From Barili you may hire a singe motor to take you to Montaneza FALLS.

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