Natural treasures you can find here in Cebu
After being stuck in our homes for almost a year due to the pandemic, some of us might find the walls of our abodes to be a bit suffocating. The city as well can feel smothering. We all deserve some peace and tranquility, and where else can we find some peace and relaxation but in the middle of serene nature?
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for several hours or even a day or two, here’s a list of some of the most gorgeous places to visit for a change of scenery, ranging from tropical islands and their white sandy beaches to mountain ranges begging to be conquered and secluded waterfalls.
- Sumilon Island
- Badian Highlands
- Kandungaw Peak
- Osmena Peak
- Pescador Island
- Aguinid Falls
- Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary
- Celosia Flower Farm
- Ka Treasure Water Terraces
- Kabutongan Waterfalls
- Bacalla Woods Campsite
1. Sumilon Island
Photo credit: @mae_fnt on Instagram
Sumilon Island is a small paradise just off the coast of Oslob. It’s famous for being the home of the Bluewater Sumilon Beach Resort, a high-end resort that offers accommodations for those looking for an island getaway. But the island is more than just the resort. It is the first protected marine sanctuary in the country and has been under protection since the mid-70s. Its crystal clear waters are teeming with majestic tropical aquatic life, and you can access these waters through snorkeling and diving sessions that you can book at the resort.
Klook offers bookings for the Bluewater Sumilon Day Pass, which allows guests to dive and swim around the area, hang out at a white beach, or go hiking and exploring the verdant areas of the island! A 3D2N stay in a Deluxe Room at the resort is also offered, and it comes with breakfast meals and a 20% Anuma Spa discount!
Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort
- Address: Sumilon Island, Oslob, Cebu 6025
- Book Now: via Klook
2. Badian Highlands
Photo credit: @itsmeleydeeann on Instagram
Badian Highlands is one of the most popular destinations in Cebu for those who want to experience treks and canyoneering. Nature lovers and thrill-seekers will enjoy exploring the area’s forest and its sun-dappled trails will lead to cliff areas perfect for rappelling and diving. It’s also the home of the famous Kawasan Falls, one of the most popular waterfalls in Cebu, which you can reach by trekking for a few hours.
Book a Badian Canyoneering Admission and Guided Experience through Klook to embark on an adventure that will take you swimming and hiking around some of the most breathtaking areas on the island.
Badian Highlands Information
- Location: Talayong, Badian, Cebu
3. Kandungaw Peak
Photo credit: @ann_dimiar on Instagram
Kandungaw Peak is one of the Dalaguete area’s prime hiking spots and is a must-visit for any hiking enthusiast. The trail that people frequent is fairly easy - while some parts are steep, it’s still beginner-friendly and doable within a short number of hours. Along the way, you will pass by a cave that you can choose to explore, as well as four different viewing points perfect for photos! At the summit, you’ll find a Philippine flag, which adds to the satisfaction of conquering the trail and arriving at the end. From there, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Casino Peak and Osmena Peak.
Kandungaw Peak Information
- Location: Badian, Cebu
4. Osmeña Peak
Photo credit: @janice_mestiza on Instagram
Osmena Peak, like Kandungaw Peak, is a staple in anyone’s Cebu itinerary. This famous hiking site is considered to be the highest peak in Cebu, standing at 1,013 meters above sea level. This fact is the reason why hikers love taking on the challenge of reaching the very top. The reward that people will get upon reaching the summit is a breathtaking 360-degree view of the surrounding hilly landscape and nearby islands.
Osmeña Peak Information
- Location: Barangay Mantalongon, Dalaguete, Cebu
5. Pescador Island
Photo credit: @submersiondiverscebu on Instagram
Pescador Island is one of the most popular islands across the shore from Moalboal and is often part of the island-hopping itineraries - and for good reason! Its name in Spanish means “fisherman,” which is fitting because it is known for its abundance of fish, hence why people also regard it as arguably the best diving area in Cebu! More than just a variety of fish, you’re bound to meet a handful of turtles along the way, too. There are even numerous diving groups like Submersion Divers Cebu who offer help with diving in the area (you can contact them via Facebook).
If you’re interested in witnessing the beauty and grandeur of the island’s aquatic life, you can book through Klook and embark on an adventure that will allow you to snorkel in its pristine waters.
Pescador Island Information
- Location: Tañon Strait, Moalboal, Cebu
6. Aguinid Falls
Photo credit: @readysetgab on Instagram
Adventurers visiting the Samboan region of Cebu often embark on short trips to see its gorgeous waterfalls like the Dao Waterfall and Binalayan Falls. One of the most popular ones is Aguinid Falls, a multi-layered waterfall. The local government forbids entry to the highest layers, so tourists can only visit up to the fifth layer. Being accompanied by a tour guide is also required so you can safely navigate the area.
The best part of visiting this famous waterfall is the journey with your tour guide from the first to the fifth layer. Along the way to the end, you will be walking on bamboo bridges and wading through water. You can even swim in the pools, one of which you can dive into from a small cliff. And you must dive into it! The pools are the highlights of the visit to this waterfall. You’ll surely feel refreshed right after.
Aguinid Falls Information
- Location: Santander - Barili - Toledo Rd, Samboan, Cebu
7. Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary
Photo credit: @rsellaaaaa on Instagram
Nature escapes in Cebu are more than just hikes or island hopping. Discovering its wildlife is also part of the experience. Cebu is home to many butterfly species and you’ll find many of them being protected in the Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary. Here, you will be able to observe these colorful insects fluttering around. Not only that, you can even visit the exhibit areas to learn about the various butterfly species in Cebu as well as their special traits
Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary Information
- Address: J.N, Jumalon St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu
- Book now: via Klook
8. Celosia Flower Farm
Photo credit: @au.laguardia on Instagram
Cebu isn’t just home to rolling hills, pristine island waters, and towering mountain peaks. It is also famous for having a flower garden area that’s reminiscent of those that you can find in Amsterdam, complete with flower beds with alternating colors and even a windmill! The Celosia Flower Farm is a treat for the eyes. Not only will you be enthralled by the rainbow colors surrounding you, but you’ll also be enamored by the fragrances of the flowers as you explore.
Celosia Flower Farm Information
- Address: Barangay Sirao, Cebu City, Cebu
- Book now: via Klook
9. Ka Treasure Water Terraces
Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/Ka-Treasure-Water-Terraces-105391778095392/photos/178171610817408
The Ka Treasure Water Terraces is a man-made wonder in Catang, Argao, and it’s one of Cebu’s newest attractions. These terraces resemble two other attractions: the iconic Banaue Rice Terraces, only smaller, and the layers of Aguinid Falls, only more close-knit and easily accessible.
It’s still a work in progress, but there are enough layers and milky blue pools to take a dip in. For the small fees of PHP100 for adults and PHP50 for children, you can immerse yourself in the refreshing waters of each pool and relax. There are even small huts with king-sized beds for you to stay at to enjoy a night or two in the middle of a forest.
Currently, Ka Treasure Water Terraces doesn’t accept walk-ins and you’ll have to make reservations in advance via their Facebook page.
Ka Treasure Water Terraces Information
- Opening hours: 08:00-17:00, daily
- Contact details: Ka Treasure Water Terraces’ official Facebook page, 09369236145 and 0968-553-9542 (mobile), and (032) 346-9372 (landline)
10. Kabutongan Falls
Photo credit: @rhadcsy on Instagram
Kabutongan Falls is one of Cebu’s most hidden natural gems that can be found in one of the farthest sections of Malabuyoc’s Barangay Looc’s forest. For a small fee of PHP100, you can embark on a short adventure to visit the falls and swim in its pool.
In order to reach the falls, it’s recommended that you have had a wealth of experience with hiking, trekking, and canyoneering because you’ll have to traverse through long trails. As you make your way to the falls, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of streams and the thickets below as you move higher and higher up the canyon.
Once you arrive at the falls, you can go for a swim in the turquoise waters of its pool and take a refreshing shower beneath the falls itself. It’s your prize for the long trek you took to get there. Bathing in its waters is considered to be quite the experience. The waters are soothing and rejuvenating, and the area has a tranquil atmosphere that goes well with the ambient sounds of rustling leaves and rippling waters. There’s even a cave behind the falls that you can explore, but make sure to have a guide with you if you want to enter it.
Kabutongan Falls Information
- Location: Ginatilan, Cebu
11. Bacalla Woods Campsite
Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/BacallaCampsite/photos/a.1919856401631308/2134506260166320
If you’re looking to go off the grid, meaning absolutely no WiFi connections or cellphone signals, then one of the best places to stay in is the Bacalla Woods Campsite. This campsite is garnering popularity not just from nature lovers and environmentalists, but also from artists looking for inspiration and adventure seekers looking for gorgeous vistas to marvel at and explore.
Whether you’re alone, with a group, or with your significant other, you’ll have an extraordinary stay at the campsite enjoying panoramic views of the forests below and the nearby mountains, stargazing under the night sky, and partaking in exciting activities like trekking and hiking.
In order to book a stay here, you can contact the Campsite via their Facebook page to discuss what you want from their services, like tent and hammock rentals, a room for two, and the activities that you can do.
Bacalla Woods Campsite Information
- Contact details: you can contact them via their official Facebook page, their email address (bacalla.campsite@philippineextremesports.com), or via their mobile number (0923-825-6945)
Rates include:
- Entrance fee: PHP100 per person
- Overnight with breakfast meal: PHP200 per person
- Hammock rental: PHP150 per hammock
- Tent rental: PHP1,000 (good for 10 people)
- Room for Two: PHP1,300 per night
