Attractions

Location: Busay, (uphill) Cebu City — approx. 2 hours away from Mactan Airport. What to expect: Majestic structures, Overlooking view Dubbed as the Taj Mahal of Cebu, the Temple of Leah has been attracting foreign and local tourists for its Roman-inspired architectural shrine. The Temple of Leah is located in Barangay Busay in Cebu City. It is built as a symbol of undying love and never ending devotion of Teodorico Adarna to his wife Leah Villa Albino-Adarna. The temple has an art gallery, museum, and a library where all of the favorite things her wife owned are placed. At the top, there’s a spectacular view of the city and more exceptional scenery as you walk through the temple. In this Greek methodology-inspired 7-story mansion, there are gigantic lions lying on each side of the stairs that will guide you to the door step of another jaw-dropping view. You can see a grand staircase with angels made up of brass and the Queen of the Temple in a 10-ft statue with crown and flower. Booking a flight to Rome and visiting Roman temple will surely cost you a lot of money. If you don’t have a budget yet, why not just pay a visit to Temple of Leah? #urbanexplorer #maydaytrip

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. Cebu Ocean Park sits on a 1-hectare (10,000sqm) area, bigger than Manila Ocean Park’s 8,000sqm. As many as 3,000 people can be accommodated within the park at any given time. The main oceanarium tank has 4,000 cubic meters, with a water depth of 7.2 meters. This is more than three times the size of the one in Manila Ocean Park and more than twice its depth. Due to the park’s size, it houses around 200 different species of animals. While majority of the animals will be marine creatures, the park will also have several species of birds, insects and reptiles. #urbanexplorer #maydaytrip

Dalaguete’s ever astonishing Osmeña Peak, which stands at 1,013 meters above sea level, is quiet rejuvenating as you go up to the mountains as it is also time for the sun to rise in the early morning. It is, definitely, one of the mostly visited spots and the pride of this municipality. You can bring your loved ones there and spend the rest of the day and even the night/s as you create astounding memories with them to cherish. Bus Fare (South Bus Terminal to Dalaguete’s Junction for Osmeña Peak) – Php120. 00 Distance (South Bus Terminal to Dalaguete’s Junction for Osmeña Peak) – 100.4 kms. Travel Time (Dalaguete’s Junction for Osmeña Peak to Osmeña Peak trailhead) – about 1 hour Motorbike Fare – Php 100.00 Travel time (Osmeña Peak trailhead to the mountain peak by walk) – about 30 minutes Entrance Fee – Php30.00 Tour Guide Fee – Average of Php150.00 (Optional) How to get there? From South Bus terminal, take a bus bound for Alcoy and pay the bus fare. Be sure to inform the conductor or the bus driver to drop you off at Dalaguete’s junction for Osmeña Peak. At the point, you can actually see landmarks such as 7-Eleven and Julie’s Bakeshop right across it. Then, you can ride a motorbike going to Osmeña Peak’s trailhead from that junction. As you reach the trailhead, you have to pay the entrance fee. Then, start the trekking! #urbanexplorer #MaydayTrip

I didn’t really expect anything of the place. I have never even been to a zoo once, so imagine my shock when I saw how enormous it is and how much yards and yards of land it occupies. I was quickly reminded of “Jurassic Park” as we officially enter the safari with its modernized design complete with the orientation and with all the rules which is for our own safety. The ideal way to start the adventure is by starting at the top with the African Savannah where all the zebras and the antelope family and the deer family (Bambi’s family) and many more. You have to ride on a bigger tram so as not to be trampled on and gain an insight on the animals there as you go around and take pictures and observe. #urbanexplorer #maydaytrip

In the small town of Alegria in the Philippines, I woke at 3 am, gathered my gear and met our driver at the front of our hostel. For 500 Pesos per person or $10 USD we had a return trip to Osmeña Peak, the tallest peak on Cebu. The three of us crammed onto the habal-habal, which was easy on the wallet but incredibly uncomfortable on the butt cheeks. If you are a budget traveler it will be your only choice from Alegria when looking to hike Osmeña Peak, but if you have the cash rent a car or get some other way up there! Book a tour: You can do it DIY like me but there is a really good tour you can book as well. The tour I can recommend to you actually includes a visit to Kawasan Falls and Osmena Peak on the same day for just $30! #maydaytrip #maydaytrip #urbanexplorer

Famous for its beautiful turquoise water, Kawasan Falls sits at the foot of Mantalongon Mountain Range, approximately one kilometer from the national road of Badian and at least four hours of trekking from Osmeña Peak of Dalaguete. From the city proper, you can take a jeep, taxi, Uber or Grab to South Bus Terminal located near E-Mall (Elizabeth Mall). STEP 2: Ride Ceres Bus (yellow bus) to Bato via Barili. Make sure it's via Barili because the buses going to Bato via Oslob won't pass by Kawasan Falls since its route is on the other side. The pathway back is very dark once the sun sets so its best to bring a flashlight. You should be extra careful in going down the slope especially the one descending from the second or third falls to avoid mishaps or accidents. Kawasan Falls is a great get-away destination in the southern part of Cebu for family’s and gatherings. #urbanexplorer #maydaytrip

Sirao Garden is located in Sirao, Cebu City. It is tagged as The Little Amsterdam of Cebu City by tourists and visitors. There is a variety of flowers and plants all over the garden farm with cute arrangements for instagrammable posts. The colorful array of flowers balances the picturesque vibrant green view of the mountains in the background. #cebu #flower #flowergarden #philippines #flowers #ontheroad

Being one of the major tourist islands of Cebu, Mactan Island boasts of a diverse collection of tourist spots and attractions. Being a coral island, Mactan offers some of the best diving, snorkeling, island hopping, jet ski, sailing and cultural activities of any island in the Philippines. Despite being small, this island in Cebu offers a lot of exciting things to do. Visit one of the country’s most historic places, the Mactan Shrine, or indulge on Lechon Cebu and then head to some guitar factories in the area. If you have enough time, you can also go island hopping in Lapu-Lapu City and check out islands like the Gilutungan, Olanggo, Kaohagan, Nalusuan, or Sulpa. #urbanexplorer #maydaytrip

Top of Cebu in Busay, Cebu City Top of Cebu is a tourist attraction where it gives you a breathtaking scenic view of Cebu and Mactan Island. A sumptuous dinner while overviewing the city lights would have been better than a hot and gloomy afternoon visit. Take it as a tip from me 😉 #cebu #cebutrip #philippinespride #philippines #topofcebu #view #cebucity #travelguide#summervacationtravel#ancientarchitecture#oldarchitecture

Simala Shrine in Simala, Sibonga, Cebu. This is definitely a place to add up to your visit in Cebu. It is a castle like church that will leave you in awe with its features. It is open all-year round for everyone in proper church attire. Don’t forget to say a prayer to the Birhen sa Simala as a lot of wishes has been miraculously granted. The testimonials from different devotees all over the church can attest to that. #cebu #cebutrip #philippinespride #philippines #philippinestrip #simala #simalashrine #simalachurch #sibonga #church #templeblessed#uniquehotel#ancientarchitecture#palace#oldarchitecture

Pancer beach is located in south coast of Java Island, precisely in Pesanggaran sub-district, southwestern tip of Banyuwangi. Pancer itself is the name of a village that located in the south of Banyuwangi. Pancer has visited by many people from outside of Banyuwangi. Those tourists are interesting to enjoy the beach from the top of the towering stone pier. Beside, they are also like to go fishing at this beach while enjoying the blue nuance over the south ocean. Moreover, they are able to rent a boat to cross over the beach from the fishermans boat at the beach. Near to Pancer beach, there is Red island. Those who visit Pancer beach can directly go to Pulau Merah or Red Island. The atmosphere is fair and it perfect to enjoy the sun that set from Pancer Beach. #beachvacation #urbanexplorer #popularswing

This is a typical of black sandy beach with medium wave that suits for family vacation. The people who come to Cacalan are allowed to play in the sea water or just playing around the beach to search sea animal like Umang. In addition, you can also enjoy the panoramic views of Bali Strait, doing some other activities like fishing and bathing on the beach. The landscape become more beautiful by the existence of palm trees that lined up on the edge of the beach. Nowadays, more and more people are visiting this beach mainly in the morning and evening. Those who want to enjoy the waves and the beauty of the beach, Cacalan beach is your perfect recreation place with family and friends. #beachvacation #urbanexplorer #popularswing