​The most famous waterfalls in the island can be found in the southern town of Badian. Aside from the majestic Kawasan Falls, Cebu also boasts of other noteworthy waterfalls. These waterfalls include the Dao Falls and Aguinid in Samboan, the Kampael Falls and Bugnawan in Ginatilan, and the Tumalog Falls in Oslob. While these places are far away from the city, there are some relatively-undiscovered waterfalls located in San Fernando, which is less than an hour away from the Queen City of the South.

San Fernando

San Fernando is town located to the south of Cebu City. It was once a part of Naga before it merged with a number of other barangays to form the town. It was initially called San Isidro Labrador before it was renamed to San Fernando. It is home to a number of resorts and a where visitors can spend a night or two. 

Hidden Waterfalls

San Fernando is home to a number of hidden waterfalls that have yet to be discovered by tourists. While some locals are aware of these waterfalls, they are tucked away hidden from the crowds of tourists looking for new places to visit. One of these hidden falls is the Basak Falls, which is located in Barangay Balud. In the past, only locals knew about the Basak Falls, but people from the city have started to visit the falls. Despite this, the Basak Falls is still not quite commercialized, which is ideal nature lovers. 

​Another hidden falls in San Fernando is the Tananas Falls, which can be found in San Isidro. Local residents know about the Tananas Falls for some time already. But, only a few people visit the falls due to its distance from the town proper. In addition to these two hidden falls, San Fernando is also home to the Busay Falls, which is relatively easier to reach. Visitors can access the Busay Falls through Barangay Talisay or through Barangay Balud. While residents in the area know the location of the Busay Falls, there are still some locals who have no idea how to reach the place. 

Getting to San Fernando

If you want to visit the hidden waterfalls of San Fernando, you should get on a bus headed south. Just tell the driver you want to get off in San Fernando. Once you reach the town, it is advisable to get the services of a guide so you will not get lost while looking for these hidden waterfalls. You can also take a motorcycle for hire to the falls. Just make sure the driver knows where these waterfalls are located since some of them may not know where they are.

Cebu is one of the top destinations in the archipelago mainly due to the natural wonders the island has to offer. While many of these natural wonders are already well-known among local and foreign tourists, there are still some places that are relatively undiscovered and have yet to attract big crowds of tourists every year. The hidden waterfalls of San Fernando are just some of these undiscovered places where you can commune with nature while taking a dip in their cool, soothing waters.

Which of these hidden waterfalls in San Fernando have you already visited? Tell us about it on the comments section below.

​While Cebu has many natural wonders that can leave visitors breathless, the island also has a number of man-made wonders that are just as grand. These man-made wonders have gradually attracted the attention of local and foreign tourists. One of these manmade wonders can be found in Toledo City, the Malubog Lake.

Toledo City

Toledo City is located on the western part of the island of Cebu. It was once called Pueblo Hinulawan, and became a chartered city in 1960. The entry of the Atlas Consolidated Mining Company (now Carmen Copper Company) heralded the growth and development of this once small town.  The city is also home to the first shrine and church named after the second Filipino saint, St. Pedro Calungsod.

Malubog Lake

Malubog Lake is an artificial lake that was created after a dam was built on the Malubog Creek in the 1970s. It is located in Barangay General Climaco, Toledo City. The dam was built to provide a steady supply of fresh water for mining operations in the area. The lake is one of the best-kept secrets of the place and has a lot of potential as a tourist destination.

​Residents in the area still long for the time when the place was still an agricultural area since they would never go hungry. They used to plant rice and corn on the land. To provide for the residents in the area, the mining company and the local government filled the lake with carp, tilapia, and milkfish that are harvested by the residents of the place. 

​Similar to many lakes around the country, stories of the paranormal kind have been associated with Malubog Lake. Locals say a giant octopus named “Mantaga” lives in the lake. Mantaga supposedly takes those who misbehave around the lake. There are also stories of people seeing paranormal beings at the lake. While these are just stories, it is still advisable to take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints when you visit the lake. 

Getting to Malubog Lake

The journey to Malubog Lake starts at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. You need to ride a bus headed for Toledo City at the terminal. After reaching the city proper, you can get on a jeepney to the Magdugo Elementary School before riding a motorcycle for hire to the barangay hall of Barangay General Climaco. From the barangay hall, you can start hiking towards the lake. It is advisable to get the services of a guide to the lake if you are unfamiliar with the area.

​Malubog Lake may be an artificial lake, but you can still see how nature can transform a manmade wonder into a thing of beauty when you drop by for a visit. 

​Have you visited Malubog Lake already? Tell us about it on the comments section below.

​History buffs will likely enjoy a trip to the southern part of Cebu. The towns to the south of the Queen City of the South show much of the Spanish influence in the island. These towns have a number of structures built during the Spanish period, each with its own story to tell.  One of these structures is the Municipio of the southern town of Dalaguete.

Dalaguete

The Municipality of Dalaguete is located in the southern part of Cebu. The name of the town comes from the dalaket or dalakit tree, which is one of the landmarks of the town. The natives once considered the tree as the home of diwatas or spirits who can cause misfortune to anyone who does not care for it. On the other hand, the spirits can also give good fortune to people who take care of the tree.  The tree features intertwining roots when it is fully grown. It also features caverns big enough for people to enter.

Municipio of Dalaguete

The Municipio or Casa Real was supposedly built in 1832 and served as the seat of government for the Spaniards. It was originally L-shaped and featured a symmetrical façade. The roof as also made of clay tiles while coral stones were used for the walls. Galvanized metal sheets later replaced the clay tiles on the roof after a period of time. A canopy was also added along the main entrance of the Municipio. 

​Filipino rebels attacked the Municipio during the 1898 Philippine Revolution. While occupying the structure, some important documents were lost. Soon after, the Spaniards were able to recapture the Municipio and execute the rebels. Due to the execution, Fr. Ruperto Sarmiento, the first Filipino parish priest of San Guillermo Parish, along with some natives regrouped in the hillsides of the town and armed themselves in preparation for a counterattack against the Spaniards. But, the arrival of the Americans prompted the group to disband. The Municipio also served as the seat of the civil government and the Japanese Constabulary during the Second World War. During this time, the structure had a prison cell at the back where guerillas were held. 

​The Municipio currently houses a museum where history lovers can have their fill of facts about the town of Dalaguete. The Museo sa Dalaguete is situated on the second floor of this historically significant structure.

Other Historical Sites

Aside from the Municipio, Dalaguete also offers a number of other places tourists can visit while they are in this southern Cebu town. These places include the Obong watchtower, the Obong Spring, the Cristo Rey Monument, and the Poblacion watchtower, among others. You may also want to hike up to the Osmena Peak where you can see Bohol island on one side and Negros island on the other.

Getting to Dalaguete

Your journey to the Municipio of Dalaguete starts at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. You can get on a bus marked Bato/Oslob and tell the driver that you want to get off at the Municipio of Dalaguete.

There is more to Dalaguete than being the Vegetable Basket of Cebu. It is a town that can pique the interest of any history or culture buff. One of these places they can visit is the Municipio or Casa Real, which has been a silent witness to different events in the history of Dalaguete.

Have you visited the Municipio of Dalaguete already? Tell us about your experience on the comments section below.

​While many of the festivals in the archipelago were established decades, if not, a century ago, there are also some festivals that were instituted only recently. Even as these festivals are rather young, they still give residents and visitors to these towns something to look forward to each year. One of these festivals is the Sikoy-Sikoy Festival of San Fernando.

San Fernando

The Municipality of San Fernando was once called San Isidro Labrador. This southern town was one of the barangays of the town of Naga. It was given the name San Fernando in honor of one of the best-loved parish priests of the town, Fernando Sanchez. The town was established after it merged with other barangays in the area under the leadership of  Juan Diyong or  Juan Magdidiiyong. 

Sikoy-Skioy Festival

The term “Sikoy-Sikoy” is the informal term used for the Cebuano word “panikoy,” which is a fishing practice where fishermen throw their nets into rough seas. The Sikoy-Sikoy Festival symbolizes the vitality of the people of San Fernando wherein the waves are the challenges they face and the fish are the blessings they receive each year.  The festival also aims to unite the people of San Fernando as well as keep the young away from vices.  

​Similar to other festivals around the island, the Sikoy-Sikoy Festival also features a street dancing competition and a ritual showdown. In addition, the town also has numerous activities leading up to the day of the festival itself. These activities include a talent night for the Miss Tourism San Fernando.

​The Sikoy-Sikoy Festival was first celebrated in 2008 and was created in response to the call of provincial officials for the promotion of festivals in the towns of Cebu. The festival is essentially a thanksgiving ritual as well as a petition prayer for protection, guidance, and blessings for the people of San Fernando. The Sikoy-Sikoy Festival coincides with the town fiesta, which is celebrated in honor of the patron saint of the town San Isidro Labrador. 

Getting to San Fernando

You can get to San Fernando by getting on a bus headed to the town at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. Just tell the driver or conductor that you want to get off the town of San Fernando.

​The Sikoy-Sikoy Festival of San Fernando is just one of the festivals celebrated in the island of Cebu. While the festival is relatively young, it is one way for the residents of the town to come together and express their gratitude for all the blessings they receive each year.

​Have you experienced the Sikoy-Sikoy Festival of San Fernando already? Tell us about it on the comments section below.

​The Municipality of Liloan is a town located in the northern part of Cebu. It offers a number of places tourists can visit if they get the chance to drop by the town. Similar to other towns on the island, Liloan also celebrates the Rosquillos Festival every year.  The festival highlights the product that has contributed to the local economy and brought honor to the town. 

Rosquillos

The Rosquillos is a circular cookie that resembles a donut since it has a hole in the middle. It is made of flour, sugar, eggs, baking powder and shortening. Its origin can be traced back to 1907 when Margarita “Titay” Frasco created the crunchy cooking with the ingredients she had in her kitchen. Using her egg beater, baking tins, and clay oven, Titay created what became one of the best-loved delicacies in the town. 

​The first ones to taste the cookie were her neighbors and passers-by. She gave the cookies as freebies to those who bought soda. The cookie remained unnamed until it was given the name Rosquillos by former President Sergio Osmeña.  The name was based on the Spanish word “rosca,” which means ringlet. 

​The Rosquillos soon became a runaway success and eventually put the town in the limelight of the food industry. It is just one of the many delicacies you can buy if you visit Cebu. The other delicacies available on the island are the Peanut Browas, Toasted Mini Mamons, and Butterscotch.

Rosquillos Festival

The Rosquillos Festival of Liloan showcases the deliciously tasty delicacy from this northern town of Cebu. Aside from promoting this delicacy, the festival is also celebrated to honor the patron saint of the town, San Fernando Rey. Similar to the festivals of other towns in Cebu, the Rosquillos Festival also features a street dancing competition, festival showdown, and a beauty pageant. 

​The festival attracts local and foreign tourists, which is beneficial to the economy of the town. Aside from the sights, visitors can also check out the products offered by the different barangays of Liloan at its expo. The Rosquillos Festival is celebrated on May 29 of each year. 

Getting to Liloan

You can get to Liloan by simply getting on a jeepney headed for the town in Mandaue City. You can also ride a bus headed north at the Cebu North Bus Terminal. Just tell the driver or conductor to drop you off at Liloan. 

Other Things To Do In Liloan

Liloan has a lot more to offer to its visitors. You can visit the lighthouse at Bagacay Point or the San Fernando Rey Parish Church. You can also go wakeboarding at Papa Kit’s Marina and Fishing Lagoon.

​The Rosquillos Festival of Liloan is just one of the many festivals celebrated in the different towns of Cebu. It is one of the ways residents express their gratitude for the blessings they receive each year. 

​Have you experienced the Rosquillos Festival already? Tell us about it on the comments section below.

​A trip to the southern part of Cebu can be a trip down the history of the island. You can find numerous churches and Spanish era houses in the southern towns of the island. If you take a look at the churches, you will note that these were built like fortresses with their thick and high walls. These served as a refuge for natives in case of attacks by Moro raiders. Aside from the churches, the Spaniards also built watchtowers to warn natives of the presence of these raiders. These watchtowers can be seen in many towns in the southern part of Cebu, and one of these watchtowers is the Obong watchtower in Dalaguete.

Watchtowers in Cebu

Cebu has the biggest number of watchtowers in the country. The remnants of these watchtowers can still be seen up to today and have become one of the tourist spots of these towns. In southeastern Cebu, a network of watchtowers was built by Fray Julian Bermejo, who was the parish priest of Boljoon in the late 19th century. These watchtowers complemented the protection offered by the churches built by the Spaniards.

Obong Watchtower

The Obong watchtower in Dalaguete is the watchtower guarding this southern town during the Spanish era. It was built in the 17th century and served as a lookout and place of refuge against Moro raiders in the past. It was also a part of the coastal defense system set up by the Spaniards. The watchtower allows visitors to relive the history of Dalaguete and Cebu as a whole.  While it is already just an abandoned structure consisting of coral bricks, it was once a proud watchtower used in monitoring the presence of raiders in the area. It is one of the remnants of the Spanish occupation of the island of Cebu.

​The Obong watchtower is also close to another tourist spot in Dalaguete, the Obong Spring. If you are keen on taking a dip in its icy cold waters, you can take a short hike from the watchtower to the spring.

Getting to the Obong Watchtower

You can get to the Obong Watchtower by getting on a bus headed for Dalaguete at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. Just make sure you tell the driver or conductor you want to get off at the Obong Spring, which is located within walking distance from the Obong Watchtower.

​Aside from being the Vegetable Basket of Cebu, Dalaguete is also home to a number of tourist spots where local and international tourists can visit. While most of the tourist spots are natural wonders, there are also some Spanish era sites that show part of the history of the town. The Obong watchtower is one of these tourist spots.

Have you visited the Obong watchtower already? Tell us about it on the comments section below.

​Cebu is home to a number of sinfully delicious pork dishes. These dishes have found their way into the stomachs of residents and visitors to the island. While the most famous pork dish Cebu has to offer is the Cebu lechon, the island also has other dishes visitors should try if they drop by for a visit. One of these dishes is the humba.

Humba

The humba is a typical dish in the Visayas consisting of pork that was braised in soy sauce and sugar. The dish is cooked until the meat becomes tender. The black beans and bay leaf give the dish a distinctive taste that can tickle anybody’s taste buds. Some people say the term humba means “Humot na Baboy” or aromatic pork while others say it means “Humok na Baboy” or tender pork. There are also some who say the humba is a variation of the Chinese pata tim. But, everyone agrees that the humba is a pork dish Cebuanos can be proud of. There are a number of variations of the humba depending on where it was made. One noteworthy variation is the Humba de Ronda.

Humba de Ronda

Ronda is a quiet town located in the southwestern part of Cebu. It is home to a number of notable beach resorts where you can spend your weekend away from the city. The town also boasts of its own version of the humba. The Humba de Ronda is the town’s take on this popular Visayan dish. This version of the humba uses a good amount of vinegar. Since vinegar is known to be a good preservative, the Humba de Ronda can last a long time even if it is not stored in a refrigerator. It also adds to the unique flavor of the town’s version of the humba.

Getting to Ronda

While the Humba de Ronda is offered in a number of restaurants in Cebu City, you can also go to the town and take a bite of this wickedly delectable pork dish. To get to the town, you can get on a bus headed for Ronda at the Cebu South Bus Terminal.

​The different towns of Cebu have their own culinary creations that have piqued the interest of both local and international visitors. Many of these dishes may be unique to the town, but some of them are variations of popular Visayan dishes, like the Humba de Ronda. The Humba de Ronda is one dish you should not fail to miss if you ever get to visit the town of Ronda.

Want to try making your own humba? Here's a classic recipe:

The beaches in Cebu are among the best in the world. Cebu was not named as one of the best islands in the world for nothing. But, the island offers more than just white sand beaches the island also has a number of resorts with breathtaking views of the beauty of nature. One of these resorts is located in Toledo City, the Ranch Resort.

Toledo City

Toledo City was once called Pueblo Hinulawan before it was named after one of the provinces in Spain. The entry of Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corporation (now Carmen Copper Corporation) in 1955 spurred growth and development in the area. The town eventually became a city in 1961. 

Ranch Resort

The Ranch Resort is a 7-hectare property located on the western part of Cebu. The resort was once known as the Gaite Ranch. It is a fusion-style resort offering a place for guests to rejuvenate themselves over the weekend. It gives guests the chance to escape from the stressful life in the city. Guests can pamper themselves at the resort while enjoying the generosity of the locals. 

Facilities

The Ranch Resort has twelve air-conditioned rooms overlooking fruit trees and vegetable plantations. You can also take a dip in the swimming pools of the resort or go on a trail ride on Arabian horses. Bird lovers may also want to visit the aviary of the resort, which features a number of birds of different species. You may also want to take a leisurely walk at the botanical garden. 

​An overnight stay in their standard room costs PHP1800+ while the junior suite room costs PHP2800+. You can also opt for a farm tour at PHP75 while using the pool costs PHP100. Horseback riding costs PHP100 per person for two rounds.

Getting there

You can get to Toledo City by getting on a bus at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. The trip will take around two hours passing through the Naga-Uling Road. You can also opt to ride a van-for-hire to the city at a terminal located close to the main campus of the University of San Carlos. Once you reach Toledo City, you can get on a tricycle or motorcycle for hire to the resort, which is situated in Barangay Bato.

If you have had enough of the sand, surf, and the sea, the Ranch Resort is one of your options to make your stay in Cebu relaxing and memorable. The resort offers you the opportunity to get out of the daily grind of life and get to breath in fresh air amid lush vegetation and a cool atmosphere.

​Have you stayed at the Ranch Resort in Toledo City already? Tell us about your experience on the comments section below.

Note: Prices may change without prior notice.

​Visiting Cebu can be a gastronomic journey for anyone who loves good food. The island offers a variety of delicacies like the Peanut Browas, Butterscotch, and Toasted Mini Mamons as well as food items that can readily tickle your taste buds. After all, Cebu is home to the best tasting roasted pork in the world. Aside from the lechon, the island is also home to another pork dish that never fails to pique the interest of any food lover, the liempo of Balamban.

Balamban

Balamban was once a Spanish pueblo that included neighboring towns of Asturias and Tuburan. It was once known as baling-balang in reference to the way the natives linked their arms together to carry a Spaniard across a river. The name was later shortened to bang-bang before it eventually became Balamban. The town is also known as the “Ship Building Capital of the Philippines” with the presence of Tsuneishi Heavy Industries, a renowned ship-building company. 

Liempo of Balamban

Aside from the ship-building industry, the Municipality of Balamban is also known for its liempo. The pork liempo or pork belly of Balamban is prepared using a special method. The residents of Balamban add a number of herbs, like dahon sibuyas or spring onions, tanglad or lemon grass, and garlic, among others, into their liempo. All of these ingredients add to the flavor of the pork. The whole dish is cooked over charcoal. In addition to its uniquely savory taste, the meat of the liempo of Balamban is also so tender that you could swear it melts in your mouth. 

​Some people who have tasted the liempo in the town itself are all in agreement that it does not only taste good, but it is also very tender. While there are numerous Balamban Liempo outlets in and around the island, you may want to go to the town to get a taste of their special liempo at the source. 

Getting to Balamban

To get to Balamban, you can hop on a van for hire at the Ayala Center Cebu PUV Terminal headed for the town. The trip takes around an hour depending on the traffic. You will be treated to majestic views of the mountains of Cebu since the van will pass through the transcentral highway.

​The liempo of Balamban has taken the country by storm as it became one of the few local brands to gain national recognition mainly due to the Balamban Liempo stalls that have opened up all over the country. If you happen to pass by Balamban, you should not fail to miss out on visiting one of the stalls close to the public market of the town and taste the liempo that started it all. 

​Have you tasted the liempo in Balamban already? Tell us about it on the comments section below.

​White sand beaches can be found all over the island of Cebu. Due to this, it is not surprising that Cebu is considered one of the best islands in the world. Many of these beaches are located close to metro Cebu or in known tourist towns in the island, like Moalboal and Bantayan. But, there are also a number of white sand beaches in the other towns of Cebu that can rival the best in the world. One of these beaches is the Tingko Beach in the town of Alcoy.

Alcoy

The Municipality of Alcoy is located in the southern part of the island of Cebu. The old name of the town is Mambaje and was once a part of the town of Dalaguete. A parish was established at the place in 1890. A provincial decree on July 16, 1897 later made the place into a municipal corporate. The first parish priest of the town noted that the place resembled one of the more popular cities in Spain, Alcoy. Due to this, the town was renamed Alcoy.

Tingko Beach

Tingko Beach is the most popular tourist spot in the town. It is the preferred destination of residents and visitors to the town during weekends. The beach is situated along the highway in Barangay Daan Lungsod. While the white sand may not be as fine  as the ones you find in other parts of the island, it is still sufficient enough to attract the attention of beach lovers. 

​While it is a public beach, an entrance fee is collected mainly for the maintenance of the beach. It is located in a deep lagoon close to the Mabad-on Coral Reef. The shoreline stretches around a kilometer or two. It slopes gradually into the water until it reaches a relatively flat bottom. The beach is ideal for wading and collecting shells as well as snorkeling. 

​If you’re planning to visit Tingko Beach in Alcoy, it is advisable to go there on a weekday since the beach may be a bit crowded over the weekend. While amenities are minimal, you can still expect vendors selling their wares in the area. There are also some resorts in the area if you are planning to stay a night or two at the beach.

Getting to Tingko Beach

To get to Tingko Beach in Alcoy you have to ride on a bus with the signboard Bato/Oslob since it will pass through the town of Alcoy. Just make sure you tell the driver or conductor to let you off at Tingko Beach. The beach is located along the highway. 

​Alcoy may be a quaint little town in the southern part of Cebu, but it does offer something for travelers looking for something new. The Tingko Beach of Alcoy is just one of the places you can visit if you ever find yourself in this part of the island.

Have you visited the Tingko Beach of Alcoy already? Tell us about your experience on the comments section below.