​The rapid development of Cebu had a negative effect on the forest cover on the island. But, local authorities with the help of environment officials have worked to ensure Cebu can recover from the deforestation that has happened in the past few decades. One of the reforestation projects on the island is located in Mantalongon, Dalaguete. 

Dalaguete

Dalaguete is home to Barangay Mantalongon, which is the main source of vegetables sold in Cebu. Its high altitude also gives the place a cool climate. Due to this, Mantalongon was declared as the Summer Capital of Cebu by the Cebu Provincial Board. The town is also home to a number of heritage sites that any culture lover will find appealing enough to visit. 

Mag-alambak Forest 

The Mag-alambak Forest of Dalaguete is the old site of the Southern Cebu Reforestation Development Project or SCRDP. It is a 48-hectare property that displays the beauty of nature at its best. It is a tropical enclave encompassing parts of three barangays of Dalaguete: Dumalan, Obo, and Mantalongon. But, a good part of the garden is located in the Vegetable Basket of Cebu. 

​The Dalaguete Municipal Government is promoting the place as an ecotourism destination. It is co-managed by the local government and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Region 7.  The Mag-alambak Forest is a good place for nature lovers to explore. The place gives them the feeling of serenity amid the beauty of nature.

Getting to the Mag-alambak Forest

Your journey to the Mag-alambak Forest starts at the Cebu South Bus Terminal where you can catch a bus headed for Dalaguete. You should get off at the junction going to Barangay Mantalongon. You have the option of riding a jeepney and wait for it to get full or get on a motorcycle for hire to the mountain barangay. 

​The Mag-alambak Forest is just one of the places where Cebuanos are working to protect nature. While the local government was successful in reforesting the area, there is still much for us to work on to ensure the younger generations can enjoy the natural beauty of nature.

​Aside from its coastline where some of the best beaches in the world are located, Cebu also has mountain ranges crossing from the north to the south. While these peaks are not as high as the ones you can find in other parts of the country, they can still be challenging for people who are not quite in shape. Some of these peaks are located in the southern part of Cebu. One of these southern peaks is the Tiposo Peak of Argao.

Argao

Argao is one of the southern towns in the island of Cebu. It may be known to be the home of many heritage structures, but the town has a number of natural attractions where visitors can marvel at the beauty of nature. These tourist spots include the Balay sa Agta Cave, Bugasok Falls, Argao Nature Park, and the Mahayahay Beach. 

Tiposo Peak

The Tiposo Peak is one of the four peaks in this southern Cebu town.  Reaching the Tiposo Peak requires you to traverse a number of mountain ranges. You should be careful in going up the peak since there is no stable trail leading to the peak itself. While there is suitable vegetation along the way, it will gradually thin out as you approach the top. 

​Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of Argao and Sibonga.  You can also see the island of Bohol from the peak. When you go down from the peak, you can also try another route that leads to the main road. There may be some motorcycles you can hire if you feel exhausted from your hike. 

Getting to the Tiposo Peak

Your journey to the Tiposo Peak of Argao starts at the Cebu South Bus Terminal where you should hop on a bus headed for Argao.  You can get off at the Liki Spring, which is the jump off point for the peak. While you can get a guide to help you reach the top, there are some locals who will be eager to point the way to hikers.

​The Tiposo Peak of Argao is just one of the many peaks in Cebu where adventure seekers and trekkers can explore. It also shows that Cebu has more to offer to visitors aside from its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. 

​The heritage town of Argao is mainly known for its heritage structures that were built during the Spanish era. The town is also famous for being the home of Lola Pureza who set the standards used in making the Peanut Browas, Butterscotch, and Toasted Mini Mamons. But, there are also a number of tourism destinations that may pique the interest of visitors to the town. One of these tourism destinations is the Liki Cold Spring.

Argao

Argao was once a wilderness where a few people lived. The coast of the area saw an abundant growth of the Sali-argaw tree. These were towering trees that were visible from the Bohol Strait. The tree was the landmark of fishermen in the area. The place served as a safe haven for fishermen during storms. Aside from the Peanut Browas, Butterscotch, and Toasted Mini Mamons, Argao is also home to the Torta, which is honored in the annual Torta Festival of the town.

Liki Cold Spring

The Liki Cold Spring is located in Barangay Taloot of the town. It is one of the old springs you can find this southern Cebu town. It is one of the twelve locations in the Municipality of Argao that were declared as tourism destinations in an ordinance passed in 2016. The spring is also a source of water for the locals. 

​The word “Liki” is Cebuano for crack. The water in the spring comes from a crack in the rock. Aside from being a destination, the Liki Spring is also the jump-off point for treks to the Tiposo Peak. Some structures were built in the area to make it easier for visitors to take a dip in the cool waters of the spring. 

Getting to the Liki Spring

Your journey to the Liki Spring starts at the Cebu South Bus Terminal where you should get on a bus headed for Argao. The trip will take around two to three hours depending on the traffic. After you reach the town, you can ride a motorcycle for hire to take you to Barangay Taloot where the Liki Spring is located. 

​When people talk about Argao, the heritage structures, Torta, Peanut Browas, Butterscotch, and Toasted Mini Mamons normally come to mind. But, the town has more to offer to anyone who may want to stay for the weekend. 

Have you visited the Liki Cold Spring already? Tell us about your experience on the comments section below.

​Cebu offers countless activities to tourists visiting the island. While most visitors prefer going to the beaches of Cebu, there are other things to look forward to when you visit the island. Some of the activities you can do in the island include fun fishing and horseback riding. Aside from some resorts in the northern towns of Cebu, there is also another place in Barili where you can enjoy these fun activities. The name of the place is AC Tilapia Fun Fishing.

Barili

Barili is home to several tourist spots that have attracted the attention of visitors to Cebu. The town was once just a stopover point for travelers going to the south. But, this has changed as people started to notice the natural attractions in Barili. In addition, the town is also home to the Molave Milk Station where you can have your fill of fresh milk. 

AC Tilapia Fun Fishing

Another place where travelers can visit in Barili is AC Tilapia Fun Fishing. It is a resort where you can have a little bit of fun while enjoying a serene and relaxing environment. The place offers a lot of activities that the whole family can enjoy. As indicated on its name, one of the main activities you can enjoy at the place is fun fishing. All members of the family can enjoy this exciting yet relaxing activity. There are cottages close to the pond where you can stay while fishing at the resort.

​AC Tilapia Fun Fishing also offers horseback riding activities. The horses are well-trained and can provide a bit of fun to visitors of the resort. If it will be your first time to ride a horse, the staff will provide the necessary assistance so you can enjoy the activity.  AC Tilapia Fun Fishing also has a swimming pool for people looking to take a dip during their stay at the place. The water comes from a mountain spring. 

​The resort also offers accommodations for anyone who wants to stay the night. You will have no problems with food since the resorts also has its own restaurant offering different food items for its guests. They do charge a corkage fee for food brought into the resort.

Getting to AC Tilapia Fun Fishing

You can reach the resort by getting on a bus headed for Barili at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. Once you reach the town, you can get on a motorcycle for hire going to resort. AC Tilapia Fun Fishing is located close to the Mantayupan Falls.

​Barili has come a long way from being a mere stopover for travelers going to the south. It is now one of the destinations of tourist visiting Cebu. AC Tilapia Fun Fishing can be one of your destinations if you ever find yourself in the town. Aside from offering a peaceful place to stay in, the resort also has a number of activities in store for its guests.

Have you visited AC Tilapia Fun Fishing already? Tell us about you visit on the comments section below.

​Cebu has numerous historically significant structures, particularly in the southern part of the island. While many of these structures had practical uses in the past, they are now a part of the tourism landscape of Cebu. One of these structures is Jacob’s Ladder of Samboan.

Samboan

Samboan is a quiet little town located along the southwestern coast of Cebu. The name of the town is derived from the word “sinamboang,” which is a ritual dance that was once performed by the people in the area. While the town has numerous natural tourist spots, it also has some historically-significant structures. These structures include the St. Michael the Archangel Church, Campanario de Antigua, and the Escala de Jacobe or Jacob’s Ladder.

Jacob’s Ladder

Jacob’s Ladder is a 147-step ladder leading to the Samboan Church. The church was built on a plateau located around 65 meters from sea level. The stairway was built in 1878 to make it easier for parishioners living in the coastal area to attend mass at the church. It was built on the orders of Fr. Torebio Gerzon, who was the parish priest at that time. Jacob’s Ladder is made out of lime and flat stones and was built at the side of the hill. 

​Jacob’s Ladder is also known as the Escala de Jacobe. It led to the old watch tower of Samboan. The watch tower provides a panoramic view of the Tañon Strait. The ladder has become one of the tourist spots of the town. People typically go up the ladder to get a better view of the Tañon Strait. It also allows them to see the Negros Island across the strait. 

Getting to Jacob’s Ladder

You can reach Jacob’s Ladder by getting on a bus headed for Samboan at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. Once you reach the town, the ladder is located close to the parish church of the town. 

​Jacob’s Ladder was once a practical solution to a problem some residents of Samboan had to deal with in the past. Today, it has become one of the tourist attractions of the town. 

Have you visited Jacob’s Ladder in Samboan already? Tell us about it on the comments section below.

Cebuanos love food. This love for food is demonstrated in the number of delicacies available on the island. While Cebu is more known for lechon and mangoes, the different towns in the island offer their own delicacies to visitors. One town offering its own delicacies is Dalaguete. Even though the main delicacy of the town is the banana meat, they also have another delicacy that may tickle the taste buds of anyone taking a bite at it. This delicacy is their version of the Tostado

Dalaguete

The southern town of Dalaguete is among a few places in the country that can claim to have two climates. The lowland barangays of the town are bright and sunny. You can even visit some of the beaches in the lowland barangays of the town. On the other hand, the highland barangays have a cool climate that earned it the title of being the “Summer Capital of Cebu.”

Tostado

The tostado is an heirloom cookie that has been passed on from one generation to another. Its origins can be traced back to the time of the Spaniards. They may have brought this tasty treat to the island. The word tostado is actually a Spanish word that means “toasted.”

​The tostado is a simple butter cookie that is toasted until it has a golden-brown color. It comes in different shapes, including a star, the moon, or flowers. Since these are homemade cookies, it is possible for their taste to vary from one household to another. 

​The tostado of Dalaguete shows the culinary influence of the Spaniards. It is one of the positive influences of the colonizers who have not only enriched our culture, but also introduced a number of dishes that have become a part of our heritage. 

Have you tasted the tostado of Dalaguete already? Tell us about it on the comments section below.

​Cebu has a number of caves located in different parts of the island. Some of these caves have already been explored, but there is also a good number that have remained unexplored. One of the caves is located in the town of Tabuelan. The name of the cave is the Himaroto Cave.

Tabuelan

Tabuelan is one of the towns located in the northwestern part of the island. It is located in between Tuburan and San Remigio. The town has a good number of natural attractions, including beaches, springs, rivers, and caves. One of the more famous beaches in the town is the Maravilla Public Beach. 

Himaroto Cave

The Himaroto Cave is one of the located in the town of Tabuelan. The name is derived from the Cebuano word “baroto,” which means boat. It was named after the "baroto" since the cave looks like a small boat. The cave is located in the boundary of Barangay Kanluhaon and Barangay Kantubaon. It is around 200 to 300 meters deep and it pitch dark inside. 

​Similar to other caves on the island, the Himaroto Cave is also home to bats. It is rich in guano and phosphate. While it has attracted its share of local and foreign tourists, it still remains relatively unknown to the general public. If you are planning to visit the cave, it is important to be careful when you explore it. 

Getting to the Himaroto Cave

You can reach the Himaroto Cave by getting on a bus headed for Tabuelan at the Cebu North Bus Terminal. Once you reach the town, it is important to get in touch with the local tourism office so they can facilitate your visit to the cave. Since the cave remains generally unexplored, it is important for you to be careful when you visit the place.

The Himaroto Cave is just one of the numerous relatively-unknown caves in Cebu. It simply shows that Cebu has a lot more to offer to local and foreign tourists in addition to the white sand beaches that are popular among visitors to the island. 

​A time-lapse video of a looming thunderstorm over Talamban went viral earlier this year. The video was shot by 17-year-old John Beryl Go, a student of the University of San Carlos. He shot the video from the balcony of his dorm in Cebu City. The video was made of 214 photos and it took Go an hour to finish shooting. 

​Check out the video below.

​Cebu has its own share of myths and legends. These stories of the supernatural kind are typically associated with unexplained events. People also have the tendency to create stories about what they see in nature. One of these legends is the Tres Marias of Mantalongon.

Mantalongon

Mantalongon is one of the mountain barangays of the southern town of Dalaguete. It is known as the “Vegetable Basket of Cebu” since it is one of the main sources of vegetables of the island. The year-round cold climate of the place also earned it the title as the “Summer Capital of Cebu.” In addition, it is also where the highest peak in Cebu is located. 

Tres Marias

“Tres Marias” refers to a legend about the guardians of the forest in Mantalongon. According to the story, three sisters once lived in the area. The beautiful sisters were betrothed to a giant who owned the peaks overlooking the oceans. The sisters did not want to marry the giant since they were afraid of becoming the slaves of the giant. 

​When the three sisters tried to escape, the giant cast a spell on them and they transformed into black rocks. The rocks remained at the place and are now under a tree. Even though the rocks are covered in moss and have become the habitat of insects, the aura of the three sisters still emanate from them. They are now considered by the locals as the guardians of the forest. 

Bandera Trail

The Tres Marias is supposedly found close to the Mag-Alambak Garden. It marks a new trail in Mantalongon where hikers and trekkers can take when they want to explore this cool mountain barangay of Dalaguete. The trail is known as the Bandera Trail. It leads to a peak that was once used by the Americans in World War 2. The Bandera Peak offers a panoramic view of the Cebu. You can see the Bohol Strait and the islands of Bohol and Siquijor. 

​Myths and legends have become associated with the natural wonders on the island of Cebu. But, these stories have only made these places mysterious and piqued the interest of people around the world. Whether these stories are true or not does not seem to matter that much anymore. What is more important is that we should do everything that we can to protect these natural wonders for the future generations.

​Cebu is blessed with numerous natural wonders that have awed travelers around the world. These natural wonders are the reasons why the island to be considered as one of the best islands in the world. While many of these natural wonders are well-known and have attracted both local and foreign tourists, there are some relatively unknown yet equally impressive hidden paradises. One of these hidden paradises is the Kantinggo Falls of Catmon.

Catmon

Catmon is a relatively quiet town in the northern part of Cebu. It is known for its scrumptiously delicious native chicken. It is also home to the Duko Duko Eatery, which is one of the favorite stopovers of travelers going to or from the north. The town also has a number of beaches that are gradually becoming popular among local tourists. 

Kantinggo Falls

The Kantinggo Falls is one of the hidden secrets of the town of Catmon. The waterfalls is only known to locals and a few visitors who have ventured to this part of the town. Going to the waterfalls is an adventure in itself since you have to hike, climb, and crawl to reach the place. But, all the effort will pay off once you reach the place.

​You have to pass through another natural attraction of Catmon, the Esoy Hot Spring, to reach the Kantinggo Falls. From the spring you will cross a short hanging bridge. Since the hanging bridge sways easily so it is better to cross it slowly but surely. You will pass through boulders and even go through water before you reach the falls. The trek to the waterfalls will allow you to connect with nature. It is advisable to wear the life vests offered by the locals since the water coming from the falls can be quite strong. It is better to be safe than source.

Getting There

To get to the Kantinggo Falls you have to get on a bus headed for Catmon at Cebu North Bus Terminal. You should tell the bus driver or conductor to let you off at JM Poultry. Once you reach the place, get on a motorcycle for hire to reach the Esoy Hot Spring. You can start your trek to the Kantinggo Falls from the hot spring. 

​The Kantinggo Falls is one of the secrets of Catmon. While the Esoy Hot Spring is relatively well-known, only a few outsiders know the existence of this hidden natural wonder. 

Have you taken a dip at the Kantinggo Falls of Catmon already? Tell us about the trip on the comments section below.