​A trip to the south of Cebu is can be a treat to the eyes with all the natural tourist spots and heritage sites in the area. In addition, it can also be gastronomic journey as each town offers their own delicacies to tickle the tummies of their visitors. One of these delicacies is the torta of Dalaguete. 

Dalaguete

Dalaguete may be the main source of vegetables in Cebu, but it has also become one of the destinations of nature lovers and weekend warriors. The town hosts the main jump off point to Osmeña Peak as well as a number of natural springs. In addition, one of the barangays of the town is home to a valley that is the breeding ground of flying foxes. 

Torta of Dalaguete

Similar to other towns in Cebu, Dalaguete considers its torta to be the best in the market. Their version of the torta is a combination of a cupcake and a mamon. It has a golden brown hue and is normally puffed. Sugar normally tops this tasty little pastry from the Vegetable Basket of Cebu. It also features a crack in the middle, prompting some people to call it the torta pinaliki (cracked).

​While the recipe for the torta of Dalaguete is a closely-guarded secret, they are made with a certain egg yolk to oil ratio. The eggs also come from free-range native chicken while the oil is home-made. The torta of Dalaguete has a good amount of egg yolk and oil for every millimeter. Due to this, it is one of the most cholesterol-laden pastries in the market.

​The torta of Dalaguete can remain soft up to six days and is an ideal pasalubong item visitors can bring home with them. It is best paired with coffee or hot chocolate. There are also some variants topped with cheese and you can easily buy them at roadside stalls. 

Other Delicacies of Dalaguete

In addition to the torta, Dalaguete also has a number of other delicacies for local and foreign tourists. These delicacies include their tostado, pordrida, bibingka, and the much sought after banana meat.

​While there are many versions of the torta, the version of Dalaguete offers a unique take on this well-loved local delicacy. The torta of Dalaguete is just one of the delicacies you should get your hands on if you ever find yourself in this part of the island.

Have you tasted the torta of Dalaguete already? Tell us how you liked it on the comments section below.

​Camotes and Bantayan Islands normally come to mind when people talk about having some fun under the sun in Cebu. While these two island groups offer white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, there is also an island off the southern town of Oslob offering something similar. The name of the island is Sumilon.

Oslob

Oslob was once a quiet town located in the southern part of Cebu. This changed after tourists started to flock to this southern town to swim with the whale sharks. It also paved the way for the promotion of other tourist spots in the town, including the Tumalog Falls, the Cuartel, and Sumilon Island. 

Sumilon Island

Sumilon Island is a 24-hectare coral island that boasts of strips of fine white sand and crystal clear waters. The name Sumilon is based on a Cebuano word that means “to take refuge.” The name is appropriate since the island has a marine sanctuary with a thriving underwater ecosystem. It was the first marine protected sanctuary established in the country. The fish sanctuary was set up in 1974 and managed by the Siliman University Marine Reserve.

​One popular attraction of Sumilon Island is its sandbar. The shape of the sandbar changes depending on the season. Another interesting place to visit on the island is its natural lagoon. The island also features natural caves and mangroves that serve as a place for fishermen to seek refuge during storms. 

Sumilon Island also has four major dive sites. These dive sites offer excellent visibility and exceptional coral reefs. The marine life in these dive sites is diverse. There are even some sightings of a black tip shark in the area. They offer a memorable dive to any visitor to the island. These dive sites are Julie’s Rock, Garden Eel Plaza, Coral Landscape, and Nikki’s Wall.

Getting to Sumilon Island

Your trip to Sumilon Island starts at the Cebu South Bus Terminal where you should get on a bus or van-for-hire headed for the town of Oslob. Once you reach this southeastern town, you can get on a motorized boat to the island. 

​Even as the islands in the northern part of Cebu are more popular for their beaches, some islands in the southern part are gradually piquing the interest of both local and foreign tourists. Sumilon Island is already becoming famous for its pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and amazing dive sites. 

Have you visited Sumilon Island already? Tell us about it on the comments section below.

​The island of Cebu features narrow coastlines, coastal plains, and limestone plateaus. But, a good part of the island is made up of rolling hills and rugged mountains. Due to this, Cebu is one place where you trek up a mountain in the morning before taking a dip at a beach or waterfalls in the afternoon. One of the places you can do this is in Samboan, The town is home to Mount Bartolina, which is considered a minor climb since it is possible to reach the summit in less than an hour.

Samboan

Samboan is a sleepy little town located in the southern part of Cebu. Despite its unassuming nature, the town is home to a number of natural attractions that have piqued the interest of nature lovers in and around the country. These natural attractions include the Aguinid and Balay’g Sawa waterfalls, the Colase Marine Sanctuary, and the Ponong Hidden Lake. Aside from these natural wonders, the town also hosts a number of historically-significant structures, including the St. Michael the Archangel Church, St. Jacob’s Ladder, and a Spanish-era watchtower, among others. 

Mount Bartolina

Mount Bartolina is the highest peak in the southern part of Cebu. It is located in Barangay Monteverde in Samboan. Perching on the peak, you can see the Tañon Strait to the west and the Bohol Strait. On a clear day, you can see Negros Island, Siquijor, and Bohol from the peak. You may even get a glimpse of the island of Mindanao from the top of the mountain. The peak is also a good place to watch the sun rise in the morning and see it set at the end of the day.

​The mountain is considered an easy climb and some experienced mountaineers can reach the summit within fifteen minutes. After reaching the summit, you can also opt to take a dip at the Dau Falls, which is located in one of the isolated areas of the mountain.

Getting to Mount Bartolina

Your journey to the summit of Mount Bartolina starts at the Cebu South Bus Terminal where you should get on a bus headed for the town. Once you reach the town proper, you can ride on a motorcycle for hire to bring you to the jump-off point of the mountain.

​Even as Mount Bartolina is considered as an easy climb, it does offer you a panoramic view of the islands close to the southern part of Cebu. It simply demonstrates that Cebu is one of the few places in the country where you can have the best of many worlds, so to say. 

Have you trekked up the summit of Mount Bartolina in Samboan already? Tell us about the hike on the comments section below.

​Weekends in Cebu are typically spent lazing off at the beach or watching the city lights from the top of a mountain. There are also some instances when Cebuanos would go to the nearest swimming pool to cool off, especially during summer. In the western town of Balamban, residents normally spend their weekend at the Cambuhawe Spring.

Balamban

Balamban is town located on the western coast of Cebu and is known more for its shipbuilding industry. Aside from this industry, the town is also home to a number of eco-adventure resorts and the Buwakan ni Alejandria. In addition, Balamban also has a delicacy that has taken the Queen City of the South by storm, the Balamban Liempo.

Cambuhawe Spring 

The Cambuhawe Spring is one of the tourist attractions of the town of Balamban. It features an Olympic-size swimming pool where locals typically spend their weekends cooling off. There are some cottages available at the place for rent. Since the water at the Cambuhawe Spring comes from a mountain spring, it is cold and clean.

​But, recent visitors to the Cambuhawe Spring have indicated that the place has seen better days. While it may need a little more maintenance, the place still attracts crowds during weekends. Since the Cambuhawe Spring is also only open during weekends, it is best to go there on a weekend if you are planning to visit the place. 

Getting to the Cambuhawe Spring 

You can reach the Cambuhawe Spring by getting on a vehicle for hire headed for Balamban at the Ayala Center Cebu V-Hire and Jeepney Terminal. Tell the driver to let you off at Gaisano Balamban Mall. From the mall, you can ride a tricycle to the Cambuhawe Spring. 

​Cebu may have the best beaches in the world, but the island has more to offer to its residents and visitors. The Cambuhawe Spring is just one of the places where locals and visitors can cool off during the weekend.

Anything and everything is within minutes away from the Queen City of the South, that is if you take away the traffic. You can reach the beach in less than an hour if the roads are free of traffic. The same thing goes if you want to go up a mountain. Residents of Cebu City are blessed to have a mountain they can climb in the morning and reach the peak in time for lunch. The name of the mountain is Mount Babag.

Mount Babag

Mount Babag is ideal for beginners and weekend warriors who just want to stretch their muscles while enjoying the beauty of nature at the end of the week. The mountain has a height of 752 meters above sea level and offers a breathtaking view of the city. It is the highest point of the Queen City of the South. The term “babag” is Cebuano for the word “obstruct.” If you plan to stay overnight, you have to hike to the site of the former Swiss Chalet.

Depending on your pace and familiarity of the trail, you can actually reach the peak in four to five hours. So, if you start at around 6:00 AM you will reach the peak at 10:00 or 11:00 AM. You will not have to worry about the heat of the sun that much since the trail has a lot of shade to protect you. Due to some thorny plants in the area, it is important for you to wear appropriate clothing to protect you from scratches. 

Climbing Mount Babag

You can start your journey at the Guadalupe Church where you can hop on a motorcycle for hire to bring you to Barangay Napo. The trail is rather simple and all you need to do is to follow it. Just make sure your trek is mainly uphill. You can also ask the locals living in the area if you are on the right trail going to the peak, which is also the site where the old RCPI towers are located. There is another route where you start off at JY Square. You can hop on a motorcycle for hire at the JY Square to Mountain View Resort. From the resort, you can hike up to the peak.

​Cebu can be paradise for nature lovers who want the chance to trek up a mountain every weekend. Mount Babag may be a minor climb, but it does bring you close to nature as you trek along a path that is abundant in flora and some fauna. 

Have you trekked up to the peak of Mount Babag already? Tell us about the experience on the comments section below.

​White sand beaches and lechon may be the first things that come to mind when people talk about Cebu. But, this little island in the middle of the archipelago has more to offer than its beaches and the best pig in the world. Cebu also has its own share of waterfalls. The Kawasan Falls is the most famous among these natural wonders. But, there are also some lesser known yet equally awe-inspiring waterfalls in the island. One of these waterfalls is the Mantayupan Falls of Barili. 

Barili

The southern town of Barili is around 60 kilometers away from Cebu City. It is home to the Sayaw Beach and Bolocboloc Natural Spring Pool. But, one of the more popular places to visit in the town is the Molave Milk Station where you can drink fresh cow or carabao’s milk. The town was named after the balili grass, which is abundant in the area.

Mantayupan Falls

The Mantayupan Falls is one of the tourist attractions of the town of Barili. Even though the area was developed for tourism, it still maintains much of its rugged ambiance. It is one of the tallest waterfalls in the province. The waterfalls has two levels and is the source of water for the rice paddies of some barangays in the town. The first level is the tallest with a height of around 96 meters. On the other hand, the second level is only 14 meters high. 

​Similar to the Kawasan Falls, there is a bamboo raft that allows visitors to get close to the bottom of the falls. But, it is important to always be careful when you ride the bamboo raft. While you can take a dip in the pool under the falls, it is essential to be cautious since the pool is somewhat deep. 

​There are also some facilities at the place to make your stay more comfortable. There are umbrellas with chairs for visitors who want to stay for the day. If you are planning to stay the night, there are also cottages you can rent at the place.  The bamboo raft is also available for rent. 

Going to the Mantayupan Falls

To reach the Mantayupan Falls, you should get on a bus headed for the town of Barili at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. Once you reach the town proper, you can hop on a motorcycle for hire to the waterfalls. Trekking from the entrance to the waterfalls will be an experience in itself since you will see how the natural environment was maintained even though it was already developed.

​While the Mantayupan Falls may not be as famous as the Kawasan Falls, it does has its share of visitors who have made it a part of their itinerary in their trip to the south. Even with the developments in the area, it has maintained a part of rugged appeal that is appealing to a good number of local and foreign visitors.

Have you taken a dip at the pool in the Mantayupan Falls already? Tell us about your visit on the comments section below.

​The towns and cities of Cebu have their own unique delicacies to offer to visitors. These delicacies typically have a distinctive taste that makes them different from similar products offered in other places. But, there are some delicacies that stand out among the rest. We came up with a list of 6 food stops you should not fail to miss if you are going on a road trip to the south.

Melton’s Halo Halo in Pardo

The first stop is not far from the heart of the Queen City of the South. Melton’s Halo Halo is one of the best halo-halo stores in Cebu. It currently has numerous branches in and around the city. The place continues to attract customers even with the increasing number of competitors in the market.

The Pardo location of Melton’s is a good place to stop for some morning refreshments before continuing in your road trip to the south. The place actually offers more than just halo-halo. They also have squid rolls, pizza, batchoy, and French fries, among others. The price of the halo-halo at Melton’s Halo Halo starts at PHP55.

Lechon of Talisay

The Cebu lechon was declared as the best pig in the world by Anthony Bourdain. There are many places in Cebu where offering some of the best-tasting lechon in the island. One of these places is Talisay City. The city even celebrates the annual Inasal Festival to promote this sinfully delicious pork dish. 

Talisay City has a number of stores selling the inasal or lechon. These places include Chona’s Lechon and Abling’s Lechon. The price of the lechon in Talisay City starts at PHP480 per kilo. 

Carcar Public Market

Aside from Talisay City, the southern heritage city of Carcar is also known for their lechon. Carcar City is a good place to stop for lunch if you are going on a road trip to the south. The best place to eat is at the Carcar Public Market. You can go to the back part of the market where the lechon stalls are located. You can buy the lechon and either bring them with you o eat them at the eateries beside the stalls. 

There are a number of stalls to choose from and each stall gives you a sample of the lechon they are offering. The price of the lechon at the Carcar Public Market starts at PHP250. 

Chitang’s Torta of Argao

After Carcar, you may want to stop in the town of Argao. This southern heritage town is known for being the place where the quality standards of the Peanut Browas were established by the family matriarch. In addition to the Peanut Browas, Argao is also home to Chitang’s Torta. 

Similar to the Peanut Browas, the torta of the late Anecita “Chitang” Camello is a family tradition that was later offered in the market. Chitang’s Torta is one of the delicacies you should bring with you whenever you pass by Argao.

Molave Milk Station

The Molave Milk Station is a well-known stopover in the town of Barili. The main offering of the place is their fresh milk from either a cow or a carabao. In addition, they also offer soft ice cream, kiseo, and other products made from cow or carabao’s milk.

The Molave Milk Station is well-known among bus drivers so you will not have any problems going to the place. It is also located along the road, which makes it easy for you to get a ride to and from the city if you do not have your own vehicle. 

Banana Meat of Dalaguete

Dalaguete is more famous for being one of the jump-off points of Osmena Peak. It is also the Vegetable Basket of Cebu since a good amount of vegetables in Cebu come from the town. But, Dalaguete is also known for its delicacies that are not only unique but delicious as well.

The banana meat of Dalaguete is a regular cardava banana filled with spicy ground meat. This delicacy is actually offered during special celebrations and the annual festival of the town. It combines the sweet taste of the banana with the spicy flavor of the ground meat. 

These are just some of the notable food stops you can consider if your stomach starts to grumble while on a road trip to the south of Cebu. 

After Cebu was named one of the best islands in the world, tourist arrivals is expected to increase. While majority of these visitors will stay in beach resorts, some may be backpackers or budget-conscious travelers looking to pinch pennies. So we came up with another list of five affordable hotels in the Queen City of the South.

Mayflower Inn

The Mayflower Inn is located along Villalon Drive, East Capitol Site, Cebu City. It is right beside the Cebu Provincial Capitol and within walking distance to a number of restaurants and bars along Escario Street. The place is also one ride away from Ayala Center Cebu and Fuente Osmeña. 

Aside from the standard room features, the Mayflower Inn also offers Wi-Fi access in public areas, business center services, an a la carte restaurant, and laundry services to its guests. Room rates start at PHP1,020 for single standard room. 

Elicon House

The Elicon House is located at the corner of P. Del Rosario and Junquera Streets. It is a stone’s throw away from the University of San Carlos University – Main Campus. Aside from the restaurant of the Elicon House, there are also a number of affordable places to eat close to the place. The place is also home to the Museum of Bicycling in Cebu. 

Wi-Fi service is available at the lobby and the restaurant of the place. Room rates at the Elicon House start at PHP720 for the single standard room.

Apple Tree Suites

The Apple Tree Suites is located at the heart of uptown Cebu. Its location makes it one of the preferred places to stay among budget-conscious travelers. The rooftop restaurant of the place offers a good view of the city, especially at night. It is within walking distance to Fuente Osmeña.

The Apple Tree Suites is located at J. Llorente Street and is very close to the Pungko-Pungko sa Fuente. Room rates at the place start at PHP998 for the standard room. 

ABC Hotel

The ABC Hotel is conveniently located along F. Ramos Street and is right across Velez Hospital. It is also close to Fuente Osmeña as well as the restaurants and bars along General Maxilom Avenue. The ABC Hotel is relatively new and has a trendy and stylish design. Aside from the usual room amenities, the hotel also offers fee Wi-Fi access in the rooms.

A good number of food establishments are located close to the hotel. Room rates start at PHP1,500 for the Superior Room King. 

Pillows Hotel Cebu

The Pillows Hotel Cebu is another hotel located in the uptown area of the Queen City of the South. Similar to the hotels and pension houses in the area, the place is also within walking distance of Fuente Osmeña. The hotel has its own fitness center for guests who may want to get some exercise while staying at the hotel.

​The Pillows Hotel Cebu is located along Gov. M. Roa Street, Capitol Site, Cebu City. Room Rates start at PHP1,800 for the standard room.

Cebu is one of the top tourist destinations in the country. Aside from the beaches and other tourist destinations, another main draw of the island is the annual Sinulog celebration. While there are a number of high-end hotels and resorts in Cebu, penny-pinching can get the best value for their money by checking into these reasonably-priced hotels and pension houses.

Note: Prices may change without prior notice.

​Cebu is known for its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. These are the main attractions that made it one of the best islands in the world. Many of the more popular beaches in Cebu are located close to the city or in the northern part of the island. But, there are some lesser known beaches located in the southern part of Cebu. One of these beaches is the Sayaw Beach in Barili.

Barili

Barili is a town located in the southwestern part of Cebu. When the Spanish conquistadores arrived in 1602, they erected a cross in the area. A parish was later established in 1614. Barili only became a town in 1632. It is bordered by Aloguinsan in the north, Dumanjug in the south, and Carcar and Sibonga to its east. The western side of the town faces the Tañon Strait. 

Sayaw Beach

The Sayaw Beach is a white sand beach located along the road in Barili. The name of the place is the Cebuano word for dance. The crystal clear waters of the place make it appealing to any beach lover. While there are rocky areas in the beach, they are not painful to step on if you want to swim barefoot. There is a small store at the beach, but it is advisable to bring your own supplies. There are some cottages for rent if you want to stay at the beach for the day. A private rest house is also available for rent in the area. 

​You can also opt to rent a small boat so you can explore some caves close to the beach. It will be a fun experience for those who have not yet tried paddling an outrigger boat. You do not have to worry about getting lost since the owner of the boat will accompany you. The water close to the cave is colder and clearer than the water close to the beach. 

Getting to the Sayaw Beach

You can reach the Sayaw Beach by getting on a bus headed to Barili at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. If you are planning a day trip, it is advisable to take the 7:00 AM bus and stop at Shamrock for breakfast. From Shamrock, you can ride on a motorcycle for hire to Sayaw Beach. 

​The Sayaw Beach of Barili may not be as popular as the other beaches close to the city, but it is suitable enough for anyone who wants to take a short break from life in the city. You can consider it as one of your options if you want to take a dip without having to deal with the crowds typically associated with the more popular beaches in Cebu.

Have you visited the Sayaw Beach of Barili already? Tell us about it on the comments section below.

​Dalaguete has more to offer aside from the spectacular views from the top of Osmeña Peak. The town also supplies a good amount of vegetables to different parts of the island. In addition, Dalaguete also has a number of delicacies that you may want to try if you ever find yourself in this southern Cebu town. One of these delicacies is the banana meat.

Dalaguete

Dalaguete experiences two types of climates throughout the year. The lowlands are normally hot, especially when the summer months come. On the other hand, the highlands have a cool climate throughout the year. Aside from the Osmeña Peak, Dalaguete also has a number of other tourist spots, including the Obong Springs, Obong watchtower, and the Poblacion watchtower, among others.

Banana Meat

The banana meat is a delicacy that normally fills the table during the annual fiesta of the town. These look like regular cardava bananas that you can buy in the market. What makes it different is the meat you can find inside these delectable fruits. The spicy ground meat makes these delicacies even more appetizing. The sweet taste of the banana mixes with the meat to give it a rather unique flavor.

Banana meat is normally served during fiestas and other special occasions. These treats are sweet and juicy in the inside. But, the moment you bite into them, you will find out that they are meaty and spicy on the inside. Its place on the table of a Dalaguete household is at the same level as the Cebu lechon. 

Other Delicacies of Dalaguete

Aside from the banana meat, Dalaguete also has a number of other delicacies you may want to take home with you. These delicacies include their bibingka, tostado, torta, and podrida. 

​The banana meat is as ubiquitous as the Cebu lechon during celebrations in Dalaguete.  It is now a part of the tradition of the people of this southern Cebu town.

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