​A trip to the north typically brings people to Danao City. Similar to many places in the north, Danao City is also a stopover point for travelers headed for tourist destinations in the north. The city actually has its share of delicacies that travelers can grab when they pass Danao. It also has a number of restaurants catering to the culinary needs of its residents and visitors to the city. One of these restaurants is Mojo's Bistro Café.

Danao City

Danao was once a part of the kingdom of Nahalin before the Spaniards arrived on the shores of Cebu. Under the Spaniards, it was an ecomienda under the control of some prominent officials. The place officially became a parish in 1609 when the Recollects built a church in the area. In 1773, Danao became a municipality.

Mojo's Bistro Café

Mojo's Bistro Café is a bistro and café rolled into one. The restaurant is one of the places people from Danao normally recommend to visitors to the city. Mojo's Bistro Café offers a good selection of sandwiches, appetizers, soups, and pasta. They also offer a number of fish and meat dishes in addition to rice meals. 

​The sandwich offerings at Mojo's Bistro Café, which they call Sandwish or Crave for Sandwich, include the Hotdog Sandwich, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, and Hungarian Sandwich. The appetizers available at the place include the Fried Calamari, Spring Rolls, Shrimp Curry, and Sizzling Gambas. Soup and pasta dishes include the Sinigang na Hipon, Lomi, Seafood Carbonara, and Seafood Rice Noodle.

The main dishes offered at Mojo's Bistro Café include the Captain’s Back Ribs and Nic Burger Steak. The fish and meat dishes at the restaurant include their Fish Sweet and Sour, Grilled Tangigue, Orange Chicken, Crispy Pata, and Grilled Pork Belly. The prices of the dishes at Mojo's Bistro Café are between PHP80 for the Grilled Cheese Sandwich and PHP390 for the Crispy Pata.

Location and other Details

Mojo's Bistro Café is located in Taytay, Danao City. It is situated close to the Cebu North Road beside a gasoline station. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining. 

Danao City is gradually coming out of the shadows of its neighbors after it hosted Xterra Off-road Triathlon in 2017. Mojo's Bistro Café will be at the forefront of this reawakening of this northern city as it starts to attract more visitors to stay for a while. 

Cebu is blessed with a good number of natural tourist spots. Many of these places have been commercialized and tourists sometimes arrive in droves. In these places, you can find some suitable accommodations if you want to stay the night. There are even stores selling just about anything, albeit at a higher price. But, there are still a few that have remained untouched. These are off-the-beaten-track natural attractions are sometimes free of any developments made by man. But, they are also not easy to find. One of these places is the Lapnis Spring.

Lapnis Spring

​The Lapnis Spring is one of the natural springs you can find on the island of Cebu. It is located in Barangay Butong, Ronda. But, it is not easy to find this cold spring since there are no markers leading to the place. It is advisable to ask for help from the locals so you can reach the spring. 

The spring itself was supposedly destroyed when a typhoon hit the southern part of Cebu several years ago. But the water coming from the spring may continue to flow. To find the spring, you would have to ask for help from the locals. You may even reach the general location of the spring.

Getting to the Lapnis Spring

Your journey to the Lapnis Spring starts at the Cebu South Bus Terminal where you have to get on a bus headed for Ronda. Tell the driver to let you off at the town. From the center of the town, you can ride on a motorcycle for hire to Barangay Butong, the jump-off point to the spring. This is where the adventure begins since you have to ask the locals for directions to the spring.

​The Lapnis Spring may have been destroyed during a typhoon that passed through the southern part of the island in the past. But, this does not mean the water flowing from the spring has already dried up. You may find some remnants of the spring in the area where it once flowed. 

Have you visited the Lapnis Spring of Ronda already? Tell us about your adventure in the comments section below.

​Bogo City has a lot of interesting places to visit. It is more than just a place to rest and eat before continuing their journey. For people looking to stay the weekend in this northern Cebu city, there are some places where they can spend the night. One of these places is the Sea Turtle Lagoon Resort.

Bogo City 

Bogo City was once a barangay of Daanbantayan before the coming of the Spaniards. While the residents of the barangay enjoyed self-rule, they still paid tribute to the chieftain of Daanbantayan. After the barangay prospered, it separated from Daanbantayan. Bogo has a number of tourist spots including Capitancillo Islet, Tugbungan Mangrove Eco-Farm, and the hanging bridge in Tabogon.

Sea Turtle Lagoon Resort

The Sea Turtle Lagoon Resort is just one of the many resorts located in Bogo City. It is a good place to spend some quiet time since it is situated in a somewhat secluded location with a foundation of coral rocks. The resort is also right beside the sea. While it is a resort, it still gives guests the feeling of being one with nature since it features a good number of trees, bushes, and flowering plants. 

Accommodations and Facilities

Guests can choose from a number of accommodations, including two-room lodges and cottages. Room rates start at PHP2,500 per night. While the resort is ideal for guests who know how to swim, they also have some life jackets available for rent for people who are not quite adept at swimming. The staff of the resort can also arrange for a boat to take guests to nearby islets. Guests can also go snorkeling or kayaking.

Getting to the Sea Turtle Lagoon Resort

Sea Turtle Lagoon Resort is located in Tabogon, Bogo City. You can get to the resort by getting on a bus headed for Bogo City passing the Tabogon route. Just tell the driver to let you off at Tabogon. From the drop-off point, you can get on a motorcycle for hire to the resort.

Bogo City was once a mere stopover point for travelers headed north. But with the tourist sites in the city, it has become a destination in itself rather than just a place to rest and grab a bite to eat.

Cebu is already a popular destination for tourists looking for a place where they can enjoy the beauty of nature. Even as many of the places in Cebu already have their good share of tourists, there are some places that have remained relatively untouched. These are typically islands off the northern or southern coast of Cebu. One of these islands is Guintacan Island.

Guintacan Island

Guintacan Island is also known as Kinatarcan Island and Guintarcan Island. It does not ring a bell since it is one of the last frontiers of Cebu. The island is located on the northwestern coast of Cebu and is a part of the Bantayan group of islands. It has an elongated shape with a length of around 6.8 kilometers and a width of around 2.5 kilometers. The island has a hilly topography with a large lagoon situated on its eastern coast. Guintacan Island is a part of the municipality of Santa Fe and has three barangays.  

Last Frontier

Guintacan Island has remained relatively undeveloped even though it already has three barangays. The beaches of the island have remained pristine since it was not developed as a tourist destination. Due to this, only a few people know this island paradise. If you ever decide to visit the island, you can drop by the following places: 

Getting to Guintacan Island

The journey to Guintacan Island starts at the Cebu North Bus Terminal where you can catch a bus headed for Daanbantayan. Once you reach Daanbantayan, you can get on a ferry headed for an island. You can also opt to hire a motorized boat if you are a part of a big group. 

Guintacan Island is one of the remaining unexplored places in Cebu. It is a good place for anyone looking to get away from the stress of life in the city, even for a weekend. Have you visited Guintacan Island already? Tell us about your experience in the comments section below.

​The natural attractions of Cebu are not limited to its white sand beaches and magnificent underwater life. The island also has a number of cave systems spelunkers may want to explore. While the more popular cave in Cebu is the Balay sa Agta in Argao, there is also a cave system in the town of Barili that is worth exploring. 

Barili

The southern town of Barili is famous for a number of natural attractions that have piqued the interest of local and foreign tourists. The natural attractions are gradually becoming popular among nature lovers in the island. These attractions include the majestic Mantayupan Falls, Bolocboloc Natural Spring Pools, and Sayaw Beach. In addition, the town is also home to the Molave Milk Station, which is one of the favorite stopover points for travelers to the southwestern part of Cebu.

Limestone Cave

Barili also features numerous cave systems that are already starting to attract the attention of visitors. Many of these caves have remained hidden due to the mountainous topography of the town. Most of them have also remained unexplored, and only the caves that can be accessed easily have been explored. Some of these caves can be accessed using a small boat. 

​Limestone caves are typically formed inside soluble rock limestone. Other elements may have played a role in the formation of the caves in Barili. These caves typically feature calcium carbon formations, including stalagmites and stalactites. The limestone caves of Barili were supposedly used as hiding places for residents during World War 2. There are also stories that some of these caves have treasures hidden inside. It remains to be seen if these caves indeed have something valuable hidden inside.

Exploring the Caves

Before exploring the limestone caves of Barili, it is important to get in touch with the local authorities to ensure they are aware of your presence. This is a precaution in case something happens while you explore the cave. It is also important to get the services of professionals to guide you in exploring the caves. While many of the caves require at least six hours to explore, there may be some that can be explored in less than six hours. 

​Many of the limestone caves of Barili have remained unexplored, which means they have remained untouched and well-preserved. While you may want to become one of the first explorers of these caves, it is important for you to do your part in ensuring these caves remain protected for the future generations.

Cebu has numerous heritage structures scattered all over the island. A good number of these structures can be found in the southern part of the island where many centuries-old churches are still standing. In addition, the south also had a series of fortifications built during the Spanish period to guard against raiders from the south. Campanario de Antigua of Samboan is one of these structures that provided an early warning system to southern coastal settlements against attacks. 

Samboan

The town of Samboan is located close to the southern tip of Cebu. It is one of the oldest towns in the island and has a good number of heritage structures history lovers may want to visit. These heritage sites include the Boluntaryo Monument, Escala de Jacob, the San Miguel Arcangel Church, and Museo de Samboan. The town also has numerous natural attractions, including the Aguinid Falls, Dao Falls, and a marine sanctuary. 

Campanario de Antigua

The Campanario de Antigua of Samboan is a watchtower was built under the supervision of Fr. Toribio Gerzon, the parish priest of the town. It is situated around 200 feet above sea level and was a part of the fortifications built at the initiative of Fr. Julian Bermejo. 

​The foundations and walls of the watchtower are made of coral stones while its roof used terracotta tiles. Aside from being a watchtower, the Campanario de Antigua was also used as a bell tower. The University of San Carlos College of Architecture helped in restoring this three-storey structure.

Getting to the Campanario de Antigua

The Campanario de Antigua is located at the town plaza where the other heritage structures of Samboan are located. You can reach the town by getting on a bus headed for Samboan at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. Since the trip to the town takes around four hours depending on the traffic, you can bring with you a pack of Peanut Browas, Toasted Mini Mamons, or Butterscotch so you can have something to snack on. 

The Campanario de Antigua is just one of the many heritage structures of Samboan. It shows that this southern town is one of the oldest towns in Cebu and makes it is a treasure trove for lovers of history and culture.

Have you visited the Campanario de Antigua already? Tell us about the trip in the comments section below.

​Many caves in Cebu can be explored without using special equipment. The island also has a number of underwater caves that require you to use scuba diving equipment just to enter it. Explorers of these caves should be experienced or advanced divers due to the complexity in going around the cave. One of these caves is the Casili Cave in Balamban.

Casili Cave

The Casili Cave in Balamban is a part of an underwater cave system. Cave explorers officially called it the Casili Underwater Cave System or CUCS. The cave system was initially explored in 2011 by members of the Filipino Cave Divers (FCD). These explorations allowed the organization to get some information about the cave. The deepest point of the cave is at 40 meters and the cave line ends at 250 meters from the mouth. 

The divers from FCD discovered freshwater marine life inside the cave. These include fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mollusks. They also spotted a large freshwater eel, which is known locally as the kasili. These discoveries allowed them to conclude that the Casili Cave can support life. 

Questions About The Cave

But, the group has yet to determine the source of the water inside the cave. While they were able to check the cave, they have yet to determine the size of the cave. They also have also yet to determine all other flora and fauna living inside the cave. The FCD is hoping the local government can see the value of the cave system and enact ordinances to ensure it is protected. 

​Since the cave has yet to be fully explored and mapped, only experienced cave explorers with the necessary equipment are advised to visit the Casili Cave. It is also important o set up paths and safety measures inside the cave before it is opened for exploration by the general public. 

The Casili Cave in Balamban shows there are still some places in Cebu that have yet to be fully explored. It also demonstrates the huge variety of natural attractions nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts can visit in the island. 

​When people talk about the Camotes Islands, images of white sand beaches with crystal clear waters typically come up. But, these islands off the northeastern coast of Cebu offer more than just beaches. The islands also have some caves worth exploring. One of these caves is the Bukilat Cave in Poro Island. 

Bukilat Cave

The Camotes Island group actually has eight natural caves. But, Bukilat Cave is the most prominent among these caves. The cave has seven openings with the middle one big enough to allow light to enter the cave. The most prominent feature of the cave is the crystal clear pool inside. Some people believe the source of the water in the pool s a natural spring inside the cave. Its knee-deep waters are refreshing and cool. Since the water is clean and pure, some think it has some healing properties. 

​The cave has remained relatively undeveloped with the exception of steps leading to the pool. Local officials are aiming to preserve the pristine condition of the cave. Due to this, visitors are not allowed to eat inside the cave. The cave is also home to a number of stalactites and stalagmites. To ensure these are protected, local officials are imposing a fine on people who eat, drink, or smoke inside the cave. 

​The Bukilat Cave was supposedly used as shelter by residents of the island during the Second World War. There are even some stories indicating that the area where the cave is located is home to some undiscovered treasure. The cave was supposedly named after a local leader who lived close to the cave. 

Getting to the Bukilat Cave

Your journey to the Bukilat Cave starts at the Cebu North Bus Terminal where you can get on a bus headed for the Danao Port. Once you are at the port in Danao, get on a ferry headed for Poro Island. After reaching Poro Island, you can hire a motorcycle to bring you to the Bukilat Cave. Another option is a tricycle or a multicab if you are with a big group.

Since the Bukilat Cave in Poro Island is a popular destination among visitors to the Camotes Island group, local officials have remained steadfast in protecting it. If this can be done for the Bukilat Cave, we can also do the same with the other natural attractions in different parts of Cebu.

Have you explored the Bukilat Cave in the Camotes Island Group already? Tell us about your experience in the comments section below.

​The mountainous terrain at the center of the island can give mountaineers something to look forward to when they visit Cebu. While reaching the peak of most mountains in Cebu are a walk in the park for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts, weekend warriors may find some mountains somewhat challenging. One of these mountains is Mount Kapayas in Catmon.

Mount Kapayas

Mount Kapayas is the second highest peak in Cebu. It has an elevation of 783 meters above sea level. While it is nothing compared to many other mountains in the archipelago, it is still not considered an easy climb for weekend warriors. While the trail itself is not too tough, it can become challenging if you climb after a rainfall. The trail is also somewhat steep, which allows you to exercise those leg muscles while going to the peak.

​Mount Kapayas is called the Torre Peak or Lantawan Peak by the locals. The place used to be the hiding place of General Arcadio Maxilom during the Second World War. If you are planning to climb the peak of Mount Kapayas, it is important to pass by the municipal hall to get a permit. It is also necessary to hire a guide who can help you reach the peak. 

Campsite

There is a house close to the campsite where visitors can cook their food. Cooking at the campsite itself is not allowed to ensure the cleanliness of the place is maintained. The campsite is big enough to accommodate several tents. It also gives visitors a panoramic view of the surrounding area. 

​Trekking from the campsite to the peak of Mount Kapayas can take around an hour. On the way to the peak, you can encounter a good variety of flora and fauna in the area. The peak is made of limestone. Some mountaineers say the peak is similar to the peak of Mount Mauyog in Tabunan.

Getting to the Peak of Mount Kapayas

Your journey to the peak of Mount Kapayas starts at the Cebu North Bus Terminal where you have to get on a bus headed for Catmon. After reaching the town, you can head over to the municipal hall to register and get a guide. The guide can arrange the transportation to the jump-off point for Mount Kapayas. 

​The mountains of the island provide a different experience for people who are not keen in spending the weekend in the beach. While these mountains are dwarfed by mountains in other parts of the country, they still provide a good workout for anyone looking for something new in Cebu.

Have you conquered Mount Kapayas in Catmon already? Tell us about your climb in the comments section below.

​When it comes to natural attractions, there is no shortage in Cebu. The island has just about everything: beaches, hot and cold springs, mountains, and waterfalls. While a good number of these natural attractions are already commercialized, there are still some places that have remained relatively untouched. One of these places is the Tinubdan Falls in Catmon.

Tinubdan Falls

The Tinubdan Falls is just one of the many natural attractions of the northern town of Catmon. There are around six cascades flowing into two catch basins at the place. The first catch basin is around six feet deep while the second has a depth of around three feet. Since the rocks around the place are slippery, it is important to be careful while taking a dip in its cool waters.

​The word “tinubdan” is a Cebuano word that means source. According to locals, the area around the Tinubdan Falls was developed by the Americans so it can be used as a source of electricity for their camp located in Agsuwao, Catmon. There are actually a number of other waterfalls in the area. One of these falls is located close to the Esoy Spring.

​The place has remained undeveloped and stories about spirits living in the area have emerged. Locals say they would sometimes hear sounds coming from the place. The sounds seemed to be some people playing in the river even if there was no one in the area.

Catmon Attractions

Aside from the Tinubdan Falls, Catmon is also home to the Esoy Spring and the Kantinggo Falls. In addition, this town in the northern part of Cebu also has a number of beaches that can give some of the best beaches in the country a run for their money.

Getting to Tinubdan Falls

You can reach the Tinubdan Falls by getting on a bus headed for Catmon at the Cebu North Bus Terminal. Once you reach the town, you can get on a motorcycle for hire to bring you to the jumpoff point to the waterfalls. You have two options for getting to the place. The first option is trekking the river leading to the place. The second option is hiking the trail along the side.

Cebu can be a nature lover’s paradise. With natural attractions situated in nearly all parts of the island, they can have the time of their lives exploring the natural beauty of the island of Cebu.

Have you taken a dip in the cool waters of the Tinubdan Falls in Catmon already? Tell us about your experience in the comments section below.