Check Out This Hidden Gem Of A Beach Northwest Of Cebu City

Cebu is well-known for its exquisite white sand beaches located less than an hour away from the center of the city. These beaches are popular among both local and international tourists, and may get crowded during the tourist season.

But, did you know that there is a hidden gem of a beach just three hours away from the city. This secluded paradise is located in Barangay Maravilla in the town of Tabuelan. Tabuelan is a small quiet town situated in the northwestern part of the island of Cebu. It is around three hours away from the Cebu City. 

Maravilla Beach – image source: kayatanim0.wordpress.com

Maravilla beach is a small piece of Eden where you can have fun without having to worry about spending too much. Here, you can sit back and relax as the sun sets over the horizon or you can take a dip in its pristine waters. Its powdery white sand can rival the best beaches anywhere in the archipelago.  Lush vegetation and big trees also surround the area ensuring it remains cool even in the middle of this year’s record-breaking El Niño. 

Since it’s a public beach, there is no entrance fee. Cottages are available for rent or you can pitch a tent if you want to spend the night. The people living in Barangay Maravilla are quite friendly and barangay officials patrol the area at night to ensure the safety of visitors.  The beach itself is actually located just outside the barangay hall.

Maravilla Beach – image source: booking.com

If it’s your first time to venture here, it is advisable to drop by the barangay hall so officials can help you get settled down.  The place also has a canteen where you can buy supplies you may forgotten to bring. For those who want to have a more comfortable sleep, they can check in a number of resorts available in the area, including La Familia and Durhan resorts. 

There are a number of ways for you to get to Maravilla. You can take a bus or van for hire at the North Bus Terminal in Subangdaku, Mandaue City. The mini-buses bring you directly to Barangay Maravilla, but you should take note that there are a limited number of buses going straight to the barangay. Since these are mini-buses, they do not have any air-conditioning.

Maravilla Beach – image source: durhanwhitebeach.com

You can also take either a bus or a van for hire to the town of Tuburan. From Tuburan, you can ride a tricycle or habal-habal to the town of Tabuelan where another habal-habal can bring you to the barangay.  You can also take a van for hire at the Ayala Terminal to Tabuelan before riding a tricycle or habal-habal to Tabuelan. Then you can take another habal-habal ride to Maravilla. 

The best way is to ride your own vehicle to Barangay Maravilla. While riding public transportation takes at least three hours, riding a private vehicle can bring you to the beach in around two hours.

Maravilla Beach – image source: tripadvisor.com.ph

Maravilla beach is definitely a perfect weekend getaway for anyone who wants to get away from the stress brought about by life in the city.