“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” – Lao Tzu
The northwestern part of Cebu has become more accessible after the transcentral highway was completed. The highway connected the eastern part of the island of Cebu to its western part. It also facilitated travel between the two points. Instead of going all the way to the north or south, people will just have to cut across the island to get to Balamban and other towns in the western part of Cebu.
The northwestern part of Cebu has become more accessible after the transcentral highway was completed. The highway connected the eastern part of the island of Cebu to its western part. It also facilitated travel between the two points. Instead of going all the way to the north or south, people will just have to cut across the island to get to Balamban and other towns in the western part of Cebu.
Trip to the North – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon
After reaching the northernmost tip of the island of Cebu, you have the option going back through the same route or you can go through the western part of the island. You can visit a number of places in the northwestern part of Cebu
San Remigio
The Municipality of San Remigio used to be known as Kanghagas. The old name came from an old tree that is abundant in the area. The present name of San Remigio was supposedly based on a local myth about a certain Remigio Multon who organized a group to protect the place from attacks of Moro pirates.
San Remigio
The Municipality of San Remigio used to be known as Kanghagas. The old name came from an old tree that is abundant in the area. The present name of San Remigio was supposedly based on a local myth about a certain Remigio Multon who organized a group to protect the place from attacks of Moro pirates.
Trip to the North – image source: Municipality of San Remigio Facebook Page
Located on the northwestern part of the island of Cebu, San Remigio boasts of immaculately white sand beaches. It is home to a number of beach resorts offering luxurious accommodations to local and foreign tourists. These resorts include the San Remigio Beach Club, Casa del Mar Golf, Polo, and Beach Club, and the Hagnaya Beach Club. In addition, the town also has a number of heritage sites, including the old Gabaldon building, century-old acacia tree, and the San Juan Nepomuceno Church. The town also celebrates the annual Lapyahan Festival every May 16.
Trip to the North – image source: Municipality of San Remigio Facebook Page
Tabuelan
Your next stop on your way back to the Queen City of the South from the north of Cebu would be the town of Tabuelan. The origin of the name of the town has three versions. The first version indicates that the name comes from a type of octopus found in the Batawang River, the “Tubugokan.” The second version states that it came from the Visayan word for market, “taboan.” The third version of the origin of the name indicates that it comes from the word “tabukan,” which refers to a boat used in transporting people and things between the banks of the Batawang River.
Your next stop on your way back to the Queen City of the South from the north of Cebu would be the town of Tabuelan. The origin of the name of the town has three versions. The first version indicates that the name comes from a type of octopus found in the Batawang River, the “Tubugokan.” The second version states that it came from the Visayan word for market, “taboan.” The third version of the origin of the name indicates that it comes from the word “tabukan,” which refers to a boat used in transporting people and things between the banks of the Batawang River.
Trip to the North – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon
While the town is relatively unknown to many people, it holds many natural treasures that can pique the interest of any traveler. The most popular natural attraction of the town is the Maravilla Beach This public beach is well-maintained and people from different parts of the island go there to relax and have fun under the sun. The other natural attractions of the town are the Ylaya River, Batawang River, Owangan Falls, and Gumbang Spring. Before you leave the town, you should try their local delicacies, which include the binangkal and the corntik.
Trip to the North – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon
Tuburan
After having your fill of “Vitamin Sea” in Tabuelan you will reach the town of Tuburan. The name of the town comes from the Cebuano word “tubod,” which means spring. Visitors can take a dip in one of the many springs in the area. There is also a legend about the springs of Tuburan. The springs are supposedly the tears of the wives of seven travelers who decided to go on a journey after years of staying in the place. Tuburan is also the hometown of Arcadio Maxilom, one of the last revolutionary leaders to surrender to the Americans in the Philippine-American War.
After having your fill of “Vitamin Sea” in Tabuelan you will reach the town of Tuburan. The name of the town comes from the Cebuano word “tubod,” which means spring. Visitors can take a dip in one of the many springs in the area. There is also a legend about the springs of Tuburan. The springs are supposedly the tears of the wives of seven travelers who decided to go on a journey after years of staying in the place. Tuburan is also the hometown of Arcadio Maxilom, one of the last revolutionary leaders to surrender to the Americans in the Philippine-American War.
Trip to the North – image source: y101fm.com
The main tourist attractions of the town of Tuburan are their natural springs. The most popular natural spring of the town is the Molobolo Spring, which is also the source of water for many households in the area. In addition to the springs, Tuburan is also home to the Marmol Cliff, the Adela River, and Lantawan Tunnel.
Trip to the North – image source: tripmondo.com
Asturias
Before Asturias became a town, some areas of the town were part of Balamban and Tuburan. It was eventually became a “pueblo” or town following an order by the King of Spain in the 19th century. The town used to be called “Naghalin,” which was based on the Cebuano word “lalin,” which means to settle from or to a different place. But some experts say the name was a mispronunciation of the Cebuano word “naghalin,” which means to make fire.
Before Asturias became a town, some areas of the town were part of Balamban and Tuburan. It was eventually became a “pueblo” or town following an order by the King of Spain in the 19th century. The town used to be called “Naghalin,” which was based on the Cebuano word “lalin,” which means to settle from or to a different place. But some experts say the name was a mispronunciation of the Cebuano word “naghalin,” which means to make fire.
Trip to the North – image source: mapio.net
The town is home to a number of historical artifacts, including six bells that were made from coins donated by the residents of the area. The sound made by the heaviest of the six bells can be heard as far as 10 kilometers away. In addition to the bells, which are considered very rare, the town also hosts a number of tourist attractions including the San Roque Hot Springs and the Buswang Lake. You may also want to try the bingka dawa, which is a local delicacy made from birdseed and coconut milk.
Trip to the North – image source: flickr.com
Balamban
Your last stop before going back to the Queen City of the South is the town of Balamban. Balamban is also known as the Ship-Building Capital of the Philippines due to the presence of Tsuneishi Heavy Industries. Long before foreign direct investments transformed the town, it was a Spanish pueblo made up of parts of the towns of Asturias and Tuburan. The name of the town came from the term “balang-balang,” which referred to the way the locals linked their arms together to create an improvised seat used in carrying Spaniards across a river.
Your last stop before going back to the Queen City of the South is the town of Balamban. Balamban is also known as the Ship-Building Capital of the Philippines due to the presence of Tsuneishi Heavy Industries. Long before foreign direct investments transformed the town, it was a Spanish pueblo made up of parts of the towns of Asturias and Tuburan. The name of the town came from the term “balang-balang,” which referred to the way the locals linked their arms together to create an improvised seat used in carrying Spaniards across a river.
Trip to the North – image source: thici.com
The town of Balamban has a lot of things to offer to visitors. One of the most famous tourist attractions of the town is the Mt. Manunggal Crash Site where the plane of the late President Ramon Magsaysay crashed. The crash site is now one of the top trekking destinations in the island of Cebu. In fact, a climb is organized each year to commemorate the death of one of the most beloved presidents of the country. In addition, you may also want to stop by the soothing waters of the Cambuhawe Spring Swimming Pool or try your hand in some extreme adventure activities at the Adventure Café. But before leaving the town, you should not miss out eating the renowned Balamban liempo, which is a special grilled pork belly dish.
Trip to the North – image source: Adventure Café Facebook Page
These are some of the places you can visit if you plan on going on a road trip to the northern part of the island of Cebu. Are you planning a road trip to the north? Tell us about it on the comments section below.
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