“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” – Martin Buber
The towns located in the south of Cebu is not only rich in natural wonders, they also offer visitors a glimpse of the cultural heritage of the island.
The towns located in the south of Cebu is not only rich in natural wonders, they also offer visitors a glimpse of the cultural heritage of the island.
Trip to the South – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon
Alegria
The town of Alegria may be small, but it features numerous places you can visit while on a road trip to the south. The name of the town supposedly came to be after some Spaniards remarked “Que alegre!” after they chance upon a group of natives merrily washing clothes in a spring. The place was also called Tuburan, which is the Cebuano word for spring, before it was changed to prevent confusing it with other places in the island with the same name.
The town of Alegria may be small, but it features numerous places you can visit while on a road trip to the south. The name of the town supposedly came to be after some Spaniards remarked “Que alegre!” after they chance upon a group of natives merrily washing clothes in a spring. The place was also called Tuburan, which is the Cebuano word for spring, before it was changed to prevent confusing it with other places in the island with the same name.
Trip to the South – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon
The town is home to a number of heritage sites you can visit, including the St. Francis Xavier Church, which was built in 1857. The church has a number of antique images on display for visitors of the town. The Baluarte is one of the structures built along the coast of the southern part of the island to protect against marauding pirates. You can also pass by the Alegria Heritage Park, which is located just in front of the church and right beside the watchtower. A number of structures built during the Spanish era can also be seen if you take a stroll along the main road of the town. Aside from these heritage sites, Alegria is also home to a number of caves that are being promoted as tourist spots by the town. The cool climate of Libo Hills in Barangay Lepanto has earned it the title of the “Little Baguio of Alegria.” The town also has a number of waterfalls where you can see and experience the beauty of nature. If you like to go on an adventure, you may be interested in canyoneering where you start off in one of the upland barangays of the town and end up in the Kawasan Falls in Badian.
Trip to the South – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon
Badian
You have the option of taking a road trip from Alegria to Badian or you can participate in a canyoneering activity that will bring you to the most famous tourist spot of Badian, the Kawasan Falls. The town of Badian is your next stop in the trip. The name of the town came from a fruit called “badyang,” which was abundant in the area. Since it was difficult for the Spaniards to pronounce the name, the letter “g” was removed while the letter “I” replaced the letter “y” in the name of the town. The town is also known for handwoven mats that are locally known as the “banig.” In fact, the town celebrates the annual Banig Festival on July 25.
You have the option of taking a road trip from Alegria to Badian or you can participate in a canyoneering activity that will bring you to the most famous tourist spot of Badian, the Kawasan Falls. The town of Badian is your next stop in the trip. The name of the town came from a fruit called “badyang,” which was abundant in the area. Since it was difficult for the Spaniards to pronounce the name, the letter “g” was removed while the letter “I” replaced the letter “y” in the name of the town. The town is also known for handwoven mats that are locally known as the “banig.” In fact, the town celebrates the annual Banig Festival on July 25.
Trip to the South – image source: badian.info
When you think of the town of Badian, the Kawasan Falls immediately comes to mind. The Kawasan Falls is the most popular tourist destination in the town and is a triple-level waterfall system. But the town has a number of other places you can visit aside from the falls. Aside from Dalaguete, Badian is one of the jump-off points to the Osmeña Peak. You can also visit the Lambug Beach, which is located close to the Cebu International Golf and Resort. You can also visit the mangrove area close to the poblacion and watch crab hunters spear crabs that come out at dusk.
Trip to the South – image source: commons.wikimedia.org
Moalboal
Your next stop on this road trip to the south of Cebu is the town of Moalboal. The name of the town was supposedly derived from “bocalbocal” in reference to an underground spring in the town. But another version indicates that the name of the town comes from the word “Bol-anon” in reference to the first settlers of the area who were from Bohol. The acknowledged founder of the town of Moalboal, Laurante Sabanal, comes from Bohol.
Your next stop on this road trip to the south of Cebu is the town of Moalboal. The name of the town was supposedly derived from “bocalbocal” in reference to an underground spring in the town. But another version indicates that the name of the town comes from the word “Bol-anon” in reference to the first settlers of the area who were from Bohol. The acknowledged founder of the town of Moalboal, Laurante Sabanal, comes from Bohol.
Trip to the South – image source: commons.wikimedia.org
The town of Moalboal is popularly known as a diving destination for both local and international tourists. One of the most popular diving spots close to the town is Pescador Island where you can have the chance to witness the sardine run. Even as diving in the main tourist draw in the town, you can also have some fun under the sun at the White Beach, which is popular among residents and local tourists.
Trip to the South – image source: commons.wikimedia.org
Alcantara
After having your fill of the underwater life in Moalboal, your next stop is the town of Alcantara. The town used to be called “Kogtong,” which was supposedly a large freshwater fish living in a spring located in the town. When the Spaniards came, they changed the name to Alcantara after one of the towns in Spain. It became a town in 1830 after it was separated from the nearby towns of Moalboal and Ronda.
After having your fill of the underwater life in Moalboal, your next stop is the town of Alcantara. The town used to be called “Kogtong,” which was supposedly a large freshwater fish living in a spring located in the town. When the Spaniards came, they changed the name to Alcantara after one of the towns in Spain. It became a town in 1830 after it was separated from the nearby towns of Moalboal and Ronda.
Trip to the South – image source: everythingcebu.com
Similar to the other towns in the island, the town of Alcantara also has a number of beaches where you can spend some time away from the stress of life in the city. In addition, you can also drop by the Boardwalk where you can commune with nature as well as check out some of the wildlife at the place. One thing you can note about the Boardwalk is that a number of their signs are written in Cebuano. The town also celebrates the “Bahandi Festival” to demonstrate their gratitude for the good life and great harvest they receive every year. Bahandi is the Cebuano word for wealth. The Saint Augustine Parish Church is another place you can visit in Alcantara. Residents say the head of the image of Mother Mary in the church moved to face the direction of the island of Bohol in 2013.
Trip to the South – image source: flickr.com
Ronda
You next stop in the road trip will be the town of Ronda. The original name of the town of Ronda was “Huluyaw” before it was changed during the time of the Spaniards. Huluyaw or holoyaw was the name of a banana plant that was abundant in the area. A wise native chief named Pongtod established the town in 1779, but he adopted the name Villagonzalo in submission to a Spanish decree that required all inhabitants of the Philippines to have a Spanish family name.
You next stop in the road trip will be the town of Ronda. The original name of the town of Ronda was “Huluyaw” before it was changed during the time of the Spaniards. Huluyaw or holoyaw was the name of a banana plant that was abundant in the area. A wise native chief named Pongtod established the town in 1779, but he adopted the name Villagonzalo in submission to a Spanish decree that required all inhabitants of the Philippines to have a Spanish family name.
Trip to the South – image source: wikimapia.org
When you visit the town of Ronda, you can drop by the six-kilometer white sand beach of Barangay Sta. Cruz. The beach is often referred to as a mini-Boracay by some visitors. You can also visit the Ronda Marine Sanctuary where you can find schools of tropical fish and other underwater life. The Lusno Falls is also another place you can visit when you stop by the town of Ronda. But before you continue your road trip through the south of Cebu, you must not leave until you get to have a bite of the local delicacy of the town, the Humba de Ronda.
Trip to the South – image source: youtube.com
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