This trip would have never happened without the Himzon family. 😀
It was in April of 2019 when I booked a trip to Cebu, one of the famous tourist destinations in the Philippines.
I arrived in Mactan-Cebu International Airport at around 12 midnight and found several inns/hotels nearby which were affordable, but was luckily offered to stay at Jackie’s (a friend, and a partner in Book2wheel) house in Pardo (40 minutes away from the airport). I booked a Grab and safely arrived to my destination then slept immediately to get myself enough energy for the early trip.
1st day:
6 AM: We left early to head South of Cebu using a motorbike. You can book one for as low as 350 PHP per day here: http://www.book2wheel.com . I recommend that you book one because traffic in the city could be really bad and it would save you a lot in terms of time and money if you tour around using a motorbike;
8 AM: Arrived at Molave Milk Station in Carcar where we had breakfast. I wasn’t used to eating early breakfast, thus I only bought biscuits. Amount spent: 45 PHP;
9:30 AM: Arrived at Moalboal then paid for environmental and boat fees. I was alone and joined a couple.
We had three stops during the island hopping trip (we did not set foot on the island though): Pescador Island, Turtle Point, and Sardine Run. Amount spent: 900 PHP (100 PHP for environmental fee, and 800 PHP for boat fee);
12:00 NN: Returned to the wharf and had a quick shower;
1:00 PM: We ate at a carenderia first which is near Kawasan Falls. Get yourself ready to walk for about 15 to 20 minutes before finally reaching the falls, and make sure to bring either a waterproof bag or do not bring too many stuff with you if your goal is just to swim to avoid paying for the cottage.
Swimming at Kawasan Falls was very relaxing for me, water is cold and you get a free massage straight from the falls. For your own safety, you are not allowed to go near the falls without a life jacket. Too bad I was not able to try the Canyoneering. Amount spent: 220 PHP (80 PHP for the food, 40 PHP for the entrance fee, and 100 PHP for the life jacket);
2:30 PM: Left Kawasan Falls and went straight to Osmena Peak;
5:00 PM: Arrived at Osmena Peak. I suggest that you bring a jacket as it’s really cold there. There is a trail that’s quite safe, but I still advise to use a footwear for hiking. It can take 30 to 40 minutes to reach the top depending on how quick or slow you are. But take your time. Once you’re on top, you’d see the perfect view of Badian. Amount spent: 240 PHP (40 PHP for the entrance fee, and 200 PHP for the tour guide);
6:00 PM: Descended and went straight to the hotel where we will be staying overnight. Plan was to stay at a hotel close to Oslob Whale Shark Watching so we can get there early since they only accommodate tourists to do whale shark watching from 6 AM to 12 NN;
8:30 PM: Arrived at Sunrise Pension House and left our belongings. We then headed south, approximately 15 minutes away, and found a ‘turo-turo’ and ‘ihawan’ along the road. Amount spent: 920 PHP (800 PHP for the pension house, and 120 PHP for the food);
10:00 PM: Returned to the pension house.
Day 2:
5:00 AM: Left the pension house and went to Oslob Whale Shark Watching. There were plenty of tourists already. Amount to pay: 500 PHP.
Tips: Do not use sunblock or any lotion as it is harmful to the whale sharks. They would definitely ask you to take a shower in order to have those harmful chemicals removed. Bring an underwater camera, or waterproof camera. If you don’t own one, you can rent from them. Whale shark watching takes 30 minutes long;
9:00 AM: Headed to Sumilon Island. Boat fee is 350 PHP while environmental fee is 50 PHP. Water is so CLEAR. We stayed here for a while, but you could actually stay overnight. This island offers rooms and cottages.
1:00 PM: Headed back to the pension house.
1:30 PM: Reached pension house and took a shower. Enough of the beaches. 🙂 Around 2 PM we left and searched for a place to eat on our way to Simala Shrine.
3:00 PM: Arrived at Simala Shrine. This is the biggest Catholic Church in Cebu which looks like a palace to me. No entrance fee here. Tourists are allowed to take pictures, but of course there are sacred places that do not allow cameras inside;
3:30 PM: Left Simala Shrine. We’ve decided to return at Jackie’s house early. When we arrived at Carcar, we had a short stop so I can buy some ‘pasalubong’;
6:00 PM: Arrived at Jackie’s house. I immediately drifted to sleep because I was completely drained and tired.
Day 3:
Jackie decided to use their car instead so we can roam around with his family. It was a city tour this time. By the way, his car is also for rent for 1999 PHP per day;
9:00 AM: Left Jackie’s residence and went to Taoist Temple. There is no entrance fee here, and you can take some pictures but there are some restrictions just like with Simala Shrine – it is not allowed to take pictures in their sacred rooms;
10:45 AM: Left Taoist Temple and went to Sirao Garden. As much as possible, try to bring a bottled water because they don’t sell juice/water/softdrink inside. You’d have to walk all the way out again just to buy one. This place is perfectly made for taking wonderful selfies/pictures. Amount spent: 50 PHP for the entrance;
11:30 AM: Left Sirao Garden and went to Temple of Leah. Place is also good for taking pictures but there’s nothing much inside because they barricaded the rooms where treasured stuff of the Adarna was kept. Amount spent: 50 PHP for the entrance;
1:00 PM: Left Temple of Leah and went to Magellan’s cross. Took some pictures as well;
2:00 PM: Left Magellan’s cross and went to buy dried goods for pasalubong. Amount spent: 1500 PHP
After the city tour, we had an early dinner and went back to Jackie’s place to relax for a bit before going to the airport for my flight back in Manila. All in all, I spent around 6000 PHP (food already included).
Should you plan to visit Cebu and avail tour packages from Jackie, we can definitely assist you. Just shoot us a message. 🙂
Inithing 
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