I first visited Cebu last July 2016 but was able to visit only the usual tourist spots in the city (Magellan's Cross, Sto. Niño Church and Fort San Pedro). That is why, I promised to myself that I'll go back to experience more of Cebu and even made a list of what I wanted to do when I go back. See HERE.
Plans were made as early as January when the boyfie's sister from overseas wanted to take her whole family for a vacation and was so kind to include me on their trip. Getting a package tour from an agency would be really convenient in terms of planning than DIY since we're a group of seven. However, I don't find it worth it especially if there are places we wanted to include and not include, hotel we wanted to stay and our time in a specific place would be limited since we have to consider other joiners on the tour. So, I insist to do all the planning, searching and reserving for this trip since that's what I enjoyed the most.
First, I searched for places we wanted to visit and made an itinerary. Next, I looked for the most affordable car rental and presented the itinerary I made so they could quote us a price based on the places we wanted to visit and the inclusions. And there, for 7 pax, we had our own van for our 3 days 2 nights tour in Cebu for PHP 12,000.00. That's about PHP 1,714 each for a 3-day tour which I find very affordable.
Here's our 3 days 2 nights itinerary:
DAY 1: Manila to Cebu flight
- Airport pick up
- Cebu Tour
- Magellan Shrine
- Lapu Lapu Shrine
- Sirao Flower Garden
- Lantaw (Lunch)
- Temple of Leah
- Taoist Temple
- Magellan's Cross
- Sto. Niño Church
- Pasalubong shopping
- Hotel drop-off
DAY 2: Oslob
- Hotel pick-up
- Simala Church
- Kawasan Falls
- Hotel drop-off
DAY 3: Cebu to Manila flight
- Whaleshark watching in Tan-awan
- Transfer from Oslob to Airport
I had the 4:00 AM flight from Manila and the boyfie's family had the 7:00 AM flight from Clark so I waited for them outside the airport.
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| no aerial shot because aisle seat |
From the airport, our first stop is the Magellan Shrine and Lapu Lapu Shrine.
- Magellan Shrine
- Lapu Lapu Shrine
- Sirao Flower Garden
Then, we proceed to Sirao Flower Garden dubbed as "Little Amsterdam" which is about 2 hours from Magellan and Lapu Lapu Shrine. It is located on the higher part of Cebu that you can already see fog. It was raining when we get there but the place is beautiful that is why we still get in with the umbrellas available at the entrance. Entrance fee is 50.00 each.
- Lantaw Native Restaurant in Busay
After the flower garden, the driver brought us in Lantaw for lunch. The restaurant has an overlooking view of Cebu.
- Temple of Leah
Temple of Leah is just about 5 minutes from the restaurant. Entrance fee is 50.00 each
- Taoist Temple
After Taoist Temple, it's time to go back to the city.
- Magellan's Cross
After the tour, we went to the market to buy pasalubong (dried fish, dried mangoes, otap, etc.) then went straight to our hotel for the night.
We stayed in Hotel de Mercedes located at 7 Pelaez St. Cebu City. I had a hard time looking for an affordable hotel downtown that can accommodate 7 persons in 1 room. And then I found Hotel de Mercedes for PHP 2,500.00 only for 7 persons without breakfast. That's about 360.00 each per night.
The driver picked us from the Hotel at around 6:30 AM. We headed straight to Simala Church which is about 2 hours.
- Simala Church
- Kawasan Falls, Badian
The highlight of this trip in Kawasan Falls would be the renting of the balsa so we could go in the falls. It's a check off the bucket list and really a one of a kind experience.
- Seafari Resort
We stayed here for a night after our Kawasan trip. What I liked about this resort is their infinity pool. I really love infinity pools. And this resort is very near the whaleshark encounter and offers a free transfer. I booked a cheaper rate in Agoda for around PHP9,400.00 for 7 pax already but I failed to pay for it. So, our overnight stay here costs a whooping PHP11,000.00 with 2 bed rooms, living room, rest room and a balcony overlooking the sea.
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| view just outside our room |
- Whaleshark Watching
Whaleshark encounter is 500.00 each and 350.00 if you'll just stay in the boat. Camera rental is 550.00 and photos will just be transferred to your phone. The encounter is only 30 minutes.
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| The struggle is real |
After the encounter with the gentle giants, we went back to the resort, had a quick breakfast and went straight to the airport. Travel time from Oslob to the airport is about 3 hours non-stop. The boyfie's family had a 2:30 PM flight and we arrived in the airport at 2:00 PM. The boyfie and I had a later flight so we had a lot of time to roam around the airport and spent time waiting in Starbucks.
Breakdown of Expenses:
- 3 days 2 nights tour (van rental) - 12,000
- Hotel de Mercedes (overnight) - 2,500
- Seafari Resort (overnight in Oslob) - 11,000
- Whaleshark encounter (7pax) - 3,500
- Sirao Flower Garden (entrance) - 350.00
- Kawasan Falls (Table Rental) - 300.00
- Kawasan Falls (Balsa) - 500.00 (estimate only)
Total damage is PHP 4, 307 each. Airfare, food, and pasalubong not included. Expensive? Considering the distance of one place to another, including the transfers to Oslob and back to the airport and the convenience during the whole trip, for me the price we paid for is really worth it.
This trip is really one for the books. Places and experiences I didn't know I would experience. I know they wouldn't read this but I would like to thank the boyfie's family for including me on this trip and making me feel a part of your beautiful family. We have experienced these things in Cebu, but there's a lot more to see. A LOT!! And I would love to go back.
CEBU2016: A QUICK VISIT AT THE QUEEN CITY OF THE SOUTH
xx, Joyce
