No matter how much energy you put into it, sometimes it’s not enough to just tell stories of travel and adventure to your family. There will come a time when you will need to allow them to experience firsthand those astonishing moments. This has always been a dream of mine: to travel and go on an adventure with the family.
So, when quarantine restrictions were eased and tourist spots were made open by the local government, I arranged a quick tour for the family to jumpstart this year. Still following the health protocols set by the IATF and DOH, we went to the highlands of Cebu.
Cebu Mountain Tour: Where to Go and What to Do (Updated 2021)
If you want to experience Cebu from a different angle – away from the hustles of the city and the salty breeze of this tropical island – then I highly recommend the Cebu Mountain Tour.
Cebu Mountain Tour is actually a popular choice among those who fancy mountain adventures. Thanks to Cebu’s unique topography, going to its highlands will only take a few minutes from the city proper. This is the reason why bikers and motorcycle riding clubs frequent these places – accessibility, astounding vista, and gentle mountain breeze.
Here are some of the tourist attractions that you and your family can visit on your Cebu Mountain Tour:
Buwakan ni Alejandra
Buwakan ni Alejandra is a vibrant flower garden that has been landscaped to exhibit the blooms and ornamental plants duly taken care of in this part of Cebu. It is one of the most favorite destinations among tourists because the property continues to expand and make better their landscape.
Entrance Fee: P55 for adults, P25 for children, and P30 for Senior Citizens and PWD
Read more here: Buwakan ni Alejandra: How to Enjoy Little Inconveniences in Life
JVR Island in the Sky Resort
Just across Buwakan ni Alejandra is a less crowded Cebu mountain tour destination – JVR Island in the Sky. While it is best for an overnight stay to totally experience the chill and relaxing experience that this mountain resort got to offer, walk-in tourists can also enjoy the highlights of this resort: colorful hanging bridge and cable car experience.
Entrance Fee: P55 for adults and P25 for kids
Suggested Read: 8 Hours in Cebu City: JVR Island in the Sky
Adventure Café and Zipline
Just several meters away from Buwakan ni Alejandra stands one of the first tourist attractions in this part of Cebu highlands: Adventure Café. From the name itself, it offers a total adventure to thrill-seekers with their zipline, wall climbing, and rappelling adventures.
Adventure Café also has a Stress Wall where you can vent all your frustrations by throwing out plates to a wall graffitied with stressors. Most bikers and motorcycle groups like to stay in this café while enjoying a hot drink and scrumptious cakes.
Entrance Fee: None
Zipline: P205 per person
Suggested Read: 8 Hours in Cebu City: Adventure Café and Zipline
Sirao Flower Garden
Dubbed as the “Little Amsterdam of Cebu”, Sirao Flower Garden and Farm have become one of the most frequented destinations among Cebuanos and local tourists visiting Cebu. There are two gardens flower gardens now available in this part of the city: the original and the recently built one.
In case you’re adding this garden to your itinerary, I highly recommend the original Sirao Garden – it’s bigger and they have more corners for photo ops. It is quite more expensive though than the second one. But if you would prefer a less crowded area, then I think paying a little more wouldn’t hurt.
Entrance Fee: P100 per person (P60 for the other Sirao Garden)
Suggested Read: 8 Hours in Cebu City: Sirao Flower Garden
Temple of Leah
Fondly called the “Taj Mahal of Cebu”, Temple of Leah is another tourist attraction that you can add to your Cebu Mountain Tour. It is an elaborate Roman-inspired architecture dedicated to Leah Villa Albino-Adarna, grandmother of actress Ellen Adarna.
Aside from its grand architecture, Temple of Leah also provides a great vista of the cityscape.
Entrance Fee: P100 per person
Parking Fee: P30
Suggested Read: 8 Hours in Cebu City: Temple of Leah
- Tops Lookout
Going on a Cebu Mountain Tour is fun but after a day’s trip, it’s difficult to deny that it’s tiring. To cap off your trip, go to Tops Lookout and enjoy the cold night breeze while looking at the panoramic view of Cebu’s city lights.
Talk about the whole day trip and enjoy some great food and drinks while being serenaded with cozy music at the Tops Lookout.
Entrance Fee: P100 per person
Fun Read: This is What Happens when your Drawing Friends Show Up
Additional Cebu Mountain Tour Destinations
In case you have more time, you can as well include the following tourist attractions in your Cebu Mountain Tour:
- Taoist Temple
- West 35
- Terrazas de Flores
- Don Emilio Botanical Garden
- Mountain View Nature’s Park
- Florentino’s Eco Park (Little Tagaytay)
- La Vie in the Sky
Read more here: 8 Hours in Cebu City: Getting Around the Queen City of the South
Cebu Mountain Tour Updated Health Protocols in the ‘New Normal’
Taking into consideration the health and wellness of the family, it is still best to follow the health protocols and precautionary guidelines set by the IATF, DOH, local government, and tourist destination operators. This includes:
- wearing of face mask and face shields at all times
- social distancing
- sanitizing from time to time
- staying at home in case you are not feeling well
I think it is also better if you can schedule your Cebu Mountain Tour on weekdays to avoid the crowd and to bring your vehicle when visiting these places instead of commuting. For transport services, I highly recommend Sir Albert of Van for Rent Cebu Ph.
For inquiries and bookings, you may contact him at 0932-582-9698 or directly message him on Facebook. He offers van and car rental (daily sanitized, complete with documents, LTFRB franchise, and insurance). He’s also very friendly and accommodating (this is not sponsored).
As the tourism industry begins to operate, let’s continue being conscious of our actions and always practice health and safety protocols. Also remember to: take nothing but picture, leave nothing but footprints, and kill nothing but time.
Dakilanglaagan 