Travel enthusiasts share their favorite Cebu destinations this summer
The mountains provide a cool retreat from the hot summer days ahead. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
It’s another hot summer and Cebuanos love to cool down either at the beach or in the mountains.
Three travel enthusiasts responded to a very informal survey by Cebu Daily News as to their top 3 destinations in Cebu for summer 2016.
Chito Patiño, a hazards and flood modelling researcher and travel blogger for Bisdak.org, shares that he likes to go to Samboan, a municipality that’s 150 kilometers south of Cebu. There are many reasons to go to Samboan.
Patiño loves waterfalls and Samboan has two that he likes.
“Aguinid Falls is a charm with its five levels of gushing waters and unique scenery. Dao Falls, meanwhile, gives a challenging trek, a reclusive feel, and lovely view,” he explains in an e-mail to CDN.
For those who prefer the beach, Samboan also has a strip of white sand beach where one can enjoy an early morning or late afternoon swim. “Perfect to beat the heat,” he adds.
With his love for waterfalls clearly established, Patiño’s second favorite destination is Badian, where the famous Kawasan Falls is located.
“It’s a good mix of nature and adventure. Canyoneering for the thrill; Kawasan Falls and Lambug Beach for the chill,” adds Patiño, also a former Computer Science instructor in a state university.
A lot of tourists know Oslob for its butanding (whale shark) watching but Patiño says he prefers to avoid that “since marine biologists say the activity is hurting the gentle giants.”
What draws Patiño to Oslob? The majestic Tumalog Falls.
Traveler blogger Chito Patiño (left) is mesmerized by Aguinid Falls’ multiple tiers. He lauded the local government unit that manages the area for preserving the natural beauty of this tourist attraction. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Patiño relates that Tumalog Falls is quite unique “with its long cascade of water falling like raindrops from a roof.”
A beach in Oslob that’s also gaining attention is Cangcua-ay in Barangay Tan-awan. “The downside of Cangcua-ay Private Beach is that you will have to walk through 200 or more steps of stairs. Expect muscle pains the next day,” Patiño notes in his blog.
Bantayan Island
Though struggling with power supply problems, Bantayan Island still remains the favorite summer destination for many Pinoys, including 24-year-old travel blogger Arjay Abellera and part-time tour guide Roshiela Fernandez.
Abellera, who describes himself as an adventure-junkie from Pangasinan now working in Cebu City, shares to CDN in an e-mail that his top 3 favorite Cebu destinations for summer are Bantayan Island; Osmeña Peak in Mantalongon, Dalaguete; and Sumilon Island in Oslob.
In his blog rjdexplorer.com, Abellera notes that Bantayan Island is a great escape from the busy city. For people who love the beach, he says Bantayan Island won’t disappoint.
Abellera has been traveling around the Philippines for almost four years now.
Tourists usually come in droves to the island in the northern part of Cebu during the Holy Week. Bantayan Island is probably the only place where consumption of meat during Holy Week is allowed.
Fernandez, who has been guiding tourists since 2003 on a part-time basis, relates in her e-mail to CDN that she wants to go to Bantayan Island this summer to visit the Saints Peter and Paul’s Church, which is nearly 500 years old and made of coralline limestone.
She said it will also be nice to drop by the fort ruins in Kota Park, Madridejos, she adds. The ruins date back to the 1790’s.
Visitors can also go island hopping and visit Virgin Island with its pristine white sand beach and sparkling turquoise waters.
Of course, while in Bantayan Island, Fernandez recommends eating lots of seafood and dropping by the market to buy some cheap danggit (dried fish).
Sardine run
While she’s never been there before, Fernandez says Moalboal is on her list of top Cebu destinations. “I want to see the sardine run. Millions or even billions of sardines forming a hurricane-like formation which is very accessible from the shore of Panagsama Beach and quite visible at snorkeling depths. It’s not only good for scuba divers but also for non-scuba divers like me and kids who want a glimpse of sardines and sea turtles by snorkeling,” Fernandez enthuses.
Raymond and Roshiela Fernandez, husband-and-wife tour guides, love visiting the highlands of Cebu City and Balamban for the cool breeze, sights and activities. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Fernandez and her husband, Raymond, who holds the distinction of being the tour guide for the inaugural flight of Philippine Airline’s Los Angeles-to-Cebu direct flight last March 17, 2016, often go on trips with their daughters Ravyn, Raynicah and Raine.
Going to Moalboal is always enjoyable for the family since there’s a pit stop in Barili — the Molave Milk Station — where homemade ice cream and fresh milk can be bought.
For people who want to stay closer to the city, Fernandez recommends the Balamban Highland Tour. There are a lot of beautiful places to see in the mountains like the Temple of Leah, Sirao Flower Farm and Sirao Peak, and Mystical Rose Garden.
Fernandez says she likes the organic salad and special bibingka at West 35. Fun things to do include trekking, biking, kite flying and camping at Canso X and ziplining at Adventure Cafe.
On the way home, she adds, don’t forget to buy fresh vegetables and boiled sweet corn sold on the side of the road.
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