Adventures In & Around Cebu | Word on the Street Magazine

READY, SET, GO EXPLORE!

Are you staying in Cebu for the summer or looking for something fun to do on the cheap? We have you covered. If you had a busy semester and need a brain break, we have done the homework for you and found six fun things you can do around Cebu!

RECREATION & SIGHTSEEING

If you are looking to leave the city for some quiet time or up for an outdoor adventure, consider checking out these places.

TOPS LOOKOUT is one of the best-kept secrets of Cebu. It is a viewing deck that provides breath-taking views of Mandaue City, Cebu City, Mactan Island and even the coast of Bohol. The best time to visit is during the late afternoon so you can experience both daytime and nighttime views. If you have some extra time and 50 pesos, consider visiting the nearby Temple of Leah, which has an art gallery, library, and museum.

Getting there is a bit tricky, but you can save a few pesos by taking a jeepney from Jones Avenue to J.Y. Square Mall in Lahug. From the mall, take a habal-habal the rest of the way. Make sure you agree on a price before you leave J.Y Square! If you want to save even more money, take a jeepney from Jones Avenue and change jeepneys at Cebu Plaza Hotel. Make sure you ride one that is going to Tops. The only downside is you need to walk the last 500 meters to your final destination, but it is so worth it!

BABAG RANGES offers several trails ranging from easy to difficult and can be done as a day trek also. The trails on these ranges offer a great view of the city, but also include challenging heat and steep ascents. Getting there is pretty easy, though! Start at the Gaisano Metro on Colon Street and ride 06B going to Guadalupe Church. From there, hire a habal-habal located at the back of the church to take you to Sitio Napo (P20 per person). From there take the trail going to Mt. Babag.

BACALLA WOOD CAMP is the perfect place to get away if you are looking for somewhere without mobile or Wi-Fi service. There are quite a few things you can do at the campsite, including overnight camping, river trekking (and pass by seven waterfalls!), hiking to the cliffs of Kantopas, mountain biking, and even longboarding! If you want to cool off, consider snorkeling or stand-up paddling in the San Fernando waters. Rates for activities range from 50 pesos for trekking all the way up to 500 pesos for mountain biking. Both tents and hammocks are available for rent. Visit facebook.com/BacallaCampsite for a complete list of rental items and rates. Reservations are required! You can contact 0923.825.6945 to reserve your site.

Getting there is pretty simple. From the South Bus Terminal, ride any bus you can find, since all busses will pass through San Fernando (P30-40 per person). Be sure to inform the conductor to drop you at the eskinita going to Hidden Paradise Mountain Resort. From there, take a habal-habal (P40 per person) and inform the driver that you’re going to Bacalla Woods Camp. Don’t forget your mosquito repellant!

HISTORY & MUSEUMS

If you’re not really the outdoorsy-type, or simply want to stay in the city, consider exploring some of Cebu’s historical spots!

FORT SAN PEDRO is a triangular fort that was built in 1738 to protect Cebu against Muslim raids. Part of the building is a museum that displays Spanish historical documents, paintings, and sculptures. Fort San Pedro is located on A. Pigafetta Street and is open from 7AM-7PM. There is a small entrance fee required to enter the fort (P20 for students). You can ride a 02B from Metro Colon and arrive within 20 minutes.

MAGELLAN’S CROSS is located in downtown Cebu. Ferdinand Magellan crossed the globe and set foot in Cebu in 1521. He placed a cross in the city as a symbol of Christianity. The ceiling above the cross has paintings that show the arrival of Magellan and the planting of the cross. You can get to Magellan’s Cross by taxi or by hopping on a 06B or 06C near the GV Tower Hotel. Entrance is free!

MUSEUM OF BICYCLING is located at Elicon House in downtown Cebu. Stop by for a tour of bicycles, photos, and artwork that tell a story about the importance, practicality, and versatility of bicycling. Elicon House is located across from USC-Main Campus on P. del Rosario St. and the museum is open from 10AM-4PM every day except Sunday. The cost to tour the museum is 100 pesos per person.

As you can see, there is plenty to do in Cebu. From camping to museums, there is definitely something for everyone. Enjoy the experience!