Those who have wanderlust souls must wonder what there is to do in Cebu once the pandemic clears and the lockdown is lifted. As it turns out, Cebu isn’t just the small island that people think it is—it’s a mishmash of scenic hills, beautiful beaches, and a bustling metropolitan center that can endlessly be explored!
Check out the wondrous sights and views found from the hills of Cebu with this attraction guide:
Terrazas de Flores Botanical Garden
Entrance Fee: P100.00/person
Recommended Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Activities: Breakfast/Snacks (optional), Sightseeing
Built by local farmers of the Highlands of Cebu City, Terrazas de Flores is a botanical garden originally conceptualized by a father who wanted to express his love for his three children. It claims to be one of the few, if not the only, flower terrace attraction in the Philippines, containing 127 species of tropical flora, as well as various forms of art (e.g. music, poetry, paintings) surrounding the garden.
Aside from its natural scenery, Terrazas de Flores also features cozy cabanas, viewing platforms, and a cafe that serves all-day breakfast, snacks, desserts, and other refreshments.
An aerial shot of the Terrazas de Flores.
(PHOTO BY Christine Ravor Veni, Sugbo.ph)
The Terrazas de Flores is open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 MN.
Temple of Leah
Entrance Fee: P50.00/person
Recommended Duration: 20 min to 1 hour
Activities: Sightseeing
Built by Teodorico Adarna in 2012, the Temple of Leah is a Roman-inspired structure, complete with great pillars and brass statues. It is named after his wife, Leah Villa Albino-Adarna, whom the temple commemorates—a tour inside reveals not only a nine-foot bronze statue bearing Leah’s likeness but also 24 chambers containing her collections of antiques and books, among others.
With features that include Grecian statues, granite floors, a marble fountain, and a spectacular view of the city, the Temple of Leah is a sightseeing wonder to behold.
A frontal view of the Temple of Leah.
(SOURCE: Temple of Leah Facebook Page)
The Temple of Leah is open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Sirao Flower Garden (Original)
Entrance Fee: P100.00/person
Recommended Duration: 1 hour
Activities: Sightseeing
Popularly known as the “Little Amsterdam of Cebu,” Sirao Flower Garden is an 8,000-sq. meter expanse of flora, with rows of sunflowers, tulips, and hyacinths among many others making the attraction a wonderful place for picture-taking and sightseeing.
The site also includes miniature windmills, swings, and other interactive sites that build an ideal Instagram experience.
Sirao Garden, also known as “The Little Amsterdam of Cebu,” features flowers and miniature windmills.
(SOURCE: Trip Advisor)
The Sirao Flower Garden is open from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
Sirao Pictorial Garden and Camping Site (PGCS)
Entrance Fee: P60.00/head
Recommended Duration: 1 hour
Activities: Sightseeing
Right beside the Original Sirao Flower Garden is another location that features a wide variety of pretty sights. The difference between the two attractions is that the former focuses more on its flower farm while the latter offers other resort-like amenities such as a pool, fountains, and a camping site. Sirao PGCS also offers several quirky photo-friendly spots, including floating hats, a giant hand-shaped platform, Bali-themed swings, and miniature bahay kubo for visitors to enjoy.
Sirao PGCS offers several Instagram-friendly spots for visitors.
(SOURCE: Sirao Pictorial Garden Facebook Page)
Sirao PGCS is open from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM for all tourists. Campers may stay on the grounds from 6:30 PM to 6:30 AM.
Tops Lookout
Entrance Fee: P100.00/head
Recommended Duration: 20 mins to 1 hour
Activities: Sightseeing, Snacks
The Tops Lookout offers a wide panoramic view of Cebu City, making it a highly popular attraction site for travelers. Known simply as “Tops” among locals, the viewing spot also has several food and drink stalls that make the place an ideal spot to hang out with family and friends.
Visitors opting to visit during the night are advised to bring high-quality cameras since there are no lights on the viewing platform.
A photo of Cebu taken from the Tops viewing platform.
(PHOTO BY Cường Lê, Sugbo.ph)
Tops Lookout is open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM.
West 35 Eco-Mountain Resort
Entrance Fee: P100.00/head
Recommended Duration: 1 day
Activities: Sightseeing, Ziplining, Trekking, Dining
Located in Balamban, approximately an hour away from Cebu City, West 35 offers visitors the opportunity to relax, enjoy, and immerse themselves in the lushness of nature with activities such as ziplining, trekking, camping, and sightseeing.
The eco-mountain resort also possesses several amenities, which include private rooms and villas, a 360-degree viewing deck, a restaurant, a gaming room, and a children’s playground.
A frontal view of West 35.
(SOURCE: West 35 Eco Mountain Resort Facebook Page)
West 35 is open 24 hours.
(Note: This guide recommends using a personal car or renting a van for DIY tours to explore upland Cebu. Other options may include booking package tours for the Temple of Leah, Sirao Gardens, and Tops, as well as negotiating with habal-habal drivers. Please note that package tours must be booked in advance. Both options have pick-up points outside of JY Square Mall in Lahug.)
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