I am off to Cebu real soon! Though this is going to be the second I feel the same excitement of someone who has never been there. I was googling some information about sample itinerary for Cebu and the usual itinerary in cebu for 3 days 2 nights lately. I haven't found the one that really caught my attention because I know Cebu will be my stopover coming from and returning to Manila. It meant shorter time to get around. Well guess what, I found this guy who recently went to seven tourist spots in Cebu for one day! Absolutely amazing. I asked his permission to share his itinerary to Cebu the DIY way, I am so glad he said yes. Please see below the pics and itinerary for a one day sightseeing tour in Cebu courtesy of Patrick John Drilon. He is from Manila but currently based in Cebu because of training.
The 7 places in Cebu he got to visit for one day are Taoist Temple, Sirao Flower Farm, TOPS Skyline Garden, Lantaw Native Restaurant, Temple of Leah, Bagacay Lighthouse and side tripping at SM Cebu.
0815H - Arrived at JY Square (malapit lang apartment ko dito kaya nilakad ko nalang). Breakfast sa may carinderia (55pesos)
0855H - left JY Sqaure. Hired habal-habal for agreed fare (500pesos). Package includes JY Square - Taoist Temple - Sirao Flower Farm - TOPS View Point - Temple of Leah - JY Square. Kasama na rin yung pag-aantay nung driver. Pwede pa kayong tumawad kung magaling kayo.
0905H - Arrived at PH Taoist Temple. No Entrance Fee!
0930H - left Taoist Temple at dumeretso na kami ng Sirao Flower Farm. Medyo may kalayuan pero naenjoy ko talaga yung winding road tsaka yung paakyat at pababa ng mga bundok. Bonus pa dun yung malamig na simoy ng hangin.
1020H - Arrived at Sirao Flower Farm (Little Amsterdam daw). Entrance is 30pesos. Medyo na dissappoint ako kasi mangilan-ngilan lang yung mga bulaklak. Kaka harvest lang at kakatanim lang pala nila ulit. Pero sa katabi nito ay may may mga naka bloom na na mga bulaklak. Iba rin yung may ari kaya may 30pesos ulit na entrance. Yung bulaklak na iyon ang official flower ng Sinulog Festival. Suggest nila pumunta na naka full bloom yung mga bulaklak ay January at ngayong May.
1050H - left Sirao Flower Farm going to TOPS Skyline Garden.
1050H - left Sirao Flower Farm going to TOPS Skyline Garden.
1110H - Arrived at TOPS View Point. Entrance is 100 pesos. Here you can view the entire Cebu City. Located sa topmost ng bundok maganda yung view. May mga food stalls/bars kaya pwede kumain at mag shot2 medyo may kamahalan lang. Yung 500ml na tubig 45 pesos. Suggest ko maganda mag chill dito sa dapit hapon hanggang gabi. May bar na puro Reggae Songs yung pinapatugtog.
1145H - left TOPS View Point then went to Lantaw Native Restaurant for lunch.
1155H - arrived Lantaw Native Restaurant. Suggestion nung driver pero may kamahalan pala. It costs 800 pesos para sa lunch naming dalawa. Pero sulit naman at masarap. Meron silang open deck na tanaw mo rin yung Cebu Skyline.
1300H - Finished lunch then we proceeded to Temple of Leah. Malapit lang ito sa kinainan namin halos kita mo na nga yung structure.
1305H - at Temple of Leah. Entrance is 50pesos. Dito ako namangha. Greek style yung tema. Ongoing pa rin yung construction kaya hindi pa tapos. Sabi ng driver sakin, ipinatayo daw ito ng lolo ni Ellen Adarna as a symbol of undying love sa lola niya.
1340H - left Temple of Leah going back to JY Square.
1410H - Arrived at JY Square. Binigay ko na sa driver yung bayad ko (500pesos) at sumakay ng jeep papuntang SM Cebu. 7pesos fare sa jeep.
1425H - Arrived at Van terminal sa may Sun Gold na building (tapat ng SM Cebu).
1435H - Sumakay ng Van papuntang Liloan. 50 pesos fare. Sabihan lang na ibaba ka sa San Fernando Church.
1510H - arrived at Liloan Church. Dumaan ng simbahan to say a liitle prayer.
1520H - Sumakay ng habal-habal papuntang Bagacay Point Lighthouse. 30pesos yung fare.
1535H - arrived at Bagacay Lighthouse. 72ft high and already a century old lighthouse that serves as a guide to fishermen and ships nearby.
1600H - left Bagacay Point. May mga habal-habal din sa paligid at 30pesos ulit pabalik ng bayan.
1620H - arrived sa bayan at dretso sa sakayan pabalik ng SM Cebu. 50pesos fare.
1655H - at SM Cebu sa terminal ng mga van.
1700 - Side trip ikot-ikot sa SM Cebu.
1835H - bumalik na ako ng apartment.
Total damage: ₱1822 (more or less) not included expenses ko sa SM Cebu
I also sent him ten questions in how he planned his trip and all that stuff. This is by the way Jhat's first solo backpacking trip. Not bad for a novice to prepare his very own itinerary to Cebu in DIY way right?
1. How did you conceptualize that you can visit 7 spots in one day? Average kc in tour packages is mga 3-4 but you made it 7? Did you followed an itinerary from an online site, recommended by a friend or it was totally spontaneous?
"Ako lang gumawa-gawa ng itinerary ko. Karamihan kasi na mga naka post sa mga social websites puro mga beaches. Mas gusto ko kasi yung "inland" kesa "seaside". Google ko lang "tourist spots in cebu". View ko yung mga results tsaka ko titignan sa mapa. Pagkatapos nun connect the dots na ako. Kung saan yung mga magkakalapit na location, yun yung mga pupuntahan ko. You have to consider din yung dadaanan mo at yung oras na itatagal mo dun para makarami ka. Pag tour packages talaga kasi normal yan 3-4 spots in one day. Pero pag hawak mo oras mo plus SINGLE ka, marami ka talagang mapupuntahan. That's the beauty of being single, I guess. You control all your time. No waiting. No rush."
2. May we know your contact information for the habal habal driver?
"Yan yung nakalimutan kong kunin yung contact info nya. Naalala ko nalang nung nakasakay na ako ng jeep. Masyado ata akong nag enjoy sa byahe kahit malayo kaya nakalimutan ko. Pero marami namang mga habal-habal na nag-aabang ng pasahero dun sa may JY Square."
3. What is it that we can expect, see and learn in Taoist Temple?
"Taoist Temple of course is a place of worship for the chinese people. Taoism, being their religion was created by Lao Tzu. The temple is located at Beverly Hills Subdivision where prominent residents are Filipino-Chinese. Upon entering the gate, try to count the steps all the way to the main temple. It should be 81 steps which represents the 81 chapters in their bible. I'm fascinated with the interior and exterior designs of their temples and other structures. Bawal kumuha ng picture o gawing background yung kanilang altar at mga santo. So observe and follow ka talaga ng rules nila. We also have to respect their religion. Dun ka din makakakita ng malalaking koi, yung mini great wall of china nila, yung mga activities nila, pati na rin yung mga community services nila at pagtulong nila sa mga less fortunate.
4. Sirao Farm looks absolutely stunning. Do you have more pics for that?
What kind of plants are there? How big is the farm? What else do we need to know there? Can we buy plants?
"Dalawa yung farm dun at magkaiba din yung may ari kaya doble din yung entrance fee. Yung malaking farm estimate ko more than 1 hectare. Pero pinapalapad pa nila at nagtatanim pa ng iba pang bulakalak. Pagdating ko dun medyo na disappoint ako kasi expected ko marami at full bloom. Bagong ani lang kasi at kakatanim lang ulit. Yung katabing farm kahit maliit ay may mga nakabloom na na mga bulaklak. January best time pumunta in time with Sinulog at ngayong May. Celosia yung tawag sa bulaklak. Official flower daw ng Sinulog Festival. Marami pang mga bulaklak nandun. Located ito sa taas ng bundok kaya tanaw mo rin yung magandang view. Ayon sa napagtanungan ko, pwede naman daw bumili ng mga tanim at bulaklak dun. Dubbed also as Little Amsterdam of the Philippines."
5. What do we need to know more about Temple of Leah?
"As inscribed at the base of the monument of Leah: Leah V. Albino-Adarna was chosen matron queen of her alma mater, the University of Southern Philippines. This nine-foot bronze statue portrays her composure and regal bearing when she was crowned. May the beholder discern her innate beauty, poise, and gentleness.
Yung temple as you can see sa pictures eh Greek talaga yung tema. Sa labas palang at bakod nito alam mo na greek style sya. Pinagawa ito ng lolo ni Ellen Adarna as a symbol/remembrance of his undying love para sa lola nito. Mamamangha ka sa dami ng statues at may underground pa na ongoing yung construction. Very detailed talaga every piece of it. (wondering how much they already spent and will be spent). They also accept pictorials/photoshoot for any occasions."
In fact, hindi ko naman talaga plano pumunta sa San Fernando Rey Church. Ang pakay koh talaga eh yung Bagacay Lighthouse. Since dun ako mismo sa tapat ng simbahan bumaba, eh dumaan nlang ako dun to say a little prayer. But what I Iearned that it is built in 1847. One unusual detail about the Church in Liloan is that it faces the mountains to the West, whereas most churches face the sea to the East. Some have theorized that this is because Mass is often performed in the morning, and the church is thus shielded from the morning sun, making it less hot and uncomfortable. Others have speculated that the church's direction has a symbolic significance related to church rites.
7. What can we expect in Bagacay Lighthouse?
"Actually don't expect too much amazing on Bagacay Lighthouse. It's just a lighthouse like the others. I think what's amazing is the history and purpose:
"Parola ng Bagacay Point: Itinayo sa lupaing inilaan ni Gobernador Heneral William Howard Taft, noong 1904. May taas na 72 talampakan at nagbibigay liwanag na umaabot ng may 17 milyang-dagat. Nagsisilbing gabay sa mga sasakyang dagat na naglalayag sa bukana ng hilagang-silangan ng Cebu Harbor. Isa sa mga nalalabing parolang may mahalagang halimbawa ng arkitektong amerika sa bansa. Ipinahayag na pambansang palatandaang makasaysayan, 13 Agosto 2004."
Nakatayo xa sa hilltop. Makikita mo na yung deep blue na kulay ng dagat at mga barkong dumadaan. Sa gilid lang nito yung solar panels na nagsusupply ng kuryente dito. Di ko lang alam kung pwede umakyat sa tuktok kasi pagpunta ko sarado yung pinto paakyat dito."
8. You said this is your first solo backpacking trip, wow we are so amazed at how you were able to squeeze in between? When and where is your next trip?
"Yes it's my first solo backpacking trip. And as mentioned, single, kaya solo ko trip ko. Haha. I already have plans maybe this week or next. dito pa rin sa cebu. Planned itinerary ko, Cebu Heritage Monument, Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House, Casa Gorordo, Metropolitan Cathedral Museum, Museum Sugbo, Museum of Philippine History, National Museum, Fuente Circle all for one day.
Then sa May 15-18 kasama ko yung mga tropa kong walang forever. Canyoneering kami sa Badian, Swimming with the Butanding sa Oslob, at mountain trek sa Osmeña peak.
Baka mag side trip din kami sa Dumaguete, Apo Island, Danjugan Island. Pero plano palang mga yan. To be confirmed pa."
9. Can you tell us of your background - work, age (kung ok lang)?
"Real name ko Patrick Drilon, single and ready to mingle. 25 and proudly employed. Marine Engineer ako sa isang offshore company. Both of my parents Ilonggo but I'm born and raised sa Taguig. Then we moved back sa Iloilo where we're currently residing. Pero most of the time kung nandito ako sa Pinas, sa Manila ako nagi-stay or pagala-gala sa iba't-ibang lugar."
10. Who or what inspires you to travel? Any blogs or travel websites you
recommend? What is your message of inspiration about solo travelling or backpacking to the rest?
"Wala akong blogs o website na mairecommend kasi wala naman akong tinututukan talaga. Kahit ano lang binabasa ko. Pero Trip Advisor lagi ko chinecheck at yung Backpackers of the Philippines na group sa fb.
I don't have someone or needed anyone to inspire me to travel. I just needed myself to keep myself going. I just needed to do it my way. I have a descent job and what is left in my earnings after paying all those mortgages, life insurance, and other stuffs, is spent intentionally for traveling. (medyo harsh ako but I like being straightforward)
So for others out there who plans to travel solo or solo backpacking, get your ass up and just GO! Being scared of what's gonna happen is just being scared of yourself! Either you're single or in a relationship, or whatsoever, try to have this mindset even for once, "Me against the world". You'll find out what it means after you're done! (in which most of the time I have that)."
I don't know if that's inspiring or what. All I know is that at least I Tried and I proved to myself that I CAN, and then I COULD do more."
1. How did you conceptualize that you can visit 7 spots in one day? Average kc in tour packages is mga 3-4 but you made it 7? Did you followed an itinerary from an online site, recommended by a friend or it was totally spontaneous?
"Ako lang gumawa-gawa ng itinerary ko. Karamihan kasi na mga naka post sa mga social websites puro mga beaches. Mas gusto ko kasi yung "inland" kesa "seaside". Google ko lang "tourist spots in cebu". View ko yung mga results tsaka ko titignan sa mapa. Pagkatapos nun connect the dots na ako. Kung saan yung mga magkakalapit na location, yun yung mga pupuntahan ko. You have to consider din yung dadaanan mo at yung oras na itatagal mo dun para makarami ka. Pag tour packages talaga kasi normal yan 3-4 spots in one day. Pero pag hawak mo oras mo plus SINGLE ka, marami ka talagang mapupuntahan. That's the beauty of being single, I guess. You control all your time. No waiting. No rush."
2. May we know your contact information for the habal habal driver?
"Yan yung nakalimutan kong kunin yung contact info nya. Naalala ko nalang nung nakasakay na ako ng jeep. Masyado ata akong nag enjoy sa byahe kahit malayo kaya nakalimutan ko. Pero marami namang mga habal-habal na nag-aabang ng pasahero dun sa may JY Square."
3. What is it that we can expect, see and learn in Taoist Temple?
"Taoist Temple of course is a place of worship for the chinese people. Taoism, being their religion was created by Lao Tzu. The temple is located at Beverly Hills Subdivision where prominent residents are Filipino-Chinese. Upon entering the gate, try to count the steps all the way to the main temple. It should be 81 steps which represents the 81 chapters in their bible. I'm fascinated with the interior and exterior designs of their temples and other structures. Bawal kumuha ng picture o gawing background yung kanilang altar at mga santo. So observe and follow ka talaga ng rules nila. We also have to respect their religion. Dun ka din makakakita ng malalaking koi, yung mini great wall of china nila, yung mga activities nila, pati na rin yung mga community services nila at pagtulong nila sa mga less fortunate.
4. Sirao Farm looks absolutely stunning. Do you have more pics for that?
What kind of plants are there? How big is the farm? What else do we need to know there? Can we buy plants?
"Dalawa yung farm dun at magkaiba din yung may ari kaya doble din yung entrance fee. Yung malaking farm estimate ko more than 1 hectare. Pero pinapalapad pa nila at nagtatanim pa ng iba pang bulakalak. Pagdating ko dun medyo na disappoint ako kasi expected ko marami at full bloom. Bagong ani lang kasi at kakatanim lang ulit. Yung katabing farm kahit maliit ay may mga nakabloom na na mga bulaklak. January best time pumunta in time with Sinulog at ngayong May. Celosia yung tawag sa bulaklak. Official flower daw ng Sinulog Festival. Marami pang mga bulaklak nandun. Located ito sa taas ng bundok kaya tanaw mo rin yung magandang view. Ayon sa napagtanungan ko, pwede naman daw bumili ng mga tanim at bulaklak dun. Dubbed also as Little Amsterdam of the Philippines."
5. What do we need to know more about Temple of Leah?
"As inscribed at the base of the monument of Leah: Leah V. Albino-Adarna was chosen matron queen of her alma mater, the University of Southern Philippines. This nine-foot bronze statue portrays her composure and regal bearing when she was crowned. May the beholder discern her innate beauty, poise, and gentleness.
Yung temple as you can see sa pictures eh Greek talaga yung tema. Sa labas palang at bakod nito alam mo na greek style sya. Pinagawa ito ng lolo ni Ellen Adarna as a symbol/remembrance of his undying love para sa lola nito. Mamamangha ka sa dami ng statues at may underground pa na ongoing yung construction. Very detailed talaga every piece of it. (wondering how much they already spent and will be spent). They also accept pictorials/photoshoot for any occasions."
6. What is there to see or historical / heritage importance of Liloan Church?
In fact, hindi ko naman talaga plano pumunta sa San Fernando Rey Church. Ang pakay koh talaga eh yung Bagacay Lighthouse. Since dun ako mismo sa tapat ng simbahan bumaba, eh dumaan nlang ako dun to say a little prayer. But what I Iearned that it is built in 1847. One unusual detail about the Church in Liloan is that it faces the mountains to the West, whereas most churches face the sea to the East. Some have theorized that this is because Mass is often performed in the morning, and the church is thus shielded from the morning sun, making it less hot and uncomfortable. Others have speculated that the church's direction has a symbolic significance related to church rites.
7. What can we expect in Bagacay Lighthouse?
"Actually don't expect too much amazing on Bagacay Lighthouse. It's just a lighthouse like the others. I think what's amazing is the history and purpose:
"Parola ng Bagacay Point: Itinayo sa lupaing inilaan ni Gobernador Heneral William Howard Taft, noong 1904. May taas na 72 talampakan at nagbibigay liwanag na umaabot ng may 17 milyang-dagat. Nagsisilbing gabay sa mga sasakyang dagat na naglalayag sa bukana ng hilagang-silangan ng Cebu Harbor. Isa sa mga nalalabing parolang may mahalagang halimbawa ng arkitektong amerika sa bansa. Ipinahayag na pambansang palatandaang makasaysayan, 13 Agosto 2004."
Nakatayo xa sa hilltop. Makikita mo na yung deep blue na kulay ng dagat at mga barkong dumadaan. Sa gilid lang nito yung solar panels na nagsusupply ng kuryente dito. Di ko lang alam kung pwede umakyat sa tuktok kasi pagpunta ko sarado yung pinto paakyat dito."
8. You said this is your first solo backpacking trip, wow we are so amazed at how you were able to squeeze in between? When and where is your next trip?
"Yes it's my first solo backpacking trip. And as mentioned, single, kaya solo ko trip ko. Haha. I already have plans maybe this week or next. dito pa rin sa cebu. Planned itinerary ko, Cebu Heritage Monument, Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House, Casa Gorordo, Metropolitan Cathedral Museum, Museum Sugbo, Museum of Philippine History, National Museum, Fuente Circle all for one day.
Then sa May 15-18 kasama ko yung mga tropa kong walang forever. Canyoneering kami sa Badian, Swimming with the Butanding sa Oslob, at mountain trek sa Osmeña peak.
Baka mag side trip din kami sa Dumaguete, Apo Island, Danjugan Island. Pero plano palang mga yan. To be confirmed pa."
9. Can you tell us of your background - work, age (kung ok lang)?
"Real name ko Patrick Drilon, single and ready to mingle. 25 and proudly employed. Marine Engineer ako sa isang offshore company. Both of my parents Ilonggo but I'm born and raised sa Taguig. Then we moved back sa Iloilo where we're currently residing. Pero most of the time kung nandito ako sa Pinas, sa Manila ako nagi-stay or pagala-gala sa iba't-ibang lugar."
10. Who or what inspires you to travel? Any blogs or travel websites you
recommend? What is your message of inspiration about solo travelling or backpacking to the rest?
"Wala akong blogs o website na mairecommend kasi wala naman akong tinututukan talaga. Kahit ano lang binabasa ko. Pero Trip Advisor lagi ko chinecheck at yung Backpackers of the Philippines na group sa fb.
I don't have someone or needed anyone to inspire me to travel. I just needed myself to keep myself going. I just needed to do it my way. I have a descent job and what is left in my earnings after paying all those mortgages, life insurance, and other stuffs, is spent intentionally for traveling. (medyo harsh ako but I like being straightforward)
So for others out there who plans to travel solo or solo backpacking, get your ass up and just GO! Being scared of what's gonna happen is just being scared of yourself! Either you're single or in a relationship, or whatsoever, try to have this mindset even for once, "Me against the world". You'll find out what it means after you're done! (in which most of the time I have that)."
I don't know if that's inspiring or what. All I know is that at least I Tried and I proved to myself that I CAN, and then I COULD do more."
Book your hotels in Cebu HERE via Agoda.
Crowdsourced Tour Guides and Tour Operators in Cebu
FOR CANYONEERING
Kuya Erwin - 0997921 1984 super the best alagang alaga niya kami, and ang kulit din ng guide namin kaya super enjoy.
For OSLOB Whale shark swimming
Kuya JHAY 09420052639
whale watching and hahanapan niya din kayo ng joiners for sumilon sandbar and murang accomodation.
Tip kung may makikita kayong mura na accomodation malapit sa tan-awan oslob dun na kayo para hindi na kayo gagastos pa para sa pamasahe.
For CEBU CITY TOUR Php 600 habal habal
Kuya Marvin Tenora 09952108385
Sulit na sulit yan mga sister and mag eentrace pa talaga siya para lang ma picturan kayo super bait nila promise :)
Crowdsourced Tour Guides and Tour Operators in Cebu
FOR CANYONEERING
Kuya Erwin - 0997921 1984 super the best alagang alaga niya kami, and ang kulit din ng guide namin kaya super enjoy.
For OSLOB Whale shark swimming
Kuya JHAY 09420052639
whale watching and hahanapan niya din kayo ng joiners for sumilon sandbar and murang accomodation.
Tip kung may makikita kayong mura na accomodation malapit sa tan-awan oslob dun na kayo para hindi na kayo gagastos pa para sa pamasahe.
For CEBU CITY TOUR Php 600 habal habal
Kuya Marvin Tenora 09952108385
Sulit na sulit yan mga sister and mag eentrace pa talaga siya para lang ma picturan kayo super bait nila promise :)
Nice
ReplyDeletethank you sa information :) nice.. i love it
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