Press Releases
Jul
Cebu Destinations for the Nature-Tripping Backpacker
In every place you visit around the world, natural sights are sure to steal the show. No two places are ever the same and experiences can be completely spontaneous depending on the environment and climate. The Philippines alone is home to two-thirds of the world’s biodiversity. It is plentiful in various land and water forms, and the climate is perfect for sustaining wildlife. While hitting all the nature-rich spots around the country is something you should definitely do, the very first stop you should be making is in Cebu. Cebu is made up of over 160 islands. Who knows what kinds of natural spectacles you could find? Water When one hears Cebu, the first thing that comes to mind is BEACH! While its shores are famous for fine white sand and crystal-like water, Cebu also flows with fresh water found in breathtaking destinations. Here are just some notable places you can visit if you love splashing about. Mabugnao Mainit Hot Spring National Park The Mabugnao Mainit Hot Spring National Park can be found in the small town of Guadalupe, Carcar City. The park is 57.5 hectares with trails leading to some caves where tourists can go spelunking. The park’s more famous features, however, are its hot spring and a pool of cool freshwater. The freshwater pool’s water source is an underground spring, which also provides the city’s water supply. One of the park’s three caves, Cave Lorett, even gives you access to another spring and four rivers! Before heading out on the trail, food stalls are present in the area. So if you don’t have any snacks with you, this is the best chance for you to buy everything you need. However, do observe the “leave no trace” rule in trekking. The best way to end the trip is to submerge yourself in the clean and therapeutic pools of the national park after a long exploration of the surrounding caves and trails. Dao Falls Kawasan Falls may be the more popular tourist magnet, but Dao Falls is a destination away from the crowds where you can keep nature’s beauty all to yourself. From the jump-off point, the falls is a scenic 30-minute trek away. For most of the trek, you will find yourself wading in waist-deep water with a captivating blue hue. As you walk on, lush leaves and fern provide a serene covering overhead. Hiring a guide is very much recommended as some of the steps and rocks on the trail may be slippery. Dao Falls is around 40-50 meters high with fresh water flowing down into a mesmerizing pool where you can swim around to your heart’s delight. Camotes Islands The area was named after the local term for sweet potatoes after a native misunderstood the Spaniards who were asking what the place was called. Camotes is one of the most budget-friendly destinations you can visit in Cebu and it is full of different places worth stopping by. For an affordable fee, you can explore the main island via habal-habal (rented motorbike) if you know how to drive one. With a variety in land and water forms, there are a great number of other activities you can do such as cliff-diving, free diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and even spelunking. A great place to go sunbathing and swimming is at Santiago Beach where entry is free. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, take a quick trip to Poro for some cliff diving at Buho Rock. Marvel at the astonishing geological forms of Bukilat Cave where you can…
Jul
7 Facts About Cebu to Whet Your Travel Appetite
In the early history of the Philippines, Cebu served as one of the first known trading ports. The primary reputation of the province even reflects in its name. Cebu comes from the native word “sibu” which means “trade” in English. Today, it is one of the Philippines’ main domestic ports. And more than shipping out goods, it accommodates visiting tourists from all over the globe and is a top tourist destination in the country. Because the place is so magnetizing, some tourists even keep returning. What is it about Cebu that makes people hungry for more? 1. Cebu is an island cluster paradise The Philippines is an archipelago made up of over 7,000 islands, which is why it comes as no surprise that Cebu has its very own cluster of islands and islets. The province of Cebu, alone, consists of over 160 smaller islands aside from the main island. A variety of landforms can be found within Cebu. From rolling hills, plains, mountains, and—yes, you guessed it—beaches galore! This Philippine province is known for its white sand beaches and pristine waters, many of which are open for the public to enjoy. Every year, tourists from all corners of the earth flock to see the tropical paradise that is Cebu. Unimpeded views, the pleasant climate, and various activities offered by resorts are just some of the many reasons why Cebu’s beaches are worth visiting. Because of Cebu’s geographical location, Cebuanos have built their livelihood, customs, and culture around the ocean. For generations, coastal communities have and continue to rely on fresh bounty from the sea. To protect the best interests of both the islands’ residents and visiting tourists, the local government and other smaller organizations take measures to preserve their treasured beaches. From the shores, we go up to the mountains. Aside from the astonishing views and scenic trails, every peak has a story to tell. Mount Manunggal is considered to be a very historical peak. It rises 1,003 meters above sea level and is the crash site of the Philippines’ 7th president, Ramon Magsaysay. Casino Peak in South Cebu will give you access to a magnificent view of hills on one side of the mountain, and the ocean on the other. After the hike leaves you breathless, the views on top will breathe in a new life in you. 2. Host to one of the most epic battles in Philippine History The Battle of Mactan goes down in Philippine History as the first sign of resistance against imperial Spanish colonization. In 1521, the Spanish expedition led the Portuguese, Ferdinand Magellan, to the shores of Cebu. There, he was welcomed by the Rajah Humabon and Queen Humammay who later allowed themselves to be baptized along with 400 of their subjects. Friendly exchanges were made and everything seemed to be going smoothly with Magellan’s mission—or so he thought. After further exploration, Magellan landed on the neighboring island of Mactan. Little did he know that it was to be one of the biggest mistakes he’d make. The fierce chieftain Lapu-Lapu, unlike Rajah Humabon who accepted him with open arms, welcomed the doomed Portuguese with his blade and an army of 1,000 warriors. This battle is given so much importance that every year, Cebuanos hold a festival entirely dedicated to it. Kadaugan sa Mactan or the Victory in Mactan festival takes place every April 27th. Locals celebrate this affair with the usual vibrant street parades and pageants Cebu is known for, and an extravagant re-enactment of the battle on Mactan beach. The…
Jul
Cebu Commute: A Guide to Getting Around
Cebu is one of the country’s largest provinces in terms of both land area and population. Its terrain covers different land formations, bodies of water, and bustling cities. As one of the busiest and most developed hubs in the Philippines, a variety of transport options are available for locals and tourists looking for a means to get from point A to point B. Whether you are crossing land or sea, hopping onto any of these vehicles does not just get you where you need to be; it is also a great way to get a quick peak at Cebu’s many renowned sights. As long as you don’t mind sharing, interesting modes of public transportation are readily available for the traveler on a budget. One of the cheapest and most reliable ways to get around, whether you’re in an urban or rural area, is via the iconic Filipino public utility jeepney (PUJ). These colorful vehicles cost $ 0.15 at minimum. This fare is for the first five kilometers, with an additional $ 0.02 for every succeeding kilometer. There are many possible jeep routes, so keep a look out for the street names and landmarks painted at the vehicle’s side for a clue on where one is going. One thing that makes Cebu jeeps special is that they have number codes pasted at their front and side to indicate which major boulevards they are passing through. While figuring out the jeepney’s unique system might be a challenge for first-time tourists, it is definitely an adventure worth taking. Tourists should note that the jeepney is ill-suited for those carrying more than one backpack per person, making it an unpopular transportation choice from the airport to the city. Another option that might accommodate luggage a little better is the multi-cab, many of which are vans or mini pick-up trucks. Like the jeepney, the multi-cab also has a $0.15 minimum fare, but takes shorter trips that might require transfers to other vehicles. From the airport, many people contact van rentals or coordinate pick-ups with their hotels days prior to their arrival. Buses are a standard public transportation choice good for both long trips that require crossing highways, and short trips between different points within a particular city. Within cities, bus fares are $0.12 for the first five kilometers with a $ 0.03 increase for every additional kilometer. For long trips that cross one end of the province to another, tourists must pick between the two major bus terminals in Cebu, depending on which area they are coming from. This is the North Bus Terminal (for those going to northern areas such as Malapascua, Bantayan, or hopping over to the neighboring province Iloilo) and the South Bus Terminal (for those going to southern areas such as Moalboal, Toledo, Oslob, and those crossing to the neighboring province Dumaguete). The fare usually ranges from $3 to $5, depending on your destination and if you are taking a bus with or without air-conditioning. The newly introduced fully air-conditioned MyBus line is useful for touring the city. Services connect tourists from the airport to major city malls (SM City Mall, SM Seaside City Cebu) and the North Bus Terminal. The bus services run from 6 am to 10 pm, with a fixed rate of $0.50. Take note, however, that MyBus only accepts cash at the airport and SM City Malls. Passengers must purchase a travel card worth $4 at on-site booths. Price chart in Philippine Pesos: PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION (LAND) VEHICLE MINIMUM FARE Jeepney P8 + P.90 Multi-cab P8 Bus P9 + 1.20 MyBus P25…
Jul
8 Backpacker Budget-Friendly Beaches in Cebu
Every travel nut, at some point in their lives, has fantasized about an island paradise getaway. The dream of walking on fine white sand while swimming in pristine waters rouses the longing for a new tropical adventure. In Cebu, the beach bum fantasy is well within reach—not to mention, within budget. Here are beaches in Cebu where you can maximize enjoyment with minimal spending. 1. Dalaguete Beach Park This beach is known to be one of the places locals would recommend to tourists. Dalaguete Beach Park can be found in South Cebu. Since it is owned and managed by the local government, its cool blue waters are open for the public to enjoy at a very minimal fee. The entrance fee to the beach only costs around $0.50 for adults and $0.25 for children. For a little over $5, bigger groups can rent a beach hut or cottage—plus free use of the karaoke machine! Picnic tables, on the other hand, can be rented for just $3. To sum it all up, the estimated day trip budget you need to set aside for Dalaguete Beach Park is $20, including transportation. Cebu is well-endowed with breathtaking beaches, which is why it does not come as a surprise to find a beautiful beach such as this very accessible from the city. 2. Basdaku White Beach and Panagsama Beach, Moalboal These two beaches sit right next to each other at Moalboal. With its name directly translating to “big sand,” Basdaku White Beach is known for its wide expanse of fine sand. Here, tourists swim in crystal clear waters, taking in all the peace and quiet they can get. The entrance fee costs less than US$1, and campers are free to pitch their tents without having to pay. Apart from swimming and camping, other recreational activities can be enjoyed. Kayaks, diving and snorkeling gear, and even kite-surfing equipment are available for rent in the area. When the sun comes down, head over to Panagsama Beach side where the nightlife is kicking. Mingle with fellow travelers and locals at a bar, or go food-tripping with your friends. Moalboal is definitely a place with loads of fun to cover your day—and you hardly even need to spend! 3. Lambug Beach, Badian Lambug Beach, a must-see for visiting tourists, can be found in the southern part of Cebu in a town called Badian. The beach is known to be a great spot away from the crowds. Part of its charm comes from its natural and untouched condition. If its clear waters and fine sand aren’t enough to draw you in, then maybe it being entrance fee free will. That’s right! You can lay on the sand or take a dip, free-of-charge. Best of all, getting there won’t cost you more than $10 from the airport. Cottage rentals are at $10 while camping fees range from $1-$3. If you’ve had enough swimming, there’s much more to do near the beach. Other famed attractions can be found in the area. Wash off that seawater at Kawasan Falls, or go crab hunting for your next meal at the mangroves. If you’ve had enough of the water, trek up Osmeña Peak for a complete view of Cebu’s south-western coastline. At the end of every adventure is a tourist waiting to be fed. So why not drag your appetite to Badian’s local market and restaurants to try some local delicacies. Badian has so much to offer, and Lambug Beach is just the beginning. See what else you can find in…
Jul
Plastic-Free July: How to be a Responsible Traveler
It’s plastic-free July! As a traveler, we know how hard it can be to travel plastic-free. With that being said, there are plenty of ways to enjoy traveling without damaging the planet while doing so. Traveling is an exciting and essential part of life. It’s a chance to explore new places, experience new cultures, and gain a better outlook on life. Between transportation, accommodation, and all the energy spent on organized tours, however, mass travel is having a damaging impact on our planet. There are ways for you to be the greenest traveler you can be thanks to Mad Monkey’s 10 helpful and eco-friendly tips!