Due to quarantine measures in place, some of these destinations might be temporarily closed. Please coordinate with the management or local government before visiting.
In this time of the pandemic, locals of Cebu province are looking for nearby attractions to visit.
Image: Buwakan ni Alejandra Facebook Page
Normally, whenever Filipinos talk about Cebu, world-class beaches and waterfalls are the first attractions that come to mind. However, the coronavirus pandemic has temporarily shut down attractions in and near the Queen City of the South. Luckily, the city isn’t the only place brimming with beautiful spots. One place that rivals Cebu City in terms of breathtaking attractions is Balamban, a first-class municipality in the province.
The place is known for its beautiful landscapes, and tourists flock to its highland attractions to de-stress and breathe in unpolluted air. The lush surroundings are also made more enticing through exciting activities that visitors can try. Now that Balamban is under the modified general community quarantine, it’s inviting residents and visitors from other parts of the province to its best spots. If you’re looking to unwind, read on to see a list of reopened highland attractions!
Recommended budget for one:PhP255 including the entrance fee and the use of swimming pool and cable car
JVR Island in the Sky serves up picturesque views from its colorful bridge.
Image: @dodongenzo
JVR Island in the Sky is now open to guests who enjoy heights! Offering a bird’s eye view, the sky mountain resort has a colorful hanging bridge and a cable car that both offer guests a view of the lush scenery. There is also a swimming pool overlooking the mountain ranges, though the number of people allowed in the pool will be limited. Following the rules and regulations set by the government for overnight stays, rooms are also available but with limited capacity.
Recommended budget for one:PhP55 for the entrance fee
Make sure to follow and respect the garden’s rules while strolling around.
Image: @mirabileana
Stretch your legs and take a peaceful stroll in the beautiful gardens of Buwakan ni Alejandra. The location boasts rich vegetation and various flora thriving together. Its beautiful landscaped garden spans 700 square meters and is home to approximately 200 different kinds of flowers. Since there are no restaurants in the garden, you can bring your own snacks and drinks. Just make sure to be responsible for your own trash.
Recommended budget for one:PhP400 including the budget for food, zipline, and rappel
If you are a foodie and an adventure seeker, this is the place to go to during the quarantine!
Image: Adventure Cafe Facebook Page
Taking the spot as the first resto-bar with outdoor activities in the Philippines is Adventure Café in Balamban, Cebu. If you are a conqueror of heights, take delight in the café’s wall climbing and 256-meter zipline. Obviously you will be tired and hungry after the adrenaline-packed activities, and the restaurant is ready to remedy that with its scrumptious meals. As an added bonus, the restaurant also overlooks the Balamban mountain ranges!
Recommended budget for two:PhP5,000 including the Deluxe Room (with complimentary breakfast) and meals
Looking for a mini-holiday escape in Cebu? Head to West 35 Eco Mountain Resort for a relaxing retreat.
Image: West 25 Eco Mountain Resort Facebook Page
360-degree views of the Balamban mountain ranges from your bedroom and farm-to-table meals are what you’ll experience at West 25 Eco Mountain Resort. Best for overnight stays, this refreshing oasis is the perfect escape in the middle of a pandemic. Hearing the variety of insects and birds around the resort will relax your mind and remind you that there is something good amid the crisis.
Recommended budget for one:PhP150 for the food; camping is free, but visitors must bring their own tents
Most artifacts in Balwarte ni Alfredo were collected and brought from Indonesia.
Images: Left, @choi_caloy; Right, @resty.pascua.9
For a break away from the city’s modern architecture, head to Balwarte ni Alfredo and marvel at various prehistoric artifacts. Also known as the D’ Village Antique House and Diner, this stop-over in Balamban serves delicious street food and lutong-bahay (home-cooked) meals that will not hurt your wallet! You can also camp and pitch tents around the castle-like house and enjoy a breezy night with a few of your friends.
There’s so much to see and do in Balamban, but make sure to abide by safety protocols while visiting these mesmerizing spots. Remember to observe proper hygiene and wear your masks in public areas!
Visit Yoorekka to find more breathtaking spots that have resumed operations!
Stay safe as you travel! Make sure to follow social distancing protocols and observe health precautions wherever you go. Have a great trip!
About Shanice Reyes
Shanice Reyes writes to buy herself good coffee and bike parts. When she's not writing, you can find her playing Ultimate Frisbee, traveling to new places, or hanging out with her dogs and tarantulas. Though she has an irrational fear of heights, she'd love to try sky-diving one day.
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