Encountering Gentle Giants
A long-weekend Easter holiday to Cebu, Philippines.
📌 By Jakub Mikula | April 07, 2023
During the long-weekend Easter holiday this year (April, 2023), I had the pleasure of exploring the breathtaking island of Cebu, Philippines. After finding some affordable flights from Singapore, I arrived in Cebu early on Good Friday morning, and had three full days to immerse myself in the island’s natural wonders and vibrant culture. To make the most of my time, I decided to sign up with a local travel agency (recommended to me by my Filipino friend), which is something I do not usually do. As it turned out, it was a wise decision, and I was picked up from the airport and whisked away to explore the island without worrying too much about the logistics. Our knowledgeable local guide and driver shared fascinating facts along the way, pointing out various historical monuments as we passed. As a solo traveler, I was fortunate to meet some wonderful fellow travelers who added to the fun and camaraderie of the trip. If you are planning a visit to this beautiful island, I have detailed my itinerary below to help you design your own adventure. If you wish to contact the travel agency I signed up with, please check their Facebook page.
Day 1
Our first day began with a scenic exploration of Cebu City, where we were greeted with stunning views of the city’s rolling hills and lush flower parks.
One particular highlight was the Sirao Garden, where the beautiful blooms and breathtaking scenery left me in complete awe.
As the day drew to a close, we visited the Temple of Leah, a grand structure with impressive Roman-inspired architecture and stunning views of the city.
Day 2
On the second day of our adventure, we woke up bright and early, leaving the hotel at 5 am to begin our journey to Oslob. Before the day really began, we made a quick stop at Paraz Native Lechon for breakfast, where we enjoyed the mouthwatering traditional Filipino roast pork dish.
Energized and ready for the day, we embarked on our snorkeling adventure, where we encountered a giant turtle and a school of sardines. The local guides were incredibly helpful, capturing our experience on film with their GoPro cameras for a small fee. In the evening, we had some free time and eagerly seized the opportunity to explore the nearby Cuartel Ruins of Oslob. Illuminated by a breathtaking array of lights, the ruins had an ethereal, almost otherworldly atmosphere, as if we had stepped back in time to a long-lost era.
Day 3
One of the highlights of the trip was undoubtedly whale shark watching on day three. We woke up at 3 am to be among the first to see the sharks, and it was well worth the early start. Long queues had already formed near the shore, but the process of getting tickets was efficient and well organized. On wooden boats, we were taken further away from the shore, though not too far. I could see fins protruding from the water, but I couldn’t have imagined the size of the creatures until I dived in. These majestic creatures swam slowly and gracefully, allowing us to swim alongside them without the need for any safety gear.
It was an incredible experience that transported me back to a time when such giants roamed the oceans and the land.
After the whale shark adventure, we headed to the stunning Tumalog Falls, which required a thrilling motorcycle ride down a steep road. The sight of the cascading waterfalls left me in awe, and swimming in the cold water was refreshing and invigorating.
Overall, the trip to Cebu was an unforgettable experience that surpassed my expectations. The natural beauty, warm hospitality, and delicious food made it one of my favorite travel destinations. I cannot wait to go back and explore more of this incredible island.
