Encountering Gentle Giants
A long-weekend Easter holliday to Cebu, Philippines.
📌 By Jakub Mikula | April 07, 2023
During the long-weekend Easter holliday this year, I had the pleasure of exploring the breathtaking island of Cebu, Philippines. Securing some affordable flights from Singapore, I arrived in Cebu on Good Friday early in the morning, and had three full days to immerse myself in the island’s natural wonders and its vibrant culture. To make the most of my time, I decided to sign up with a local travel agency (receommended to me by my Philippino friend), something I don’t usually do. As it turned out, it was a wise decision, and I was picked up from the airport and whisked off to explore the island without worrying too much about the logistics. Our knowledgeable local guide and driver regaled us with fascinating facts along the way pointing to various historical monuments along the way. As a solo traveller, I was fortunate to meet some wonderful fellow travelers who added to the fun and camaraderie of the trip. If you’re planning a visit to this beautiful island, I’ve detailed my itinerary below to help you design your own adventure. If you wish the contact the travell agency I signed up with, please check their Facebook website: https://www.facebook.com/lviajestravelandtours
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 were treated to a visit to the Temple of Leah, a grandiose structure that boasts 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 our day began, we made a quick stop at Paraz Native Lechon for breakfast, where we savored the mouthwatering traditional Filipino roast pork dish.
Energized and ready for the day, we embarked on our snorkeling adventure, encountering 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 found ourselves with some free time, and eagerly seized the opportunity to explore the nearby enchanting Cuartel Ruins of Oslob. Illuminated by a breathtaking array of lights, the ruins exuded an ethereal and 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 the first to see the sharks, and it was worth the early start. 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 ocean and 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 waters 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 can’t wait to go back and explore more of this incredible island.