osmena peak in dalaguete

The Vegetable Basket of Cebu is famous of their green plants that are perfect for growing. Located in the south of Cebu, Dalaguete is the best place to see such green scenery and the place to unwind and hit the spring. For a small province, there are a lot of adventures you could actually do when you visit the place.

1. Indulge in spring and beach

Dalaguete got a fair share of spring and beaches. Obong Spring is famous for the trees called “dalakit” where the province got its name. The cool icy spring is what attracts most of the tourists. It is also freshwater and during the high tide, the locals said that, the salt water from the sea will go to the spring. Gakub Spring is not that famous but it still offers the cold water that is crystal clear, you could actually see the rocks on the bottom.

Blessed with white sand and the coconut trees nearby, the Dalaguete Beach Park is open in public wherein you could work on your tan and swim until your heart content.

2. Visit a cave

Kulabyaw Cave are where hikers and trekkers pass by to reach the Osmena peak. The cave is known for the handful bats and other animals living in the place.

3. Climb a mountain

One of the frequent things that tourists do in the area is to climb the Osmena Peak. Take a deep breath of fresh air and cool wind, you can really feel it flapping against your face. This is one thing you’ll experience in the peak. Not only that, the view will leave your jaw hanging as you stare around with the multiple jagged hills or known as Mantalungon ranges which differ from that of Chocolate Hills because of the formation of the rocks that are much pointed. The visible shoreline of southwest Cebu and the island of Negros Oriental can be seen in the area. Many hikers spend the night in the camping area and wait for the sunrise the next day. In the morning, most trekkers traverse their way to Kawasan Falls in Badian. Moreover, Bandera peak is surrounded with green scenery that offers a variety of plants, ferns, flowers and the like. The place is usually covered with thick fog from the month of September to January.

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Kawasan Falls in Cebu by CebuTours.phSituated in the southwest part of Cebu, Kawasan Falls is often visited not only by local tourists but, also by foreigners. Presently the falls is one of the sources of power and water supply in town including its neighboring areas. Kawasan Falls is composed of 3 levels. Of course, the 3rd level which is the highest, gives more thrill for adventurers out there.

You have the option to hire a private tour, you can contact us, or go there via bus. Foreseeably, it is always better to arrange for an exclusive trip. From the city, the trip would take about 2 hours to reach Badian town, where Kawasan Falls is located. Once you reach the starting point to the falls, get your legs ready for some hiking. Fret not, the walking just takes about 20 to 30 minutes. While walking, the sound of water flowing is clearly audible. You can really feel the pleasing touch of nature. Be ready to cross a small wooden bridge leading to a small children’s spring. Kids can take a swim here and enjoy the clear water. After the wooden bridge, you will cross an old stoned bridge.

Moving on, you can see small native huts available for rent for overnight use. During summer, it is almost always fully-booked so, if you plan to stay longer, reserve ahead or better yet, coordinate with a travel agency in Cebu. When you reach the first falls, you can stay there. Groups with children are advised to stay here to lessen the hiking minutes. Admittedly, even adults would want to settle for the first falls because of the extra minutes needed to reach the next two falls.

On the other hand, young adults are satisfied to reach the second falls. For those who want adventure and challenge, you can climb up to the third falls. This is not advisable for tourists who are bringing children and elders with them. Although the three falls vary, they just flow the same clear water.

Once you have chosen where to stay, rent a cottage. You may even start swimming immediately. To complete your trip, rent a wooden raft to get close to the falls. A waterproof camera is useful here. Remember, prices may rise up depending on the season. So, negotiate well. Again, you may have your travel agency arrange this for you to lessen the hassle.

 

Sumilon Island in Oslob CebuCebu is one of the top tourist’s destinations in the Philippines. Over the years, it is becoming popular because of its rich culture, diverse history, hospitable people, white sand beaches, delectable local food and restaurants. Today, Cebu is not only recognized locally but also globally.

The well-known Magellan’s Cross is found in Cebu, near the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. The cross was brought by Ferdinand Magellan and it became the symbol for Christianity. Until this day, it is suitably sheltered in a chapel to preserve it’s genuinely and holiness.

January is the most awaited month for most Cebuanos. This is because Sinulog is celebrated every third Sunday of the month in honor of Senior Santo Niño. The Church gets visited by a huge wave of people during this month. A nine day novena mass is held prior to the festival. It is then followed by a fluvial and solemn foot procession attended by thousands of devotees. Cebuanos never fail to pay respect to the Holy Child. People from other provinces even come to Cebu to show their love and devotion to Santo Niño.

During this time, tourists are also enticed to witness and be a part of the celebration. The festival is a whole day street dancing event with contingents coming from nearby provinces. Sinulog is performed by dancing using two steps forward and one step backward with background drum music. Wearing their colorful costumes and tireless smiles, the dancers perform street dancing graciously. Under the heat of the sun, the dancers always seem not tired rather they are enthusiastically dancing and entertaining the crowd.

At night, street parties are evident in the city. Experience the party with the crowd and be ready to be dirty by paint colors. Eating barbeque at Larsians is a must try to every visitor. Other local street foods such as tempura, kwek-kwek, ginabot, balot and others are guaranteed palatable too.

Many tourists stay long in Cebu after Sinulog to flip over the white beaches. World class hotels and resorts such as Movenpick, BE Resorts, Plantation Bay, etc. are totally fantastic. Bantayan, Malapascua, and Camotes are among the top islands with the finest beaches in Cebu. Kawasan Falls is also a must-visit. For hikers, climbing up to Osmeña Peak is truly marvelous. Swimming with the famous whale sharks in Oslob has been gaining attraction since a few years ago. It should be a once in a lifetime experience. Don’t forget your cameras! Contact us today if you want to take us to these destinations.

Here are the winners of this year’s Sinulog Festival.

Sinulog Based Category

Champion: Kulturang Placereño
2nd place: Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe, Tangub City
3rd place: Carcar City Division
4th place: Tuburan National High School
5th place: Talisay City Central School

Minor Awards:

Best in Costume: Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe
Best in Musicality: Carcar City Division

Free Interpretation Category

Champion: Tribu Buyoganon, Abuyog, Leyte
2nd place: Tribu Lingganay, Alang-Alang, Leyte
3rd place: Tribu Himag-ulaw, Placer, Masbate
4th place: Catbalogan City, Samar
5th place: Lumad Basakanon

Minor Awards:

Best in Costume: Tribu Lingganay, Alang-Alang, Leyte
Best in Musicality: Tribu Buyoganon, Abuyog, Leyte

Street Dancing

Champion: Lumad Basakanon, Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City
2nd place: Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe, Tangub City
3rd place: Kulturang Placereño, Placer, Masbate
4th place: Tribu Buyoganon, Abuyog, Leyte
5th place: Tribu Lingganay, Alang-Alang, Leyte

Float

Champion: Contempo Property Holdings, Inc.
2nd place: M. Lhuillier Philippines
3rd place: Palawan Pawnshop

Higante

Champion: Festival Queen
2nd place: Dagul and Son
3rd place: Sinulog Prince and Princess

Puppeteer

Champion: Angelique Aranas
2nd place: Jeffrey Borres
3rd place: Niño Ruben Mateo

On-site Décor

Champion: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
2nd place: Elizabeth Mall
3rd place: Abellana National School

Visual Merchandise

Champion: Golden Gate Value Properties, Inc./Parkmall
2nd place: Elizabeth Mall
3rd place: Metro Gaisano Colon

Police said that the Sinulog festival this year attracts 2.5M people. In addition, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama described both the cultural and religious aspects of the celebration as “miraculous.”

Viva Pit Senyor! See you next year.