3 of South Cebu's Most Memorable Gems

Whenever we hear the word “Cebu,” most of us would readily think of lechon and Magellan’s Cross, both considered Cebu’s pride. But down in South Cebu lies other gems that are just waiting to be discovered! See what they are through the the list below and make sure to include them in your itinerary for your next getaway in Cebu.

Kawasan Falls

Kawasan Falls is a multi-layered waterfall system. Located in the municipality of Badian, this natural wonder lies at the base of the Mantalongon Mountain Range, and boasts crystalline, turquoise water surrounded by verdant forests.

The falls consists of three cascades – two serving as the main pools. The first cascade is around 40 meters high and is wider than the other two. This is where restaurants, guest tables, and local sellers can be found, so expect it to be quite busy and rowdy.

The second waterfall stands at approximately 20 meters. This level and the third one, is less crowded and quieter than the first and can be reached by trekking. Going to the third waterfall – a dam, actually – is very challenging as it is quite steep.

Entrance fee and other charges:

Entrance fee: PHP 45 for tourists, and PHP 20 for locals
Rental fee for life vest/ aqua shoes/ helmet: PHP 50 pesos each

Things to do:

Swimming
Picnicking
Canyoneering. It is best to book a tour, so you have guides to assist you. A package usually starts at P2,500 for one person, inclusive of guides.

Note: Bamboo rafting was also a fun activity to do at Kawasan Falls. However, the Badian government suspended it after receiving complaints from tourists.

How to get to Kawasan Falls

From Cebu City to Kawasan Falls

Ride a bus going to the municipality of Bato. Make sure that the bus will pass the town of Barili instead of Oslob. The buses that will pass Oslob will stop on the east side (Kawasan Falls is on the west). Fare is PHP 150.

From Moalboal to Kawasan Falls

Because of the short distance between the municipality of Moalboal and Kawasan Falls, a taxi ride can be had at an affordable price. You can also take a bus as there are some that pass by Moalboal on the way to Badian. Fare is 50 pesos.

From Oslob to Kawasan Falls

Take a bus that is bound to Bato, then ride another bus from Bato to Badian or Cebu City (the bus should take the route to Barili). Fare is around 100 pesos.

Osmeña Peak

Osmeña Peak is one of the highest mountains in Cebu. Situated in the municipality of Dalaguete, it stands with a height of 1,013 meters above sea level, affording you an excellent vantage point. Here, you can feast your eyes on the sweeping view of the sea, and catch a breathtaking sunset.

It is also considered to be the most easily accessible mountain. It will only take you half an hour until you get to the summit. At the top, instead of green, rolling hills, a cluster of green jagged mounds and limestone cliffs will welcome you. These are what make Osmeña Peak unique.

Entrance fee and other charges:

Entrance fee: PHP 30 per head
Guide fee: It depends on the guide, but it usually starts at PHP 150.
Camping fee: PHP 50 per head. Bring your own tent.

What to bring:

Lots of water
Food
Convenient clothing and walking/ hiking shoes
Swimsuit (if you plan on doing a side trip to Kawasan Falls)
Sunscreen

How to get there:

From Cebu City to Osmeña Peak

At the South Bus Terminal in Cebu City, ride a bus going to the town of Oslob or Liloan/ Santander. Fare is less than PHP 110. Travel time is approximately 3 hours.
Get off at Dalaguete junction. Landmarks include Julie’s Bakeshop and 7-Eleven, which are facing one another.
Hire a habal-habal that will take you the peak. Fare for one person is PHP 200, while for 2 persons is PHP 100 per head. It will take you less than an hour to reach your destination. Roundtrip is P400 to P500.

From Oslob to Osmeña Peak

Board a bus going to Cebu City. If you don’t know where to get off, you can tell the driver or conductor to drop you off at Dalaguete junction. Fare is less than PHP 100 and takes an hour or so. Take a habal-habal at the junction.

From Alegria to Osmeña Peak

Ride a taxi and request the driver to drop you off at Dalaguete intersection. Take a habal-habal at the junction.

Sumilon Island

Sumilon Island is an island paradise just off the coast of the municipality of Oslob. Surrounding it is crystalline water that is teeming with marine life – it has four diving sites boasting fantastic reefs and plenty of marine species. Also, there are a few white sand beaches and caves in different parts of the land, plus a sandbar, lagoon, lake, and a resort.

Entrance fee and other charges:

Entrance fee: PHP 50
Boat fee: PHP 1500 to 2,500

Things to do:

Swimming
Sunbathing
Do picnics
Fishing
Kayaking at the lagoon
Trekking to the lighthouse
Exploring the island, visiting caves

How to get there:

From Cebu City to Oslob

Ride an Oslob-bound bus at South Bus Terminal in Cebu City. Fare is less than PHP 200, and travel time is approximately 3 hours.
At Oslob port, there are boats you can rent to take you to Sumilon Island. Boat ride takes about 15-20 minutes.

From Dumaguete to Oslob

In Dumaguete, hire a trike that will take you to Sibulan port. Fare is around PHP 60 to PHP 100. You can also take a multicab, which is cheaper.
At the harbor, hop on a pump boat or ferry that will sail to Liloan port in the municipality of Santander for PHP 45 and PHP 62 respectively.
At Liloan port, ride a public vehicle going to Bangcogon port in Oslob.
At Bancogon port, rent a boat that will take you to Sumilon Island.

Accommodation rates at Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort:

Deluxe – PHP 6000 (room only), PHP 6400 (with breakfast)
Premier – PHP 7000 (room only), PHP 7400 (with breakfast)
Villa (One-Room) – PHP 8000 (room only), PHP 8600 (with breakfast)
Villa (Two-Room) – PHP 16000 (room only), PHP 17200 (with breakfast)
Extra Person – PHP 1000 (room only), PHP 1200 (with breakfast)

For more information, kindly check their website.

There are also agencies that offer day tour packages to Sumilon Island, and charges include access to facilities and equipment for water activities at the resort. Tour price usually starts at PHP 2,500.