A JOURNEY to Remember: Exploring the best kept GEM in the South Western part of CEBU.

An atmosphere worth more than five thousand words to describe. Just like how you dream about needing a tropical vacation. You’re in your own little world, away from all the pollution and hassles of the City. A perfect get-away from people who wants to reflect and would love to commune with nature or even for those who want to just slack up, get in touch with their inner self or just spend quality time with loved ones, then join us as we take you to one of the must-see hidden paradise of the South.

Allowing myself and having a chance to enjoy in harmony and indulge in natures bounty is always a thrill. Basking in the naturally healing clean open air and sticking close to the sea is always fun, even if I can’t swim that well and I’m not really fond of the beach. The white tongue of powdery sand whisking on my feet, turquoise water, the perfect  firmament above, and the gentle  air that slowly kissing my skin, and that for me is a paradise and the closest formula to happiness.

A well known Island in Southern part of Cebu that can be achieved by a few minutes boat ride from the mainland of Cebu. Most people will choose the alternative route from the Southern Bus Terminal and get off at Badian Town. The actual turn off is a couple kilometers from the town but there are no waiting habal-habal drivers on the corner.

Badian Island  is located on the southwest coast of Cebu and commonly known for delivering an array of interesting water activities, best diving site, crystal clear blue water, provides a perfect hideaway, and has infinite ways of celebrating its nature to satisfy every longing and desires of every traveler. A bunch of skeptical thought generated upon planning this travel, not because it was off the beaten path, but this Island is noted for being expensive, conceivably because of the prominent world class hotel and resort situated in the Island, the well-known Badian Island Wellness and Resort. And since the biggest let down for me and my friends was the sky soar high price then we had the other way of exploring the Island.

We rented a Jeepney (a common public transportation in the Philippines) from Barili going to the port of Badian Island. But before heading off to the Island, we make certain that we have a fully loaded cartoon of grocery items so we won’t starve to death.
Note: The Island has no Convenience store, far from civilization and don’t hold enough water supply.

A well favored adventure indeed. We were able to travel to this Island knowing that it is really expensive. But because I was with my circle of friends whose fond of traveling with less expenses then we were able to match the ideal expenses as expected. One of our friends who has a contact person from the Island were able to organize this adventure, from accommodation down to Island hopping.

We were able to reached the Island an hour before 12:00pm, we had our lunch and some repose. About 2:00pm, we went straight to Pescador Island which is commonly known for having the best place for diving and has an array of underwater species such as corals, fishes, and its like an underwater garden. The Island is also granting the best site for dolphin watching. But since, the best time to see the adorable dolphins is during the morning, me and my friends missed it.

 

Pescador Island

The house front area is just beautiful, the untouched white sand beach is just so perfect, the stunning colors of the sky when the sun slowly goes below the horizon is beyond compare. My friends were astonished, grinning from ear to ear, taking perfect selfies, trying to create some perfect jump shots under the lovely colors of the sky at the vast beauty of the sea and the perfect white powdery sand kissing their feet.

 

Badian Island

The night is coming, the cloying sound of evening species has been just about the house, neighbors are quite far, an aberrant evening for us, it was peaceful, serene and a perfect evening to rest our jaded body.

 

Lambug Beach 

On our second day, we got to another secluded beach front gateway to the South. The unspoiled Lambug Beach in Badian Cebu. The beach holds a long stretch of white dust like sand, crystal clear blue water, clear firmament above, and swimming in an uncrowded beach is like owning the whole beach. It is good to rest along the beach shoreline while listening to the wind blows and the calmness of the sea. The place is still under development, no high end Resort in the area, but it has many rentable cottages to rent on the shoreline. But so far the only resort that stands out in that location is the grandest Grandeur Beach Resort.

 

Tilapia Fishing Village and Restaurant

Only few meters before Barili’s famous Mantayupan Falls, we dropped off to this roaring name of Tilapia Fishing Village and Restaurant to order some food. The place offers dinning, pond fishing, swimming pool, cottages, horse back riding, cottages and overnight accommodations. The place also provides an array of Tilapia menu’s that will certainly meet your craving.

 

Mantaupan Falls, Barili, Cebu

Our next destination is the dual-tiered Mantayupan falls nestled at the foot of Barili’s sprawling mountains and peacefully situated in the lush scenery green forest. The first tier is 14 meters high tiered waterfalls, splitting together and formed three layers which looks like they’re being disunited. The second level is the 98 meters high cascading falls that create a thundering roar as it plunges from its summit to its wide catchment basin. It is alleged to be the tallest waterfalls in the Province of Cebu. The second tier provides the atmosphere with a cooling mist, bluish green water, divulging its stunning natural beauty to every traveler, showing its unspoiled environment and deserves a visit even for a short period of time.

 

Boloc-Boloc Spring

Aside from Mantayupan Falls, a comforting Boloc-black spring slowly spreading its name to every traveler due to its clear water and soothing ambiance. It has two swimming pools containing fresh water and smothered with green trees on both sides. But what got to every traveler and tourist to visit this place is the Mineral Hot Spring. It has Sulfuric water-fed swimming pool that can cure skin ailments and a sound remedy for your tiring body.

This 2 days successful itinerary was not made impossible without the help of Emily and Michelle. I would wish to thank you both for every effort that you have exerted. Wielding your influence really saved thousands of money in exploring Badian Island.