Why do you travel?

Some would say they travel to escape. Some travel to unwind, see new places, learn new things, meet new people. Some people travel to — we’ve all heard of this — ‘find themselves.’ We have different purposes for traveling and there are different kinds of travelers, from history nerds to culture geeks to nature freaks to adventure junkies. On my recent trip to Cebu, I realized that the province has a lot to offer to all kinds of travelers. And I only got to visit Mactan, Cebu City and some towns in the South — what more if I had more time to visit the other parts of Cebu?

In my previous post, I listed down some spots that history lovers shouldn’t miss when visiting Cebu. Now, let’s see what Cebu has in store for those who are into culture, nature, and adventure.

Culture

Philippine Taoist Temple

Did you know that Cebu has a Beverley Hills Subdivision? And inside it is the Cebu Taoist Temple or Philippine Taoist Temple. And it is BEAUTIFUL. Upon entering, you’d get this China vibe, with its Great Wall of China-ish entrance. Since it is located 980 ft above sea level, you’d get a lovely view of downtown Cebu from one of the decks. The place is open for worshipers or non-worshipers alike, so you don’t have to worry about not being a Taoist. Observe silence though when near the chapel.

Carcar

We are what we eat. The easiest and probably most enjoyable way of experiencing a destination’s culture is through its cuisine. Cebu has no shortage of good food. Carcar, in particular, is famous for its lechon and chicharon, both of which you shouldn’t miss.

Argao

Further down south is the municipality of Argao which is famous for torta. No, it’s not the omelet kind of torta. This torta is a type of bread, a muffin really. What makes Argao’s torta special is its use of tuba (fermented coconut wine), which is why it gives off a slightly sour taste. It’s good and really filling.

Nature & Adventure

Tops

I’m not so sure if Tops falls under nature and/or adventure but it’s definitely one of the famous spots in Cebu City. Found in Busay and situated 2000 feet above sea level, Tops offers one of the best views of the city. It’s a great spot for nighttime relaxation and muni-muni. If you’re a fan of night city light, then this one’s a must.

Mountain View Nature’s Park

Mountain View is just a few hundred meters away from Tops and is also situated hundreds of feet above sea level, so you get the same view of the city, except you can only come here at daytime. This park was our last stop before we headed to the airport and it was AWESOME. It has gardens, cottages, pools, picnic tables and benches, viewing decks, an obstacle course (that I wanted to try badly but we had little time to spare), and so many statues that are begging for Instagramming. The features make it seem like this park is meant for kids — and it is, which is why it’s perfect for families — but adults will also enjoy it. My sister and I had so much fun here and I really want to go back.

Aguinid Falls

Frequent traveling has made me realize that despite the exhaustion and pain, I love trekking. And that I actually prefer waterfalls more than seas/beaches. Combine those two things and you get Aguinid Falls. Found in Samboan (Sourthern Cebu), Aguinid Falls has 5 tiers, which each level getting higher and harder to climb. You’d have to climb rocks and limestones to reach each level — all while water constantly flows down on you. Your cameras and phones should be wrapped in plastics because there’s really no way you won’t get wet. You can choose to stop and not go further up the higher levels… but you’ll be missing out on the grandest part of the adventure which is level 5. Trekking on Aguinid Falls is a wet and wild experience, something you should try once in your life.

Oslob

This list wouldn’t be complete without Oslob. And for good reason. Oslob is famous for its whale sharks. To be honest, I panic easily when I’m in water (I don’t know how to swim), even when I have a life vest. I did get to see a couple of whale sharks — big and scary and amazing all at the same time — but I didn’t enjoy this as much as I wanted to. My sister, on the other hand, got to pose near one! And if you’re looking for the unforgettable chance of witnessing Mother Nature’s awe-inspiring creation, then this should be on your list.

What kind of traveler are you? Have you visited Cebu and has it satisfied the type of travel that you prefer? Share your experiences in the Comments!