Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Cebu: traveling to the South!

As a poor travel enthusiast, it is indeed a great fulfillment to travel miles away from my comfort zone. It was definitely my lifelong wish to travel outside Mindanao area.
 
My Cebu escapade is the most memorable travel I’ve ever had considering that I traveled with my family (all expense paid by me). Meeting my father’s siblings and other relatives for the first time is perhaps the most rewarding part of my year-long savings.
 
From Nasipit to Cebu via Cokaliong Shipping Lines:
Travel schedule - Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Regular Fare
Student/ Senior Citizen
Cabin
1295

Tourist
1065
923
Economy
865

Only Cebu pacific offers a direct flight daily from Butuan to Cebu (vice versa).
 
Prior to our trip, I’ve googled anything what Southern Cebu has to offer to make our travel worth remembering; there we got Osmeňa Peak, Moalboal Beach, Lambug Beach and Kawasan Falls. We were kinda excited upon seeing the pictures of O-peak. However, I found out that the road going there is too difficult. I cannot afford to put the life of my love ones at risk, I backed out.
MOALBOAL BEACH
 
I’ve chosen Basdaku beach because it’s the only white beach I knew that offers a lowest price when it comes to cottage rental, food, drinks, etc. But then again, it’s a holy week and as expected the owner charged higher compared to normal days. The cheapest cottage is 400.00 even if we only stayed there for 3hours. Haggling is of no effect. We also paid 25/shower each. We've also paid several entrance/environmental fees. 
 
Our quick beach experience regardless of the charges was fabulous. 
Basdaku Beach
LAMBUG BEACH & KAWASAN FALLS
I was able to hit 2 prime destinations in Badian: the Lambug Beach and the famous Kawasan Falls.
 
Lambug white beach has finer sand compared to Moalboal Beach. You don’t even have to worry if you walk with bare foot along the shore. The pristine water is simply alluring. I’ve seen no garbage on its shoreline. Should you wish to stay there for overnight, you may contact Grandeur Beach Resort at their mobile numbers 09262789880 and 09089992490 or email them at grandge78@yahoo.com for your accommodation. 
Lambug Beach around 5PM
Kawasan Falls- The 11th waterfalls I’ve been to so far. According to beauty and uniqueness, this one ranks second among the 11. This falls is really tempting. 

I went to Kawasan for picture purposes, but my plan swiftly changed the moment I’ve seen its fantastic cascades. I decided to swim with my bra and short’s on only. We rent a life vest for Php75.00 each. The bamboo raft including the guide costs Php 300.00/group.
 
We’re able to enjoy the heat of the Badian summer without compromising our budget.



SIMALA SHRINE 

It is a very beautiful holy place which is 2 hours away from the Cebu City Terminal. Van fare is 100. There is no entrance fee. Taking of pictures inside is not prohibited, however as a devoted Catholic, I prefer to respect the sacredness of the place.
 
Things to remember:
           1.    Simala is a sacred place, so wear proper attire. Wearing of shorts, above the knee skirts and sleeveless shirts are not allowed inside. If you happened to wear such attire, a piece of cloth/ veil is available for free inside the shrine, you can just borrow it at the security guard. Other option is to rent a veil outside the gate.
        2.    Observe silence!
                   3.  Keep an eye to your stuffs.