Cebu : Oslob WHale Sharks

     If you are in Cebu and you got a day to spend for another side trip you can add Oslob to your Itinerary. You can ask your hotel or a travel agency to arrange the trip for you. Most ptobably you will be picked up super early from your hotel because it takes 3 hours to go to oslob.

 

            Upon Arrival in Oslob you will have to register on the log book and pay the fee for whale watching . Since we were there on holy week there were alot of tourists in line. Youll have to get the number and wait to be called for orientation. while waiting you can stroll around and check out the food and souvineirs in the area.

 

                    Before riding a banca to the interaction are you are called for a short orientation. wherein youll be reminded to keep distance and not to touch the butandings. Though if they touch you that will be alright. also you are not allowed to wear sunblock and if you already are youll have to rinse them off at the shower area first before going to the interaction area.

 

             They say it is best to view the butandings from 6 am until lunch time because that is their feeding time. the fishermen feed the butandings w/ krill or that small shrimps around the interaction area so you can also see them upclose.

 

                It was magical to see the butandings up close ,they're like as big as a bus and they swim really just close around. I was amazed when the 2 butandings were just above and below me as the fishermen were feeding them breakfast. I wouldnt want to go up the banca again but i could just stay and swim with them the whole day.

 

          Two thumbs up for this experience a must try in Cebu. I still wish to go back and see them again. Made my holiday trip worth it. It made me appreciate the beauty of nature,the more that we have to take care of our marine life cause we are so blessed to have them in our country.

XOXO

Coleen Perez

Cebu: Side Trips

 " TOPS LOOKOUT"

 

This is one tourist spot in Cebu that you shouldnt miss! this is located at the top of Busay Hills, further up north from the Temple of Leah. Here you will see a beautiful view of Cebu City, Mactan Island and other islands. A perfect stopover to enjoy snacks after a tour or before heading home.

 

I love staring at beautiful sceneries. Even for a while it clears my mind and makes me appreciate the beauty of nature. Its a good spot to unwind from maybe a stressful week. Also even a good spot for maybe proposals i think or justto let the bad vibes out of your head. There are snack bars in the area so you could just grab snacks and drinks there. Though you can also bring your own they wont charge you corkage anymore. there are stone tables and chairs on the side where you can just chill

There is a 100php entrance fee for tops lookout but i assure you its just so worth it.Of course who wouldn't miss taking photos and my favorite jumpshots. Make sure to take a lot of photos w/ the view and at the picnic area.

OUTFIT : crop top (louelle), Leggings (terranova), Sneakers (Forever 21) Hat(Dotti Australia)

 The picnic are was featured in one block buster movie. The way that stones and concrete was designed and the way that the ceiling was made of nipa and then supported with cement amazes me. They really gave effort in designing the lookout giving it a more beautiful ambience.

" TABOAN MARKET"

         I think anyone wouldn't leave cebu without taking home their most requested pasalubong. At taboan fish market you'll find all kinds of dried fish and squid that sells from 400-600 per kilo. You will save more instead of buying at the supermarkets or pasalubong stores. You can request to separate the dried fish and seal it per 100 grams. If you love longanisa they also have their local longanisa they call chorizo sold per dozen.

   

 Aside from dried fish & chorizo you can also find their export quality dried mangoes in different varieties. Dried mango chips, the newest mango chocolate and the classic mango slices which can also be bought per kilo that would cost around 400php. They also have other snack items like otap, durian candy squid rings etc. Food is just the best pasalubong from cebu and its best to get all of it from taboan market. Looking forward to my next trip to Cebu loving it already!

XOXO

Coleen Perez

   

CEBU: The Taoist Temple

 

I had a photo in this same Spot with my dad when i was 3 years old so i wanted to have that photo again after years. The Taoist Temple is one attraction you shouldn't miss in Cebu. It is a good place to appreciate Chinese architecture & take your  souvineir photos .

           There are several prayer rooms at the temple from the simplest  to the grandest ones. If you are taoist you can pray or if your not taoist i think you can try praying well there's no harm doing it since we really worship the same god just in a different form. There are instructions outside the temple about how they practice.

         Outside one of the prayer rooms at the top of the hill in the area was a wishing pond not a well but same thing you can just throw your coins and make a wish. Wishes do come true just wait for the right time.

 

We started walking from the top area of the Temple. At the top you can also see the view of Cebu City and breath fresh air. Another nice place to meditate but as for me being a tourist in Cebu, It was unlimited photo sessions with my relatives on the walk down the temple.

 

 We went to the Taoist Temple via a van for hire and i dont think this exact point is accessible by other public transportations except taxis. If you want to visit and take your photos at the taoist temple you can just book a city tour with your travel agency or hotel and they will surely include this in your itinerary.

XOXO

COLEEN PEREZ