Cebu Adventures: Five Countries in One Day

By A Not So Secret Life and Randomly Candid

Cebu is one of the cities that we will never get tired of going back to. Every time we return, there’s always something new to experience.

Just recently, we were in Cebu and we decided to extend for a few days to explore one of our favorite cities even more. With the recommendations from our Cebu friends, we came up with an itinerary that lets us experience five countries in one day, all without leaving Cebu.

Majestic Structures of Greece at Temple of Leah

Called as the “Taj Mahal of Cebu”, Temple of Leah is considered one of the most popular sites in Busay, Cebu.

It was compared to the Taj Mahal as it was also once a mausoleum. But its architectural design is more akin to Greek temples – from the grand staircase that welcomes every guest, down to the columns patterned from the ancient Greek pillar designs and the statues of the Greek soldiers who guard the temple.

More than a tourist attraction, the Temple of Leah serves as a testament of the undying love of a husband for his late wife. It was built in honor of Leah Albino-Adarna, wife of Teodorico Adarana who is the patriarch of one of the most prominent families in Cebu.

For a P50 entrance fee, you can already enjoy taking Instagram worthy photos in this spot.

Colorful Flowers of Amsterdam at Sirao Pictorial Garden

Dubbed the “Little Amsterdam of Cebu”, Sirao Pictorial Garden is another Instagram worthy spot in Cebu. Just like Amsterdam, there are thousands of flowers of different colors and kinds.

Aside from the flowers, the garden also has a lot of pictorial areas and structures that give visitors a picture-perfect view. Our favorite is the huge golden hand structure, the most photographed among the structures in the garden.

For a P100 entrance fee, you can already enjoy taking as many photos as you want anywhere in the garden.

 

Mountain View of Brazil at 21 Kilometers Coffee

Enjoy the breathtaking view of the mountain comparable to those in Brazil at 21 Kilometers Coffee in Barangay Tabunan, the last barangay of Cebu City before the Balamban town.

It might be not that popular among tourists, but it has been a famous stopover for

mountaineers and bikers because of the relaxing view it offers.

Located at the hillside along the national highway, 21 Kilometers Coffee also offers affordable coffee, cakes, and pastries; not to mention the natural view that makes every dining experience extra special.

 

Romantic Feels of France at La Vie in the Sky

Just like the Paris-inspired La Vie Parisienne in Lahug, La Vie in the Sky also gives you an authentic French dining experience not only with the food and wine, but also the interiors that resemble the French aesthetic.

La Vie in the Sky is located atop a mountain in Busay, Cebu City. This French restaurant serves a wide array of wines, cheeses, cold cuts, pizza, pasta and more. Each floor has its own theme exuding a classic and posh ambiance of French-inspired fixtures that make every corner of this restobar a hit for your Instagram feed.

 

For a P100 consumable entrance fee, you can already experience Paris.

 

Torii Gates of Japan at Lahug

If there is one country that has special space in our heart, it’s going to be Japan. That is why we’re very happy to see a local version of the popular Torii Gates of Sanko Shrine in Lahug.

We first saw it posted by one of our Cebu-based blogger friends and found out that it’s very near where we stayed. We dropped by the area which is located outside a Japanese Surplus Shop. Originally, it serves as a landmark of the said shop but it has instantly become a popular Instagram spot among the tourists.

Cebu is indeed a city with a lot of offerings and with these spots,  we just proved that its beauty is world-class.

See?

You don’t have to leave Cebu or the Philippines just to see beautiful places.

Our country has so much to offer. They’re just waiting for you to discover.