Cebu province has been abundantly blessed with the most astounding tourist spots that are not only locally known but also sought after by foreign visitors. Despite a number of environmental issues and natural catastrophes that disturbed the raw wonders of the province, the tourism industry of Cebu continues to boom along with recent discoveries of potential tourist spots. Additionally, more hotels and resorts are being launched both in the metropolis and in the provinces. No city or town in Cebu that does not offer great vacation destinations fit for whatever time of the year. You will surely be amazed with the overwhelming choices you have but let's start with this quiet town of the South - BOLJOON!
Boljoon lies 102 km away from Cebu South Bus Terminal in Cebu City. It is approximately a three-hour drive from the city depending on the traffic. Buses bound to Bato / Oslob will pass by this town as it is situated between Alcoy and Oslob. You'll know that you have already reached the town once you see the iconic gigantic boulders with a cliff that's really close to the beach. Fun, adventure, and history start here.
Let me give you 6 places you shouldn't miss in your Boljoon escapade.
1. Iconic - ELI ROCK
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| View from the top |
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| the famous spot where the sun rises in sophisticated glares |
2. Amazing - PALANAS by The Sea
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| infinite possibilities |
3. Mystical wonder - PALANAS FARM AND RESORT
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| One of the two large swimming pools |
4. Soul-soothing - DAYHAG FALLS
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| Fifth Level of Dayhag Falls - best part for swimming |
5. Breathtaking - ABLAYAN PEAK
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| where the earth and heavens meet |
6. Historical - BOLJOON HERITAGE
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| old town church |
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| Oldest school in town |
If you'd really want to relish the beauty of each of the sites, two days may not be enough but if you're willing, you could visit all these places in ONE AWESOME DAY! How? Read on.
1. Jumpstart at dawn!
You start driving or traveling at around 2 AM to get to the 1st stop - the Eli Rock - before sunrise. Eli Rock is known to be the best part for the morning sun. Shout out to Little Lai for the travel tips.
After 30 minutes to an hour of sightseeing, you may take a walk to Boljoon's Heritage site which includes the century-old church, watchtower, and the oldest Catholic school in town.
1. Jumpstart at dawn!
You start driving or traveling at around 2 AM to get to the 1st stop - the Eli Rock - before sunrise. Eli Rock is known to be the best part for the morning sun. Shout out to Little Lai for the travel tips.
After 30 minutes to an hour of sightseeing, you may take a walk to Boljoon's Heritage site which includes the century-old church, watchtower, and the oldest Catholic school in town.
FIRST STOP: ELI ROCK (ILIHAN)
2. Breakfast on-the-go.
Since you're travelling at dawn, it's next to impossible to get a decent meal for breakfast while you're on a trip especially for those who are taking public transpo. Unlike Northern Cebu trips, buses going south do not have pit stops so hold your pee (LOL). You can either buy something to nibble while at the terminal or wait until you reach Boljoon.
In our case, we felt lucky that we found a karinderia (small restaurant) right after we exited the heritage site. It looked like a house with an open dining area. The food they served were affordable and savory which reminded me so much of Filipino lutong-bahay. The owners were really accommodating and courteous. (Thank you nanay & ate!)
SECOND STOP: BOLJOON HERITAGE SITE
3. Meet traysikad and habal-habal.
Take advantage of the local rides in Boljoon. From Boljoon church, you may take a tricycle ride to the public market to save time. Fare is at P 10 / person. One tricycle/e-bike ride can accommodate 2-3 people so enjoy the ride!
Habal-habal is another local motorcycle ride which can take you to Ablayan Peak and Dayhag Falls for only P500 (to and fro). Just add P 200 for Palanas Mountain Resort. The ride can accommodate 3 other people excluding the driver; however, you have to note that one of you needs to take the front seat - that's right in front of the driver's seat which can be awkward for some but definitely exciting for us.
You can definitely hike from the public market to the next destinations but it will take 5-6 hours hours while with a motorcycle, it will only take 30 - 40 minutes. There's not much hiking needed here since the motorcycle can reach until the peak and the falls.
THIRD STOP: ABLAYAN PEAK
FOURTH STOP: DAYHAG FALLS
4. Be friendly!
Since you're travelling at dawn, it's next to impossible to get a decent meal for breakfast while you're on a trip especially for those who are taking public transpo. Unlike Northern Cebu trips, buses going south do not have pit stops so hold your pee (LOL). You can either buy something to nibble while at the terminal or wait until you reach Boljoon.
In our case, we felt lucky that we found a karinderia (small restaurant) right after we exited the heritage site. It looked like a house with an open dining area. The food they served were affordable and savory which reminded me so much of Filipino lutong-bahay. The owners were really accommodating and courteous. (Thank you nanay & ate!)
SECOND STOP: BOLJOON HERITAGE SITE
3. Meet traysikad and habal-habal.
Take advantage of the local rides in Boljoon. From Boljoon church, you may take a tricycle ride to the public market to save time. Fare is at P 10 / person. One tricycle/e-bike ride can accommodate 2-3 people so enjoy the ride!
Habal-habal is another local motorcycle ride which can take you to Ablayan Peak and Dayhag Falls for only P500 (to and fro). Just add P 200 for Palanas Mountain Resort. The ride can accommodate 3 other people excluding the driver; however, you have to note that one of you needs to take the front seat - that's right in front of the driver's seat which can be awkward for some but definitely exciting for us.
You can definitely hike from the public market to the next destinations but it will take 5-6 hours hours while with a motorcycle, it will only take 30 - 40 minutes. There's not much hiking needed here since the motorcycle can reach until the peak and the falls.
THIRD STOP: ABLAYAN PEAK
FOURTH STOP: DAYHAG FALLS
4. Be friendly!
Although the locals of Boljoon are naturally friendly and approachable, you have to be more proactive in kicking off a conversation with them. They love to help and they will absolutely help you with directions which will save you time. Smile and never hesitate to ask if you need to. Share you travel stories about their place and what you think about it. You'll be surprised!
FIFTH STOP: PALANAS FARM AND RESORT
5. Don't linger.
As much as you want to take your time enjoying the view while taking a deep breath and plunging into the cool water of the spring or the pool, you have to be quite time-conscious. An hour or two can be sufficient for sightseeing or swimming. If you linger so much in one place you might miss the greater stuff.
SIXTH STOP: PALANAS BY THE SEA
FIFTH STOP: PALANAS FARM AND RESORT
5. Don't linger.
As much as you want to take your time enjoying the view while taking a deep breath and plunging into the cool water of the spring or the pool, you have to be quite time-conscious. An hour or two can be sufficient for sightseeing or swimming. If you linger so much in one place you might miss the greater stuff.
SIXTH STOP: PALANAS BY THE SEA
6. Multitask.
If you can chat with a friend through Facebook while reading this or watch TV while you eat, there's not much difference with taking photos while swimming (water-resistant cam, of course) or vlogging while taking your meals (just be careful not to choke. lol!) This will absolutely save your time.
Now, we're going home! Let's call it a day - a tremendously jam-packed day!
Price Tag
- Bus One-way Fare - Php 130 - 150 (Cebu - Boljoon)
- Motorcycle Package Trip - Php 700 (good for 3 people / to and fro 3 destinations: Ablayan Peak, Dayhag Falls, and Palanas Farm & Resort)
- E-bike/Tricycle Ride - Php 10 per person
Entrance Fees:
- Dayhag Falls - Php 20
- Palanas Farm & Resort - Php 350 (sightseeing only - P100)
- Palanas by the Sea - Php 350 (sightseeing only - P100)
- Heritage Site - none
- Eli Rock - none
- Ablayan Peak - none
Photo credits: Aldrin Floyd
facebook.com/AldrinLesPhotos - You take the best photos! :D Thank you.
facebook.com/AldrinLesPhotos - You take the best photos! :D Thank you.
Till our next laag!
XOXO,
Travelsome Chic
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