Cambais Falls (Alegria, Cebu)

Cebu has always been a beauty. The island has been bestowed with interesting culture and a lot of wonders of nature. When we went to Alegria to attend my childhood friend's wedding, we decided to explore a little bit of the place. We were told that there was a waterfall named Cambais Falls.

The walk is about 1 kilometer from the main road. Before entering the main area of the falls, you would need to pay Php 20.00 as an entrance fee. There are also cottages and rooms when you want to stay there for a night. The scenic beauty of the place will really captivate you.

Photo credit: Ms Diane

Photo credit: Ms Diane

Photo credit: Ms Diane

Photo credit: Ms Diane

There are three levels and we decided to go to the last level. When we arrived there, there were a few people in the area already and since the water was so inviting, we took a plunge! The water is super cold and I was like freezing already but nothing can stop us from jumping and taking a plunge. 

Sun Xi (Alegria, Cebu)

Beach resort or mountain resort? In my case, why not both! 

Last weekend, one of my childhood friends married the love of her life. On Thursday evening, we departed the city and headed to Alegria which is located in the southern part of Cebu. It is about a 3-hour bus ride from the South Bus Terminal. 

At around 10:30 pm, we arrived at Sun Xi Beach Resort. We had a short sleep and at dawn, we woke up and prepared for the wedding.

At around 5:00 am, we were done eating our breakfast and because we were all ready and just waiting for the van that would take us to the church, we looked around the place. 

At around 7:00 am, we travelled from Alegria to Alcantara (about 30 minutes). The wedding started at 9:00 am and it was really a moving event since I know this couple has gone a lot of trials and tests in their relationship but now they are one in the eyes of God. :)

At 10:00 am, the wedding ceremony was finished and then we went back to Alegria. This time, the reception was held in Sun Xi Mountain Resort. The travel time was almost an hour also (from Alcantara to Sun Xi Mountain Resort). The road on the way was smooth but there were also some areas which were rough but once you arrive in the place, your breath will be taken away. The place is really beautiful. 

the entrance

The villas which were named after different flowers

Camellia- our room 

A nice place to relax and unwind 

Resto bar of the resort

We were disconnected from the world of internet for a few days but it doesn't matter. We were able to relaxed and have some fun with the company of family and friends. 

Anda! Bohol's Little Paradise

Before going to Bohol, one of my friends texted me that if we have enough time, we must try to visit Anda Beach because of its white sand. Anda is not that popular yet for tourists but since we were also curious, we decided to visit it once we reach Bohol. 

On our second day in Bohol, we first went to a nearby beach in Guindulman and later in the afternoon, we rented a small boat that would take us to Anda. As we had our sightseeing, we were really awed by the beauty of nature. Looking at the sea, you can really see what's underneath because of the clear water. My friends even saw some turtles! 

It was low tide when we arrived at Anda so the long stretch of sand welcomed us! I was really beaming because it was really beautiful. The place where we docked our boat was in front of the town hall so it was just a public beach but even though it was public, the sand was really something. It's powdery white sand is really fine and just amazing! I was even thinking of bringing home some of it. haha

Anda is truly a beauty to behold. I hope that one day, when I return to this place, it will still be the same. :)

Related blog posts:
* Bohol Escapade (1st day)
* The Buzzz Cafe
* Loboc River 
* Zoocolate Thrills
* Sevilla Hanging Bridge
* Tarsier Conservation Area 
* Man-made Forest 
* Butterfly Conservation Area
* The Shiphaus
* Chocolate Hills
* Bohol Escapade (2nd day)

Chocolate Hills

Visiting Bohol is never complete without Chocolate Hills. Located in Carmen, Chocolate Hills is one of the tourist destinations in the Philippines which is frequently visited by many people not only local but foreigners also. There are about thousands of hills in Carmen. Looking from the top view, these hills resemble the chocolate Hershey's Kisses. 

During the dry season, the hills covered with grass turns to chocolate brown in color, thus the name Chocolate Hills.

When you want to see the beauty of Chocolate Hills, you should climb some 200 something steps to get to the top, so be sure to bring some water with you. By the time you get to the top of the viewing deck, you will surely be panting but once you see the beautiful hills, the climb is worth it! 

Eventhough the place was damaged by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake last October 2013, there were still many people visiting the place.

This is our last stop and we're hitting the beach on Day 2! Stay tuned! ;)

Entrance fee: Php 50.00

Related blog posts:
* Bohol Escapade (1st day)
* The Buzzz Cafe
* Loboc River 
* Zoocolate Thrills
* Sevilla Hanging Bridge
* Tarsier Conservation Area 
* Man-made Forest 
* Butterfly Conservation Area
* The Shiphaus

Man-made Forest (Bilar)

With the scorching heat of the sun, the shade from the trees would surely make people feel refreshed. Tourists taking the Loboc-Bilar route would probably pass through the Man-made Forest and with its towering mahogany trees, one would really feel that you are transported in an enchanted place. ;)

The Man-made forest stretches as far as 2 kilometers and anyone who passes will surely make a stop and take some pictures (like us. haha) Now some maybe wondering why they made this forest? The reason for that is that 50 years ago, they started replacing the trees which were lost due to the widespread kaingin.

FYI: Kaingin is the practice of clearing the land by slashing and burning the trees and plowing the ashes for fertilizer. 

A quick visit in the man-made forest is surely a refreshing experience especially for people who are living in the city.


Related posts:
* Bohol Escapade (1st day)
* The Buzzz Cafe
* Loboc River 
* Zoocolate Thrills
* Sevilla Hanging Bridge
* Tarsier Conservation Area
* Butterfly Conservation Area
* The Shiphaus
* Chocolate Hills

Quick Escape: Mountain View Nature's Park

Due to some unforeseen circumstances, my plan to visit Inambakan Falls was postponed, but nobody can stop us from enjoying nature, so we found ourselves on a quick escapade to Mountain View Nature's Park located at Sitio Garaje,Busay, Cebu City.

A 15-20 minute drive from the city will get you in Mountain View. If you prefer other modes of transportation, you can either hire a van or taxi, ride a habal-habal (motorcycle) from JY Square Mall or hire the service van of Mountain View for P400.00 (10 pax).

                                                                                                          

* mountain's view

The entrance fee is P 50.00 and you can bring your own provisions with no additional payment. There are a lot of cottages which are free of charge. If you want to have an overnight, there are rooms available and the rates are also affordable (price range: P500.00 - P1,500.00). 

* free tables in the park :)

If you just want to unwind and relax for a day, this is the perfect place to stay. With a lot of trees, plants as well as fresh, cool air, you can temporarily forget your stresses in life. 

* take a stroll

The park also offers several amenities such as a swimming pool, a rope course, camping sites, retreat and seminar halls, videoke, restaurants and many more. (I wasn't able to take a picture of the pool. My apologies. -_-)

* rope course (I'll be coming back for this! haha)

* hanging bridge

* one of the restaurants in the park

And here I am, goofing around. :P

* AHA! Caught in the act. :P

* beary hug

* my striped buddies!

*awwwww, how sweet. :D

Indeed, this is a great place for family, friends and individuals looking for an escapade from the busy city life. Beat the heat and make Mountain View Nature's Park one of your summer destinations this 2014.