20/11/2020
“Winding Road of Ecstasy ☁️”
📍Busay (Cebu Transcentral Highway)
Alynna Marie Pasumala
12-HUMSS_OSLO
It is without a doubt that Cebu has a lot to offer. From food, malls, events, and of course, must-visit tourist spots. Cebu City does not only reach out to heritage aficionados, it also extends its arms to travelers who fancy a mountain adventure. At the highlands few minutes from downtown area are tourist attractions that highlight the beauty of Cebu City on its mountain side, particularly Busay area.
Last year 2019, together with my travel buddies, we unhesitated to run-off to the west end of Cebu. We picked these two famous uphill destinations that have been taken the internet by storm through its picturesque spots, The temple of Leah and the Sirao Flower Garden.
From colon street we ride the 04L jeep to JY Square Lahug. Look for the palengke (wet market) there and ride a habal–habal (motorbike) to Sirao. That would be around Php 400-600 round trip for two persons with multiple destinations, since it loaded extortionate, it would be nice to include other places in your itinerary, like Temple of Leah. Just negotiate with the driver. It's actually a short trip about 30-45 mins from JY Square to Sirao Flower Garden.
As we passed through the Transcentral Highway leave me astounded from it's view down there. That mountainous highway is far the finest road I've found in the city on which to enjoy a fun, relaxing, and challenging motorbike ride. With plenty of twists, turns, and switchbacks to excite the motorbike enthusiast. Stunning views from the mountaintops are sure to delight photographers, and numerous villages line the road with vendors selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to cold drinks and prepared food. It is also dotted with upscale lodging, budget hotels, and 'eco resorts' that will whet the appetite of even the most discerning tourist. The road is well maintained and a joy to travel by bike. If you're a biker, then this road should be on your bucket list.
I remember Sirao Flower Garden as mini Amsterdam. With its fiery celosia flowers and stunning landscapes. With its immense popularity and extraordinary beauty. The garden was booming with fresh, healthy and colorful flowers and its mountainous backdrop was breathtaking. The place was clean, and people were no longer picking flowers and stepping on stems, far from what I expected. At last, the park’s visitors have learned to respect and preserve the beauty of nature. But before you schedule a trip to this prismatic flower garden, Check their page first to let you know if the garden is showcasing its famous celosia flowers during your visit. Remember, there’s a time or seasons for seeding, harvesting, sowing and blooming for flowers. By just 50 pesos entrance fee (for Sirao PGC) and Php 100 (for Sirao Little Amsterdam) you can now enjoy the view, the fresh air mountain breeze that can never be found in the city.
After we adore the beauty of nature, Busay offered and served us a taste of ancient Greece, Temple of Leah. From its Greek-like statues to its gorgeous architecture, there’s no shortage of picture-perfect sights at Temple of Leah. This majestic edifice is an impressive Cebu tourist spot that inspires awe. As a matter of fact, you can spend an hour of more there just admiring its ornate design and gleaming interiors. As an added bonus, the place offers a gorgeous overlooking view of the busy and energetic metropolis. The temple was carved from the mountain side and had massive temple grounds overlooking the major cities down below Cebu and the sea. When we were there, construction is still underway. The temple adopts an ancient Roman and Greek architectural style complete with huge columns and statues of gods and goddesses. It's like being transported back in time. Since it is located and on the elevated land on Mt. Busay the atmosphere is mostly calm and cool. Entrance fee is cheap, priced at Php 50 from what I can remember. There's really nothing much to do there but to take tons and tons of photos or basically admire the view and enjoy the cool breeze.
Along the same small road, Roosevelt St. Brgy. Busay, just a little off the highway there is a nice place to have lunch or dinner while enjoying the view of the mountains and hills of Cebu, The Lantaw Busay. Prices are also pretty decent.
If you're a vegetarian either loves to eat fruits then don't forget to walk along the road by the time you pass Busay Holiday Pools and before you reach Ayala Heights, there are a number of small vegetable and fruit vendors that sell their product along the highway. Do make a quick stop and buy some of their product, especially the sweetcorn. They’re local famers so they sell their products at a very cheap price. You can get everything from root vegetables, bananas and mangoes, and sometimes even flowers.
To my way of thinking, Busay is a perfect place not only for a one-day visit but also for a long stay. If you need a break from the crowded subway or filthy city air, want to enjoy a scenic mountain view, with plenty of tourists spot in one place then Busay should be number one in your travel list!