A Scenic Horse Back Riding Trail in Moalboal

Hello Hivers!

Late last year, we chanced upon this hill top ranch offering horse back riding guided tours in Moalboal, Cebu, Philippines. It was highly recommended by a friend who works with horses. Out of curiosity, Yohann drove there on a scooter. He found the place by asking a resident who was walking up the hill. He was greeted by the guide at the stables and he made a reservation for our horse ride tour that afternoon.

The weather forecast declared it to be sunny, so later in the day, we were there at the stables. We were asked to make our way up to Giddyap Mountain Resort, a red roofed house nestled further up the hill where the lounge area was.

On the way, we spotted a gorgeous view of Tanon Strait. This container accommodation is Ocean View Lodge. Next door neighbor to Giddyap : Horse Back Riding. As always, I couldn't resist checking what this hostel offers. Unfortunately, there wasn't anyone there that day and the gate was closed, but I had the opportunity to take a snapshot of their pool.

We initially thought this was the waiting area until one of the guides motioned us to continue walking. We followed the limestone path bordered by corn fields and a dragon fruit plantation until we finally reached Giddyap Mountain Resort.

How to get there?

On the National Highway in Moalboal towards Badian right after the New Gaisano Town Mall, turn left after Balabagon Elementary School. Follow the small road leading up to Giddyap Mountain Resort.

We made a mistake and took a right turn on the road in front of a newly constructed house that leads to Ocean View Lodge and the stables. If you follow the map below, you don't have to walk as much as we did.

At the Giddyap Mountain Resort Restaurant, we filled up forms, while waiting for the horses to arrive. We were given helmets to wear, along with a short briefing when the horses we ready.

We mounted our horses while Anaïs, my then 5 year old daughter rode with their experienced adult rider. Our trail guide had his own stallion. We later learned that he is in fact a professional equestrian who regularly competes and have already won awards. I asked him many questions how he got into horse riding and from the way his eyes lit up as he talked, his passion for horses was clear.

The duration of the scenic ride is approximately an hour but ours lasted for 45 minutes.

Yohann was unsure in the beginning due to his bad experience with horses in France but the horses here were really docile, well trained, and responsive. We rode through a scenic mountain trail with glimpses of the impressive peaks of Badian and Moalboal coast.

The picture above is quite symbolic because all three of us were born during the Year of the Horse. Hence, that explains our adventurous spirit.

Conclusion

Yohann gained a much better appreciation for horse back riding. This was Anaïs' second horse ride (the first one was in Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon). I love horses so I definitely enjoyed it.

We all had such a great time that we returned again last February when Yohann's brother and his entire family from France came to visit us in the Philippines. They too had excellent moments there.

This is something that we look forward to doing once activities re-open in our town. Fingers crossed.

Do you like riding horses along scenic trails?