Maribago Bluewater Resort and Spa, Mactan Island, Cebu
Hello Hive!
It's time for another showcase of Philippine Islands! This time, I don't have to go far from where I live. This will be all about Cebu and Visayas Islands.
I just posted in
Photography Lovers community some photos of Carnaza Island and La Manok Island. Those islands are less known compared to their neighbouring touristy ones, but they're not inferior to Bantayan Island or Camotes. In fact, their less popular status as a tourist destination made them more appealing to visit. Anyway, know more about those islands in this post:
This is sort of a compilation post of the places in Cebu and the neighbouring islands that I've visited, just like those islands above, but with new and added photos I've never shared before. The reason why I'm doing this now is because
Cebu and Visayas Islands has been awarded as
Best in Asia by
Condé Nast Traveler's The Best Islands in the World: 2020 Readers' Choice Awards.
This is a celebration post!
Maribago Bluewater Resort and Spa, Mactan Island, Cebu
Why is it a big deal?
Condé Nast Traveler is a luxury and lifestyle travel magazine that has won 25 National Magazine Awards. This year's Readers' Choice Awards has a record of 600,000 voters who weigh in the best in the world, may it be cities, islands, hotels, and countries. Take note that this year is their 33rd annual survey.
To be recognized by a US travel magazine as the Best Island in Asia is a big deal for me. As a traveller who keeps on promoting the tourist attractions here in Cebu and Visayas, it makes me very proud. It means what I'm promoting ranks at par with the bests in the world.
Mt. Mago, Carmen, Cebu
At around the same period last year, we went to Boracay and about a month after, Condé Nast Traveler announced that Boracay was the Best Island in Asia for 2019. Cebu & Visayas Islands followed in the second spot and Palawan in the fourth spot. The Philippines has always been a constant contender for the Best Islands in Asia. I wrote about Boracay in a series of posts:
[1] Kim's Quest #14: Strolling Around Boracay at Night
[2] Kim's Quest #15: Boracay (Part 1) - Best Island in Asia (Condé Nast Traveler's 2019 Readers' Choice Awards)
[3] Kim's Quest #16: Boracay (Part 2) - Best Island in Asia (Condé Nast Traveler's 2019 Readers' Choice Awards)
I can't believe Cebu & Visayas Islands took the top spot this year. Palawan is still at the fourth spot. Siargao is fifth and Boracay is sixth. This makes the Philippines the country with the highest number of contenders within the top 10.
Cebu and Visayas Islands deserve to be the Best Island in Asia. If you're not yet convinced, I'll give you more reasons why you should visit here. I might tour you around. At your expense, of course. 😂
Maribago Bluewater Resort and Spa, Mactan Island, Cebu
I wrote something similar to this post last May. I think I should focus on the places that were not mentioned in that post. Please check that post out so that you will have an idea on why Cebu is worth a visit. You can find that post here:
You can go through all editions of my Definitely Cebu and Philippine Islands series as those places are all within the vicinity, but I bet you won't do that so I'll add here some of the posts that are not included in the post above.
Kawasan Falls
Kawasan Falls is a waterhole and a series of waterfalls in the municipality of Badian at the southwest coast of Cebu. The
article specially mentioned Kawasan Falls because it's the most famous spot in Cebu. They recommended not to visit the falls on weekends because it can get really crowded, but you actually can. You just have to be early or you can go above the first tier and find a quiet spot. Find out more here:
When you visit Kawasan Falls, don't settle in immediately at the first level. That's where most of the people stay so it's always crowded there. Try to go to the third level, that's beyond the dam, because only a few would go there. That's also where the main source of the falls is also located. In the first two levels, you're no longer allowed to do cliff jumping because of the danger of the rocks located below. In the third level, you can jump all you want.
We had a road trip yesterday to the south of Cebu and Kawasan Falls is already open, but you're not allowed to swim. You can just take pictures for 10 minutes. We decided not to push through with the plan to visit the falls because it's not worth it at this time. You need to walk for 30 minutes to reach the first level and you're just allowed there for 10 minutes to take pictures.
That famous Cebu Southern Bend. It's called Ili Rock that's located in the town of Boljoon.
Other Spots in Cebu
I've visited a lot of tourist spots here in Cebu already and I felt I still have a lot to visit. To give you an idea, here's a full list under my Definitely Cebu series:
[1] Definitely Cebu #1: Tuslob Buwa at Colon Street (Cebu's Street Food Scene)
[2] Definitely Cebu #2: Puto Bumbong and Halo-Halo - Filipino Desserts in Colon and Tisa
[3] Definitely Cebu #3: Mt. Lanaya via Legaspi Trail - Alegria's Coast to Base Camp
[4] Definitely Cebu #4: Mt. Lanaya via Legaspi Trail - Assault to the Peak
[5] Definitely Cebu #5: Maravilla White Beach - Tabuelan, Cebu
[6] Definitely Cebu #6: Cheesy Goodness at Fat Dois
[7] Definitely Cebu #7: Arterra Bayfront Residences at Discovery Bay
[8] Definitely Cebu #8: Alta Cebu Village Resort and Convention Center
[9] Definitely Cebu #9: Lambug Beach, Badian, Cebu
[10] Definitely Cebu #10: Plantation Bay Resort and Spa
[11] Definitely Cebu #11: Climbing Mt. Mauyog
[12] Definitely Cebu #12: Mt. Manunggal ft. the Other Side of Mt. Mauyog
[13] Definitely Cebu #13: Cancalanog Falls in Alegria, Cebu
[14] Definitely Cebu #14: Bantayan Island Escapade
[15] Definitely Cebu #15: Tour at Oboob Mangrove Garden (Eco-Park), Bantayan Island
Take note that it's not an exhaustive list of spots in Cebu that I've visited because there some that are under my Kim's Quest series. Some are spots are still to be written, especially the ones I've visited recently. Stay tuned for them soon!
Other Islands in the Visayas
Mt. Mago, Carmen, Cebu
Other island provinces in the Visayas are equally stunning and I visited only a few of them, although I am planning to visit all of them in the future. I was mostly focused in Central and Western Visayas. Eastern Visayas will be on the list once the pandemic is over. Alright, let's start with Bohol.
Bohol
Chocolate Hills of Carmen, Bohol
Bohol is a province in Central Visayas that's comprised of Bohol Island and many other smaller islands. Bohol is most notably known for Chocolate Hills, an unusual geological formation made up of more than 1,200 near-perfect shaped mounds or hills. Bohol is also known for its diverse marine ecosystem that's ideal for diving. What impressed me the most about Bohol is its successful sustainable eco-tourism programs. You can find more about Bohol in my series below:
[1] Philippine Islands #2: Virgin Island, Panglao, Bohol
[2] Philippine Islands #4: Panglao Island, Bohol
[3] Kim's Quest #36: Journey to the Chocolate Hills of Bohol
[4] Kim's Quest #37: Culinary Adventure at Loay River Cruise
Siquijor
Paliton Beach of San Juan, Siquijor
Siquijor has a special place in my heart. The mystical island offers a different experience compared to any other islands in the Philippines. For you to fully experience its true beauty, you have to be open to the idea that witchcraft, faith healing, and mysticism has been always part of the cultural identity of the people living in the island. You can find out more about my experience when I visited the island in a series of posts below:
[1] Kim's Quest #39: On the Way to Isla del Fuego (Siquijor Island)
[2] Kim's Quest #40: Tales of Siquijor (Isla del Fuego) - Part I
[3] Kim's Quest #41: Bolo Bolo Spring - the Secret of Cambugahay Falls in Siquijor
[4] Kim's Quest #42: Siquijor's Healing Festival at Mt. Bandilaan
[5] Kim's Quest #43: Kamp Aninipot and Capilay Spring Park of Siquijor
[6] Kim's Quest #44: Tales of Lazi, Siquijor
Negros Island
A view of Negros Island (Negros Oriental side) from Tañon Strait
The island where I was born and spent my childhood. It is composed of two provinces: Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental. I haven't explored much of the island except I went to Bacolod twice. There's so much to see there, but I haven't had the opportunity yet. I have been to Lake Balinsasayao in Sibulan, some places in Dumaguete, Manjuyod Sandbar in Bais, but other than that, I'm still curious about what to see in Negros Oriental. It's still in my dream to climb Mt. Talinis and Mt. Kanlaon. In the meantime, I'll just share some of my escapades in Negros:
[1] Kim's Quest #3: Ancestral Houses of Silay City, Negros Occidental
[2] Pine Forest, Don Salvador Benedicto
[3] Kim's Taste #1: Pecan Pie and Cheese Cakes of Calea Pastries and Coffee
[4] Kim's Taste #6: Grab those Finest Delicacies at Bongbong's
[5] Kim's Taste #7: One of the Juiciest Grilled Chicken at Manokan Country
[6] Kim's Taste #9: Bring Your Friends to Coffee Stop & Snack Hauz
[7] Kim's Taste #25: Terraza Cafe - A Scenic Place to Unwind
[8] Kim's Quest #23: One Calm Morning at Tañon Strait
[9] Exploring Bacolod City
[10] Kim's Quest #38: Bacolod New Government Center and Balay ni Tana Dicang
As you might have noticed, most of the entries are all about food. Well, you haven't really visited Negros Occidental without tasting their famous delicacies.
Panay Island
Panay Island with Mt. Madjaas as its highest point as viewed from Mararison Island
Boracay Island is part of Panay, but it was passed as a separate entry in Condé Nast Traveler. I only have two entries under Panay because I still have a lot to explore in the whole island. It's so big that it's composed of three provinces. During our vacation in Boracay, we had a side trip to Mararison Island and Calawag Mountain Resort. You can find the details below:
[1] Kim's Quest #12: Mararison Island Day Your
[2] Kim's Quest #13: The Experience of Being Cooked Alive at Calawag Mountain Resort
Mt. Madjaas, the highest mountain of Panay, is also in my list of mountains to climb. I hope I can climb it one day.
Do you think that's all? I still have other entries I haven't written yet so stay tuned for them in the coming weeks. I already added photos of Maribago Bluewater Resort and Spa, Mt. Mago of Carmen, and some shots taken during our recent road trip to the south. I'll be showcasing them in my next travel blogs.
Mt. Mago, Carmen, Cebu
You can also visit other bloggers to have a different take about Cebu and Visayas Islands. For a reflective trip to Bantayan and Camotes Island, you can check out @glecerioberto's blog. For a different view of Siquijor Island, @josejirafa had an awesome blog for that. For an awesome view of south Cebu in the sky, check out @iamyohann with his shots taken from his gyrocopter or you can head to @gohenry's blog with shots taken using his drone. For amazing underwater views in dive sites along the coast of Moalboal, @scubahead is the main man. For an overall experience of the towns in the south of Cebu, @discoveringarni is the authority in that area.
And now for the biggest question:
Have you been here?
Kim Ybañez
Welcome to Kim's small corner in Hive. He is a chemical engineer by profession, but a blogger by passion. He is a wanderlust and an adventure seeker. Join his quests as he visits secluded destinations, climbs mountains, tries new and exotic dishes, and explores his country (The Philippines) and the rest of the world even if he's still a poor corporate slave with tons of bills to pay and two siblings to support in college.
If you like his content, don't forget to upvote and leave a comment to show some love. You can also reblog if you want to. Also, don't forget to follow him to be updated with his latest posts.
Wow, wanderlust cure right here. To be consistently in the top list of Conde Nast is definitely great news to celebrate especially when there are so many islands of the Philippines mentioned.
Yes! This means more eyes from international travellers.
Let's keep on promoting Cebu and the Philippines.
!ENGAGE 20
ENGAGEtokens.Wow Thanks that I am a Filipino....those resort and photos were awesome...
Thank you! Taga saan ka pala @jacoblayan?
Hello bro taga liloan Cebu ko... naa mo gropo diri bro ganahan unta ko mo join if u have groups.. Salamt bro ha
Oi! Silingan ra ta. Taga Mandaue ko. Naa mi sa Discord. Sulod lang didto. Iwelcome raka. https://discord.gg/KNCkTPW
mao bah bro hehehe dugay kaau me sa mandaue before 20 years me sa banilad as fortuna back sheel ... salamat bro ha.
salamat bro ha ako e open
You're welcome. Since when ka diri sa Hive? Kinsa nag invite sa imo?
bro wla gud ko idea aning hive 2017 ko sa steemit hibong ko ni mingaw man kalit.. mao to nag post ko bro balik. tapos ni message ako friend forener sa canada nga namalhin na cla ug hive.. galibog kaau ko unsa pasabot ky pwede ra daw ang pasword sa stemit gamiton.. self study ragud ko... den mao to naabot ko diri... but first peak d ako gamit.. bu nahan mangud kos ecency bro.
Bro taga Liloan Cebu ko.. taga asa ka? may i ask naa mo gropo here? can i join?
Travel catalogue stuff (again). You guys have some truly breathtaking places over there in the Philippines :) Great job that deserves some extra support from TipU ;)
@tipu curate 3
Wow! Thank you so much @phortun! I always feel your support in my posts. I'll always be grateful.
Please do visit here when opportunity strikes. I'll show you around.
Upvoted 👌 (Mana: 0/27) Liquid rewards.
This is an amazing showcase of what Cebu and other provinces in Visayas could offer. 😁
Yes! Still not enough tho. Some places are still to be added. I need to travel more. 😂
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STOPTo support your work, I also upvoted your post!
Wow so beautiful
Indeed! Thank you for stopping by. 😄
You're welcome😁
All islands in Phil are stunning and Cebu is my most favourite. The city not too busy like Manila, I love it and many beauiful islands surround it. Bohol is a little stunning island that I love too. I miss everything in your country. Thanks for sharing 😍
Wow! I see that you've travelled a lot. Thank you for visiting my country. And I'm glad you love it too! I hope I can do international travel soon! Covid ruined our Singapore plan. 😢
I also want to visit Vietnam. I always hear about Sapa Valley. I want to go there.
I was in Phil for months and I loved everything there. It's always worth coming back your country and seeing more 🙂 I'm happy that you plan visiting VN and yes Sapa is a must-see in VN, together you can make a road to amazing HA GIANG Lopps I would highly recommend 🙂
You will just wow and wow 🤣 as Sin super clean, convenient and luxirious
Nice! I will definitely add that to my endless list of things to do. 😂
!ENGAGE 20
ENGAGEtokens.These pictures are awesome beautiful views just to see it through the computer
😮 Thank you! 😊😊😊
Here in Cebu, Bantayan palang jud ako naagtuan. And wala pajud nako kay naexplore ug ayo. Taas na kaau ang listahan sa laaganan. 😆 Then, Bohol and Siquijor daun. Nice jud kaau man ang mga beaches jud daari Visayas ui. Makaproud jud basta inani na mga news. ❤️😊
Yes! Makaproud kaayo. Bahala na taas ang listahan basta hinay2x lang jud laag. Mahurot ra lagi na ug bisita tanan. 😄
Good place
Yass! Thank you for stopping by. 😄
Damn, those waters... Would like to go there someday
Please do. I'm you'll really enjoy it here.
Amazing idilic place I think. Thanks for beautiful photos! 😎
It's my pleasure to share what my place has to offer. I'm glad you like it @seckorama.
Ceboom Ceboom until now, Nice kaayo mga place na dili tanang taga Cebu nakaadto so malipay ta gi blog nimo.
Wow! It's my pleasure to share what Cebu has to offer po. Daghan pa sad ko wala naadtoan. Pero ang plan is to have a full catalogue of all places that are worthy to visit.
looks amazing
beach lover spotted, haven't been to maribago yet but when you showed me how serene it is plus it is close to the city center jd , i would definitely go there when im back , thanks for sharing @ybanezkim26, resteeming this post for keeps <3
Haha! I don't love the beach as much as I love the mountains, but it makes me feel relaxed. I usually don't swim or anything when I'm at the beach. I just want to lie down and observe. Somehow it's relaxing for me.
Yay! Thank you! You mean reblogging? Steem is not the same anymore. 😂