Island Hopping in Cebu & Kawasan Falls

Where:  Mactan & Kawasan Falls
Who: Mr & Mrs Wanderlust
When: Nov 2018
What: Quick Island Hopping Near Mactan & Kawasan Falls

So we needed to be in Cebu, might as well see what we can do on our free time. We always wanted to see Kawasan falls that we usually see in social media. However it is located in Badian, Cebu which was a 4 hour land trip from where we are, Lapu Lapu City. So first we decided to try the island hopping they offered which is just a boat ride away. Check out our things to do if you want full details of what we did in our very short trip in Cebu.

How To Get There:

There are daily flights from Manila to Cebu (and vice versa) which is the quickest way to get there. And being in an Archipelago country composed of many islands, there is definitely another way to get to Cebu, cheaper but slower which is by Ferry.

Getting around Cebu is easy, as there are cars for rent, or vans with driver for rent. Another option is public transport, taxi which is the most expensive may run 500PHP single trip from our hotel in Lapu Lapu to another hotel we needed to be due to traffic.

There are also a lot of multicab converted into jeepneys, though a bit tight, can get you from point a to point b as long as it is within their route. And finally for cheap, and want to tough it out, long distance travel (going to other towns), Buses can do the job, though a bit slower as it stops for every passenger that will ride or alight.

Where To Stay

Mr & Mrs Wanderlust's Reviews

Be Resorts Mactan
+Location 10minute ride to the nearest convenience store, but has beach front to swim
+Clean and well maintained
+Friendly and helpful staff
+Spacious room, comfortable bed
+ Bathroom & Toilet is alright
+ Free WiFi is working in-room and reliable speed
+ Breakfast is good, has many choices, and changing/something new everyday
- Dinner/Lunch in their restaurant is too expensive, that is why most guest prefer dine out
-A little dusty and uncleaned on some  parts of the room
-Beach front isn't nice to swim if low tide


***Rating:

Price:  $$ 4-5,000PHP per night for 2 pax 
Service: 5 star - Service & staff were very helpful and welcoming. 
Facilities & Amenities: 4.5 star - spacious rooms and nice facilities
Restaurant (foods): 4.7 star -Breakfast is nice and has many choices, something new everyday, but menu for lunch/dinner a bit expensive so guests eat out instead.
Location: 3star -  Place is far from the city center, and also 10 minute drive to the nearest convenience store
________________________________
Overall: 4.3 /5  

What To Do:

Island Hopping within the City

We always thought as city dwellers that we need to drive a few hours out of town to get to a nice beach/island in Cebu, but we were wrong. Just a 40ish minute (or less if a faster boat) ride away from Lapu Lapu City, you will be able to experience and enjoy the alluring islands of ​Hilutungan, Caohagan, and Sulpa.

Caohagan Marine Sanctuary is a marine reservation area stretching approximately 3 kilometers along the coastline of its barangay.

The island's water is clear and crystal that you can see everything underneath. It is definitely great for swimming and snorkeling especially during high time.

Gilutungan Island 
This Marine Sanctuary is one of the best places for beginners in diving and snorkeling.

It is a marine life protected area and is the oldest in the province.Due to the conservation efforts, you can observe or experience one of the best collection of marine specie in the province.

Although it is a protected area, the local government allow tourism in the area. It is open to snorkelers and divers who wish to experience the beauty of the sea world in this tropical part.

You can rent 150/snorkel, from boatmen nearby, some boatmen also selling buko (coconut) for also 150.

Sulpa Island is one of the six satellite islands of Olango Island Group. Sadly, it is privately-owned island. About a hectare in size and filled with trees and lots of green on it.
 
There are cottages, and seats for rent, and also a toilet along with campsite where visitors can set up camp, or just chill. Also be prepared to pay for entrance fee on the island.

Kawasan Falls

Kawasan falls is a pretty popular falls that we always see roaming the social media photos, because it is easily accessible. It is a pretty straight forward. Just 15 minute walk from the side of the road, developed concrete path, and a couple of bridge to cross and reach the mother falls.

Located in Badian, Cebu, it is actually a 3hr (can be 4hr if traffic is worse) drive from Lapu Lapu City

Right before the mother falls there are a bit of stalls from local cooperative on the side of the falls serving food that has tables and chairs for rent. 

Q: Can Seniors or Families with Children manage to get here?
A: Yep, just a simple 15 minute walk on concrete straight path.

There is also the famous Canyoneering trip, which is just a town away Moal Boal, where you go up and down the path of rivers, and do lots of cliff jumps from low to high jump where the end path is also Kawasan Falls.

On the side of the falls, there are steep stairs that would lead you to the 2nd waterfalls and also a nice spot to take a photo with a nice view of the motherfalls.

Pricing

$1USD = 52.51PHP (as of Nov 2018)


Transport - ​Boat for rent for Island Hopping - 4,500 (direct to resort is higher)
Transport - Taxi - 300 - 500PHP (So Traffic!)
Foods - 300 - 500PHP per meal per head (we know, tourist spots)
Drinks - 20PHP for bottled water / 50 - 200PHP for bottle of beer
Souvenirs - 150 - 300PHP
Premium Souvenirs - 500PHP above