Travel

Chasing waterfalls in Cebu

Who isn’t looking forward to all the vacation days coming up?

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to end 2015 with a new experience without having to venture far, Cebu offers its fair share of hidden and not-so-hidden gems just waiting to be explored. Zee Lifestyle finds itself in the South, hopping through two coastal towns that pride themselves on natural wonders such as white sand beaches, unexplored caves, and fascinating waterfalls.

CAMBAIS FALLS

Cambais Falls

First in the itinerary is Cambais Falls, located in Guadalupe, Alegria. We landed in the municipality of Madridejos in Alegria, then traveled for about 30-40 minutes by habal-habal (public motorcycle) to get to the falls. As soon as we got to the drop-off point, we trekked for about 15 minutes and voila! First level of Cambais Falls! It is 10 meters high, which is not bad for a first time dive. There’s an entrance fee of Php 20.

The second level of the falls is about 25 meters high. Climbing up would give you Tarzan feels, because there’s a vine that you could hold on to and swing. Just don’t forget to let go when you’re already on the right spot for landing – and with landing, we suggest that you land in the water.

Cancalanong Falls

CANCALANOG FALLS
After getting our fill of the Cambais Falls, we took another 20-25 minutes ride to our next destination, the Cancalanog Falls. It entails another trek, but entrance is absolutely free.

What caught our attention is the fall’s diving board where you jump off. It’s narrow and short, and you’ll find a few rock formations near the landing spot that will sure to satisfy thrill seekers.

Dau Falls

DAU FALLS
Dau Falls is located in Samboan, Cebu, which entailed another bus ride. During our trip, however, we had to make a stop in the town of Ginatilan because the bridge was under repair. From Ginatilan, we negotiated for another habal-habal ride that took 30 minutes, and trekked for another 20-25 minutes passing through a hanging bridge, a river trekking trail, and a rather slippery narrow pathway.

All the effort is worth it once you see the majestic, exquisite and enchanting Dau Falls. The feeling of seeing such wonders will not only leave you in awe but it will also make you search for more and eventually, it’ll make you realize that there is something in doing a little different from what you are used to.

Kabang Falls

KABANG FALLS
If you’re a little pressed for time, Kabang Falls is located nearer to the city. You can either start in Sunny Hills, Talamban and ride a motorcycle to Budlaan, or in J.Y. Square and ride towards Buslot, Busay.

Before you can take a plunge, you must trek for around 30 minutes to get to the first falls, and another 30 minutes to get to the second falls, but the thrill is definitely worth the wait.

text and photos Joean Elarcosa and Kevin Iligan

Up Next

Preview: Zee Lifestyle x Kelsey Merritt (Travel Issue, March 2016)

Don't Miss

The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok opens for bookings

Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Lifestyle

Find Your Summer Spirit in Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu

Breathe in the tropical atmosphere, as you find summer joys through sight, sound and taste at Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu. Poolside fun during the day, spent serenely and luxuriantly—a refreshment in hand. While the evenings are for outdoor family movie nights, with the ocean waves rippling in the background.

Summer is all of that, and more! Plan an extraordinary weekend with an array of exciting activities that await your arrival. Discover your #ShangriLaSummerSpirit from 15 July to 30 August.

Tiki Bar at Buko Bar

Epicurean Delights by the Pool

Keep yourself fueled up as you splish and splash with the whole crew. Take a quick break from all that summer jazz with Mediterranean and Polynesian-inspired bites exquisitely crafted for your palate. From rice balls and pastas, ice creams to sliders—indulge in tastes and aromas that transport you to a world of endless, golden summers.

Mediterranean Selections at Acqua

A Whimsical Touch

Make it a colourful summer for the kids! Let them explore their own version of paradise with whimsical floaties, sure to keep them happily afloat. Your little ones can now freely kick and play in the water with fun and fascinating, animal-shaped inflatables.

Pleasant Sundowner Tunes

Bid the sun adieu and embrace the sunset hues with live acoustics at the Main Pool from 4pm to 6:30pm.

Tiki Cocktails at Buko Bar

Champagne Bar at Acqua

A Toast to an Endless Summer!

Unwind and savour the tropical vibe as our expert mixologists craft refreshing Tiki cocktails and serve chilled bottles of exquisite champagne by the pool! With a backdrop of swaying palm trees and stunning ocean views, sip on delightful beverages and toast to unforgettable summer moments in paradise.

Family Outdoor Movie Night

Gather your nearest and dearest for an enchanting evening as we set up a large outdoor screen by the pool under the starry night sky. Cozy up as you enjoy a family-friendly movie that will delight both those who are young and young-at-heart at Treasure Island from 7pm to 9pm.

Surrounded by lush greens, let the experience bring you to a world of joy and laughter, creating cherished memories for you and the family. For more information on Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu, you may contact (032) 2310288. You may also follow them on Facebook and Instagram or visit https://www.shangri-la.com/cebu/mactanresort/ #FindYourSummerSpirit #FindYourShangriLa

inside

LONDON IN FULL BLOOM: An Exclusive Look at the recent Chelsea Flower Show

Dame Judy Dench (center in white) with gallery owner, Jerry Sibal, Edwin Josue, writer Eva Gullas and artist James Doran-Webb.

The Chelsea Flower Show in London, one of the most prestigious horticultural events in the world, returned in full glory in May 2023, captivating visitors with its stunning displays and landscape designs. Held annually on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, this year’s show proved to be a true feast for the senses, showcasing an array of breathtaking gardens, vibrant floral arrangements, and innovative landscaping. The 3-day event showcased 36 outdoor gardens, including four balcony gardens for small spaces. Inside the giant pavilion, blooms compete with each other, exotic flowers, roses, and many more.

Princess Kate Middleton walking the booths at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Dame Judy Dench, who owns several of Webb’s pieces in her garden, with James Doran-Webb and Jerry Sibal discussing the works of James.

One of the flower arrangements competing at the show.

The 2023 Chelsea Flower Show embraced a Nature’s Harmony theme, with a strong focus on sustainability and mental health. The show’s organizers emphasized the importance of sustainable gardening practices and biodiversity conservation, inspiring attendees to create beautiful outdoor spaces while preserving and protecting the environment.

One of the floral gazebo displays recycled chairs and salvaged materials.

Shops at the Chelsea Flower Show are mostly from sustainable materials.

What’s Cebu got to do with the Chelsea Flower Show in London? One person. James Doran Webb (https://www.jamesdoranwebb.co.uk), an Englishman working with driftwood, has been displaying his artworks for several years. James collects cast-off driftwood and shapes them into beautiful animal shapes that find places in some of the most iconic gardens. Leaping horses, owls, reindeer, and the occasional dragon, James Webb’s creations are avidly collected by landscapers to add accent to gardens in all sizes, using cast-off wood, fitting perfectly with the sustainable element—something Mr. Webb has done quite well for the last decade.

The impressive dragon of James Doran-Webb

***

The Philippine International Flower Festival will be held at the PICC in Manila from January 14 to 18, 2024. Watch out for more info from our website!

Leisure

Club Serena: A ‘Serene Luxury’ Experience in the Heart of Cebu’s Diving Mecca

photography by GPA Art and Photography

A three-hour drive, or more, depending on traffic, the fishing town of Moalboal in the southwest of Cebu Island is an extremely popular destination for divers and weekenders who love the white sand and pink sunsets. It is also a favorite place to stay for expats looking for a laid-back life of endless coffees or cocktails.

Thankfully, the big chain resorts haven’t discovered it and places to stay are mostly small family-run resorts. But if pampering is what you are looking for, there is only one hotel to book in Moalboal. Club Serena Resort is a 1.7-hectare beachfront property perched above coral rocks, presenting a unique union of luxurious accommodations and a host of activities to be enjoyed. This hidden gem is reached through a dirt road away from the main highway. Fronting a wide swath of white sand beach, it is an easy walk past several smaller resorts to reach the main town.

Recently renovated by noted architect James Jao, the new Club Serena has 17 rooms, three swimming pools, a restaurant, and a beachfront event space, all designed with modern Filipino aesthetic. On the drawing board are more rooms to be added, an expansion of their modern dive shop, and their popular Kids’ Club program. Their food outlet, Mira, offers all-day dining, favorite among visitors and locals, as well as the growing expat community that has settled in Moalboal.

Club Serena offers diving courses for adults and kids by their resident operator, Seven Seas Aquanauts Phil. Corp, a PADI 5 accredited diving facility operating since 1988. For a complete list of the courses and their rates, please call (+63) 917.872.6367 or (+63) 905.459.5307.

The resort encourages above-water activities as well, and they have several paddle boards and kayaks available for guests to use.

For rates and more information, visit www.clubserenaresort.com or email sayhello@clubserenaresort.com or (+63) 917.872.6367 or (+63) 905.459.5307. You can also visit their Facebook page for updates.