So you want to go on a road trip to discover Cebu’s awesome spots but you don’t know exactly where to go? Fret not! This week, On The Road takes you on a road trip to Cebu’s Southern gems. If you’re planning a road trip with family and friends, be sure to check this out!

Cebu is a fairly small island. So, you never have to worry about getting lost. Actually, you may and CAN get lost but Cebuanos are very friendly and you’ll easily find a kindhearted local who is more than willing to point you in the right direction on your next turn. Also, Cebu’s roads are generally coastal. As long as you see the sea, there’s no way that you’re going to get lost. Heck, if you’re afraid you won’t find your way back to the city on your own, just ask the first fisherman you see to take you to Pier 1 in Cebu City straight away. Of course, you’d have to leave your car behind. Haha.

But seriously, Cebu is perfect for road trips. If you drive  down the South National Road in the morning, chances are, you’ll find yourself driving towards the city even before the sun is down.  There is basically no way that you’re going to screw up. Unless of course getting lost is what you’re planning on doing.

So, what to do? First, equip  yourself with a map, enough food, an extra pair of undies (there is a big chance you’ll see a nice looking beach, trust me,) and of course, enough cash for gas and some other stuff. Road trips are awesome with friends, but going solo isn’t so bad either. All you need is an mp3 player stuffed with all your favorite songs and you’re good to go.

There are two ways to conquer South Cebu: the Cebu-Santander route and the Cebu-Samboan route. Of course, if you want to be a little more hardcore about it, there’s always the third one which is the Cebu-Cebu route aka the Round South route. But hey, it’s your choice! :P

All right, so everything is set. Let’s go!

Cebu-Santander Route

Number of Municipalities/Cities: 12

Travel Time: approx 4 (average); 5 (leisurely); 7 with long, lazy stops

Road Type: coastal/corniche (cliff roads); a few ascents

Hazards: children/animals playing ON the road

8:00 – Cebu City
8:45 – Talisay City – Naga City *
9:30 – San Fernando – Carcar City *
[Carcar rotunda: drive straight] 10:00 – Sibonga *
10:30 – Argao – Dalaguete *
11:00 – Alcoy *
11:30 – Boljoon *
12:00 – Oslob *
12:30 – Santander
[U-turn]

Don’t Miss

The Naga City Baywalk gives you a spectacular view of Cebu City, Talisay City, and the island of Mactan. The Baywalk has food stalls and nightly entertainment, too.

Hidden deep in the mountains of San Fernando, Hidden Paradise Mountain Resort is your perfect destination after a busy week. Rough road; not good for inexperienced drivers.

Don't miss Carcar's lechon. One of the best in Cebu! On average, Cebu lechon sells for Php 700/kilo. In Carcar, it's only around Php300.

One of the most well-visited religious spots in Cebu located in the mountains of Sibonga. Skip during public holidays and feastdays.

Fancy a quick dip? The Obong Spring, just a few meters from the highway, is a perfect stop for your long and hot trip. Entrance fee: Php10

Alcoy's very own public beach. A long stretch of fine white sand along Cebu's South National Road. No Entrance fee!

The heritage town of Boljoon has one of the oldest and most beautiful churches in Southern Cebu. Enjoy free wi-fi connection at the plaza, too!

Once a dry and lifeless plot, the area in front of Oslob Church is now a beautiful and truly relaxing public park!

The exclusive resort island of Sumilon is the perfect end to your long drive from the city. Book a room now and enjoy its world-class amenities. Per room: around 7k/night

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Cebu-Samboan Route

Number of Municipalities/Cities: 13

Travel Time: approx 6 (average); 7 (leisurely);  9 with lazy stops

Road Type: highland/corniche (cliff roads)/undergoing repairs/unpaved

Hazards: children and/or animals playing ON the road/loose gravel

8:00 – Cebu City
9:00 – Balamban [via Lahug/Transcentral Highway] *
[Balamban exit: turn left] 10:00 – Toledo City *
10:30 – Pinamungahan
11:00 – Aloguinsan *
12:00 – Barili *
[Barili exit: turn right] 12:30 – Dumanjug
1:00 – Alcantara *
2:00 – Badian *
2:30 – Alegria – Malabuyoc
3:00 – Ginatilan *
4:00 – Samboan *
[U-turn]

Don’t Miss

The crash site of President Ramon Magsaysay in Mt. Manunggal, Gaas, Balamban. Rocky, wet slopes; not advisable for 4w vehicles

The seaside plaza of Toledo City with a magnificent view of Negros island. Perfect for late afternoon strolls.

Bojo River eco tour with experienced and well-trained guides. 300/per head; 1-2 hr tour

Barili's gem. Mantayupan falls is one of Cebu's tallest waterfalls. Php10 entrance fee

Alcantara's boardwalk which doubles as a zoo. An original concept featuring local species of birds and marine animals. Entrance fee: Php10

Moalboal's pride. A long stretch of white sand beach which is open to the public. Allows overnight camping and pitching of tent.

Named of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Kawasan falls is a three-level falls with a source near the Badian-Alegria border. Entrance fee: Php 20 - currently closed to public.

Ginatilan's own wonder. Inambakan Falls is open to the public. For free! Located 30 minutes from South National Road

A unique falls in Samboan located deep in the heart of Baranggay Tangbo. Be ready for a short trek through tall trees and brooks.

Stay tuned for Cebu Road Trips: North Cebu!

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