Cebu is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines. With free access to the country’s multi-awarded Mactan International Airport and major ferry terminals, this ‘Queen’ awaits for you to experience her charm.
The fun doesn’t stop in the province’s major cities. There are many interesting places to visit and explore in neighboring municipalities that is just a bus-ride away from the ports.
Just a few hours away from the airport, you will get to the low-profile yet bewitching town called Dalaguete.
Dubbed as the Summer Capital of Cebu, Dalaguete is one of the most visited towns in the province. Because of its chilly weather, people also call it “Little Baguio.”
This sea-breezed town’s temperature is perfect for growing fresh vegetables. Around 60 tons of different kinds of vegetables are harvested here and are transported to nearby towns and cities. I wouldn’t be surprised if you did put all the vegetables you like on your pasalubong list. You’d surely be able to buy them at the lowest price possible.
Dalaguete Beach Park
Take a lot of Instagram-worthy photos of its powdery white sand and crystal blue waters. The LGU of Dalaguete maintains the facilities and all you have to pay is a minimal entrance fee of 15-30 pesos per head to enjoy swimming all-day. If you want to rent a table or a cottage, just add around 250-1500 pesos (depending on the capacity).
It was a weekday when we visited so we had the beach all to ourselves. The kids really had a great time. Please note that the beach opens from 7am-5pm only, and no beach camping or overnight stays are allowed.
Obong Spring
It was a different experience from the typical beach setting. This time, we chillaxed in the cold brackish (fresh and sea mixed) waters of the spring. It is surrounded by a 400-year-old Dalakit tree providing the swimmers with some shade from the harmful rays of the sun.
It’s perfect for the summertime without having to worry about the sunburn. You can also have a picnic near the spring and enjoy the majestic view that the place can offer.
If you love history and heritage sites, check out the town’s municipal hall, the watchtower, the cannon, Cristo Rey monument, and San Guillermo de Aquitania Church.
The municipal hall, also known as Casa Real, was built during the time of the Spaniards in the Philippines. The materials used in building it are coral stone. The place has been occupied by the Spaniards, and later on, the revolutionaries headed by Fr. Ruperto Sarmiento.
Watchtower or Kiosko and the Cannon were used to defend the place from pirates and some raiders. Even if some parts of the tower have been modified, it is still considered a heritage site because it played an important role in the town’s history.
The Cristo Rey Monument is a symbol used to uplift the faith and spirituality of the people in the town. It is located in the church plaza since 1938.
What is a trip without a food trip? You’re lucky because Dalaguete also is a food haven.
To complement the cold weather, have a bowl of Batchoy from Maria’s Batchoy and Restaurant. If you are along the beaches, food stalls around are offering delicious halo-halo and banana meat! You will surely love it and there’s a reason why it’s one of their best sellers.
You will never run out of food and restaurant choices when you’re in Dalaguete. Aside from delicious taste, it also comes at reasonable and very affordable prices.
Sweet treats from Ma’am Procee’s is another thing that you must not miss when you are in town. If you want to bring something from Dalaguete, make sure to have their Tostado and Torta.
A trip to Dalaguete is a great value for every peso spent. Hotels and inns are everywhere if you’re planning to stay long. Transportation is cheap and fairly comfortable. Not to mention that the place is not as crowded as other major tourist destinations yet, it’s equally worth the visit.