Private Cebu City and Mountain Highlights Tour

The Historic Spanish Cross and Basilica del Santo Niño

Downtown Cebu is where Philippine Christian history begins. In a small octagonal kiosk stands the historic Spanish cross planted by the first Spanish expedition in 1521; the original is said to be protected inside the wooden cross you see today, and the ceiling is painted with scenes of that first encounter. It is one of the most visited spots on any Cebu City tour, and it takes only 15 minutes to see.

Next door, the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño was founded in 1565 and the present stone church dates from the 1730s, making it the oldest church foundation in the country. It houses a revered image of the Child Jesus brought by the Spanish, and every January it is the centre of the Sinulog festival. Visitors are welcome outside service times; please dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered.

Fort San Pedro

A few minutes away by the old port, Fort San Pedro is a small triangular fort with three bastions, first built of wood in 1565 and rebuilt in coral stone in the 18th century to defend the harbour. Over the centuries it served as a Spanish garrison, a military barracks and a wartime stronghold, and today it is a peaceful park with a small museum, cannons on the walls and a garden courtyard.

Climb onto the ramparts for views towards the port and Plaza Independencia next door. Fort San Pedro is open daily during the day, and about 30 to 45 minutes is enough. On this private Cebu heritage tour the three downtown sites are close together, so our driver drops you right at each one and waits nearby while you explore on foot at your own pace.

Taoist Temple and Temple of Leah

The road then climbs into the hills. In the residential area of Beverly Hills, the Taoist Temple was built in 1972 by Cebu's Chinese community. A long stairway lined with dragons leads up to colourful pagoda roofs, and from the top terraces you look over the city towards the sea. It is an active place of worship, so visitors keep their voices low and respect the prayer areas.

Higher still in Busay stands the Temple of Leah, a grand Roman-style structure of columns, statues and staircases built by a local businessman in memory of his late wife. It is often called Cebu's monument of love. Is the Temple of Leah worth visiting? For the architecture and the sweeping views, yes; plan about 45 minutes and come in the afternoon for the softest light.

Sirao Flower Garden and Little Kyoto

In the cool upland village of Sirao, farmers grow fields of celosia flowers in bright red, orange and yellow, and the Sirao Flower Garden has become one of the most photographed places near Cebu City, with colourful frames, windmills and viewing decks set among the blooms. Flowers are at their fullest between the dry months, though there is colour most of the year.

Nearby, Little Kyoto is a Japanese-style garden with red gates, small bridges and pagoda-style buildings on the hillside, a calm stop for photos. Please note Little Kyoto is closed on Mondays, so on that day our driver adjusts the route. Together the two gardens take about an hour, and the air up here is fresher than in the city below.

Tops Lookout above Cebu City

The day ends at Tops, a lookout on a ridge in Busay roughly 600 metres above sea level. From its terraces you see the whole of Metro Cebu spread below, the bridges to Mactan, the islands of the channel and, on clear days, the hills of neighbouring islands. It is the classic viewpoint for anyone searching for the best view of Cebu City.

Late afternoon is the best time to visit Tops: the light turns golden and the city lights start to glow as the sun sets. With a private car you can linger as long as you like before the drive back down, which takes about 30 to 45 minutes to downtown depending on traffic.