After a few rest and family reunion days, we were back on the road. With no current major railway system (fingers crossed the monorail comes through!!), getting around Cebu takes a fair bit of pre-planning.
Thankfully, we had a family friend who owned a comfortable air-conditioned car and was kind enough to assume the role of our driver for the three weeks we were there, which made sitting in the city traffic in the searing heat much more bearable. However, there are a range of public transport options, including taxis, jeepneys and buses. For taxis, tourists should bear in mind there is a ₱100/£4 surcharge when travelling from the main Mactan hotels.
Simala Shrine
For our first trip, we visited the magnificent Simala Shrine in Sibonga. If travelling from the Dusit Thani Mactan by car, this is about a two hour drive one-way depending on traffic.
Built in 1998 by the Marian Monks of Eucharistic Adoration from Pampanga in Central Luzon after they survived an epidemic due to what they believed was the Blessed Virgin Mary’s intervention, the Simala Shrine is a popular Roman Catholic pilgrimage church. It hosts the image of Our Lady of Lindogon and has risen in prominence after reported miraculous events, including the weeping of the statue of the Virgin Mary and the healing of those with dengue in the area in 1998.
Inspired by European church architecture, specifically Gothic structures, the Simala Shrine is absolutely beautiful – I only wish it hadn’t been upwards of forty degrees so I could bask in its beauty a little bit more. The shrine has expanded in recent years and even when we visited, appeared to still be in the process of growing and adding to the site so it will be interesting to see how it evolves over time.
The Simala Shrine is not just a tourist attraction but the center of faith for many Filipinos. As we wandered around the shrine, we noticed a mix of devotees there to pray, seek guidance and honour the Virign Mary as well as tourists and locals looking to get shots of the shrine for the ‘gram. I get it – the shrine is like something from a fairytale! It’s surrounded by lush greenery and colourful bougenvilla which is now synonymous with Cebu for me. There is, however, plenty more for visitors looking to go beyond its remarkable exterior.
Given its religous significance, I doubt that there is a time where the shrine is not busy and crowded but for those seeking to enjoy this architectural and religious marvel, I highly recommend visiting the inside of the sanctuary – which is much quieter than the exterior.
Inside houses the grand altar, where miracles are said to happen. Lining the walls of the building are displays of letters of thanks to the Virgin Mary from guests and crutches from those who are believed to have been healed or rewarded following their visit. We spent a moment reading the stories of visitors who credit the site with significant events or milestones in their lives such as helping them pass their exams or curing them or a loved one from an illness.
After taking the time to say a quick prayer and hope Mary grants us some kindness, we ventured to the candle area to light some vibrantly coloured candles. Without the mega heat, I’m have no doubts this is a tranquil spot where visitors can really experience the awe and reverance of the shrine.
There’s a heavy religious focus at the shrine – more so than some of the temples we had visited and while the Taoist Temple continues to hold the number one spot in my heart, I can definitely make room for Simala Shrine and its gorgeous architecture. It’s one of those attractions where you can still feel the spiritual importance as well as enjoy the paranomic views and surrounding natural beauty.
Bogo City / Liloan
Our trip to Bogo was a bit of a whirlwind and much of it was spent reconnecting with relatives so naturally, we didn’t conduct much sightseeing.
Officially becoming a city in 2013, it has – and continues to – undergo massive transformation with developments for more mixed-use commercial spaces to generate more economic activity in the area as well as plans for leisure and tourism initiatives. The two-and-a-half hour journey to Bogo from the city is already much smoother due to improved roads and it’s very exciting that there are plans to further develop Bogo and solidify it on the map.
Bogo offers a tranquil alternative to the hustle and bustle of central Cebu City and the idyllic resorts of Mactan Island. Instead, it could be considered ‘off the beaten track’ and has a more authentic natural forest vibe.
It’s certainly out of the way but I recommend swinging by Bogo to experience what feels like the real Philippines and connect with locals. A highlight for me was the Shrine of San Vincente Ferrer – I love a church!
Before heading off for our final night at the Dusit Thani ahead of swapping it for the Shangri-La Mactan, we stopped by Liloan. Another place in Cebu which feels like a must visit if only for the public market!
It’s the perfect place for a day trip, with stunning beaches, the century-old Bagacay Point Lighthouse and the renowned Titay’s Liloan Rosquillos. We own land in the area, which is currently growing some delicious mangoes, and this was my first time getting to see it in the flesh! We discussed our future build plans and then headed to the SM City Consolacion which is about twenty minutes drive away to pick up snacks *cough* Jollibee *cough* for the journey back to the Dusit Thani.
Hotel Hopping
After an eventful stay at the Dusit Thani Mactan, I was half sad to be leaving and half ready to gorge myself on the dining options at the Shangri-La. The Dusit Thani is certainly a visually stunning hotel with spacious rooms, a beautiful infinity pool and beach views, but the food was the dealbreaker paired with the lack of allergy awareness throughout all of the hotel’s restaurants.
It wasn’t all bad – we did have a small family meal at the Sunset Sports Bar and the Lechon Kawali, deep-friend seasoned pork belly with calamansi, was tasty as were the many pizzas and pastas consumed during my stay. Although, those can’t be considered authentic Filipino cuisine unlike the lechon!
Breakfast, included as part of our reservation, at the Tailwinds Cafe was a mixed bag. If you’re going to eat breakfast at the hotel, which you almost have to given that its quite far out from other dining options, then make sure you’re up early as the later you leave it, the more crowded it gets!
If you get there at 8am or 9am, be prepared to have to queue for a table, wait a while for your eggs and for there to be limited food options left. As such, we often got up at 5:30am to make the 6am breakfast start. This meant the cafe was quiet, there were sufficient levels of the ~safe~ foods e.g. in my case, rice, eggs and bread and mango juice. It’s certainly value for money but if you want to dine in peace, set those alarm clocks!
Most of the staff I encountered throughout our stay were helpful and pleasant – special shoutouts have to go to Natalie and Yukie at the Sunset Sports Bar who were very attentive.
Would I stay again? Perhaps. I do have more glowing things to say about the Shangri-La Mactan and those posts are coming but the pool and being roused from slumber by the neighbourhood roosters at the Dusit Thani stick out as the main positive highlights for me. I’d recommend stays for families or couples seeking a picturesque sunset view for their swims, and who are, most importantly, allergy-free!!
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