Exploring The Queen City of the South, Cebu, Ph (Balamban)

Balamban, Cebu, Phillipines

Balamban is a 1st class municipality in the province of Cebu, Philippines. It is located about 64 kilometers from Cebu City and as easily accessible by good roads that are part of the transcentral highway. Part of its growing economy can be attributed to Tsuneishi Heavy Industries -- a leading shipbuilding and ship repair company.

If you plan on visiting Balamban and its beautiful tourist spots, better plan it ahead. The road to Balamban via Transcentral Highway is accessible by private cars, motorcycle, and public utility vehicle (vans). Other public transport including buses are strictly not allowed because of the "tricky" road. But there are some buses for private tours who would pass by Transcentral Highway granted they take extra precautions when passing by. Evening road trips are also not advisable because of several blind curves in the area. Am I scaring you? Definitely not, but I would recommend that in every trips that you will have in Balamban, make sure that you hire a driver who knows Transcentral Highway very well. Public vans passing through the area are also recommended.

Canso X

It will take a 45–minute ride from Cebu City, the v-hire (van) will drop you off at the entrance of Canso X. Canso X is located at Brgy. Cansomoroy, Balamban, Cebu. When we arrived at the entrance of Canso X, we were greeted by their friendly security guard on duty. He explained the guidelines and escorted us to the main cottage overlooking the bicycle tracks and small cottages (picture above). The place is so relaxing and since we are the only guests they have during that early morning (aside from those who are still in their camping tents and overnight cottages), we savor every moment taking pictures of paradise-looking above the earth creation. We are amazed how peaceful the place is. Team-building and recollection/retreat are the perfect activities in the area. Aside from those mesmerizing cottages, there is also a playground intended for children guests.

That's us (my sister taking the picture) :)

Island in the Sky Resort

Another attraction lurked within Balamban, Cebu just a few kilometers away from Canso X. Island in the Sky is situated at Brgy. Gaas, Balamban, Cebu. Entrance Fees: 50 for Adults and 25 for Children. The colorful hanging bridge attracts many visitors. However, little did they know, there is a bit of a surprise awaiting for them at the end of the hanging bridge. Just a few steps away from the far end of the bridge, is the improvised cable car. The cable car passes above trees and cottages and guests has a good view of the place.

In every step that you take, you are rewarded with the sight of proud pine trees.

More pine trees.

Adventure Café

Located in Gaas Balamban, Cebu which is approximately a 45-60 minute drive from JY Square Mall, Lahug, Cebu City. It is dubbed as The First Resto Adventure in the Philippines and it’s in Cebu. To go there, you can ride a V-Hire going to Balamban from Ayala Center. Fare costs around ₱100. Activities available at Adventure Café includes zipline, wall-climbing, caving, trekking, and throwing plates at the stress wall.

The outside view.

Tips:

Here’s what makes the trip more exciting: You have to literally survive what seems to be endless blind curves and ravines along Transcentral Highway before you reach the café. In short, the adventure starts even before you reach the Adventure Café itself. Amazing, isn't it?