It all started with a casual conversation with my colleagues at lunch, “I want to go to Cebu.” My Filipino colleague who has been there before said, “You should.” We started asking around and six of us had actually agreed to proceed with the plan. What are the odds! Fun fact, we were promised that there is a company bonding trip held each year before we joined the company but that never happen to us so instead, we plan our own trip at our own expenses.

We had booked a 2 days tour via my colleague’s acquaintance (I wish I had the contacts so I could share the info – but not to worry, you can easily find tours via Klook). This 2 days tour cost us $158 SGD and the package includes:

• 1 night accommodation
• Transportation
• Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls
• Snorkeling at Pescador Island
• Sardine Run
• Swimming with sea turtles
• Swimming with whale sharks in Oslob
• Tumalog Falls
• Sumilon Island

FYI, the bigger your group is, the cheaper the price of each pax will be. Thus, it is recommended to go in a bigger group. Else, you can always join a non private tour for cheaper options. I did not know what to expect of the tour at first, but now that I know, let me share with you my experience.

Day 1 – Moalboal & Badian

Got ready as early as 5 am in the morning for the tour to pick us up at the hotel in Cebu City. We thought that we could take a nap in the van but boy, were we wrong! The ride to Moalboal was so SO bumpy – it was as if we were on a roller-coaster ride throughout. We had arrived at Moalboal around 6:30 am and we were already up and about for our snorkeling session. I had my GoPro with me but the tour guide was so kind to help us take videos and pictures throughout the tour. The corals at Pescador Island looks healthy and they are breathtaking, as expected. Next up, we got to swim with MILLIONS of sardines. You have no idea how epic it was to get so close to them. Watching them dancing in the water was thrilling! Last stop was swimming with the sea turtles! This was quite an appealing yet painful experience because there were so many jellyfish – too many. It was all worth it though, because how cute are those sea turtles! You guys, I am not even an animal lover so if I say they are cute, it means they ARE cute.

Right after the swimming session, we head back to the van all wet, drove to a fast food restaurant to grab a quick brunch, before heading to Badian for our canyoneering session. I have never done canyoneering before, nor have I done cliff jumping. I was terrified – but willing to give it a try. There was a 15 – 20 minutes hike before reaching the falls. First stop at the falls was that 4 meter jump; my first jump. I was wearing my contact lens but that first jump shook me till I forgot to close my eyes. L-O-L. All in all, canyoneering was so much fun. It is a perfect activity to do during summer especially, because the water is so damn refreshing. Our activity ended around 4 – 5 pm, and we drove back to Moalboal for the night. I did not actually take a picture of our accommodation, but it was rather pleasant. Not a 5 star kind of stay yet comfortable.

Day 2 – Oslob

The next morning, we had to meet our driver at 3 am in the morning for our ride to Oslob which took us about 2 hours to get there. We were told to arrive in Oslob earlier as it was a Sunday and it can get very crowded. When we arrived at Oslob, I was most excited about swimming with the whale sharks! On top of it all, we managed to watch the beautiful sunrise while waiting for our number to be called. In case you did not already know, whale sharks are the largest fish on the planet! I believe we had about 30 minutes to swim with the whale sharks, just enough time to admire them in the wild. I loved that experience, and I would definitely do it again! After swimming with the whale sharks, we head over to Sumilon Island for its white sandbar. Spent around 1 – 2 hours here taking pictures and snorkeling. Honestly, at this rate we were knackered. Plus the amount of sea water we drank by accident is unaccountable for, L-O-L. Right after that trip, we were given some time to freshened up, changed to our dry clothes before heading to Tumalog falls. It is a nice place to take pictures but not so recommended for swimming.

So that sums up the 2 days tour! It is totally recommended and save the hassle. On top of it all, you get to enjoy your own private tour with your buddies. What a better way to enjoy the tour! I LOVE CEBU and I would definitely come back again. Shout out to my colleagues (now ex-colleagues) for making this trip happen!

Extra info for tourist

Tourist are required to pay a terminal fee of 850 Peso ($23 SGD) at departure hall of Mactan Airport *for international flights only. This is something new for me as I have never been asked to pay for terminal fee at any other airport, so, good to know! Also, if you want to buy souvenirs back to your hometown, please get it at the city markets. The goods at Mactan airport are way TOO overpriced.

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