5 Terraces in Cebu You Probably Didn’t Know Exist

There are a lot of amazing spots in Cebu ~ some existed long time ago but are usually uncharted, few are sprouting as of writing, while others are just waiting to be discovered. With so many world-class destinations in Cebu (see my first ever blog post entitled 25 International and PH wonders in Cebu), this article will be focusing on terraces.

What I personally love about terraces is the display of pure artwork and industriousness (for man-made terraces) and the awe-inspiring allure radiating from natural terraces. I bet the stellar outputs from each creator’s hard work and determination have already become part of the Cebuano culture and I salute them for that.

Alright, let’s cut to the chase! Overwhelming as it may seem, you don’t wanna miss out on visiting these five (5) remarkable spectacle of vast terraces in Cebu first hand.

Rice Terraces

Who would have thought that Cebuanos can get a glimpse of Cordilleras terraces in Cebu?

Tucked away in the outskirts of Argao’s mountain barangay are rice fields cultivated into perfection. Carved through time, supported by rock walls, and well-irrigated by natural spring (tubod in bisaya) coming underneath a leviathan balete tree, shaping barangay Butong’s agricultural and sloped terrains. Visiting this terraces is a one way ticket to experiencing Cebu’s rich past and culture.

There is another terraces in Butong, Argao’s neighboring town, Maloray, Dalaguete. Read more about this verdant gem here: Sergio’s Farm

Take a bus bound for Bato (via Oslob) and alight at Argao poblacion (fare PhP 83). Travel time is 3 hours. It is advisable to contact the tourism office first for regulation and monitoring purposes (landline#: 032 – 485 – 8063). Habal-habal will take you to the area where said balete tree proudly stood (PhP 150 per person).

Waterfalls Terraces

This otherworldly level-1 waterfall is a delight to see for adventure enthusiast who loves to explore off-the-beaten paths down South.  Kanshiahan Falls, as the locals named it, is not that mainstream compared to that of Samboan’s Trifecta Gems (Dau Falls, Aguinid Falls and Binalayan Falls) but it has a huge potential to be a crowd-puller real soon. The cascade flows from one terrace-like bedrock to another having been formed into a number of level areas resembling a series of rock steps.

Hop into one of the yellow buses bound for Bato (via Barili). Alight at Poblacion, Samboan with the town plaza located on the left side of the road. Enjoy a habal-habal ride all the way to the jump-off point of this falls before barangay Suba. (4 hours travel, PhP 192).

Botanical Terraces

There’s a new place in Cebu City wherein you can have a relaxing view of 127 identified species of flora. Privately owned by a father of three, Terrazas de Flores has been developed as a symbol of a father’s love to his children. This 2 hectares botanical garden terraces offers exquisite view and a unique feeling of being one with nature. If you pay close attention to the surroundings, the flowers emit negative ions that would awaken that suppressed feeling when stressed, thereby giving you a calming effect. Isn’t that cool?

The terraces is scrupulously landscaped and supported by interlocked rocks with each row being planted with a local species of flora (either indigenous or adapted). Displayed on every corner are the corresponding label of each plant, identification of which is made in collaboration with University of San Carlos – Biology Department. Café, cabanas, CR and parking area are likewise available in the vicinity. Entrance fee is Php 100.

Feeling the urge to affiliate with nature? Embrace your biophilia and head to the Philippines’ ONLY Botanical Field in Terraces! Private car or habal-habal can access Terrazas de Flores at Tiguib, Malubog, Cebu City (few meters past La Tegola).

 Paddy Terraces

Yes, this is yet another rice field terraces unbeknownst to many. Boljoon’s slopes claimed from nature has been cut into graduated steps that is just fertile for cultivation in the mountainous areas of Upper Becerril. This one reminds me of an amphitheatre which is, by the way, an instagram-worthy spot.

Lots of buses ply South-bound assuring a quaint and coastal journey to the heritage town of Boljoon. After a 3-hour trip, alight in the town junction and inform the habal-habal driver to drop you off 250 meters before the jump-off point of Dayhag Falls. (PhP 75 per person, travel time is 10 minutes).

Garden Terraces

This is not the official name but it can be called as such due to its formation ~ a terraced garden. Unlike Terrazas de Flores, this garden is full of colorful non-flowering plants layered dramatically downward forming into splendid terraces. This is just one of the attractions in Safari Resort, an ongoing 100-hectare development in Carmen Cebu, owned by the Lhuilliers. One can encounter zoo animals up close in this wildlife sanctuary as it will showcase some of the popular Safari circuit residents (e.g., lion, zebra, camel, giraffe, tiger, etc). Slated to open to the public in 2017.

Minibuses or jeepneys are available in Sun Gold, in front of SM Cebu, for (PhP 40–50). Alight at Nacional, the third street from Super Metro Store in Carmen, wherein you’ll see the billboards of Shemberg Biotech Corporation and St. Benedict’s Monastery. Habal-habal is available for PhP 30 per person leading you to Hacienda M. Lhuillier (southwest of Durano Eco Farm).

Just like the terraces , this list will continue to grow in the future and I look forward to sharing them with you all soon.

How many terraces have you been to? Do you know of any terraces in your area worthy to be featured? Share your thoughts and leave a comment below.

Tags: Cebu, Outdoors, Terraces, Tourist Spots, Travel, Travel Guide