10 IG-Worthy Floral Destinations in Cebu

The Philippines, being a tropical climate country, has only two seasons – wet (rainy) and dry (summer). Devoid of spring season, flowers still bloom constantly all year-round, notwithstanding their demand in the celebration of a scheduled holiday or special occasion. Talk of Valentine’s Day, weddings and romantic celebrations, and it remains almost incomplete having not mentioned the lovely and colorful flowers. ??

What’s not to love about flowers? What would romantic day be without flowers? Considered one of the most ultimate symbols of love, flowers play an integral role in any special day AND, in general, can help improve your mood. If you pay close attention to the flower-filled surroundings, flowers emit negative ions that would awaken suppressed feeling when stressed, thereby giving you a calming effect. Isn’t that cool?

And with that in mind, let’s head to Cebu, the 5th Best Island in the world. Cebu never ran out of destinations bombarded with lots of flowers to make you feel better and not bitter (with love, relationship and the like.. LOL!). And so, here’s a list of 10+ instagram-worthy floral spots in Cebu worth visiting in your lifetime ~ may it be solo, with friends or with bae. Update: see expanded list here 25 Fabulous Flower Attractions in Cebu

1.) 10,000 Roses Cafe

This adorn Korean cafe in Day-as, Cordova is the newest floral destination in Cebu. With a vision to create a romantic ambiance, the Korean owner decided to artificially grow 10,000 white LED roses to blanket the front lawn of his little cafe. These plants light up at night offering a majestic view of sea of roses. Php 20.00 entrance fee has been implemented since V-day for environmental purposes. This is in response to the recent incident of LED roses destruction brought about by some irresponsible visitors without due regards to the properties being visited. Nevertheless, 10,000 Roses Cafe continuously draws more tourists and locals every single day to experience romance in this IG-worthy floral destination. For more details, let’s watch foureyedlaagan‘s vlog here.

From SM City Cebu, take a van-for-hire bound for Cordova (fare PhP 35.00). Disembark at Gaisano Grand Mall in Cordova then ride a tricycle for PhP 15-25/pax. Alternatively, commute the Mactan Channel via Metroferry bound for Lapu-lapu City from Cebu City Pier 3 terminal (fare for adult PhP 14.00, student Php 12.00).

2.) Sibugay Floral Garden

From  white LED roses, let’s now move to white flowers that are real. Not known to many is this Chrysanthemum and Baby’s Breath plantation in Sibugay, Cebu. With white and pink petals sprouting in the area, this spot is surely an instagrammable floral destination. This is a private garden but you can ask the owner to have a selfie for IG purposes without a fee.

To get to this spectacular floral spot, just ride a habal2x in JY Square and inform the driver to drop you off at Sibugay junction where you can see lots of corn vendors. A 500-meter hike will then be undertaken before you reach this floral garden. Fare is not more than Php 150.00 each.

3.) La Vie Parisienne

La Vie Parisienne is a French bakery & wineshop conveniently located in Lahug that captures the heart of most Cebuanos and tourists. It is notable for its artificial pink tree resembling cherry blossom trees that brightens up the night while you spend quality moment with your companions. Offering dozens of choices from breads, pastries, pizzas, cheeses and wine, it is without a doubt an ideal place to chill and have a great photo session with friends and families.

It is note-worthy to mention that most of the floral destinations’ artificial setting could be inspired by La Vie Parisienne’s light-up LED flowers. Visit them at 371 Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City.

4.) Sirao Flower Farm

When the flower farm craze spread like wildfire in the social media, netizens flocked into the hillside of barangay Sirao to experience the Spring season and relish the beauty of the fiery multi-colored field of celosia akin to the tulip fields of the Netherlands. In light of the foregoing, it is branded as the “#miniAmsterdam” of Cebu.

ALSO READ: 25 International and PH wonders found in Cebu

As of writing, burlas (local name of celosia) blooms anew, awaiting to stage your selfies. From JY Square Mall in Lahug, and take a habal-habal (motorcycle for hire) for PhP 100 per way. Travel time is about 30-35 minutes. Entrance fee is PhP 30 for unlimited photos and PhP 100 for taking videos. Its neighboring garden has a lesser fee of PhP 25.

5.) Betty’s Botanical Garden

Feeling the urge to affiliate with nature? Embrace your biophilia and head to Betty’s Botanical Garden. This 6-hectare floral farm is located in the hinterlands of Cantipla that boasts various flowers and plants which are produced organically. There are a lot of pine trees in the area, as well as wild flowers such as pitcher plant and hydrangea. Overlooking Camotes Island and panoramic view of Tabunan forest, the place is naturally cool, perfect retreat for a hot summer day.

From Ayala Center Cebu Terminal, ride a v-hire for PhP 120. You’ll have scenic ride for 45 minutes along Transcentral highway before arriving at the jump off point (Barangay Cantipla). Get off the van once you have this signage in sight “Welcome to Cantipla/ Tabunan Integrated Sch)” and from there, you can hike your up or ride a habal-habal going to Betty’s Botanical Garden.

6.) Terrazas de Flores

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. 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). Café, cabanas, CR and parking area are likewise available in the vicinity. Entrance fee is Php 100.

Don’t miss in visiting 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).

For more terraces in Cebu, proceed to this blog post.

7.) Ogtong Cave Resort

Walling in a bougainvillea-flavored hedge ‘coz why not? If you want to see and take a selfie in this instagrammable floral spot, then head to Ogtong Cave Resort in Bantayan Island, Cebu. The bougainvillea blooms in its full glory during March to May and be stunned with its lovely colors ranging from white, pink and pale red.

From Cebu City, catch a bus or van in Cebu North Terminal going to Hagnaya Port in the town of San Remegio (PhP 160) or Ceres bus direct to Bantayan town proper via Sta. Fe. (PhP 200). Travel time is 3 – 4 hours. From Hagnaya’s Port you’ll hop a 45-min. ferry boat (PhP 170 fare + PhP 10 terminal fee) to Santa Fe, Bantayan Island.  Tricycle (PhP 25/person fare) can take you from Sante Fe port going to Ogtong Cave Resort.

8.) Cebu Safari

Walk down the aisle or sit in the corner ~ whatever you prefer, you’ll surely be visually delighted with the presence of more than a hundred lovely orchids. This orchid garden is just one of the attractions in Safari Resort, an ongoing 100-hectare development in Carmen Cebu, owned by the Lhuilliers. Aside from this floral spot, 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  this 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).

9.) TIEZA Botanical Garden (Malubog Lake)

Malubog lake is a natural waterscape abounded by celosia flowers. One can do YOLO-ing by the picturesque natural pool while marveling at the famous Sirao Peak in its backdrop. The view and experience is just exquisite, perfect for a “me” time. If you want a quick getaway in a scenic floral destination that is near the city, yet away from its hurly-burly, then just hail a habal2x in JY Square and tell the driver that you are heading to Malubog Lake. You can see Busay Holiday Pool in the highway and then turn right. Fare is not more than P100 per person, one way.

ALSO READ: TIEZA Botanical Garden: Scenic Garden by the Lake

10.) Buwakan ni Alejandra

Perched in a mountainside in Gaas, Balamban is a colorful flower garden named Buwakan ni Alejandra. Offering a stunning view of more than 200 local botanical species, guests will surely have a wonderful time in basking in its beauty. This is just one of the newly added floral destination in Cebu that is instagram-able and worth visiting in your lifetime. For only Php 50.00 entrance fee, bring your whole family and/or friends to relax, bond and be one with nature.

This newest 700-square-meter tourist attraction in Sitio Bunga is poised about 32 kilometers away from Cebu City, which is accessible by v-hire from Ayala Terminal (Php 120) or private cars. Landmark is near Adventure Cafe.

Responsible Tourism

There you go lovely people. Wherever you go, may you be guided by the “Leave No Trace” Principle, to wit: “Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints. Kill nothing but time.” The Earth’s natural creation or man-made attractions are not ours to destroy so better exercise caution and practice responsible tourism. And more importantly, express your love by giving not just flowers but the opportunity to improve your mood and health by visiting these floral destinations in Cebu.

Have you been to any of the 10 IG-worthy floral destinations in Cebu? Are there any flower-filled spots you would like to share that are not in the list above? Share some leads in the comment section below.

Tags: Cebu, Floral Destinations in Cebu, Flowers, IG-worthy, Tourist Spots