I Heart Travels

Restaurant Review: Smooth Cafe Moalboal, Cebu   After an adventurous day at Kawasan Falls, my parent and I found ourselves famished and in need of a good dinner. We decided to head to Panagsama Beach in Moalboal and rented a tricycle for 150 pesos to get there. Our initial plan was to try a famous restaurant in the area, but unfortunately, it was fully packed. We wandered around the area in search of a decent Filipino restaurant, as I am a fan of rice and budget-friendly dining options. However, due to our hunger and lack of time to explore further, we ended up at Smooth Cafe.   To my surprise, the restaurant had live bands performing and seemed to attract more expat customers than Filipinos. Although I initially felt a bit anxious, we were too hungry to back out, so we decided to give it a try. We were delighted to find that they offered Filipino food at very reasonable prices. Without hesitation, we placed our orders and eagerly waited for our food to arrive.

Review of Moalboal Tropics Hotel:   We traveled for 5 hours from Cebu City to reach Moalboal, and the hotel was just 15 minutes away from the main road. Despite the scorching heat, we were pleased with the appearance of the resort upon entering. It was well-maintained, spacious, and adorned with lush greenery. Checking in at the reception was a breeze, and to our delight, they upgraded our room and allowed us to check in an hour earlier than expected. The staff at the hotel were fantastic, providing excellent service throughout our stay.   The rooms at Moalboal Tropics Hotel are spacious and clean, although some fixtures, such as the showers, could use a bit of maintenance. The cabinets could also benefit from a more thorough cleaning. However, the room had an air purifier and a TV, and the temperature was perfect. We did encounter some mosquitoes in the room, but we couldn't figure out where they came from. On the bright side, our room had a fantastic view

Exploring the Beauty of Kawasan Falls: A Memorable Adventure in Badian   During my trip to Cebu in 2023, one of the highlights was visiting the picturesque Kawasan Falls in Badian. After a long journey of 5 hours from Cebu City, my travel companion and I checked into our hotel in Moalboal. Eager to witness the beauty of Kawasan Falls, we rented a tricycle to take us to Badian, the jump-off point for this natural wonder. In this blog entry, I will share my experience of visiting Kawasan Falls, including the journey, the guide, and the breathtaking scenery.   After a scenic 30-minute tricycle ride from Moalboal, we arrived in Badian at 3 pm. Fortunately, a local tour guide volunteered to accompany us on our adventure. Initially skeptical about the cost, I candidly asked the guide how much we should pay. To my surprise, he left it up to us, so I decided to give him 200 pesos since there were two of us. With our guide by our side, we embarked on a 15-minute walk, ma

Discovering the Beauty of Sumilon Island: A Must-Visit in South Cebu   During my tour of South Cebu in 2023, a visit to Sumilon Island was an absolute must. After an exhilarating experience of whale watching in Oslob, our private car took us to this stunning destination. In this blog entry, I will share my memorable experience on Sumilon Island, from the crystal-clear waters of the sandbar to the overall tour arrangements.   One of the highlights of Sumilon Island is its mesmerizing sandbar. As we arrived, we were greeted by a stretch of powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters, beckoning us to take a dip. Outrigger boats are available to transport visitors from the mainland to the island for a small fee. The boat ride took approximately 20 minutes, offering scenic views along the way.   Upon reaching the island, it became apparent that there are no shades along the beach area. To ensure a comfortable stay, it is advisable to bring a small tent or

Exploring the Cartel Ruins: A Mixed Experience   I had mixed feelings about this historical site. While the ruins themselves were interesting to explore, there wasn't much else to see or do in the vicinity. In this blog entry, I will share my thoughts on the ruins, the nearby attractions, and the overall experience.   The Cartel Ruins are undoubtedly a sight to behold. The remnants of the old structures offer a glimpse into the past and showcase the architectural beauty of the bygone era. Walking through the ruins was a unique experience, as I could imagine the hustle and bustle that once filled these walls. However, it is worth noting that the visit to the ruins can be completed in under 15 minutes, which may leave some visitors wanting more.   Adjacent to the ruins, there was a small building that appeared to be a museum. Unfortunately, during my visit, it was closed. It was disappointing not to have the opportunity to delve deeper into the his

A Spiritual Journey to Simala Church: A Place of Faith and Miracles   In the vibrant city of Cebu, lies a sanctuary of faith and devotion - Simala Church. Nestled not too far from Cebu City, this sacred place attracts countless pilgrims seeking solace, divine intervention, and a deeper connection with their spirituality. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit this renowned shrine, and the experience left an indelible mark on my soul.   To ensure a hassle-free trip, my companions and I decided to book a private vehicle to transport us to Simala Church. Although the distance was not considerable, the traffic congestion and rough roads extended our journey to nearly three hours. Nevertheless, the anticipation of reaching our destination kept our spirits high.   As we arrived, we were greeted by a bustling crowd, a testament to the popularity and significance of this holy place. Without delay, we made our way towards the main church, bypassing the mini

A Delightful Morning at Yello Hotel Cebu Breakfast Buffet   Indulging in a delectable breakfast buffet is one of the simple pleasures of travel, and my experience at Yello Hotel Cebu's Breakfast Buffet in 2023 was nothing short of delightful. From the warm hospitality of the crew and staff to the impressive variety of food selections, this breakfast experience exceeded my expectations. Join me as I take you through the highlights of this sumptuous feast and the inviting ambiance that made it a memorable start to the day.   From the moment I stepped into the breakfast buffet area, I was greeted by a warm and friendly crew. The staff at Yello Hotel Cebu were incredibly hospitable, making me feel welcomed and comfortable throughout my dining experience. Their genuine smiles and attentive service added a personal touch that enhanced the overall dining experience.   The food offerings at Yello Hotel Cebu's Breakfast Buffet were truly beyond expect

Temple of Leah Cebu: A Glimpse of Grandeur Amidst Renovation   Nestled in the heart of Cebu, the Temple of Leah stands as a testament to love and grandeur. During my visit in 2023, the temple was undergoing some renovations, but that didn't overshadow the awe-inspiring architecture and the breathtaking view of Cebu City. Join me as I recount my experience exploring this remarkable site and how it became one of the highlights of my Cebu day tour.   As I approached the Temple of Leah, I couldn't help but be captivated by its impressive architecture. The grandeur of the structure, inspired by Roman and Greek architecture, was truly a sight to behold. Despite the ongoing renovations, the intricate details and the sheer scale of the temple left me in awe. But it wasn't just the architecture that stole the show; the panoramic view of Cebu City from the temple's vantage point was simply breathtaking. It offered a unique perspective of the city's sky

Taoist Temple Cebu: A Mixed Bag of Views and Disappointments   In the bustling city of Cebu, the Taoist Temple stands as a prominent tourist attraction, promising breathtaking views and a glimpse into the Taoist culture. However, my recent visit left me with mixed feelings and a sense of disappointment. Join me as I share my experience exploring the Taoist Temple and uncovering its hidden flaws.   Upon arriving at the Taoist Temple, I quickly realized that the entire place could be explored within a mere 10 to 15 minutes, or perhaps 20 minutes if you take the time to capture pictures and pose at the so-called "sites" that attract most tourists. The limited number of attractions meant that there was not much to see beyond the panoramic views of the city. While the scenery was undeniably beautiful, it was not enough to compensate for the lack of substantial points of interest.   As I ventured deeper into the temple, I couldn't help but no