Aventuras De Viaje's Blog, page 29

Allsons Inn Review, Cebu City, Philippines – Survive Travel

This post is a Allsons Inn Review review.

Allsons Inn is now my top pick for accommodation when in Cebu City, Philippines.

This Allsons Inn review includes personal opinions and useful information including directions, pictures, costs, etc.

Right Picture: The bar and bistro is located on the roof and you can get an okay view.

Featured Picture: From the front of Allsons’ Inn.

For the quick version of this Allsons Inn review you can scroll to the bottom of this post and look in the reviews. Mine is the first one .

Price Range: I must have got a really good deal via Hotels Combined because I paid less than 750php/night for a double. On their brochure they advertise 1100php for a single and 1300php for a double. I don’t get a complimentary meal but if you are spending 650php for a meal in Cebu then you will also probably be in a much flashier hotel.

Address: 129 General Echavez St., Cebu, 6000, Philippines. Phone: 232 1640

Allsons Inn Review, Cebu City

I was unhappy with the cost vs quality aspect of the West Gorordo Hotel so I made another switch. I only had two nights left in Cebu City so I just booked them both. Usually I only book one just in case I don’t like it.

Four things that stood out to me about Allsons Inn are:

1. I got a really good deal by booking on-line through hotels combined.

2. I asked to change rooms because the wifi signal was weak in my room. They said I could but the other rooms were smaller, so I decided just to live with the weak signal. It still worked fine.

3. Location is okay. It’s not too far from anything, but not particularly close to anything either. Everything seems to be about a 20 minute walk.

4. The bathroom doesn’t look as nice as in the West Gorordo Hotel but the shower is way better.

The room I got was a good size. Bigger than I expected, and everything worked well. Aircon with fan, cable TV, comfy bed, satin pillowcases (oo la la) a work desk, cupboard and they even folded the blanket into a nice shape.

I did see the other rooms and they weren’t too much smaller. I would have been happy in it if I didn’t know any better.

Good sized room, but this is bigger than most.

Want things to do during your visit to Cebu City? Get all the information on Cebu City and the rest of the Philippines you need with arguably the best guide-books on the planet.

Hot shower with good water pressure and a flushing toilet. That’s pretty much all you need from a bathroom. Towel is a bit dismal but usable.

Everything in the bathroom works as expected.

You can get a massage and the price is decent. 200php for a one hour thai massage. Order at the front desk.

The massage room, well, not in the room. At the desk where they “check you in”.

They also have a gym. I think you have to pay extra to use it, but maybe it is complimentary.

A decent gym. It is also open to the public.

This is the first hotel I have ever been in with a chapel.

The chapel in Allsons Inn.

I would recommend staying at Allsons Inn IF you can get the discounted price (under 800php/night). If not then my next choice would be the Mayflower Inn.

Book your stay at the Allsons’ Inn in Cebu City..

Getting to Allsons Inn in Cebu City

I walked here from the West Gorordo Hotel. A cab from the airport would should cost about 300php.

Along the way I went past the cemetery and saw these guys making tombstones. Location, location, location.

Seen near Allson’s Inn. What better place to put your gravestone making business than out the front of the cemetery.

Have you stayed in Allsons Inn in Cebu City before? Help out other readers and leave your Allsons Inn review below, and if you know of more or updated information or even if you just want to say hi then please leave a comment .

The post Allsons Inn Review, Cebu City, Philippines – Survive Travel appeared first on Survive Travel.

Shopping in Cebu City Review, Philippines, Survive Travel

This post is a shopping in Cebu City review.

Cebu City is the capital of Cebu and was also the original capital of the Philippines (now it’s Manila). I wouldn’t say it is a shopping mecca but I’m fairly sure you can get everything you need/want within the city.

This shopping in Cebu City review includes personal opinions and useful information including directions, pictures, costs, etc.

Right Picture: Robinsons Galleria from the top floor.

Featured Picture: Inside SM Mall.

For the quick version of this shopping in Cebu City review you can scroll to the bottom of this post and look in the reviews. Mine is the first one .

Shopping in Cebu City Review

Being a minimalist I am not very big on shopping, but I had already seen all the sights I wanted to see in Cebu City and didn’t feel I had enough time to go elsewhere before flying out so I decided to check out the shopping options… specifically so I could write this post. You’re welcome shop-a-holics.

Three things that stood out to me about shopping in Cebu City were:

1. They have some pretty big malls.

2. You can find pretty much anything you’d need/want.

3. If you don’t like malls there are lots of market scattered around.

Some Places to Shop in Cebu City

I didn’t go to every place you could shop in Cebu City (that would take a long, long time) but I did cover the two “main” shopping centers and then some. All the places in this post are within walking distance (twenty minutes or less) from the city center.

Ayala Center

The first shopping center on my list is not the biggest but in my opinion is the nicest, mainly because of the Ayala Terraces.

In addition to the many shops it has a good food court on the top level of the department store and a cinema.

It is also a hub for jeepneys.

The Ayala Terraces

Mango Square Mall

Mango Square isn’t really a great shopping complex in itself, but the surrounding area has lots to offer, especially if you head west to the ig roundabout. There are also lots of bars, restaurants, clubs, etc.

Mango Square is also the mecca for night life in Cebu City, every night of the week.

Mango Square Mall. This picture was taken at night (about 9pm). You can see the girls starting to fill the square.

Want to know all the best things to do in Cebu City? Get all the information on Cebu City and the rest of the Philippines that you need with arguably the best travel guide books on the planet.

SM City Cebu

I reckon SM City Cebu is the biggest shopping mall in Cebu City. It also has a cinema and loads of shops, but to my dismay no dedicated food court. It does have lots of eating places, just no one area to find them all.

Inside SM City Cebu.

Robinsons Galleria

There are Robinsons stores all over Cebu City (and the Philippines) but this is Robinsons Galleria Cebu. I kind of just stumbled across it while exploring and decided to check it out, mainly to get out of the heat. It was much larger inside than I had expected.

It has a small food court, a cinema and of course a bucket load of shops.

The “center” of Robinsons Galleria Cebu.

Carbon Market

Carbon market is one of the many market places in and around Cebu City. I wrote a separate review for it here.

Carbon Market

Need somewhere to sleep while visiting Cebu City? Find your perfect accommodation no matter what your budget.

I’m not massive on shopping but I dare say that Cebu City is the best place to go shopping on Cebu Island and perhaps in the whole of the south of the Philippines (assuming Manila is in the north).

Here’s a map with all the places mentioned in this post.

Have you been shopping in Cebu City before? Help out other readers and leave your shopping in Cebu City review below, and if you know of more or updated information or even if you just want to say hi then please leave a comment .

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Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary Review, Cebu City, Philippines, Survive Travel

This post is a Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary review.

The Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary has a butterfly garden as well as a specimen museum and a very unique art gallery with “paintings” made entirely from butterfly wings – mosaic style! The Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary is found just outside Cebu City (Philippines) in Basak Pardo.

This Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary review includes personal opinions and useful information including directions, pictures, costs, etc.

Right Picture: In the garden. Can you spot the butterfly’s?

For the quick version of this Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary review you can scroll to the bottom of this post and look in the reviews. Mine is the first one .

Cost(s): 100php entry for adults which includes a tour.

Address: Jumalon Street. Basak Pardo. Cebu City, Philippines. Phone: 261 6884

Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary Review, Cebu City

I read about the Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary in my trusty Lonely Planet guide-book. I though it would be a nice getaway from the city. Also, butterfly’s are my mum’s favorite animal, so I guess I like them too.

Three things that stood out to me about the Jumalon Butterfly Sancurary are:

1. It’s not well known to the locals. The staff at the West Gorordo Hotel knew of it, but my friend (who was born and raised in Cebu City) had never heard of it and neither had the taxi driver.

2. The guy that runs the joint is very nice, loves what he does, has great English, is full of information and has blue eyes despite being a full blood Filipino.

3. Mosaic “paintings” made from butterfly wings. These are incredible. The guy who did them… man, it must have taken him some time.

4. We did not choose a good time to go (noon in February). Apparently the best time to go is in the morning (as soon as the place opens which I think is at 0900) and in August.

Things to see in the Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary

Also the place itself is quite small the four sections of the Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary along with the information the guy gives fills an interesting hour.

The Garden

After a brief introduction you get taken to the garden. Unlike most butterfly sanctuary’s this one does not “capture” the butterfly’s. Instead they plant the butterfly feeding plants so they are naturally attracted. For the most part, it is open and the butterflies are free to fly away if they want.

Unfortunately this is the best picture I got of an actually butterfly. It is much better in real life.

Want to know all the best things to do in Cebu City? Get all the information on Cebu City and the rest of the Phillipines that you need with arguably the best travel guide books on the planet.

Hatching

I’ve called this hatching only because I can’t remember the proper term. Obviously they do not hatch… because they are not in eggs (I think that is a correct statement). In any case, behind the garden is a room where they protect the little fellas (from predators) while the are in the vulnerable stage of becoming butterfly’s.

This section also has some preserved specimens… and mosquitoes.

Contrary to what I thought, they do not tie them onto the stem. The animal does it by him/her self.

Specimen Museum

The next part was in the specimen museum where he has many specimens of butterfly’s from around the world.

In this picture it shows his favorite butterfly (the blue one) which is from Australia. Australia also has the biggest butterfly sanctuary in the world, in Queensland. I think the other one is a specimen of the biggest butterfly that they have flying around in the Jumalon Sanctuary… but I could be mistaken about this.

Just two of many specimens in the specimen museum.

Art Gallery

Unfortunately you are not allowed to take pictures in the art gallery, which is a shame because it was very impressive. Not huge, but just there are pictures made from mosaics of butterfly wings, and very good also. Some of them he did a watercolor and the mosaic equivalent. If I had a house I’d probably buy one, excpet the they are not for sale.

Need somewhere to sleep while visiting Cebu City in the Philippines? Find your perfect accommodation no matter what your budget.

For me the Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary was worth the trip. The guy was really informative and I learned a lot about butterfly’s, most of which is probably a refresher from grade school, but that was a while ago.

I really can’t get over the butterfly wing mosaics, really unique.

Actually its inspired me. I assume one day I will have a permanent base, in which I will have a garden. Most of it will be useful plants (herbs, fruit, vegies, mosquito repellants, etc.) but now I will also have soem butterfly attractors like the ones in Jumalon. This will also attract the birds since they eat butterfly’s. Ahh, the circle of life.

Getting to the Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary Cebu City

I caught a taxi because the person I went with was on a time schedule. To be fair I probably would have just caught a taxi anyway since they are pretty cheap in the Philippines. From Ayala Mall it cost about 130php each way.

Most taxi drivers won’t know where it is. Tell the to head towards Basak Pardo. Get dropped of at the elementary school and then walk down Jumalon Street. Even better, plug it into your phone’s GPS.

Alternatively you can catch a jeepney. Here’s information I got from Lonely Planet. Catch #9 or #10 from N Baculso Ave (Cebu Sth Rd) and get off at the Basak Pardo barangay hall. You will be near Jumalon st which is behind the elementary school.

The street leading to the Jumalon butterfly sanctuary (Jumalon Street))

Have you been to the Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary in Cebu City before? Help out other readers and leave your Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary review below, and if you know of more or updated information or even if you just want to say hi then please leave a comment .

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West Gorordo Hotel Review, Cebu City, Philippines – Survive Travel

This post is a West Gorordo Hotel review.

The West Gorordo Hotel is an eco-friendly hotel in Cebu City, Philippines.

This West Gorordo Hotel review includes personal opinions and useful information including directions, pictures, costs, etc.

Right Picture: Free water and awesome quotes throughout the hotel.

For the quick version of this West Gorordo Hotel review you can scroll to the bottom of this post and look in the reviews. Mine is the first one .

Price Range: My room was 935php. I am pretty sure it was the cheapest option.

Address: 110 Gorordo Ave, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines

West Gorordo Hotel Review, Cebu City

After spending two nights in the San Jose Pension House I was tired of a dirty room with no internet, so I booked the West Gorordo Hotel online from the internet cafe across the road from the Pension House, which by the way had the best internet I’ve ever had in the Philippines. Also, the massage place next a few doors down from the internet cafe does a really good Thai Massage for super cheap (150php/hour).

Three things that stood out to me about the West Gorordo Hotel are:

1. It’s an eco-friendly hotel, just like the Mayflower Inn where I stayed last time. In fact, the similarities are too many that it is extremely likely they have the same owners.

2. Staff are super friendly.

3. Room was clean and internet was great.

The bedroom was smaller than the one at the San Jose Pension House but there was still enough room to do some Survival Fitness Training and it was a million times cleaner.

There was a desk to work on and the wireless was fast.

The air-conditioner had no just fan option which sucks fro me because I prefer fans over air-con.

A nice clean room.

Want things to do during your visit to Cebu City? Get all the information on Cebu City and the rest of the Philippines you need with arguably the best guide-books on the planet.

The bathroom was nice too although the shower pressure was pretty dismal and the towel wasn’t the best.

The only fault with the bathroom was that the shower pressure wasn’t very good.

They even had a small fitness centre which was free to use for guests.

Small fitness centre.

There was nothing really wrong with the West Gorordo Hotel and I commend the eco-awareness, but I’m just not convinced. The Mayflower Inn was slightly cheaper and I think the room was bigger.

I think the main reason I booked the West Gorordo Hotel in the first place was for the close proximity to the Ayala Center. Not really a good reason as it was only a few hundred meters closer.

The next day I moved to Allsons’ Inn which, out of the four places I’ve stayed in Cebu City, is the best.

Book your stay at the West Gorordo Hotel in Cebu City.

Getting to the West Gorordo Hotel

I walked there from teh San Jose Pension House.

You can get a taxi from the airport, bus station or port, the most expensive of which will be the airport at about 300php.

Have you stayed at the West Gorordo Hotel in Cebu City before? Help out other readers and leave your West Gorordo Hotel below, and if you know of more or updated information or even if you just want to say hi then please leave a comment .

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Carbon Market Review, Cebu City, Philippines – Survive Travel

This post is a Carbon Market review.

Carbon Market is a mainly a fresh produce market but also has eating stalls, random goods and residences. It is found in downtown Cebu City.

This Carbon Market review includes directions, pictures, costs and my personal opinions which may or may not contain useful information.

Right Picture: Girls singing karaoke out the back of the market.

For the quick version of this Carbon Market review you can scroll to the bottom of this post and look in the reviews. Mine is the first one .

Cost: Free to wander around.

Address: Briones St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu.

Carbon Market Review, Town/City

I had Carbon Market on my “things to do” list but actually I stumbled upon it by accident whilst trying to get to a mall (air-conditioning and food) after visiting Fort San Pedro.

Four things that stood out to me about the Carbon Market are:

1. It’s not the cleanest place, and further in it smells quite bad.

2. Definitely a less-wealthy area. I was surprised that people actually live there… its a community. I guess this is the “gritty” side of Cebu-City, especially as you get closer to the river.

3. I saw a lot of fish for sale (cooked), but I wouldn’t venture to eat it. I can only assume they caught it straight out of the river, and I hate to think what the locals dump in that river.

4. It was an interesting scene walking through, but I would not venture in there at night. I mean the part closer to the river. I think the front of it would be fine.

Things to do in Carbon Market

There is really only one thing to do… and that is walk around. I guess you can buy stuff, eat (I wouldn’t) or play the arcade games.

Entering the Market

The first scene I came across when I realized I was in Carbon Market was all this fresh produce for sale.

As you can see by the picture the sun was out in force.

Carbon Market fresh produce

Want to know all the best things to do in Cebu-City? Get all the information on Cebu City and the rest of the Philippines that you need with arguably the best travel guide-books on the planet.

Back of the Market

Venturing further in there is a much more local feel. Cheap eateries (that I would avoid), kids playing, people playing online games, karoke, etc.

Eventually you get to the river.

The back of Carbon Market.

On the Way Out

Surprisingly I saw no other tourists, except this guy on my way out.

The only other tourist I saw.

Need somewhere to sleep while visiting Cebu City in the Philippines? Find your perfect accommodation no matter what your budget.

Carbon Market was an interesting place to stroll through. I probably would not venture there on purpose at night time, but certainly during the day it is a entertaining (not really the right word to use, but can’t think of another) experience. It’s worth a look.

Getting to Carbon Market in Cebu City

Carbon Market is within walking distance from the city center. I never walked directly from the city to the market, but I estimate that it would take about twenty minutes.

I saw lots of Jeepneys heading toward Carbpn going through the city.

Taxi is always an option.

It’s a five to ten minute walk east of Fort San Pedro.

Came across this on the way to Carbon Market from Fort San Pedro. Taken from the edge of the Cebu Coastal Road.

Have you been to Carbon Market in Cebu City before? Help out other readers and leave your Carbon Market review below, and if you know of more or updated information or even if you just want to say hi then please leave a comment .

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Fort San Pedro Review, Cebu City, Philippines – Survive Travel

This post is a Fort San Pedro review.

Fort San Pedro is found in the downtown area of Cebu City in the Philippines.

This Fort San Pedro review includes directions, pictures, costs and my personal opinions which may or may not contain useful information.

Right Picture: The court yard in Fort San Pedro.

For the quick version of this Fort San Pedro review you can scroll to the bottom of this post and look in the reviews. Mine is the first one .

Cost(s): 30php. You can get a free tour guide. It’s probably nice to give him/her a tip.

Address: A. Pigafetta Street, Cebu City, 6000, Philippines.

Fort San Pedro Review, Cebu City

I has read that Fort San Pedro was a nice way to “get out of the city” whilst not actually leaving the city, so I decided to go for a stroll there.

Three things that stood out to me about Fort San Pedro are:

1. Like most things I have discovered in Cebu City, entry fee was cheap (30php). which includes tour guide if you want it.

2. It is surrounded by a nice “park”.

3. Inside is small but pleasant.

Things to do/see in San Pedro Fort

Inside Fort San Pedro are a couple of gallery rooms and a small shop selling drinks and maybe small snack items. The main thing (I think) is to just walk around the top. The bathroom was nice. I mention this because in the Philippines it could easily have been a cesspool.

The Courtyard

As you enter the first thing you see is the courtyard, I sat there for ten minutes or so to let the school group ahead of me get some distance. I got smashed by mosquitoes.

Want to know all the best things to do in Cebu-City? Get all the information on Cebu City and the rest of the Philippines that you need with arguably the best travel guide books on the planet.

Galleries

There are a couple of galleries you can look through. This one had paintings and model ships. The other one… I forget what it had.

Inside one of the galleries.

Walk Along the Fort Wall

You can walk along the Fort wall. There are some nice gardens with cannons and you get a pretty good view of the surrounding area.

It kind of reminded me of Dubrovnic only nowhere near as impressive.

Walking along the wall reminded me of walking around the wall of Dubrovnic in Croatia, but nowhere near as impressive.

Need somewhere to sleep while visiting Cebu City in the Philippines? Find your perfect accommodation no matter what your budget.

I liked Fort San Pedro. True to what I read it is was a nice escape from the city without having to leave the city. Worth the walk there and is within walking distance of Carbon Markets if you wan tot do something else afterwards.

Getting to Fort San Pedro in Cebu City

I walked there from the city. Took about 15 minutes.

Taxi is always an option. Probably costs 50 to 60 php from the city since the flag fall is 40php.

Snapped this shot of a Jeepney on the walk in to Fort San Pedro.

Have you been to Fort San Pedro in Cebu City before? Help out other readers and leave your Fort San Pedro review below, and if you know of more or updated information or even if you just want to say hi then please leave a comment .

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San Jose Pension House Review, Cebu City, Philippines – Survive Travel

This post is a San Jose Pension House review.

The San Jose Pension House is the cheapest private room I could find near the city center of Cebu City in the Philippines.

This San Jose Pension House review includes directions, pictures, costs and my personal opinions which may or may not contain useful information.

Right Picture: The “veranda” outside my room leading out to reception and the street.

For the quick version of this San Jose Pension House review you can scroll to the bottom of this post and look in the reviews. Mine is the first one .

Price Range: I think they only have two types of rooms. Mine was 600php a night for a double bed. It was the cheapest option.

Address: 131 Rahmann Street, Brgy.Zapatera, Zapatera, Cebu City, Philippines 6000

San Jose Pension House Review, Cebu City

I booked the San Jose Pension House online via HotelsCombined.com. The walk in rate is the same price.

Three things that stood out to me about the San Jose Pension House are:

1. From first look it seems fine. Decent sized room, T.V., aircon, private bathroom, internet, etc.

2. The bed was not very comfortable.

3. The bathroom was not clean.

Although the San Jose Pension House is tucked away somewhat, it is in a decent location. Mango Square, the Ayala Mall and Fort San Pedro are all within walking distance (no more then twenty minutes to either).

It is also cheap. 600php a night for a private room in the city. Not bad, but not very good either.

Yes it had everything you’d expect, but not quite.

The TV had cable, but no remote and the buttons on the TV itself didn’t work properly. Every time I wanted to adjust the volume the channel changed.

The room is a decent size with everything expected (TV, Aircon, Towel, etc.)

Want things to do during your visit to Cebu City? Get all the information on Cebu City and the rest of the Philippines you need with arguably the best guide-books on the planet.

There is a desk which is good, but only one working power-point. Also, the internet never worked for me.

The air-con worked well.

There’s a sink in the room. Weird but no harm done.

The bathroom was a mess. Full of ants. Also, no hot water, which actually isn’t too bad in the Philippines.

I had to clean the bathroom. There were ants EVERYWHERE.

I ended up staying for two nights and then switched to the West Gorordo Hotel. A year or two ago I would have been sweet with this room, but I guess I just prefer a little cleanliness in my old age.

For budget travelers it’s good enough. Perhaps it was just my room that has the ant problem.

Book your stay at the San Jose Pension House or another hotel in Cebu City..

Getting to the San Jose Pension House in Cebu City

I arrived in the port from Bohol. From there I caught a taxi. I can’t remember the exact cost, but it was under 150php.

You could probably walk form the port if you really wanted to. Might take you half and hour.

From the airport a taxi would probably cost around 300 to 350php.

Have you stayed in the San Jose Pension House before? Help out other readers and leave your San Jose Pension House review below, and if you know of more or updated information or even if you just want to say hi then please leave a comment .

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Museo Sugbo Review, Cebu City, Philippines – Survive Travel

This post is a Museo Sugbo review.

Museo Sugbo is the Cebu Provincial Museum in Cebu City.

This Museo Sugbo review includes directions, pictures, costs and my personal opinions which may or may not contain useful information.

Right Picture: The courtyard with a gift shop and cafe.

For the quick version of this Museo Sugbo review you can scroll to the bottom of this post and look in the reviews. Mine is the first one .

Cost(s): 75php

Address: Corner of M.J. Cuenco Ave and R. Mercado Street

Museo Sugbo Review, Cebu City

I arrived in Cebu City from Bohol at about 13:00pm. After checking into the San Jose Pension house I decided to go for a walk and came across the Museo Sugbo, otherwise known as the National Museum of Cebu.

Three things that stood out to me about the Museo Sugbo are:

1. It was quiet. I was the only one there for almost the whole thing. While looking through the last room a busloa of African (I think) students arrived, but other than that I was it.

2. It’s a decent sized museum and the site actually used to be a prison, which explains the decent sized courtyard in the middle.

3. A learned quite a bit about the history of Cebu.

Museo Sugbo Exhibits

I counted five different exhibits. Here is what I think I learnt from them.. although I probably misinterpreted a lot.

They ask you if you want a guide, which I assume is free but tips appreciated. I’m not a fan of guides, I’d rather look around at my leisure.

Pre-Colonisation

Room one focused on how the Cebuanas lived pre-colonisation. Apparently they had an abundance of gold which they swapped for iron. Classic mistake.

A model of the housing that was about pre-colonisation. This type of housing is still around in rural areas.

Spanish Colonization

Soon enough the Spanish decided to conquer them. Apparently they up a pretty good fight and managed to kill Magellan.

Some weaponry form the Spanish Colonization.

American Colonization

After a while they fought off the Spanish, lived free for a short period and then the Americans came to have their go at ruling them.

Some dresses from the times of the American Colonization.

Japanese Occupation

WW2 happened and the Japanese took over. I think this is were things really got bad for them. Not too mention all the bombing.

Poor guys, just stuck in the middle of it all.

Japanese decreed.

Want to know all the best things to do in Cebu City? Get all the information on Cebu City and the rest of the Philippines that you need with arguably the best travel guide books on the planet.

Finally the Japanese were defeated and the Americans took control again. Eventually they gave power back to the people.

National Archives

Across the courtyard was an exhibit of national archives. A bunch of architectural type stuff which I didn’t find very interesting.

National Archives Room

Governance

The final exhibit was about the history of Governance.

I think for about 17-ish years somewhere in there they were pretty much under military law. Finally the people got sick of it and through non-violent protest regained democracy.

Model of the town back in the day.

I found the Museo Sugbo pretty interesting. I’m not sure if it is always as quiet as it was when I went but I am glad it was. If you have an hour or two to spare and are interested in the history of Cebu then I recommend having a look.

Need somewhere to sleep while visiting Cebu City in the Philippines? Find your perfect accommodation no matter what your budget.

Getting to Attraction Name in Town/City

I walked there from the San Jose Pension House. There’s alot of hotels in that area so chances are yours is too. Alternatively you can catch a cab which are relatively inexpensive.

On the way back I stumbled across the four floors of Robinsons Galleria. Stopped for a feed and a walk in the mall to get out of the rain. Has a cinema also.

Inside Robinsons Galleria.

Have you been to Museo Sugbo in Cebu City? Help out other readers and leave your Museo Sugbo review below, and if you know of more or updated information or even if you just want to say hi then please leave a comment .

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Tarsier Sanctuary Review, Corella, Bohol, Philippines – Survive Travel

This post is a Tarsier Sanctuary review. There are a couple of Tarsier “sanctuaries” in Bohol, but according to the internet and Lonely Planet most of them are either not sanctuaries or your chances of actually seeing a Tarsier is very slim. I went to the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella where they are a) not in cages and b) you pretty much guaranteed to see one (or three in my case).

This Tarsier Sanctuary review includes directions, pictures, costs and my personal opinions which may or may not contain useful information.

Right Picture: Just like walking through the jungle… a very small one.

For the quick version of this Tarsier Sanctuary review you can scroll to the bottom of this post and look in the reviews. Mine is the first one .

Cost(s): 60php

Address: Tarsier Sanctuary Rd, Corella, Bohol, Philippines

Tarsier Sanctuary Review, Corella

My intention was to see about three or four things on this day but I only ended up really seeing this one. Maybe it was because it rained ALL DAY (except, luckily enough, while I was in the Tarsier Sanctuary and while I ate lunch out the back of some market in some small town.)

Three things that stood out to me about the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella are:

1. At 60php its a pretty good deal.

2. It’s kind of like they cornered of a small section of jungle, put some Tarsiers in there and then just let them do what they want. Then each day the guides will find them so they can point them out to the tourists.

3. Apparently Tarsiers commit suicide when caged up.

I really enjoyed the Tarsier Sanctuary. It was a nice ride in (even if it was through constant rain).

The actual experience wasn’t very long. You walk through some jungle paths and the guides point out the Tarsiers, then everyone takes pictures.

A Tarsier. The smallest monkey in the world. I saw three in total.

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I got to see three, and I think if the guide didn’t point them out there’s no way I would have spotted them.

Twenty minutes later you exit the “jungle”. IMO it sure beats walking through the jungle for hours and not spotting one at all.

At noon a big tour bus rocked up. I’m glad I was just on my way out.

Need somewhere to sleep while visiting Bohol in the Philippines? Find your perfect accommodation no matter what your budget.

Getting to the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, Bohol

I rode a motorbike in, which I HIGHLY recommend.

I did see some tour buses rock up as I was leaving (thankfully).

Also, there where quite a few tricycles which people had hired.

If I wasn’t driving myself in I reckon I would catch a minivan to Loboc (from Tagbilaran) and then get a tricycle from there.

Check out this awesome scenery I rode through on the way to and from the Tarsier Sanctuary.

Have you been to the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, Bohol before? Help out other readers and leave your Tarsier Sanctuary review below, and if you know of more or updated information or even if you just want to say hi then please leave a comment .

The post Tarsier Sanctuary Review, Corella, Bohol, Philippines – Survive Travel appeared first on Survive Travel.

Alona Beach Review, Bohol, Philippines – Survive Travel

This post is a Alona Beach review.

Alona Beach is a “tourist beach” and a well-known dive spot found on Pacitan island in Bohol, Philippines.

This Alona review includes directions, pictures, costs and my personal opinions which may or may not contain useful information.

Right Picture: From the bridge leading to Pacitan Island.

For the quick version of this Alona Beach review you can scroll to the bottom of this post and look in the reviews. Mine is the first one .

Cost(s): Depends what you want to do. General entry is free.

Address: South of Pacitan Island, just off the coast of Bohol.

Alona Beach Review, Town/City

I hired a motorbike this morning from the TMR Pension house. My sole purpose for the day was to check out a number of different accommodations on Pacitan island and Loboc, and also to check out …

By the end of the day I decided TMR is the best deal in the whole of Bohol. The island is small enough that nothing is more than a couple of hours ride away. Of course, if you purpose of travel is to chill and/or get drunk by a world class beach then you will probably want to stay in one of the MANY resorts along Alona Beach.

Three things that stood out to me about Alona Beach are:

1. Over most of Bohol I saw very few tourists. It is because (apparently) they are all on Alona Beach.

2. Everything is overpriced. Still pretty cheap by western standards, but definitely made for foreigners.

3. I prefer Moalboal. Alona Beach reminded me of Moalboal, only not as good, however, that could be because I spent lots more time in Moalboal and made friends etc.

There’s no shortage of bars and restaurants Along the waterfront of Alona Beach.

Want to know all the best things to do in Bohol? Get all the information on Bohol and the rest of the Philippines that you need with arguably the best travel guide books on the planet.

Things to do in Alona Beach

I literally spent less than an hour on Alona Beach so I can’t really give any details on things to do but here’s a general list:

Snorkelling

Diving

Swimming

Drinking

Other Watersports

Ride around the Island

Rent a house — yep, there are LOTS of places to rent long term dotted around the island

If you are after a “beach resort” holiday then Alona Beach is a good way to go. It is a very nice beach and there are lots of little restaurants around. Also, since Bohol is quite a small island anyway, you can easily rent a motorbike and see the many other attractions Bohol has to offer.

There’s plenty of apartments and houses fro rent on Panglao Island

Need somewhere to sleep while visiting Alona Beach in Bohol? Find your perfect accommodation no matter what your budget.

Getting to Alona Beach in Bohol

I rode in on a motorcycle.

Your other option is to get a tricycle or taxi to drop you off form Tagbilaran. There are many offers waiting for you at the airport, bus station or ferry port depending on how you got into Tagbilaran.

Have you been to Alona Beach in Bohol before? Help out other readers and leave your Alona Beach review below, and if you know of more or updated information or even if you just want to say hi then please leave a comment .

The post Alona Beach Review, Bohol, Philippines – Survive Travel appeared first on Survive Travel.