Why You Should be Visiting Simala – Religious Castle Place in Cebu
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
Located in the hilly area of upper Lindogon in barangay Simala, Sibonga town is the Simala Marian Shrine. It is visited not only by devotees but by the curious people and tourists.
Influenced by my parents, I reached this beautiful destination before the green grass with the ” WE LOVE MAMA MARY” sign existed, before the exit on the other side existed and before the tall column-like near the stairs existed.
Traveling to Simala Cebu for the first time? This detailed and curated travel guide will make it easy for you to navigate your way inside, save money, and maximize your time.
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HOW TO GET TO SIMALA MARIAN CHURCH
β By Bus
1. Entry Point is Cebu South Terminal Bus near E-Mall.
2. Ride a bus bound to Liloan,Santander or Oslob.
3. Be sure to tell the conductor that you will get off at Simala to go to Simala Church. Fare is PHP 100 ($2, β¬1.7,SGD 2.5) and travel time is about 2-3 hours.
4. At Simala, ride a habal-habal ( motorcycle) to take you to Simala Church. Fare is about PHP 30 ($0.6, β¬0.5, SGD 0.75) per person.
β By Van
1. Entry Point is Cebu South Terminal Bus near E-Mall.
2. Ride a van bound to Simala Church. (Tricky part is the vans are outside the bus terminal. Just ask the people working in the bus terminal)
3. Fare is PHP 150 ($3, β¬2.5,SGD 3.75) and travel time is about 2 hours.
4. The Van will drop you off near the Simala Church. You can ride a tricycle or walk to Simala Church. PHP 10 ($0.2, β¬0.2,SGD 0.25)
β By Private Car/Taxi
Please refer to the map below.
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Pre- Travel Tips
β When is the best time to Visit?
β Travel Must Haves
When is the Best Time to Visit?
Bestt time to visit is on weekdays to avoid crowd.
Travel Must-Haves
β Google Map App – A life-saver for me because without it, I might get lost.
β Google Translate – Super powerful app. Translate anything.
β Sunscreen – Protect yourself from sunburn or much worse – Cancer.
β Pocket Wifi or Sim Card – The convenient of searching anything is a go-to. Please don’t forget this baby. It is a life-saver for me though.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
1. When is the best time to visit the place?
Best time to visit is on weekdays to avoid crowd.
2. What should I wear in Simala Cebu?
For women, the hem of your dress or skirt must be lower than your knee. Women in sleeveless dress ,sleeveless blouses and super short shorts are not allowed inside the complex. If you insist on wearing sleeveless shirts or mini shorts, bring a scarf to cover your shoulders and legs.
For men, you must wear pants or jeans and a decent shirt.
3. Can I bring food inside the church?
Yes you can.
4. Can I wear slippers or sandals?
Yes for male and female.
5. Are there any available parking space for my car?
Yes for a minimum fee of PHP 50.00
6. Can I wear shorts inside the church?
Yes considering that it is below knee-length.
7. Are there any available parking space for my car?
Yes for a minimum fee of P50.00
8. Are pets allowed inside the Simala Church?
No,they do not allow pets inside the Simala Church.
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WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT THIS RELIGIOUS CASTLE?
β CULTURE
The different way to worship someone is a great experience one should not miss. A lot of observations can be gain here. The lighting of the different candles. The never ending line to the miraculous images.
For the culture seekers out there, this is a place for you.
β TOURIST SPOT
It is indeed a spot good for your eyes. The details of the buildings have been closely monitor to perfection. Each detail cannot be missed. The landscaping of the area is shaped to greatness. It is unlike any other.
It is a one of a kind religious attraction in Cebu.
|Related Article: 101 Things To Do in Cebu
β MIRACULOUS
Have you ever heard that the Simala Marian Shrine is Miraculous? If you haven’t, I will be the one to tell you so.
Before my board exam for my civil engineering course, I went to the Simala Shrine with my family. My ballpen, eraser, calculator and pencil have been consecrated by holy water.
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I passed the exam after it. My brother also did the same thing and he also passed his exam.
You will also see a lot of memorabilia from different people after they have passed an exam and a sickness has been cured.
COST BREAKDOWN
Here are some figures that you might want to take note of.
100 php – Bus ride from Cebu South Bus to Simala (bus)
30 php – Motorcycle Ride from Simala to Simala Marian Shrine
FREE – Entrance Fee
230 PHP (SGD 4.75, $4.6, β¬3.9) – Total Expenses for one way per person
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TIPS, NOTES AND REMINDERS
Parking area are available for a minimum fee of 50 PHP.
Bring extra clothes. It’s very hot.
Visit on weekdays to avoid the crowd.
Bring some packed food with you to save more. If you do not want, food and souvenir stalls are available.
Bring water so that you can’t be dehydrated.
WHAT’S NEARBY?
β Whale Shark Watching in Oslob
β Tumalog Falls (3 h 45 mins/ 127 km via Natalio Bacalso Avenue/ Oslob)
β Kawasan Falls (3 h 29 min/ 113 min via Santander – Barili – Toledo Rd/ Badian)
β Aguinid Falls ( 4 h 7 min/ 143 km via Santander – Barili – Toledo Rd / Samboan)
β Maze Garden and Museum in Toledo
β Rock Formation in Boljoon
β Inambakan Falls (4 h 7 min/ 139 km via Santander – Barili – Toledo Rd/ Ginatilan)
β OsmeΓ±a Peak
MAP TO HELP YOU LOCATE PLACES NEARBY
DID YOU ENJOY THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER!!
Have you ever visited any Castle-like Church? How was it? Try to visit Simala Marian Church!
Always remember to βDevelop your One Days to Day Ones!β
XOXO,