13 Best Things to Do in Toledo, Cebu

Who would have ever thought that Toledo, Cebu has so many mountains and falls?

It is about 50 kilometres (30 mi) away from Cebu City (the capital city).

I have visited this place twice in a year and it is because of a viral photo of the maze garden and museum. Never have it ever crossed my mind to visit this place again but now I am thinking it twice.

But before anything else, Toledo is 3rd class city in the province of Cebu, Philippines.

Toledo City is bordered to the north by the town of Balamban, to the west is the Tañon Strait, to the east is Cebu City And Naga and the town of Minglanilla, and to the south is the town of Pinamungajan.

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13 Things to Do in Toledo City

1. Play Hide and Seek at Maze Garden and Capilla Sta. Ana Museum

A lush of greenish maze has been the talk of the town for a while now. It is form like a labyrinth that one could not easily escape. You just really need to cross all the paths.

Beside the Maze is the Capilla/Museum. Capilla means Chapel. The church itself is a product of minds that has a thing for spanish midieval era. If you are into it, maybe you can add it in your list.

Exact Location:

HOW TO GET TO MAZE GARDEN AND MUSUEM?

• By Van. Ride the van at SM City Seaside Van terminal. Fare is about PHP 100 ($2, €1.7,SGD 2.5). Take a tricycle to get to Capilla Santa Ana Museum for only PHP 8 ($0.2, €0.2,SGD 0.3) per person.
• By Bus. Just go to Cebu South Bus Terminal and find a bus with the sign Barili or Toledo on it. Fare is about PHP 83.00 ($2, €1,SGD 2). Get off at Capilla Santa Ana in Toledo. (Be sure to tell the driver that you are headed there!)

RATES

• PHP 200 ($4, €3.4,SGD 5) for foreigners
• PHP 100 ($2, €1.7,SGD 2.5) for locals
• PHP 50  ($1, €0.9,SGD 0.8) for student

Read more: Toledo, Cebu’s Maze Garden and Museum: 208 PHP BUDGET AND TRAVEL GUIDE

2. Swim at Manutu River

Hidden far from the city of Toledo, is the Manutu River.

It has a really great big rock formations and clean crystal clear flowing water.

The Manutu River also called as Manulu-tulu by the locals.

You will have to be extra careful when walking over the rocks or climbing up on them when you want to take photos on top.

HOW TO GET TO MANUTU RIVER?

• OPTION 1
  1. Take a bus to Toledo City from Cebu City South Bus Terminal. Fare ranges from PHP 60 (€ 1, US$ 1.2, SGD$ 1.5) to PHP 80 (€ 1.4, US$ 2, SGD$ 3) . Travel Times is a 2 hours.
  2. Be sure to ask the driver or conductor to drop you off at Sangi or somewhere near Toledo Market.
  3. Then, look for a jeepney that will take you to “Casoy” (Barangay General Climaco).
  4. When you have arrived, ride a habal-habal that will take you to Manutu River. Fare ranges from PHP 30 to PHP 50 per head per way.
• OPTION 2
  1. From Ayala Terminal, hop on a V-hire bound for Balamban
  2. Then be sure to ask the driver to drop you off at Biyernesan.
  3. Once there, ask the locals for directions to Manutu River or Casoy.

3. Climb Mount New Bucao

Fall in love with the gorgeous view this mountain has to offer.

Mt. Bucao and Mt. Tagaytay (no. 4 of this post) are within the vicinity only of Casoy.

You need to trek at Mt. Bucao before reaching Mt. Tagaytay. The locals call the other higher mountain as Mt. Tagaytay.

Exact Location: Mt. New Bucao, General Climaco (Casoy), Toledo City, Cebu.

HOW TO GET TO MOUNT NEW BUCAO

• From Cebu City South Bus Terminal, ride a bus bound to Toledo.
• Be sure to request the driver or conductor to drop you off at Barangay Madugo, specifically at the Julie’s Bakeshop within the area.
• Then, ride a habal-habal that will take you directly to Tagaytay Hills.
• Estimade fare of PHP 60 (€ 1, US$ 1.2, SGD$ 1.5) per person.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFOREHAND

1. You can bring tents for an overnight stay
2. No Environmental, Entrance fees
3. Fogs may be available at anytime at the peak
4. Extreme kapoy and hungak feeling and g mahitabo
5. There are residents who live like half kilometer away from each other
6. LTE Signal is available in the area
7. Residents are so humble and hospitable

4. Dance at the Top of Mount Tagaytay

After you enjoy the Bucao Peak, you can then go and hike to another scenic mountain top named Mt. Tagaytay. Dance and enjoy the relaxing scenic this mountain has to offer. And if you happen to reach the area during sunset, you are in luck my friend because the sunset views are amazing.

Exact Location: Mt. Tagaytay, General Climaco (Casoy), Toledo City, Cebu.

Please do note that that Tagaytay Hills is different from Mount Tagaytay, okay? 

5. Instagrammable Sight at Tagaytay Hills

Tagaytay Hills, or also known as Old Bucao, in Barangay General Climaco, Toledo City, Cebu.  

Available camping spot is overlooking Lake Malubog of Brgy. Casoy. 

Exact Location: Tagaytay Hills, Toledo City, Cebu

HOW TO GET TO TAGAYTAY HILLS

• From Cebu City South Bus Terminal, ride a bus bound to Toledo.
• Be sure to request the driver or conductor to drop you off at Barangay Madugo, specifically at the Julie’s Bakeshop within the area.
• Then, ride a habal-habal that will take you directly to Tagaytay Hills.
• Estimade fare of PHP 60 (€ 1, US$ 1.2, SGD$ 1.5) per person.

6. Visit Malubog Lake and Sail

Pic by John Jay Bacon

Malubog Lake is one of the favored natural attraction and known for its srenity in the city of Toledo.

Aside from the attractive mountain tops surrounding the lake, it’s really fascinating to sail in the lake.

Interestingly, there’s a tale behind the Malubog lake. The story tells of a giant octopus called “Mantaga” that lives in the lake. And it supposedly takes those who misbehave around the lake. All lakes has its own tales, right?

One known fact is that the Malubog Lake is in fact an artificial lake.The lake was created after a dam was built on the Malubog Creek in the ‘70s. The dam was made to provide a steady supply of fresh water for the mining operations in the area. 

HOW TO GET TO MALUBOG LAKE?

Exact Location: Toledo City, Cebu

• From Cebu City South Bus Terminal, ride a bus bound to Toledo.
• Be sure to request the driver or conductor to drop you off at Barangay Madugo, specifically at the Julie’s Bakeshop within the area.
• Then, ride a habal-habal that will take you directly to Malubog Lake.
• Estimade fare of PHP 60 (€ 1, US$ 1.2, SGD$ 1.5) per person.

7. Strike your Magnificent Pose at Malubog Falls

Pic by Sean Khristofer Dixon

After sailing at Malubog Lake, you might want to swing by at Malubog Falls.

Before you can get to the falls, you’ll have to take a short hike and cross the lake by the shallow area. 

If you haven’t read biga pit, jump to no. 9 of this post. What’s the connection? Well, the water flowing in this falls is somewhat connected to the water in Biga Pit which said that is made up of toxic waste and chemicals.

I don’t want anything happening to my fellow wanderers and readers so you should repress that feeling to get right into the water after trekking.

HOW TO GET TO MALUBOG FALLS?

Exact Location: Toledo City, Cebu

• From Cebu City South Bus Terminal, ride a bus bound to Toledo.
• Be sure to request the driver or conductor to drop you off at Barangay Madugo, specifically at the Julie’s Bakeshop within the area.
• Then, ride a habal-habal that will take you directly to Malubog Falls.
• Estimade fare of PHP 60 (€ 1, US$ 1.2, SGD$ 1.5) per person.

8. Pass by Malubog Tunnel

There is nothing pretty much exciting about the tunnel but why not go there when it can be found at Malubog.

It is restricted to go beyond the tunnel and see the dam upclose. Just be careful and ask the locals.

9. Spot the Instagram-worthy spot at Biga Pit

A seemingly attractive waterscape that can only be found in Toledo, the Biga Pit.

Although it is a magnificent sight to behold and see from afar, one must not be enthralled to swim in its waters.

Why is that so? The Biga Pit is the residue storage facility where mine tailings are stored. It’s been indicated that the pH level of the water there is from 7.5 to 8 and that some fishes are able to thrive in it. 

So, just take that camera out and enjoy the instagrammable spot Biga Pit has to offer.

Exact location: Barangay Biga, Toledo City, Cebu

HOW TO GET TO BIGA PIT?

OPTION 1.

• From the highway or CIT University or Punta Princesa, ride any jeepney or multicab going to Tabunok/Minglanilla/Naga. Be sure to ask the driver or conductor first if it will pass by Tabunok area.
• Hop off at RD Pawnshop in Tabunok Market.
• Once there, ride a habal-habal that can take you to Biga Pit.
• Fare ranges from PHP 200 (€ 3.4, US$ 4, SGD$ 5) – PHP 250 (€ 4.2, US$ 5 SGD$ 6.25) per head (roundtrip).

OPTION 2.

•  If you have your own private vehicle/motorcycle, you can use Google Maps or Waze and search for “Biga Pit” in Toledo.

10. Chase the Sunset at Udlom Peak

As you visit this peak, you’ll get to see Mount New Bucao, Mount Tagaytay, Malubog Lake and Toledo City, from afar.

HOW TO GET TO UDLOM PEAK?

• Take a bus ride to Toledo, from Cebu City South Bus Terminal, and ask the driver or conductor to drop you off at Julies Bakeshop in Barangay Magdugo. Then, take a habal-habal ride to the base of most hikes to Mount Tagaytay – Casoy Barangay Hall. Once there, you may ask locals for directions, to get to Mount Tagaytay and Udlom Peak.

11. Lake Bensis (Lake Pingganon)

If you want to trek and camp, then Lake Bensis is for you. The lake offers a picturesque view.

Pic by Christoeffer John Estrada

FEES:

• Entrance fee: PHP 10 (€ 0.17, US$ 0.2, SGD$ 0.25) per head (sight seeing )
• Camping fee: PHP 20 (€ 0.34, US$ 0.4, SGD$ 0.5) per tent (for campers)
• Boating: PHP 50 (€ 0.84, US$ 1, SGD$ 1.25) per person

HOW TO GET TO LAKE BENSIS?

BY PUBLIC: If you’re commuting, from the highway or CIT University or Punta Princesa, take any jeepney or multicab going to Tabunok/Minglanilla/Naga. Ask the driver or conductor first if it will pass by Tabunok. Disembark at RD Pawnshop in Tabunok Market.

From there, ride a habal-habal that can take you to Lake Pingganon/Bensis. Estimated fare is around ₱200-250 per head (roundtrip). They can take you to the church near Lake Bensis and the travel time is roughly 30 minutes. Upon arriving to the church, you can ask the locals for directions towards Lake Bensis.

BY PRIVATE: If you have your own private vehicle/motorcycle, you can use Google Maps or Waze and search for “Lake Bensis” in Toledo.

12. Experience their Culture at Hinulawan Festival 

The Hinulawan Festival also is a religious celebration. It is also the same day as the feast day of the patron saint of the city, St. John of Sahagun. The Philippines has a trend to celebrate festivals on the feast day of a certain patron in their area.

While in other parts of the province, the religious procession during festivals is done along some streets in their town, in Toledo – they hold their procession for the Hinulawan Festival on the sea.

The procession is held close to the port of the city and boats are adorned with religious symbols. 

13. Spelunking at Lapos-Lapos Cave

Who is excited when hearing the word Cave? Oh, I do!

Blame it to Netflix’s Hit Series called “Dark”. The teaser image is a boy who is infront of a cave. And seeing the cave even more makes me feel giddy.

Exact Location: Brgy. Bunga, Toledo City, Cebu

HOW TO GET TO LAPOS-LAPOS CAVE?

• From Cebu City South Bus Terminal, you can ride a bus bound to Toledo. Be sure to ask the driver or konducter to drop you off at Poog or Eskina Bunga.
• Once there, you can hail a habal-habal bount to Bunga Barangay Hall to register . The officers there will provide you a guide that can take you to Lapos-Lapos Cave.