Cebu: Trans-central Highway Mountain Tour

Exploring Cebu’s natural beauty and cultural treasures on a guided mountain tour offers a refreshing break from city life, giving travelers a taste of the island’s lush landscapes and vibrant traditions. While this tour comes with some logistical considerations, it’s packed with a variety of stops that suit those looking for a well-rounded, scenic experience.

What makes this experience appealing are the stunning mountain views, the chance to visit colorful gardens, and the opportunity to enjoy authentic Filipino culture at landmarks like the Temple of Leah. We also appreciate the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, making it easy to relax and enjoy the day without worrying about transportation.

However, some travelers have noted the moderate rating (3.3 out of 5), which suggests that the experience may vary depending on expectations and individual preferences. The tour might be best suited for those who enjoy a mix of natural scenery, cultural sights, and light adventure. If you’re after a highly curated or exclusive experience, this might not be the perfect fit — but if you’re eager for a comprehensive day exploring Cebu’s mountains and gardens, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Scenic mountain views and lush gardens highlight the natural beauty of Cebu’s highlands
• The tour includes a variety of stops, from cultural landmarks to eco-farms and flower gardens
• Convenient pickup and drop-off make logistics simple, especially for travelers staying in Cebu City
• Expect a lot of walking and photo opportunities at each stop, with some optional activities like strawberry picking
• The experience is family-friendly but may not suit those with altitude sickness or mobility issues
• The overall value depends on your interest in gardens, cultural sites, and scenic drives

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting with the Basics

This 10-hour tour promises a comprehensive look at Cebu’s mountainous regions, starting with hotel or airport pickup — a real plus for those unfamiliar with local transportation. The guided experience is designed to maximize sightseeing while keeping logistics straightforward, which is ideal for visitors who want a stress-free day.

The tour is operated by D&M Travel & Tours Services, rated around 3.3 stars, indicating a mixed but generally positive reception. You’ll travel via van, allowing for comfortable scenic drives through Cebu’s highlands, with most stops lasting about 30 to 45 minutes — enough for photos and quick explorations.

What You’ll Visit

The day unfolds with a visit to West 35 Eco-Mountain Resort — a peaceful spot for panoramic mountain views and a chance to breathe in fresh air. This is a perfect starting point to set the tone for the day, especially if you love scenic vistas and photo opportunities.

Next, you’ll explore the Buwakan ni Alejandra and the Sirao Flower Garden, often dubbed “Little Amsterdam” for its vibrant blooms and picturesque settings. These gardens are full of color and perfect for capturing lively photos. Reviewers mention the gardens are especially stunning when in full bloom, offering a burst of colors that brighten your trip.

A coffee break at Adventure Cafe and a sweet treat at Charlie’s Cup provide welcome rests, allowing you to enjoy local flavors and the beautiful surroundings. These spots are praised for their relaxed atmospheres and views, making them great spots to unwind.

Cultural and Unique Stops

The Temple of Leah stands as a grand Roman-style temple, often described as both impressive and a little kitschy — a reminder of Cebu’s quirky charm. Fans of architecture and history will enjoy the visit, although some note that the temple feels more like a monument of love rather than a deeply historical site.

Sachiko’s Little Kyoto offers a Japanese-inspired garden, adding an international touch. Reviewers appreciate its peaceful ambiance and neat landscaping, which contrasts well with Cebu’s tropical vibe.

The Eco-farm and Local Flavors

A visit to Strawberry de Cantipla Ecofarm allows for strawberry picking — a fun activity, especially for families or those wanting a hands-on experience. Many travelers find it charming, noting the fresh strawberries and the chance to see local farm life.

Optional lunch at Tops of Cebu offers panoramic city views, and while some have praised the meal for its scenery, others have mentioned it’s more about the experience than gourmet cuisine. It’s a good way to take a break and take in Cebu’s skyline.

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Wrapping Up with Iconic Landmarks

The tour concludes with a visit to La Vie Parisienne, a French-inspired cafe and wine bar. It’s ideal for relaxing after a day of sightseeing, with many appreciating its ambiance and selection of wines and pastries.

The final drop-off points are flexible, including Mandaue, Cebu Pier, Mactan Airport, and other central locations, making evening logistics easier.

Expect an early start with a 6 am pickup, giving you plenty of daylight to cover all stops. The journey to the mountain areas lasts about 45 minutes, and travel time between stops is usually brief but packed with scenic views. Each stop offers roughly 30 to 45 minutes, enough to explore, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere.

The transportation setup ensures comfort, with a private group experience, but be prepared for some walking and potentially uneven terrain at gardens and farms. The tour’s pace feels relaxed, but you’ll need to keep an eye on the clock, especially if you want to capture the best photos or spend extra time at a favorite spot.

Highlights of the Stops

• West 35 Eco-Mountain Resort: a serene start with breathtaking mountain vistas—a highlight for nature lovers
• Buwakan ni Alejandra & Sirao Flower Garden: vibrant floral displays offering countless photo ops, with reviews praising the colorful blooms and well-maintained grounds
• Temple of Leah: an architectural marvel that embodies Cebu’s playful side — often called “a love monument,” it’s both impressive and slightly quirky
• Sachiko’s Little Kyoto: a tranquil Japanese garden providing a peaceful respite amid Cebu’s tropical landscape
• Strawberry de Cantipla Ecofarm: a charming farm where you can pick strawberries, a hit among families and nature enthusiasts
• La Vie Parisienne: a French-inspired cafe perfect for unwinding, with good reviews about its ambiance and selection

Transportation and Timing

The van offers a smooth ride with air conditioning, important given Cebu’s tropical climate. The timing is flexible enough to accommodate photos, leisurely walks, and light conversations with your guide, who speaks English. The total duration (~10 hours) is well balanced, providing a full day of sightseeing without feeling rushed.

Cost and Value

While the exact price isn’t specified here, the value lies in the convenience, variety of stops, and the overall experience. You’re paying for a comprehensive day that covers a mix of natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and local flavors, all with the ease of pre-arranged transportation and guided commentary.

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a balanced glimpse of Cebu’s highlands, gardens, and cultural sites without worrying about logistics. It suits those who enjoy scenic drives, vibrant gardens, and quirky landmarks like the Temple of Leah. Families, couples, and solo travelers who appreciate ease and variety will find this tour appealing.

However, it may not be ideal for those with mobility issues or altitude sickness, as some stops involve walking and elevation changes. Also, if you’re seeking a highly exclusive or luxury experience, this day-trip might feel a bit casual.

The Cebu Trans-central Highway Mountain Tour offers a well-rounded snapshot of what makes Cebu unique — from lush gardens and panoramic mountain views to whimsical landmarks. While some travelers have found it a bit uneven in ratings, the overall experience delivers plenty of photo-worthy moments and local flavor.

You’ll love the diversity of stops, especially if you’re keen to capture Cebu’s natural beauty and enjoy leisurely cultural visits. It’s a practical, enjoyable way to spend a day and see some of Cebu’s most photogenic and memorable sights.

For those wanting a mix of scenery, culture, and a bit of farm fun, this tour delivers ample value — especially when you’re after a relaxed yet engaging day exploring Cebu’s mountains and gardens.

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour includes pickup from designated locations within Cebu City, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and the airport.

How long is the drive between stops? Travel between major stops takes approximately 45 minutes, with most stops lasting around 30-45 minutes.

Can I expect to take photos at each stop? Absolutely. The stops are designed for sightseeing and photography, with ample opportunities to capture the vibrant gardens and scenic views.

What should I bring on the tour? Comfortable shoes, water, a jacket, cash, and tissues or hand sanitizer are recommended.

Are meals included? Not automatically — you can opt to have lunch at Tops of Cebu, which offers panoramic views, but it’s an optional addition.

Is the tour suitable for children or seniors? Generally yes, but those with mobility issues or altitude sickness should consider their comfort, as some stops involve walking and elevation.

In summary, the Cebu Trans-central Highway Mountain Tour provides a balanced blend of natural beauty, cultural icons, and relaxing stops. It’s perfect for travelers seeking an easy, well-organized day in Cebu that highlights the island’s scenic and cultural highlights without the hassle of planning each detail themselves.

You can check availability for your dates here: