Situated in South Eastern part of Cebu, approximately 68 km from Cebu City. Approximately, one and a half to two hours travel time from the Cebu South Bus Station.
What to do in Argao?
If you’re an adventure junky just like me, there’s plenty of activities waiting for you. You can choose from spelunking to chasing waterfalls or just simply roaming around the Municipality and see the beautiful old structure that’s being well preserve by the people of Argao.
If you’re up for adventures (e.g. cave diving, and water falls chasing and some food trip), the Municipality of Argao has something to offer for your adrenaline rush cravings.
How to Get to Local Tourism Office of Argao?
From Mactan International Airport, take a cab to Cebu South Bus Station which would cost around 150. Take Ceres bus going to bato via lilo-an and tell the asst. driver (conductor) to drop you at Argao’s Town Proper / poblacion. From the bus stop you may opt to take:
- a tricycle ride (around 8 pesos each) going to the Tourism office or
- just walk.
If you opt to take the latter, from the bus stop, cross the national road, straight ahead, turn right at the first corner then turn left and straight ahead you will see the Cabecera de Argao sign warmly welcomes you to the Municipality of Argao.
It is best and highly advisable to contact the Local Tourism Office of Argao if you want to try spelunking and exploring Balay sa Agta. The reason is always due to safety precautions and the travel time from the Tourism office to the starting point is quite far.
The standard package of the local tourism office costs us 600 each with the following inclusions:
- habal-habal(motorcycle) ride to and from the tourism office and starting point;
- snacks (their famous delicacies- torta over a hot locally grown chocolate de baterol/ Cocoa);
- transit and guide to Bugasok Falls;
- Payment for two (2) tour guides;
- equipments (rappeling ropes, saftey gears, helmets and headlights)
- Spelungking (Balay sa Agta)
– Situated in Barangay Conalum and is believed to be the dwelling of Argao’s mythical giant, Mangao. Large quantities of guano or bat droppings are found in this cave. Also, one of the largest caves in Cebu.
It is a standard Procedure to have 2 guides one in the front and one at the back, it was risky to assist a team of 2 or more individuals upon approaching the starting point of the cave.
The entire spelunking took us around 3 hours, (1.5 hours) each way, with fruit bats, various rock formation welcomes you and as if waving their best spot for your camera to capture.
The highlight of the exploration was the image of a giant seems staring at you from above (we were requested by our tour guides to switch off our headlights to see the image). Honestly, it was really creepy as if someone really staring at you having his cigar on his mouth. We tried to take a photo of the giant but we were failed, as if he’s not social creature. 🙂
- Bugasok Falls
As part of the package set by the local tourism office, my travel buddy and I took our liberty to capture the beauty of the falls.
After a creepy encounter with the giant, you will be amazed by the eye candid view of Bugasok Falls from the top. As one of our guides find us (me and my travel buddy) a bit adventurous, our guide opt to take us to a nice view spot of the Bugasok Falls.
Before, some professional mountaineers used to rappel from the top and have a nice dip on the falls. unfortunately, when we visited the place, it was no longer allowed. I am not sure for the reason.
3.Torta & Tablea
Argao is known for its delicacies such as torta and tablea/cocoa. Torta is their version of “mamon” made out of flour, tuba (coconut wine), margarine, yard, sugar on top and milk. We tried Jessie’s homemade torta over a cup of hot cocoa/tablea. The torta has its soft, yet a bit dry in texture (perhaps due to the wine) and the sweetness hot cocoa (due to its freshly harvest/freshly brewed) compliments the torta which made it irresistible and you would ask for more.
- Riverstone Castle
Are you familiar with the Medieval Structures and castles back then in your history class? How about pictures of cavaliers and other Medieval aged personalities settled in one place? That is how Riverstone Castle was made of.
It is actually an inn for those tourist who want to indulged themselves in different time and ambiance. The cost per night is 1,000 pesos without breakfast though.
- San Miguel Church
-Every backpacker has their adrenaline for old churches (which Cebu has a lot to offer). A rococo-baroque church built in 1734 but finished in 1788.
(Sample Itenerary for Argao)
Breakdown of Costs:
| TIME | ACTIVITY | COST |
| 5:00 am – 7: 07 am | MLA- CEBU | 2,321.92 (Seat sale for 2) |
| 7:20 am – 8: 20 am | Airport to Cebu South Bus Station | 257.00 (Cab)
|
| 8:36 am – 10:30 am | Depart Cebu South Bus Station to
Municipality of Argao (via Ceres Bus) 2 hours travel time
|
89.00/pax |
| 11:20 am- 12:45 pm | *LUNCH
**Waiting time at the Tourism Office Pay Local Tourism Office of Argao for the activity |
104 for 2 pax 600.00/pax included in the package – Spelungking (Balay sa Agta) – Bugasok Falls – Snack (Jessie’s Torta)
|
| 12:46 pm-1:20 pm | Transit to Brgy. Conalum via habal-habal | |
| 1:21 pm-5:30 pm | Start of Activity
|
|
| 5:30 pm-6:00 pm | Eat Snack at Jessie’s Torta
Back to Local Tourism office
|
|
| 6:05 pm – 9:00 pm | – Transit to Oslob for whale Watching | 73.00/pax
|
*You can have your Lunch at Carmen’s Eatery the food is nice and it’s budget friendly, it’s a walking distance from the Bus stop so no need to ride a tricycle; There’s plenty of Carinderia along the Highway so you don’t have to worry about starving.
** If you don’t have reservations you have to wait for at least an hour for your tourguides who’s coming from Conalum. So it’s better to have your reservations ahead of time to avoid waiting.
Source:
1 Local Tourism Office- Municipality of Argao T: 485-8063
Office of the Mayor: T: 367-7542
Sofie's World 