Balamban Guide
What to do in Balamban
A local guide from your hosts: where to go, what to eat, and where to shop, from the town center to the Transcentral Highway highlands. Everything in one place so you can make the most of your stay.
See & Do
Up the Transcentral Highway
Balamban's best-loved spots sit up in the cool highlands of Barangay Gaas, a scenic drive up the Transcentral Highway from the house. Flower farms, mountain resorts and viewpoints, all in one direction.
Transcentral Highway
5 min to the highwayThe scenic mountain road across Cebu's spine. The drive itself is the attraction: cool air, ridgeline views and plenty of stops along the way.
Buwakan ni Alejandra
Gaas highlandsA colourful flower farm up in Barangay Gaas, often called the "Little Tagaytay of Cebu." A favourite for photos and cool mountain air.
JVR Island in the Sky
Gaas highlandsA mountain resort right on the Transcentral Highway with a colourful bridge, a cable car and a pool, and big views over the hills.
Adventure Cafe & Zipline
Gaas highlandsCoffee with a view over the Balamban countryside, plus a zipline if you fancy it. Just along from JVR Island in the Sky.
West 35 Eco Mountain Resort
Gaas highlandsAn eco mountain resort that makes an easy day trip for the pools, the cool air and the views.
Mt. Manunggal
HikeA highland hike with the historic President Magsaysay memorial near the top. One for cooler mornings.
Tsuneishi shipyard
~15 minThe Philippines' shipbuilding capital, right here in Balamban. Worth a look to see the huge yard at work from the roadside.
Where to Eat
Food to try
Balamban is famous across Cebu for one thing in particular, and the highland view cafes are a close second.
Balamban liempo
The town's signature roasted pork belly, so well loved it has its own local festival. If you try one thing here, make it this.
Highway view cafes
Transcentral HwyThe Gaas stretch of the highway is dotted with view cafes and stopovers like Adventure Cafe and Balwarte ni Alfredo. Coffee, Pinoy breakfast and a cool breeze.
Public market eateries
Town centerHonest, affordable local meals (carinderia style) in and around the Balamban palengke, a few minutes from the house.
Where to Shop
Markets & essentials
Almost everything is clustered in the town center, about five minutes from the house.
Gaisano supermarket
5 min walkThe main supermarket for groceries and everyday essentials, a short walk from the house.
Balamban public market
Town centerFresh produce, meat, fish and dried fish (danggit, buwad), right around Gaisano. Bring cash.
Jollibee & local eateries
Town centerJollibee and the usual eateries are all in the town center, a few minutes away.
Banks & ATMs
Town centerATMs are mostly in the town center. GCash is widely accepted.
Good to Know
Getting around
How to reach us, get into Cebu City, and get around town.
Getting here
1.5 hrs from CebuAbout 1.5 hours from Cebu City by car and 3 hours from Mactan-Cebu airport. We're 5 minutes off the Transcentral Highway.
V-hire to Cebu City
Transcentral HwyShared vans run between Balamban and Ayala Center in Cebu City. Around ₱180 one-way, ask us for the current fare.
Airport shuttle
Paid, on requestWe can arrange a private shuttle to or from Mactan-Cebu airport. Handy for late arrivals or heavy luggage.
Around town
In townTricycles and habal-habal (motorbike taxis) handle short hops around Balamban. Quick and cheap.
Paying for things
GCash is accepted in most places. The public market is cash-only, so bring some pesos.
Staying with us? Just ask.
Tell us what you're in the mood for and we'll point you to the right spot. Jordan and the team know Balamban inside out.