I’ve been hoarding CebPass vouchers for years! When Cebu Pacific held a CebPass sale last year, you bet my sis and I were among the first to buy –not 10, not 20–but 40 vouchers for ourselves, friends, and fam (of course, that eventually turned into a long and tiring saga of missing vouchers, refund requests, and never-ending email disputes, but it's all good now.)

Since SY 2025–2026 was just around the corner (my best friend is a school teacher), I figured it was the perfect time to finally book a trip using our vouchers to one of our dream provinces – Cebu! But we didn’t want to stay overnight ––well, I didn’t. My anxiety just doesn’t allow me to, so I decided we’d fly from Iloilo to Cebu just for the day.

So I booked and arranged everything from the airplane seats, to car rental, to the itinerary and all necessary reservations. I told my beshie friend all she had to do was show up on June 7 for our early morning flight on June 8. (Yep, I’m that kind of friend!)

Below, I’m sharing the timeline to show how this kind of trip is possible – minus the stress, minus the splurge, and with a few personal reviews and tips thrown in!

6:30 A.M. – Arrival at Mactan-Cebu International Airport

Our original ETA was 6 A.M., but the plane had to circle around three times due to tarmac traffic. Thankfully, MCIA was pretty easy to navigate. Domestic arrivals is not too huge, so we were already out of the airport within minutes, we just followed the crowd straight off the plane, lol.

Since I had already pre-booked our car rental, we only had to wait a short while for it to arrive at the pick-up area. We even had time to grab a quick bite before heading to our first stop!

8:15 A.M. – Temple of Leah

Temple of Leah had always been one of my dream destinations. I’d seen so many photos of this grand, Roman-inspired structure on social media, and I’d always been curious about what it looked like in real life – so naturally, it was at the top of our itinerary.

And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The place looked like something straight out of a European film. Massive columns, intricate statues, and sweeping views of the city made it feel like we’d traveled much farther than Cebu! It's no wonder people call it the “Taj Mahal of Cebu” –it's a shrine built out of love, after all.

We took our time walking around, snapping photos and videos, just soaking in the beauty of the place. It was still early, so there were just a few visitors, which made the experience even more peaceful and picture-perfect.

Pro Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid the tourist crowd (they started pouring in just as we were about to leave) and also to catch the soft morning light.

9:00 A.M. – Sachiko’s Little Kyoto

We basically went after what our rental car driver recommended, so our next stop was Sachiko’s Little Kyoto. I wasn’t expecting much at first, but the moment we arrived, it felt like we were transported straight to Japan! If you’re into zen vibes or just looking for a unique stop that’s not your usual touristy spot, this one’s a cute detour. Torii gates, bamboo paths, sakura-inspired décor, and a view overlooking the mountains – it was peaceful, a bit dreamy, and definitely photo-worthy. There were even random statues of famous characters like Hachiko, a Lying Buddha, One Piece figures, and even Mickey and Minnie Mouse! It was a quirky mix, but somehow it added to the charm of the place.

Pro Tip: There’s a lot of uphill walking involved, so wear comfy shoes and bring your iron lungs! For the full Japanese experience, they offer kimono rentals right by the entrance which is perfect if you're in the mood for a themed photo session!

10:00 A.M. – Sirao Pictorial Garden

Sirao Flower Garden is often called the “Little Amsterdam of Cebu” and it’s easy to see why. There were rows of flowers in full bloom, giving off major postcard vibes. But more than that, the place was basically built for content, like think giant hands and nests, heart-shaped arches, stairways to nowhere, and swings with a mountain backdrop. It was a mix of dreamy, colorful, and a little chaotic (in the best way).

We spent a good chunk of time just wandering around and posing at every corner – and honestly, it’s one of those “you-get-what-you-came-for” spots. Come for the pics, stay for the mountain breeze, and leave with a camera roll full of colorful petals and goofy poses.

Pro Tip: Bring a hat or umbrella as it can get really hot by mid-morning, and there’s very little shade! It can also get slippery on rainy days, so watch your step. Also: heads up: there are a lot of birds nesting around… don’t get pooped on! :)

11:00 A.M. – TOPS

As much as I wanted to stay longer in Sirao to soak in the beauty of the natural garden, we had to leave for our final tourist stop: TOPS. I had seen a post about it on TikTok, but it was filmed at night, so I was a bit worried it wouldn’t look as spectacular during the day.

Good thing I was wrong! We could see the entire city – even ships cruising across the sea. It was the perfect place to just breathe and take in the beauty of Cebu! Sure, the night-time city lights would have made it even more magical, but traveling there at night would’ve made me super anxious! I was in awe when I found out that mini-buses from Cebu IT Park actually go up there. We rode a sedan, and I was already nervous because of the steep road! But I bet that no matter how you get there, being at TOPS will make you forget it all... (until you have to go down again, lol!)

Pro Tip: The restaurants/food shops open at 11:00 AM, so if you’re planning to grab a bite here, don’t arrive too early!

1:00 P.M. – Mövenpick Mactan

Since my best friend and I aren’t exactly “young ones” anymore, I intentionally planned just a half-day trip followed by a relaxing afternoon by the sea. For our final stop, we chose to chill at Mövenpick Mactan using their day-use pass. Beautiful beachfront, delicious food, and a relaxing vibe-- totally tita-approved!

The day-use pass I got includes 4-hour access to an air-conditioned cabana with a cozy outdoor lounge, indoor jacuzzi, and private shower room. If you’re staying in the afternoon, you can also take advantage of their Chocolate Hour, which is basically a sugar rush station! Sadly, we were too full from the sumptuous lunch we ordered in, so instead, we just played a little table tennis in the game room and passed the chance to be part of the sweet tooth society.

We spent the rest of the afternoon just relaxing until it was time to head to the airport. And just as we were about to leave around 5:30 P.M., a full rainbow appeared over the sea–right in front of us!

It was like the cherry on top of the ice cream *chef’s kiss*.

Pro Tip: Don’t try to use up the full consumable amount in one go, especially if there are only two of you. Just order a meal each, plus drinks, then use the remaining balance for takeout later –you're basically set for dinner too! (The food is sooo good. I’d honestly go back to Cebu just for their mashed potatoes!)

Is a One-Day Cebu Trip Worth It?

Surprisingly, YES! If you plan your stops, hire a reliable driver, and embrace the moment, you can absolutely pull off a whirlwind Cebu day tour like we did. Plus, with promo fares (shoutout to CebPass), it's possible to make quick travel memories without breaking the bank or using up all your leaves.

Packing List?

• Umbrella – you never know when it might rain, and the sun can be unforgiving too.
• Fan – whether electric or hand-held, this is a must-have for tropical heat!
• Cash – Not all tourist spots accept digital payments, so always carry a bit of cash.
• Powerbank or charger – one thing I forgot! Luckily, our car rental had a USB-C charging port. You don’t want to end up with a dead phone in the middle of the day.
• Hand sanitizer, face mask – of course! Hygiene is key.
• Change of clothes – if you're planning an afternoon swim, bring extra clothes and a small toiletry kit. Some hotels (like Mövenpick) provide a bathroom kit and towels, but I still brought my own
• Sunglasses & Sunscreen – a must-have, plus instant tita glam!
• Hat or cap – great for sun protection especially when shade is limited.
• Water and an energy bar – hydrate and energize between stops!
• First aid kit – I rarely travel without one, you’ll never know when you would need those meds or bandages :)

Quick Tips for a 12-Hour Itinerary:

• Book flights that arrive early and depart late
• Arrange private transportation (trust me, it’s worth it!)
• Don’t overpack – you're only there for a few hours
• If you're using CebPass vouchers, purchase the seats (via seat selector to ensure you're seated together)
• Enjoy the journey, not just the destination

Note: I highly recommend hiring an experienced Cebu-based driver. The road from Temple of Leah to Little Kyoto was narrow, steep, and looked more like a one-way street -some parts run beside cliffs! Navigating it, especially when there's oncoming vehicle, definitely requires skill and familiarity with the area.

Travel Times

(this was our travel time based on the timestamps in my photo gallery)

• Mactan Airport to Temple of Leah – 43 minutes

• Temple of Leah to Little Kyoto - 13 minutes

• Little Kyoto to Sirao Flower Garden – 17 minutes

• Sirao Flower Garden to TOPS – 23 minutes

• TOPS to Mövenpick – 1 hour and 20 minutes

• Mövenpick to Mactan Airport – 30 minutes

This quick trip reminded me that spontaneity really is the best kind of therapy. You don’t always need a big budget or week-long vacation – just a best friend who’s down for anything.

Would we do it again? Absolutely.

Would our knees survive another day trip? Debatable. :)

Have you ever done a 12-hour trip like this? Let me know in the comments or tag your travel buddy you'd dare do this with 💕

#TravelBlog #CebuInOneDay #CebPassAdventures #QuickTripGoals

Watch my mini-travel-vlog on YouTube by clicking HERE.

December 2020 was probably the saddest holiday season for most people due to pandemic travel restrictions. This would also be the month of breakthroughs as most countries started rolling out vaccines and people began to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Exactly 11 months since I last came home to Manila, December 2020 would have been the best time to go home what with Christmas, New Year, and my birthday coming up. However, as there were lots of travel requirements (which at that time would have had me going around different government offices to be able to board a plane), I decided to travel somewhere near – and saw Nature’s Eye Resort’s Facebook page. After reading a few reviews and a lot of self-convincing, I booked a room and packed my bags.

How to Get There?

solo travel via ferry boats to Nature’s Eye Resort, Guimaras

Nature’s Eye Resort is located in Brgy. Tando, Nueva Valencia in Guimaras. While there are many different ways to get to Nature’s Eye in Nueva Valencia, there’s only one means to get to Guimaras—and that’s by sea travel. As of now, there are 3 major ways to get from Parola Wharf in Iloilo City to Jordan Wharf in Guimaras, and vice-versa:

1. RORO (Roll-On, Roll-Off) – only means to transport vehicles like car and motorbikes
2. Ferry Boats
3. Fiber-glass motorboats

All three of them operate almost on an hourly basis depending on demand, and would take only 15-20 minutes travel time on calm waves and weather.

Once in Jordan Wharf, there are public jeepneys, tricycles, or motorbikes which you can charter to get to Brgy. Tando. As I was travelling alone and unfamiliar with the place, I got with a private car owner to rent and take me to Nature’s Eye Resort (staff provided me with his number).

What to Expect

Nature’s Eye Resort advises guests to contact them when you’re near the drop-off point so they can send someone to take you to the main gate. From the drop-off point, there would be around 10-minutes’ walk to get to Nature’s Eye Resort’s so be sure to wear comfy shoes! The path can also get muddy on rainy day, so DON’T. WEAR. WHITE. SHOES.

The entire area stretches as far as (my) eyes can see, so seriously— wear comfortable shoes! There will be a lot of walking and stair-climbing so bring your iron lungs too! I guess I noticed this a lot because the room I had was the one at the peak, and also because I was walking all by my emo self. If you are here with someone though, it would be like a walk in the park (literally), but still be prepared for a lot of walking around the resort.

The best thing in Nature’s Eye Resort is the view—nature thrives wherever you look! It was the perfect place for me to be at while alone because the calmness and quietness of the place matched my mood at that time. I wanted to be home for the New Year’s Eve celebrations, which can be usually very festive and loud. But it didn’t feel like a time to celebrate, especially with the hardships and losses that this pandemic had brought.

💔 Side Story:

I lost my grandmother in March 2020, and I didn’t even get to see her one last time due to travel restrictions. That was another reason I wanted to be alone—to process everything and just breathe. And Nature’s Eye Resort offered the perfect place for that.

What to Bring

Insect Repellant Lotion/Spray – As advised by Nature’s Eye Resort staff, I did bring a lotion with me and I was glad I did. The place is surrounded by plants and trees so there would be a few mosquitoes especially in the evening.

Private beach at Nature’s Eye Resort with clear water, rocky shore, and stunning coastal scenery in Guimaras.

Water Shoes – Nature’s Eye Resort has their own private beach area, but it’s rocky so aqua shoes are recommended. The water is clear though, and there are also other white-sand beaches around, and the best ones can be reached by renting out a boat for a 2-hour island-hopping activity.

Book or Kindle – There are a lot of good area to spend the hours to read a book here! With only the sounds of birds, waves, and trees to distract you, you’ll be sure to get the best out of your book.

Drinks and Snacks – The resort offers food choices, but eating is not allowed in the rooms to avoid a swarm of ants. They will provide a pitcher full of water for consumption, but if you run out of it in the middle of the night, or even during daytime, the walk to the receiving area and back to your room can take a while.

Offline Entertainment (Pre-downloaded movies/music) – Just like what I wrote on this blog article for Mamaley’s Resort, good network can be scarce in this area of Guimaras. Bring good music, a movie, or even playing cards for a good time while waiting for that iconic Guimaras sunset!

Sunset at Nature’s Eye Resort, featuring a relaxing view of the ocean and nature-filled surroundings.

K’s Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a solo retreat to escape city life or just some well-deserved me-time, I highly recommend Nature’s Eye Resort.

✔ Helpful & friendly staff
✔ Good food
✔ Different room options for unique experiences

I booked the Cliff Room, which had an open bathroom overlooking the sea—(like seriously! Talk about being one with nature, right?)

I’d definitely go back someday and explore more Guimaras resorts!

📍 Have you been to Guimaras? Any resorts you'd recommend?

xoxo,

After spending the New Year's Eve in Nature's Eye Resort in Guimaras, I wanted to try other resorts in the area so I came across Mamaley's Resort and made a reservation. I made my booking last May 2021 and was not able to go there until July 2022. Reason? Local travel restrictions.

They were super nice to still honor my reservation, and I was so glad I finally got to visit!

Cozy wooden guest cottages at Mamaley’s Resort in Guimaras, surrounded by tropical trees and ocean views.

MamaLey's Resort is also located in Brgy. Tando, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras and offers a quiet, relaxing stay that's very close to nature. They only have four guest rooms which means only a limited number of people are at the resort in any given time.

I honestly appreciated the serenity that the place provided especially after a recent trip to Boracay Island (don't get me wrong, I fell in love with Boracay, but the crowd and energy of the place can be draining).