StarBuk's

 Welcome to Starbuk’s!

This regular residence owned by Paul and Neneng on top of the hill which turned into a rustic coffee setting and sort of a hole in the wall eating place is now a go-to space for both hikers and local residents. 

It is a 45min walk (depending on your pace) from McDonald’s Banawa to Good Shepherd to Lola’s house (everybody’s friendly Lola) and then deep into the steep and slippery hill of Spartan Trail. This path however, is called Spartan Trail because it requires discipline, determination and endurance while trekking the obstacles in the wild.

You can also go there directly via Hoya trail or the Monterraza’s trail. But we prefer the challenging steep hillside because the slope means having the chance to meet and feed Kulafu (the name of one of the dogs which is a pretty and affectionate black and white dog) and the other dog we fondly called “Vino” since we don’t know her name. Both of these dogs are female by the way yet for some reason we think the names fit the bill. Hahaha.

These dogs guard this seemingly abandoned house in the middle of nowhere cloaked and surrounded by Banana and Jackfruit Trees. So, if you plan to trek via this path, please bring dog food or in our case, pan burikat. Hahaha. 

Just above this house is the demanding footpath where snake holes provide a perfect nesting spot not just for snakes but other wildlife as well. Geez! 

But the view on top is absolutely stunning and picturesque where malls and tall buildings in the city appear to be minute.

Starbuk’s offers refreshments apart from coffee and street food favorites such as kwek-kwek (P5 / pc), tempura (P20 / 3 pcs), fish balls (P1 / pc) and hotdog (P10 / pc). You can also request them to cook pancit canton (P20/pack)

They also have chichirya, chicharon and the all-time fave pan burikat. 

Neneng also sells plants and flowers.

🚘 How to get there:

🦯 Starting point is McDonald’s Paseo San Ramon in Banawa. From there, find your way to Casa Rosita and then Good Shepherd. You may ask the local residents for direction or just follow the trail. (Tip: It is best to have a tour guide for first timers unless you are brave enough to explore and blaze a trail.

Microscoffee

There’s no denying the upward trend of milk tea in the country. It has been significantly noticed that more and more milk tea shops whether locally sourced or those from other countries such as Taiwan, China and Thailand have reached the shores of Cebu.

Cebuano milk tea addicts has a knack for discovering quirky and creative servings. And if it’s reasonably priced food or what have yous, it’s a big check for Bisdaks.

This hole-in-the-wall cafe serves food like an artistic work. Imaginative is the best way to describe it.

It’s like going straight to a chemistry lab where microscopes and erlenmeyer flasks adorn the whole place.

How to get there:

Simply ride a 01C jeepney (bound for Private / USC South Campus formerly Girls High), this is just along the road right side. You won’t miss it since there is a conspicuous signpost bearing the name Microscoffee.

Contact Details:

Microscoffee
435 J. Alcantara St., Cebu City
(032) 4107011

Opening Hours:

Monday - Friday: 8am to 1am
Saturday: 8am to 2am
Sunday: Closed

Issa’s Haven

Santorini, the precious gem of the Aegean is alluring to millions of tourists annually. So, it’s a no brainer that this little santorini of the south attracts the attention of tourists from both local and neighboring provinces of Cebu.

This dainty resort boasts of accommodations and rooms painted in white and blue which are trademark colors of Santorini, Greece hence it’s moniker “little santorini”.

Rooms may not be of considerable sizes but you can tell they are regularly maintained because they are squeaky clean.

There’s a pool for kids and there’s a sizeable one for adults. They even have toilets/bathrooms conveniently located outside (near the pool) if in case you need to use the bathroom or toilets instead of going inside your room.

They also have their own eating place which offers ready to eat dishes. You may opt however to order food via their menu and they’ll gladly cook it for you. At night they have seafood delights for grilling and even have BBQ food items.

You can have it served at their rooftop if you want to just savor the moment and enjoy the tranquility of the place.

📌 Room Rates:

🔘 Superior Villa 1 & 2 (Queen size bed / airconditioned room good for 2 pax): P2300/night

🔘 Cabana Room (Queen size bed / airconditioned room good for 2 pax): P1700/night

🔘 Cabana Room (2 single size beds / airconditioned room good for 2 pax): P1700/night

🔘 Single Room: P1250/night

🔘 Twin Room (good for 2 pax/maximum of 3 pax): P1450/night

🔘 Barkada Room (good for 4 pax): P2300/night (2 double decks)

🔶 Extra Person: P300/person

🔸Check in Time: 2:00 pm
🔸Check out Time: 12:00 noon

🔴 Note: Breakfast is not included and they have a corkage fee for foods brought/eaten inside their restaurant. All rooms have a bathroom and cable TV. They don’t allow walk-in guests. So, it is best to contact them via their fb page or through their contact number for inquiries and reservations.

☎️ Contact Details:
Issa’s Haven
Brgy. Looc, Oslob Cebu
Mobile No.: 09156570524
Website: http://www.issashaven.com/

📍How to get there (from Cebu City):

🚘 By Car/Van (own transpo):

This resort which is in Brgy. Looc, Oslob is not so hard to find via google map or waze. It’s a 5-min drive from Looc Elementary School.

🚞 By Bus (4-5 hour travel by bus):

From Cebu City, ride a Ceres bus from South Bus terminal going to Bato via Liloan. Ask the driver to drop you off at Issa’s Haven which is just along the highway in Brgy. Looc, Oslob. It’s actually a 20-30 min ride from Whale Shark watching.

Additional Info:

🔲 PACKAGE FOR SOUTH BOUND DESTINATION

DESTINATION FEES PER HEAD / PER TRIP
➢ Tumalog Falls
➢ Whaleshark Area
➢ Sumilon Island Sandbar
250.00/head (from Oslob) transportation only

➢ Aguinid Falls
➢ Hidden Falls
➢ Dau Falls
325.00/head (from Oslob) transportation only

Kawasan Waterfalls  2,500 to 3,000/trip (from Oslob) transportation
➢ Bamboo Rafting   500.00/head
➢ Canyoneering 1,500.00/head (1 meal free and gears)

Sumilon Bluewater Day Tour
➢ Weekdays    2,000.00
➢ Weekends   2,500.00
Inclusions
➢ 1 free lunch buffet
➢ boat transport
➢ kayaking
➢ snorkeling
➢ use of swimming pool

Boat Rental (Sumilon Sandbar)
➢ 1-5 persons    1,500.00
➢ 5-10 persons   2,000.00
➢ 10 to above 3,000.00
Municipal fee 50.00 (negotiable)

Moalboal (Sardines Run) 5,000/trip (from Oslob)

CAR SERVICES
➢ Airport/Cebu City to Oslob and back to Airport/Cebu City   9,000.00