Best Road Trip Experience: Carcar-Dalaguete-Alegria-Barili Loop
One of the best things about driving south is that a short stopover in the heritage town of Carcar becomes an excuse to indulge in some succulent lechon and a bag or two of crispy chicharon. And a full, satisfied stomach will make a road trip less traveled up and down southern Cebu’s mountains even more worthwhile. From Carcar, drive all the way to Mantalongon, the province’s vegetable basket, in Dalaguete. There, you can opt to hike up Osmeña Peak or the Kandungaw Peak, if not stop by a strawberry farm. On the way back, stop by Mantalongon Market for the freshest produce, before taking an unnamed road that goes all the way down to Alegria town, where you can take a dip at Cambais Falls. If you want to spend a night or two, you may book a stay at the many resorts in nearby Badian and Moalboal, both of which offer natural attractions as well. If not, you can take a pleasant late afternoon drive back to the metropolis with a quick snack stop at Molave Milk Station in Barili for some fresh goat milk and ice cream. The 150-kilometer loop itself is a five-hour drive but completely worth it.