Argao, Cebu is an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Located at the south of Cebu - two hours away from the city of Cebu, Argao is a town that gives off a charm that has been untouched by people. It is a simple and quiet town that hasn’t really been known as a tourist destination. Its shorelines showcase clear waters but beach resorts near Argao often receive greater attention. While it is not a hot spot compared to other destinations, there are much to discover about the fantastic things to do in Argao, Cebu, Philippines.
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Natural sights
1. Have a nature immersion at Argao Nature Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A nature encounter sharpened by thrilling outdoor activities is the catch of Argao Nature Park. It is one of Argao municipality’s attractions that bring travelers to nature while having loads of fun. The entire park is an assembly of relaxing and exciting activities. Start the tour on a high note with its zipline and glide through the air or start from the bottom then aim to reach the top through a wall-climbing adventure.
Boat rides are accessible in its small lagoon for those who seek water-related activities. When the body calls for a rest, the park has gazebo huts that are decorated with texts about Argao’s history and heritage. Massage services are also available for total relaxation.
Treat your appetite too with the park’s canteen that serves a range of snacks and drinks. The fruit shakes and local delicacies are a must-try. The park is an Argao tourist spot that bears a canopy of giant trees and provides a great place for a retreat.
Argao Nature Park
Address: Suico St, Argao, 6021 Cebu
Website: Argao Nature Park
2. Conquer the trails and peak of Mt. Takliad
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Mount Takliad is a lesser-known peak in Argao, Cebu, compared to its neighbor Mount Lantoy and Binalabag. In recent years, it has started to gain popularity as it is supported by the municipality’s tourism office. Registration is required to access its trails and a local guide is mandated to every group of enthusiasts. As it is less trekked, passageways are commonly unestablished and the trails remain challenging despite the 3/9 grade of difficulty.
The usual feeling of trembling knees and aching back on hikes are greatly rewarded with stunning landscape views. Mount Takliad, with a peak of approximately 700 m (2297ft) above sea level, struts a rewarding panoramic view of green scapes and adjacent mountains.
Mt. Takliad
Address: Barangay Cansuje, Argao, Cebu
3. Try skimboarding at Mahayahay Beach
Skimboarding is a popular activity in Cebu and there are two beaches famous for having large waves perfect for skimboarding. One is in the town of Lilo-an, and the other one is in Argao - the Mahayahay Beach. Unlike other beaches in the Philippines, which is known for its sand and picturesque shores, the sand is not something to fawn over and the beach is quite simple. From October to May, the water is very calm, which is perfect for a day of relaxing or swimming in the beach. It is from June to September when the big waves come to this beach; not big enough to for surfing, but big enough to learn and practice your skimboarding skills. In September, they hold a skimboarding competition where anyone can join in or watch.
Mahayahay Beach
Address: Argao, Cebu
Price: Cottage Rental: 200 PHP (4 USD); Skimboard Rental: 100 PHP (2 USD)
Access: 2-hour bus ride from Cebu City in the South Bus Terminal
4. Chase Bugasok Falls and Balay sa Agta
Bugasok Falls and Balay sa Agta (Giant’s Cave) are two natural sights that can be found in Argao. Going to these two sights requires a trek starting from the Conalum Barangay Hall. To make it easier for the tourists, the Argao Tourism Office offers tours going to Bugasok Falls and Balay sa Agta but of course, call them at least a day before your planned visit.
The first destination is Balay sa Agta, the reason why it was called the Giant’s Cave is because of the enormous size of the cave, so enormous that the thought of a giant living there is possible. It is a 480 meter (1,574 foot) long cave with a lot to discover as you make your way inside, making you wonder how everything was naturally formed.
The second stop is the Bugasok Falls, a 10-minute ride from the cave, a refreshing stop after going into a gigantic cave. You could go swimming or take a plunge at the falls, unless your guide says otherwise for safety reasons. These natural sights are among the top places to visit in Argao, Cebu.
Bugasok Falls and Balay sa Agta Tour
Price: 500 PHP (10 USD) per guide, 20 PHP (0.40 USD) for barangay fee
Contact: +63 324858063
Historical sights
5. Learn about the oldest municipal hall in Cebu
The Argao City Hall, or commonly known as Casa Real, is known to be the oldest municipal hall in the province of Cebu. If you’re a history lover, especially in old architecture, then you should definitely visit this Argao tourist attraction. The building was built in the early 1800s, during the Spanish colonization, which explains the combination of stone and hardwood materials used in the building.
The first floor is made up of stone walls while the second floor was built with wood. The hall is one example of what a Filipino would call a ‘bahay na bato’ (house of stone). The hall is easily located as it is in the town’s center.
Argao City Hall
Address: Argao, Cebu
Access: From Cebu City, take a bus from the South Bus Terminal.
Contact: +63 324858063 (Tourism Office)
6. Stop by at Argao Hall of Justice
Another historic building in the town center is the Argao Hall of Justice. The building itself has a lot of history. Being built during the Spanish colonization, it served as a school for the children of church workers and as a military barracks during the Second World War. It had been destroyed before in a fire, but has been restored and rehabilitated today as a hall of justice.
Argao Hall of Justice
Address: Argao, Cebu
Contact: +63 324858063 (Tourism Office)
7. Visit the St. Michael the Archangel Church
The St. Michael the Archangel Church, or Argao Church, also located at the town’s center, is one of those churches that have stood against time. It was built in 1783, using the style of Baroque and Rococo in its design. The church houses a beautiful interior, with the main altar painted with gold, silver, and gray colors, and a ceiling painted with the stories from the Bible. The church still has a pulpit, a raised platform where priests would do their sermons back in the old days, and a Spanish-era pipe organ - said to have been built around the 17th to 19th-century by Spanish pipe organ makers.
St. Michael the Archangel Church
Address: Argao, Cebu
Contact: +63 324858063 (Tourism Office)
Must-try food in Argao, Cebu
8. Taste the local delicacy called torta
Torta is a delicacy in the town of Argao and is a must-try to anyone who visits their town. There are a lot of bakeries that sell this delicacy, but it is said that Chitang’s Torta sells one of the best-tasting tortas in Cebu. What makes the torta in Argao different from others is beause they use tuba, or coconut wine, instead of yeast as one of their ingredients, which is then baked in a clay furnace, using coconut husks as charcoal.
Chitang's Torta
Address: 717 Mariano Abear Street, Poblacion Argao 6021, Cebu
Opening Hours: 8am - 5pm
Contact: +63 324858095
Facebook: Chitang’s Torta
9. Indulge with a cup of Guilang's Tableya
The best companion to Argao’s torta, is their famous tableya. Guilang’s Tableya is made from 100% cacao beans, which are harvested from the cacao trees found in their backyard. Tableya is the main ingredient for the traditional Filipino hot chocolate, and one of the best makers is found in Argao, Cebu. Tourist attractions around the province often has shops selling Guilang’s Tableya and if you’re interested in the process of making them, their shop is very open to visitors. Just give them a call to check when the best time is to come see them work!
Guilang's Tableya
Address: 101, San Miguel Street, Argao, Cebu
Opening Hours: 8am - 8pm
Contact: +63 9098226747
Facebook: Guilang’s Tableya
Big sights, small town
Compared to other tourist destinations in the Philippines, the town of Argao is like a humble giant. It is a simple and quiet town but with a little exploration, there is so much more to discover. There are a lot more things to see in Argao, what is mentioned above is just to get you started. If you’re up for taking the path less traveled, then you must visit this town and see more of what the Philippines has to offer.
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Argao, Cebu, Philippines
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