Busay Highlands

Just above the busy streets of Cebu City, the road climbs into the cool, green hills of Busay. Up here the air is fresher, the views stretch across the city to Mactan and the sea, and a handful of very different sights sit along the winding road. It is an easy half-day or evening trip from uptown Cebu City, and a nice break from the heat downtown.

Why go to Busay

• Big views over Cebu City, Mactan and the channel, especially at sunset.
• The colourful Taoist Temple on the way up, with dragons, pagodas and city views.
• The Temple of Leah, a grand Roman-style monument built as a tribute of love.
• Cooler weather and the flower gardens of Sirao, a little further up the mountain.

The Taoist Temple

Your first stop, in the Beverly Hills area of Lahug, is the Cebu Taoist Temple. It was built by Cebu's Chinese community in 1972 and is still an active place of worship. Climb the steps past dragon statues and red gates to pagodas with wide views of the city. Entry is usually free. Dress modestly, keep your voice low and stay out of areas reserved for worshippers.

Temple of Leah

Higher up in Busay, the Temple of Leah looks like it belongs in ancient Rome, with tall columns, statues and a grand staircase. It was built by Teodorico Adarna in memory of his late wife, Leah, and is often called Cebu's own Taj Mahal. Inside are rooms filled with art and antiques, and from the terrace you can see across the city to the sea. There is an entrance fee, which has gone up in recent years, so bring a few hundred pesos in cash.

Tops and Sirao

Tops is the classic Cebu lookout, at around 600 metres above the city. It reopened in 2024 after a big makeover and is now a modern complex with a circular viewing deck, restaurants and cafés. Come before sunset, watch the light change and stay to see the city glitter after dark. Expect a fee to enter.

Further up the mountain road in Sirao, small farms grow celosia and other flowers. Several flower gardens are open to visitors, with paths, windmills, giant sculptures and photo spots. Each charges a small entrance fee. Flowers bloom best in the cooler, drier months, and some gardens look bare after heavy rain.

How to get to Busay from Cebu City

1. The simplest way is Grab or a taxi from uptown Cebu City (IT Park, Lahug or Ayala). The Taoist Temple is about 15-20 minutes away; Temple of Leah and Tops are about 30-45 minutes.
2. For several stops, hire a car with a driver for a few hours, or book a highlands tour. This is often easier than finding rides between sights.
3. On a budget, go to JY Square in Lahug and hire a habal-habal (motorbike taxi) up the hill. Agree on the price and the stops before you leave.

Getting a ride back down can be slow, especially at night, so ask your driver to wait or arrange your return before you go up.

When to go

The dry months, from about December to May, usually bring the clearest views. Late afternoon is the favourite time: visit a temple or garden first, then catch the sunset and city lights. Clouds and rain can roll in quickly up here, especially from June to November, and it can feel noticeably cooler than downtown.

Tips for a good trip

• Bring a light jacket for the evening. The hills are cooler than the city.
• Carry cash. Most sights charge an entrance fee and some are cash only.
• The roads are steep and winding. If you get carsick, sit in front.
• Respect the temples: modest clothes, quiet voices and no climbing on statues.
• Weekends and holidays are busy. Go on a weekday for a calmer visit.

Start your day with history in downtown Cebu City, then head up to Busay for the sunset. For a proper mountain hike, see our guide to Osmeña Peak.

Photo gallery

Tap a photo to see it full size. Gallery photos come from Wikimedia Commons; each photographer's credit shows when you open the photo.

Watch before you go

Photo: "Temple of Leah 2025-08-24 003" by Martin Michlmayr, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated October 15, 2026