Danao City and Danasan Eco Adventure Park

Danao City sits on the coast about 35 km north of Cebu City. Most travellers only pass through on their way to the ferry for the Camotes Islands, but the city and the green hills behind it are worth a day of their own. Up in the mountains, Danasan Eco Adventure Park offers ziplines, treks and cool upland air, while the city has an old coral-stone church, a seaside boardwalk and busy evening food stalls.

Why go to Danao

• Danasan Eco Adventure Park, a big mountain park with ziplines, rope courses, treks and more.
• Waterfall treks and caving in the hills, with a guide.
• The Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church, a coral-stone church from the Spanish era.
• An easy day trip from Cebu City, and the gateway to Camotes.

Danasan Eco Adventure Park

Danasan is a large park of more than 100 hectares in the uplands of Barangay Danasan, around 500 metres above sea level. It is cooler up here than on the coast, with forest, springs, caves, a man-made lake and waterfalls.

Over the years the park has offered a long list of activities: a zipline over a deep ravine, a free-fall skydrop swing, a sky bike on a high cable, wall climbing, ATV rides, horseback riding and kayaking on the lake. For nature lovers there are guided treks to a multi-tier waterfall, rappelling and caving through cool underground streams, plus a short hike to a hilltop viewpoint and campsite.

Each activity is usually paid separately, and packages are sometimes available. What is running can change with the season, the weather and maintenance, so contact the park before you go to check what is open, the current rates and whether you need to book.

Things to do in Danao City

In the city centre, the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church is a solid coral-stone church dating from the mid-1700s, with a plaza in front. Please dress modestly and keep quiet during Mass. In the evening, locals gather along the boardwalk by the bay and at the food stalls around the plaza for cheap grilled snacks.

Hikers can climb Mount Manghilao, a popular local trail with a large cross near the top and wide views over the coast. Go early, bring plenty of water, and ask locally about a guide.

How to get to Danao and Danasan from Cebu City

1. Go to the Cebu North Bus Terminal and take a bus or van to Danao City. The ride takes about 1-1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
2. For Danasan, continue from Danao City up the mountain road by habal-habal (motorbike taxi) or a hired car. Allow about an hour, as the road climbs and winds.
3. Agree on a return pick-up time with your driver, because there are few rides back down from the park.

The park has run shuttle services from Mandaue and Danao in the past. Ask when you contact them whether a shuttle is available on your date. With a group, hiring a car or van from Cebu City for the day is the easiest option.

Getting around

In Danao City, jeepneys and tricycles cover short trips around the centre and to the port. For the hills, you need a habal-habal or your own transport. The mountain road is steep in places, so if you hire a motorbike driver, ask him to go slowly and wear the helmet he gives you.

Where to stay and eat

Most people visit as a day trip from Cebu City. If you want to stay, the park has offered rooms and camping, and Danao City has simple lodges and a few mid-range hotels. The city has malls, bakeries and local eateries, and the food stalls near the plaza are a fun place for an evening snack.

When to go

The dry season, from about December to May, is best for the park, with firmer trails and clearer views. In the rainy months, from around June to November, trails get muddy and some activities may close in bad weather. Weekdays are quieter than weekends and holidays.

Tips for a good trip

• Contact the park before you go to check what is open and the current rates.
• Wear closed shoes or sturdy sandals and clothes you can get dirty.
• Bring a light jacket: the hills can be cool, especially after rain.
• Follow the safety briefing, and skip any ride if the gear looks worn.
• Bring cash, and leave early to beat the traffic north of Cebu City.

Danao is also the jumping-off point for the Camotes Islands. For more cool mountain air close to the city, see our Busay guide.

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: "Church of Danao City, Cebu" by Joelaldor, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated October 15, 2026