Badian

You might have heard of the place through Kawasan Falls and Osmeña Peak, and if you haven’t actually been to these famous spots yet, you’re missing a lot in Cebu, I tell you.

Profile

Badian is a third-class municipality that lies in the southwestern part of Cebu and has a population of 37, 699 people, according to the 2010 census. It is bounded by Moalboal on the north, Alegria on the south, Tanon Strait on the west, and Dalaguete and Argao on the east. The municipality has 29 barangays, and the main barangay is Poblacion which is found on the center most part of Badian town. Poblacion is the most populous barangay and the only urban area in Badian. It is where the municipality’s significant establishments are found, including the Municipal Hall and the Church of Santiago Apostol. An annual feast is celebrated in honor of Santiago Apostol every July 25. The “Banig Festival” is also held during the same month and it showcases the handicrafts, delicacies, and other unique cultural features of the municipality, particularly the handwoven mats locally known as banig. Some of the highly anticipated activities in this festival are the trade fair, the street dancing, and the banig-making contest.

Attractions

Apart from the Banig Festival, many people go to Badian for their well-renowned tourist spots, and here are 2 of the widely visited ones:

1. Kawasan Falls

Considered as the most popular destination in Badian, Kawasan Falls is a three-tiered waterfall system that is located in Barangay Matutinao. You would have to walk for 15-30 minutes from the national road to get to the actual waterfalls. The walking will all be worth it though since you will be welcomed with misty, clean, and crystal-clear waters! To get to the main source of the waterfalls and be awed by how cool it flows from one stone to another, walk uphill until you reach a small cave. The walk to the second level of the falls may also range from 10-15 minutes, but then again, you’ll forget about all the body pains that you might feel from the walking because of the place’s natural beauty. Read more information about Kawasan Falls from our previous post.

2. Osmeña Peak

Approximately 1,000 meters above sea level, Osmeña Peak is coined as the highest peak in the whole Cebu. It belongs to the Mantalongon mountain range, and because the peak has a favorable climate all year round, it has been a good source of vegetable crops for all Cebuanos for the past years, making Mantalongon earn the title “vegetable basket of Cebu”.

Osmeña Peak is named after Cebu’s famous clan, Osmeña. Upon reaching its highest peak, you get to enjoy a 360-degree view of the southwestern coastline of Cebu including the province of Negros Oriental! The best months to climb here is during the first half of the year when the climate is warm. For more information on climbing and enjoying Osmeña Peak, read our previous post about Osmeña Peak and Cebu mountaineering tips.

Other must-go spots in Badian is the Lambug Beach that boasts of vast white sands and the mangroves area just behind the shores of Barangay Poblacion where you can also enjoy an overlooking view of the nearby Badian Island. Enjoy these and the rest of the hidden and not-so-hidden spots in Badian by staying in Agua Azul and Terra Manna Camping & Resort, two of the most hospitable accommodation options in Badian.

Getting to Badian

From Cebu City South Bus Terminal, ride a Ceres or Librando bus that has a Barili route. The travel may take 2-3 hours and cost around 120 pesos (one way).

So, if you are still thinking of a perfect way to spend your summer vacation this 2014, travel no farther but Badian!