|
Tucked along the northwest side of the province of Cebu is a laidback town that is starting to get attention from riders and travelers. It does not have the usual white sand coasts of the popular destinations found in northern Cebu. In fact, its coastline’s been catching attention for its rocky coast. The perfect mix of chill and rugged vibe of Catmon lets your mind flow deep in its meow-sings (musings).  Exploring another off-beat spot in Cebu. Just two hours away from the city, Catmon is a small town that travelers usually just pass through when they are headed to the more popular North Cebu destinations. The name of the town was derived from the huge trees, katmon, that thrive in the area. It was under the Spanish rule that it was founded as a municipality to which it has kept its status until today. Social media users have taken interest with the town, highlighting its rugged coastline and cliff spots facing the Camotes Sea. San Guillermo Parish Church (Catmon Church) The San Guillermo Parish Church was initially a mission station of the Augustinian Recollects, under the Danao Church. It was then declared a separate visita in 1835. Situated atop a hill, the site where the church stands was the third and final choice for its location and overlooks the town center and the Camotes Sea. The present structure was completed in 1875 and is one of the oldest churches in the province and in the country  The San Guillermo Parish Church is one of the oldest churches in the province. Built from coral stones, the facade of the church was designed with a triangular roof entryway structure. It is highlighted by arched windows with the central arch window depicting an image of the Holy Eucharist. The facade was completed in 1875. A three-story belfry flanks the church with its hexagonal shaped upper floors, highlighted with arched windows. The belfry is capped with a dome. The belfry and the facade were undergoing rehabilitation after it was damaged by the Bogo Earthquake last year.
The interior was a fusion of modern and past architecture. A large part of its old walls remain intact. These wall foundations were built in 1868. A portion of the church’s interior were made in concrete. Its altar is modern in design with the image of the Crucified Christ as its centerpiece. A side niche bears the image of the town’s patron saint, St. William the Hermit. Tinubdan Falls Tucked in the hinterlands of Catmon is a waterfall attraction that was once a popular attraction among locals and tourists. Tinubdan Falls is a multi-cascade waterfalls in Catmon. A 45-minute habal-habal ride will get you to the jump-off point. From the jump-off point, a 20-minute hike along a dirt trail will get you to the first level of Tinubdan’s cascade.  Tinubdan Falls was once a popular attraction in Catmon. Tinubdan Falls lie along the forested area of Catmon. Its water cascades in two levels. The top level has a single cascade where water falls from a height of about 4 feet into a small base pool. Boulders dot the surroundings of the base pool. The water then flows further down into multiple cascades along a rock face of the second level into multiple base pools. The beauty of the waterfalls is best seen at the base second level, however, access restrictions in the area did not give us the privilege to see the beauty of its downstream cascade.
A tragic accident in 2021, that claimed the lives of 3 locals, was the reason for the closure of Tinubdan Falls. Our guide, Kuya Jonard, shared with us that the waters can easily go torrential within minutes since the water flows from the mountains in Cebu. Sadly, the setback has kept the beauty of Tinubdan Falls away from the tourism spotlight. I hope that the LGU can help in making access and appreciation of Tinubdan Falls safer for the benefit of the community and its locals. Esoy Hot Spring Esoy Hot Spring is another popular attraction in Catmon. Nestled along a gorge, the resort has a collection of pools that collect natural sulphur-rich hot spring water for a relaxing and therapeutic dip. It is one of the two natural thermal pools that you can find the province of Cebu. It is a private resort and setting an appointment is encouraged, although, we were lucky that we were able to walk-in during the visit.  Enjoying the warm waters of Esoy Hot Springs. You would have to navigate through a steep cemented pathway down to the receiving area of the hot spring resort. The resort fees give you access to the thermal pools in the area. There are small pools in the area and a big one on the lower level of the resort. A crevice on the rock face of the ravine serves as the main source of its hot spring water. Ka-Tinggo Falls Apart from the hot springs, Esoy Hot Spring also offers access to Ka-Tinggo Falls. This waterfall attraction is located along the headwaters of the river that flows below the resort. You can get a full package at the resort that will give you access to the falls and to the resort.  Enjoying the cold waters of the base pool of Ka-Tinggo Falls. The adventure to Ka-Tinggo Falls starts with crossing the rickety hanging bridge to the other side of the ridge. From here, it will take about a 30-minute hike to the base pool of the falls. The trail runs along the riverbed and will have you clambering over rocks and crossing the river. The last stretch of the “trail” is swimming against the water flow of its base pool.
Ka-Tinggo Falls is a strong single cascade between two rock face of the gorge. Water cascades into a very deep aquamarine pool. Getting close to the cascade is a challenge because of its strong water current. We enjoyed the cold dip at the base pool while enjoying the sights and sounds of the falls. We also got to enjoy the view of the gorge as we floated downstream back to the resort. Catmon Coast Catmon does not have the usual stretch of white sand coast. Its coast is mostly rocky and cliffs, with small pockets of sandy coast. Resorts, situated along the rocky cliffs, have started to get traction from motorcycle riders and tourists for the views and the extra adrenaline rush when they dive into the blue waters of the sea from the cliffs.  Catmon's coastline is rocky with pockets of sandy coast. We were able to enjoy the chill laidback vibe of its rocky coast in one of the roadside resorts along the highway. The coast was mostly rock floor base and void of sandy shorelines. We enjoyed the laidback chill vibe of this coastal town. Catmon is a great spot to enjoy a quick beach break from the urban buzz of Cebu. POST TRAVEL NOTES Catmon is a laidback town that is an easy alternative for a weekend break when you find yourself in Cebu. Whether you want to relax by the beach or enjoy a hot dip, it can give you that relaxing breather after a week of urban hustle or exploring around the province. It can also give you that adrenaline rush as you get to experience the more rustic and sublime side of Cebu.  Fusing fitness and heritage on our next travel. It is exciting that apart from off-beat travelers, we now have riders who put the spotlight on destinations that, more often than not, do not get noticed. These riders, mainly due to the convenience of their motorcycles, are able to venture deeper into destinations that would eventually lead to the discovery of the local’s hidden spots. It is great to see that as we discover more, we are able to open new opportunities for the locals and the communities. Check out my Catmon Travel Video blog here:
Getting there: Local and International airports have direct flights to Mactan-Cebu International Airport. From the airport, you can take a bus to SM City Cebu/Cebu North Bus Terminal. You can then take a bus to Bogo or Hagnaya Port and asked to be dropped off at Catmon Public Market. You can contact Kuya Jonard at (0970) 1197547 for habal-habal services in Catmon. Shoutout to my travel buddies - HULL & STERN Dry Bags for keeping my stuff safe and “dry during my travels. Get 5% off on your Hull & Stern dry bag purchase on the Hull & Stern website when you use the code - marc7del.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Marc del Rosario
I believe in education, entrepreneurship, and caring for the environment. 
Archives
September 2026
|
RSS Feed