Citylights Shine Like Diamonds: The Tops of Cebu

“Parked car, this night sky makes city lights shine like diamonds”

-”First of Summer” by UrbanDub

Ever wonder where Gabby Alipe of Urbandub got this inspiration? Actually, this is the “lover’s nest” of Cebu. Well, most of those who are dating go here. With its cool mountain breeze and a vista unequaled in the metro, seeing all the way to Bohol and even Leyte.

The Tops would be the ultimate choice of the romantics and those who just want to cool off from the busy life down at the city. I remember going there first time. It was daylight. The vista of Metro Cebu and Mactan Island was awesome. Just wait till night comes.

The Tops sits on the 2,000 foot ridge overviewing Metro Cebu, Mactan Island and beyond. Its quite far and isolated for local Cebuano standards because of its inaccessibility to public transportation despite good roads. By night time, city lights do shine like diamonds. During Christmas, New Year and Sinulog season, fireworks abound the city, creating that fantasy world for the lovers and for the whole family. Now, how do you get the heck up here? Nope, you’re not gonna climb a’la Everest. You have options:

1. Take a taxi. It is the most convenient (and sometimes the only way) to go here, and its difficult to negotiate because majority of the taxi cabs are powered by LPG and has difficulty to climb the steep road. And most of the time, for you to convince manong driver you gonna have to pay at least P400 to P800 for a roundtrip fare. Make sure, you have a transport going down the city or be stranded.
2. Rent a van or a vehicle. Try checking the Department of Tourism office near Plaza Independencia for inquiries about rent a van or vehicle. Usually they charge more or less P1,000 to P3,000 the whole day at the Metro, depending on what kind of vehilcle you will be taking. Just tell the rent-a-vehicle company that you’ll be going to The Tops.
3. Be with your friends or family who has a vehicle.
4. Take the (in)famous habal-habal or single motorcycle from JY Lahug Mall junction all the way to the Tops. They usually charge you of about at least P80 per person one way.
5. The last option would be….hiking. Its healthy although it would take time and stamina, but the vista is worthed.

And by the way before you enter The Tops, they have a P100 per person entrance fee or P50 if one of your friends has a discount card.

Another tip, bring your own baon or food/drinks. Usually, they sell chips and liquor at the Tops quite pricey for the cash-strapped people. Don’t forget to bring your own jacket especially during December to February.

Despite all of this, you’ll find quality time with your loved ones, the cool breeze that soothes the soul and a vista that would be worth the diamonds in the sky. By the way before leaving the Tops, make sure you ring the “Friendship Bell” in the northern corner of the area.