If you want to be literally on top of the world in Cebu, there is no other place to go than TOP. Situated on the Busay hills, the view from this place is absolutely spectacular. Even if I have been there multiple times, I’m still filled with suspense every time I walk towards the viewing area.
It takes approximately 20 minutes of winding, cemented road to get there from the Cebu city center. Despite the travel distance, the ride is very comfortable and you are treated with snippets of the view along the way. Make sure you pack enough gas and your car can climb steep roads before going there. If you do not have a car, your only other option is to take a taxi since the place has no access to public transportation. You have to haggle with the taxi drivers though on the fare. The entrance fee is also a steep P100 but it’s definitely worth it.
At TOP, you can see as far as Lilo-an to the north, Naga to the south and Bohol island to the east. You marvel at how everything in Metro Cebu and the surrounding islands seem so breathtakingly small but beautiful. You gaze at the wide expanse of the city and the surrounding areas and slowly identify landmarks – “ Look, that’s the Fuente Osmeña over there”, “Can you see the old and new Mactan bridge?”, “There’s the airport”.
what a view from TOP (Mactan and Olango islands are visible)
Food is available in TOP to accompany your viewing. There are chips, grilled food, and alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks. But be ready to pay extra to buy food here. A big bag of chips is P35. Grilled hotdog is around P40 pesos.
In my opinion, the food needs an upgrade. Why not serve pasta or other higher end food to make the place classier?
Tables and enclosed areas are also available for use, be it for intimate occasions like romantic dates or for corporate occasions like team buildings or meetings.
I suggest you visit TOP late afternoon (around 5 pm) and stay until after dusk so you can experience the shift from daylight to night. As the sun sets, the sky slowly shifts from blue, to orange, and then to black. One by one, the stars appear in the night sky. Below, the city streets and building lights flicker on. The nights can be chilly so make sure you bring jackets or blankets to keep you warm.
savouring the view
I definitely recommend visiting TOP when you are in Cebu. In spite of the distance, the entrance fee, and the passable food, the amazing view is absolutely priceless. I haven’t seen the sunrise from TOPS so I’m definitely coming back.
To go to TOP, take Cebu Veterans Drive (the road going to Marco Polo Plaza Hotel). Past Marco Polo, it's still a long drive. Just follow the road until you see the La Tegola restaurant signage to your right. Just past that signage to the left is a small steep road. Take the road until you reach the entrance to TOP.
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