I am sorry to cut the excitement but Maldives is not going on a discount anytime soon. But do not worry, there are wannabes and runner-up destination that could match your expectation of everything crystal clear water that is Maldives, at a fraction of the price. Say hello to Buyong Beach - one of Lapu-lapu City's best kept secret. Located along the stretch of beach resort and dive shops in Brgy Maribago; Buyong beach is a budget traveler alternative in search of turquoise water in the city. Coined by most locals as Little Maldives because of its crystal clear water and a presence of rich marine ecosystem.
Screengrab from google map
It is situated in the southeastern part of the island with its coastline almost occupied by hotels, resorts, private houses, and dive shops. There is also a small makeshift port as a jump-off area for those going on an island hopping. If you have been to Maribago Bluewater Resort, a seemingly posh resort for the rich and not so famous, then you have probably dipped in the same water except for the premium that you have to pay.
Because of the influx of international tourists, lots of hotel and resorts sprouted. Although it is good for the local economy however the repercussion have made beaches less accessible to most locals because of the expensive entry fee. So people look for alternative and Buyong Beach came in the picture just at the right time at least for a beach person like me. The last time I went there was when our government lifted the restriction. For some weird policy, our government did not allow us to go to the beach at the height of the pandemic. They prolly took social distancing on a whole new level. So when the policy was lifted, my teammates immediately invited me to go to the beach we can spend the weekend chilling.
The Property
We arrived early in the morning with crowd of people we did not expect after several months of not having to go outside other than buying groceries. The facade of the property was in a neglected state with its fence almost falling off. The surrounding outside was covered with grasses as tall as a 5 year old kid and fallen leaves littering the area.
We rented a small table just enough for 5 people and started preparing the food. I took the pork limbs while my other teammates clean and gutted the fish for grilling. The place smells like a summer feast in a province from smokes coming from pork fat burned in charcoal. I sip a small portion of whisky to kick off the weekend vibe and prepare my feet for the water.
Screengrab from google map
How to get there:
If you are outside of Cebu you can take a flight to Mactan International Airport from major airports of the country. There are also several international flights from major airlines to and from Cebu (Mactan).
From the airport or at any hotel in Lapu-lapu City; take a cab going to Maribago Bluewater (the landmark) and then walk your way to the beach or you can also take a tricycle or habal2x (motorcycle) (P30.00) going to the area.
If you are from Cebu City, you can take a bus (P40.00) from Southbus Terminal to Lapu-lapu City. Then take a multicab (public utility vehicle) (P18.00) going to Maribago. You can also take a v-hire (P40 - P50) from Sm or Ayala mall going to Gaisano Mactan Island Mall and take a multicab going to Maribago.
Buyong Beach, Maribago
Below are the photos of me and my friends and teammates enjoying the beach.
The Accomodation
Now if you are wondering how much we have paid for the entrance and ameneties, I am happy to inform you, it did not cost us a fortune. Entrance fee as of this posting for all ages is P20.00. The 8-hour rental for the tables and chairs is P150.00. The property can only accomodate day-use and unfortunately there are no clean toilet.
If you plan of staying overnight, there are plenty of airbnb, hotels, and resorts in the area. You can even walk in as long as it is not peak season.
Activities
Adjacent to the beach is Mundo Island and few small islets where you can hop around swimming and snorkeling. You can pick sea urchin and some edible seamoss or seaweeds during low tide on your way to the island. There are also small outrigger boats for island hopping. If you are up for adventure, you can also do cliff jumping and freediving.
So what are you waiting for? Get your sunglasses on and bathe yourself in the sun without having to travel far south.
Do you have any beach reccomendation? Tell us in the comment!
Summer is fast approaching and you just did add additional recommendations to your readers. Should I order new swimwear na ba? Hahaha
The water is clear feels like lami jud ibabad sa water 😂
Yes mamsh, this one is much realistic compare to our badian or moalboal plans , let me knw wen ta ninyu manglaag kay para masugdan nag plot sa leav
Hahaha saba ka diha sige rakag OT murag naay 10 ka anak hahaha
This place is wow! It looks similar to Maldives. I can’t imagine there’s a hidden place like that in Mactan LLC. Its just a dream for me to go to Maldives but having this place I feel like I already experience the crystal water in surreal atmosphere in Maldives. Thanks for sharing this @baninan hopefully we can go there again together with @explorewithsasha ❤️❤️❤️😘😍😍😍😍
Hahaha ayaw na lang kay traydor kas VTO @prettyunicorn 😂😂😂
Ahahahaha chesmess kaayu ang suroy2
Yes there are plenty of beaches in mactan that are not open for public which are pristine and untouched. There is also a beach access in punta engano that is equally beautiful but not expensive. Tara lets beach na tayu dzae
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The waters are crystal clear!!! It's so nice to know that it's just in Cebu😍 The perfect getaway this summer 😍
Yep, it is just stone throw for quick weekend getaway and it is affordable. Let me know if you guys plan of visiting the place,
Nascam ko daaaah! Nahan ko mg cliff jumping dha. Hope makavisit nya ko soon.
Beach Reco? Somewhere around north of Cebu. Maybe San Rem or Daan Bantayan
Ahahaa sorry naman, ..not my itention tho. Yea Sanrem has lots of wonderful beaches i saw on my fb newsfeed but i javent visisted one. 😞
Hahahahahaha No problem.
Taas kaau ang shoreline sa public beach sa San Rem nya along the road ra