TIEZA Botanical Garden: Scenic Garden by the Lake
Two years ago, my #AdventureGrammer friends and I roamed around barangay Sirao for three consecutive weeks just to search for the flower garden that is now popularly known as Sirao Flower Farm. It was really a hit when we posted it on social media and went viral for over a month. However, it was not spared from negative condition as human recklessness and lack of consideration wrought havoc to those fragile flora. It sparked outrage to the netizens and that’s when the topic on responsible tourism come to light. And oh, I was not yet a blogger then.
Fast forward today, my adventure buddy Matio (@iameleimath) and I explored yet another local destination which is not yet flocked by tourists. And it’s our honor to share with you this newest floral destination in Cebu ~ TIEZA Botanical Garden.
Let’s take a quick visual tour in Cebu City’s scenic Garden by the Lake.
TIEZA Botanical Garden
If you are looking for a quick getaway in a scenic destination that is near the city, yet away from its hurly-burly, then you are in the right blog post. Yup, there is an on-going development by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), formerly the Philippine Tourism Authority, that would serve as the next top destination in Cebu. It is located in an elevated farm in Malubog, previously known as Kan-irag Golf Course, which is now notable for a mini-lake or what seems like a fishpond.
Malubog lake was once a natural waterscape that is surrounded by mini yellow wild flowers. The surroundings are filled with sprawling natural local vegetation, wild flora and farm animals.
Look how things have changed. Malubog lake is now adorned by colorful burlas (local name of celosia) which, by the way, currently blooms for the first time in the area.
There is a wooden cabin in the left-most corner facing Sirao Peak. And it’s perfect spot to channel your inner haciendero/haciendera look. Lol!
At a different vantage point, the view of the lake abounded by celosia garden is so scenic that you can position yourself anywhere, regardless of the angle.
One can do YOLO-ing by the celosia garden with the picturesque natural pool while marveling at the famous Sirao Peak in its backdrop.
The view and experience is just exquisite, perfect for a “me” time or a romantic bonding with your partner or with your family.
TIEZA Botanical Garden is set to open for public this March 2017. There are cottages being built as of writing. The builders we interviewed said that there will be floating cottages and food stalls that would add great feature to the already awesome place. As for the entrance fee, list of facilities and other services, will not disclose it for now but will surely update this post once confirmed.
READ ALSO: 10 IG-Worthy Floral Destinations in Cebu
How To Get There
For private vehicles, take a scenic ride along transcentral highway and when you reach Malubog, watch out for this sign “Busay Holiday Pool” conspicuously posted at the right side of the highway and then turn towards that descending direction. Be cautious of falling rocks in the steepest part of the road though. Parking space is available near the area.
If you are commuting, just hail a habal2x from JY Square Mall in Lahug, and tell the driver that you are heading to Malubog Lake or Kan-irag old golf course. Travel time is about 15-25 minutes. Fare is not more than P100 per person, one way. Contact our awesome habal2x driver Roel at 0919-954-4254.
There you go mates. I know you are excited to go to TIEZA Botanical Garden but PLEASE do exercise responsible tourism! Let’s practice “Leave No Trace” principle and preserve its natural allure and order. You don’t want to destroy a paradise, do you?
For more adventures and outdoor jaunts, follow us on the following social media accounts:
- Instagram: @iameleimath and @vivomigsgee
- Facebook: Iameleimath and Vivomigsgee
’til next floral destination hunt! ???
Is this the lake that you pass on the way to Sirao Peak? The water obstacle in Ayala’s cancelled golf course in Kan-Irag?
Yes Sir, it’s the same lake.. Naa nay celosia ron =)
Hi, maagian ra ni on our way to Sirao Peak? We’re planning to climb Sirao Peak next day and hope to have a quick visit to this place. Any suggestion asa mas maayo unahon, kini dayon climb ? Naa ra ba agianan?
I’ll appreciate your response!
More power!
Pwede ra una ang Sirao Peak then mu-descend mo padung sa old Kan-irag golf course. Maagian ra ni.. Makita man sad ni kung naa mo sa Sirao Peak.
Thank you! 😀 We visited the place the other day, yet I can’t help talking about it ’til now.
Nice.. That’s great to know. How’s your experience?
I must say, it’s worth doing again. 🙂 Like you, we hope this TIEZA Garden will be taken cared not only by the farmers but by the visitors as well.
Appreciate the support Ma’am. Here’s to responsible tourism! Cheers!
Cheers!!!
Hi is the road from busay holiday pool to the garden safe for lowered vehicle?
It depends on how low is the stance. If it’s like a sports car, then I don’t recommend bringing one. But generally it is safe.
Hi good afternoon 🙂 pwede ra ba mag jeep pdng busay ?? Then habal2x na pdng dha ?? Naa man me plan mo anha this coming 19 nya ang ako lang concern is unsaon para maka lessen me sa plite Kay ang uban man gd habal2x sa jy mahal ang plite .. Please reply po huhu thank you po 🙂
Talagsa ra man jeep muagi padung malubog.. Habal2x jud ang main transpo padung ngadto.. pero suwayi lang hangyo ang habal2 kung gikan ka sa plaza housing (04C) dapit manukad.
Hi? Unahan pa ni sa sirao or before sirao? Naa bai entrance fee? How much pod?
Halo, before sa Sirao.. Naay signboard nga Busay Holiday Pool sa right if gkan kag JY.. so turn right ra ka ngadto sa sign.. Php 30 entrance
Where exactly ni agion.
didto mi actually ni agi sa busay holiday pool na road. pero gi warn mi sa habal habal driver na lisod kau dalan. dili ka agi ang sakyanan. so ni tuyok nalang mi…:(
Aw diay? na-suspend ila operation kay naghuwat sa permit.. although kung gikan ka nghiking sa Sirao Peak kay malabyan ni ninyo panaog..
hello . how much is the entrance fee ?
Currently, the place is undergoing construction.. Will definitely give you a heads up once everything is operational again.
is it safe to go there? is it convenient to commute and ride habal2 in going here?
Yes, it’s very safe to commute there via habal2x..
Is it okay to have a picnic in this place?
Yes you can but make sure you’ll not leave the trash in the area.
We did go there with our own bike but as pass along the cement road, we can’t manage to continue because of the rocky road. Is there any way to get there which is more comfortable than those rocky roads?
Well, you may park your bikes on any sturdy tree and walk your way to the grassy area of the hill in search for this beautiful natural garden. Don’t hesitate to ask locals where this garden is located.