Tops Lookout: Your Ultimate Guide to Cebu’s Best Mountain Escape

Cebu is one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines, known for its stunning beaches, historical landmarks, and vibrant city life. However, if you’re someone who loves scenic views and relaxing mountain escapes, Tops Lookout in Busay, Cebu should be on your bucket list. In this blog, we’ll cover what Tops is, where it is located, how to get there, and how much it costs to enjoy this stunning destination.

What is Tops Lookout?

Tops Lookout, often simply referred to as “Tops,” is a popular viewing deck in Busay, Cebu. It offers a panoramic view of Cebu City, Mactan Island, and even parts of Bohol on a clear day. It’s a perfect spot to unwind, take in the cool mountain breeze, and capture breathtaking photos, especially at sunset or during the night when the city lights create a magical atmosphere. The place is known for its circular stone structure and wide open spaces where you can sit, relax, and take in the view.

Aside from sightseeing, it’s also a favorite spot for picnics, quiet contemplation, and casual hangouts with friends or family. Some food stalls and small restaurants nearby offer snacks and refreshments to visitors.

Events and Workshops

Photography Workshops:

These sessions are perfect for anyone who loves taking pictures. Led by experienced photographers, you’ll learn how to capture beautiful landscape photos. The workshop will teach you about composition, lighting, and camera settings. You’ll have time to practice during the best lighting, making it easier to get great shots of the views.

Nature Walks:

Join a guided nature walk to explore the plants and animals around Tops Lookout. Knowledgeable guides will share interesting facts about the local environment and its importance. This is a fun and educational experience for everyone, whether you’re a family or just a nature lover.

Special Celebrations:

Tops Lookout is a great place to host private events like birthdays or anniversaries. You can book the space in advance and create a memorable celebration with beautiful views. The venue can help you plan your event, including food and decorations, making it a special day for you and your guests.

Where is Tops?

Tops is located in Busay, a mountainous barangay in Cebu City. Busay is approximately 10 kilometers from the city center, making it a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. It sits atop the mountain ridges, giving you a perfect vantage point to see the city and the surrounding areas.

Amenities

There are several cafes and restaurants nearby that provide a variety of food and drink options. Many offer outdoor seating with views, perfect for enjoying the scenery.

• Viewing Decks: Multiple platforms for enjoying panoramic views of Cebu City and the surrounding landscape.
• The Resort Cafe: Located within a nearby resort, it features a relaxed atmosphere with outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying snacks and refreshments.
• La Vie in the Sky: A popular spot for its wine selection and pastries, this cafe provides a stunning view of the city, making it a great place to unwind.

How Much Will It Cost?

• Entrance Fee: Once you reach Tops, there is an entrance fee of PHP 100 per person. This grants you access to the entire viewing deck area. The parking fee at Tops is typically around PHP 50 to PHP 100 for cars and slightly lower for motorcycles.
• Transportation Cost: The cost of transportation depends on how you choose to travel. Cheaper options like public jeepneys and motorcycle rides are available, while private taxis or Grab cars will cost more but offer more convenience.
• Food and Drinks: Bringing your own food or snacks is allowed, but if you want to buy from vendors or small cafes at the location, prices can range from PHP 50 to PHP 200 depending on what you order.

Budget Tips

• Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds.
• Bring your own snacks and drinks to save on costs.
• Consider carpooling or using public transportation to reduce travel expenses.

How to Get to Tops?

There are several ways to reach Tops depending on your budget and comfort preferences:

By Private Car or Motorcycle:

If you have a private vehicle or can rent one, this is the easiest and most convenient way to reach Tops. Simply follow the Transcentral Highway from Cebu City, passing by Lahug and the JY Square area. The drive takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions. Motorcycle rentals are also available in Cebu for around PHP 500 to PHP 1,000 per day.

By Taxi or Grab:

You can book a taxi or a Grab car to take you directly to Tops. The fare usually ranges between PHP 300 to PHP 500, depending on traffic and your pick-up point. If you’re going with friends, this can be a cost-effective option since you can split the fare.

By Habal-Habal (Motorcycle Taxi):

Habal-habal is a popular local mode of transportation for mountainous areas in Cebu. You can find habal-habal drivers at JY Square in Lahug, and they will take you to Tops for around PHP 100 to PHP 150 per person (one-way). It’s a bit more adventurous since the ride can be bumpy, but it’s also more affordable and offers a thrilling experience on the mountain roads.

By Public Jeepney:

While there is no direct jeepney route to Tops, you can take a jeepney from Cebu City to JY Square and then hire a habal-habal from there. This combination of jeepney and habal-habal can cost about PHP 50 for the jeepney fare and another PHP 100 to PHP 150 for the habal-habal ride, making it the most budget-friendly option.

FAQs

Conclusion

Tops in Busay, Cebu, is a great place to visit if you want to relax and enjoy beautiful views of the city and nearby islands. Whether you’re taking a short break, enjoying a romantic sunset, or hanging out with friends at night, Tops provides a calm and scenic escape that won’t cost you much. With low transportation and entrance fees, it’s easy for both locals and tourists to access.