Tops

Cebu, Philippines Travel Guide

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Tops

Overview: One of the best viewpoints of Cebu is found at Top. I should say that the sign at the parking entrance of Tops reads “Top” but everyone refers to this summit as “Tops” for some reason.

Top is located about 2000 feet high at the peak of the Busay Hills. The drive up to Tops is interesting in itself, as you pass by thatched homes, storefronts and villages sprinkled along the road. From the outset, you will notice that the entrance and structure prior to the courtyard is dome shaped. Once you enter, the hallways extend to the left and right and they have circular arches. The hallways themselves bend toward, almost meeting in a circle. But, where they stop, the view of Cebu City begins. Pass the entrance and you’re stepping on or rolling over large, hexagonal slabs of stone with grass growing in between them. At the opposite end of this plateau is the ledge where you get a bird’s eye view of Cebu City. The scene of Cebu City from Top reminds me of the view of Chiang Mai from Doi Suthep.

You can do more than just look over the Cebu landscape. You can set up a picnic, relax, hang out.

Note a couple of things. A cab won’t drive you up to Tops using a meter. It’s too far for them and not worth their time. You must negotiate a rate. Maybe P500.
The other thing to note is that when the closer you get to edge of the plateau, overlooking Cebu, there are lots of flies. And, the flies are huge! You may get bombarded.

Location: Busay Hills, Cebu City. About 30 – 40 minutes northeast of Fuente Osmena or the city center

Cost: P100

Accessibility: Tops’ entrance, courtyard and viewpoint are wheelchair accessible. The first two hallway arches to the left and right of the entrance have a threshold about a few inches high. The remaining arches, however, do not have raises.

Getting There: Cab it for P400 – P500