Must Visit – Cebu Taoist Temple

Aside from white sand beaches, Cebu also has a lot of well-known travel destinations that you can’t missed. And one of that is the Taoist Temple! And no worries, even if you’re not Chinese, you can definitely visit lol.

The Taoist Temple is located in Beverly Hills Subdivision in Lahug, Cebu. As the third and final destination of my first ever solo flight, I decided to spend it by visiting this must visit Cebu attraction. And just like my previous destination, I used public utility vehicle as my means of transportation. After my lunch at some fast food chain near Basilica del Santo Nino, I rode a jeepney bound to Lahug which has a number code of 17B. You can absolutely ride any jeepney as long as it has Lahug in its signboard and that’s not going to be a problem since there’s plenty of jeepneys to choose from if you’re in Colon.

The drop off would be the JY Square Mall in Lahug but you still need to rode a habal-habal or a motorbike and it would cost you a lot which is 100 per person considering that you can’t get inside the subdivision so you need to have to walk going up to the temple. 100 per person is not bad if it’s a taxi or a rented van since they are allowed inside the subdivision, but for those in a tight budget (this travel only costs me Php33!), I recommend that you follow what I did, given that you don’t mind walking a bit.

While riding a jeepney that is bound to Lahug, you need to ask the conductor or the driver to drop you off at the corner of Sudlon, or corner DepEd Cebu which will only costs you Php8. And from there, you will be flooded with motorbike drivers that could take you to Taoist Temple. Going there, the driver asked me Php15 since I’m alone, but if you’re more than 1, they usually ask for just Php10 each. After that, the driver will drop you off at the entrance of the subdivision since public motorbikes are not allowed inside.

This was actually my fourth time visiting the temple so I thought going there is a no-brainer. You see, those three visits was made with some friends and we used private vehicle. And yep, I almost got lost. Haha, so it really pays off if you look for some signboards. And you know what’s my tip of not getting lost? Always take the LEFT road and you’ll definitely arrive there.

HERE ARE SOME FACTS AND REASONS WHY TAOIST TEMPLE IS A MUST VISIT ATTRACTION IN CEBU:

The Taoist Temple was built in 1972. It was built by Cebu’s substantial Chinese community with an elevation of 300 metres (980 ft) above sea level.
The entrance of the temple is a replica of the Great Wall of China.
Unlike the neighboring Phu Sian Temple, Taoist Temple is open to everyone, worshippers or non-worshipers with no entrance fee.
The temple includes a chapel, a library, a souvenir shop and a wishing well. While the spacious balconies offer a scenic view of the downtown Cebu.
The temple’s architecture and design is a typical modern Chinese religion architecture predominant of red and green color scheme with lots of dragons.
The temple is open Monday – Sunday from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

TIPS YOU NEED TO OBSERVE WHEN VISITING

ALWAYS OBSERVE SILENCE – Taoist Temple is a place of worships, so keep your voices down while inside.
NO PICTURE TAKING INSIDE THE TEMPLE AND THE ALTAR – You can take photos of the temple’s exteriors and surroundings but it is strictly prohibited to take photos of its interiors especially the altars.
NO SLEEVELESS OR SHORTS – Don’t wear shorts or sleeveless tops and dress if you wish to enter the temple’s altar.