As a backgrounder, my mum loves flowers. I guess, most mums do.
The window of opportunity came when I suggested a visit to the flower farms after the company Christmas ‘Eat-All-You-Can’ lunch at Vikings. They have given the rest of the afternoon free for the employees anyway, so why don’t we take advantage of the free time as well and visit this flower farm? Well suddenly, everyone wanted to go, haha.
So we piled up in 2 cars but before going to Busay we have to pass by Marco Polo Hotel. It was just before Christmas so we had to endure a horrible traffic, in which I managed to even sleep inside the car. A 15-minute ride before took almost an hour. That is the situation of the traffic in Cebu City.
By the way, before you proceed, just FYI – There have been reports of landslides in the area as of January 2017. Read this: Visitors Entry to Sirao Flower Farms Restricted
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MARCO POLO HOTEL & VIEWS
At the lobby of the Marco Polo Hotel were this huge Christmas Tree and a mock-up fireplace. This hotel used to be the only 5-star hotel in town back in my days. I had very fond memories of the underground discotheque here called BAI. I am talking about the 80’s people, my high school days, and please, believe me, I was a prim and proper girl raised by Catholic nuns. *wink* Anyway, the hotel still looks good but it’s not the best anymore.
SisterJ and Myrhh are staying here for the evening for a wedding of a friend. We inspected their room and the views. I am crazy about views so I made sure to take some pictures.
The lobby of Marco Polo Hotel. We were here last Christmas.
The view from the room, the back side of the hotel.
The view of the city of Cebu from the Marco Polo Hotel.
SIRAO FLOWER GARDENS / FARMS
From Marco Polo, we proceeded to Sirao. The drive took almost an hour and it was quite easy to follow as there were signs along the road. Parking is very limited and when it rains the parking areas can get muddy. It is expected that you pay a few Pesos (P10-20) for the parking.
For those who would like to come here with public transport, I have read and seen as well, taxis and habal-habal motorcycles. I have no idea how much they cost but the latter I would only recommend if you are feeling adventurous because you will have to sit at the back of the motorcycle rider and hug him for 1 hour, haha. Not comfy and not safe at all. Better take a taxi.
We arrived quite late so we were in a hurry because we do not have a lot of time, sundown is coming. But my mum got stuck at the first fruit stall she passed by. Sigh, very predictable. Along the road to the flower gardens are rows of makeshift stalls selling souvenirs, food and drinks, and fruits. I had to remind her that if she stays longer with the fruit vendor she will not see her flowers in daylight! Ugh, mums. LOL.
To give an idea where the Flower Farms are located:
Starting location is Ayala Centre. Important: Add another hour or more for the traffic.
So, some information about the flower gardens here at Sirao. There are actually 2 flower gardens and each has its own entrance fee. These gardens are first and foremost ‘flower farms’ which means they harvest these flowers and sell them in the market, and in between, they have added a garden for people to visit and enjoy. At both farm gardens, you can buy or pick flowers for a fee.
- SIRAO PICTORIAL GARDEN & CAMPING SITE – This is the first flower farm you will come across on the road. They ask P30 per person entrance fee. This is the flower farm we have visited. The farm is not that big and is set in a hilly landscape which gave an element of form. On a clear day, the views from the top and with the surrounding mountains were stunning. We were quite lucky that it was a dry day and we still had daylight. You have to pay extra if you want to camp here overnight.
- SIRAO GARDEN, LITTLE AMSTERDAM – This is the next flower farm down the road. I have no idea how much their entrance fee is. We were told that there are better pictorial opportunities here because you can have a selfie with a windmill and even wear a Dutch costume. WTF? No way! Goodness, I had to laugh.
CELOSIA ARGENTEA (COCKSCOMB)
The celebrity flower here at Sirao is the Celosia Argentea, in English Cockscomb.
The flowers I believe are not blooming all year round, so it’s best to maybe check their Facebook pages (see link above) or do get in touch on the phone before embarking on the almost 1-hour ride to Sirao peak.
Based on what I have learned, the best months to come here are before the big Cebu festivities requiring massive sales of flowers such as the All Soul’s/Saint’s Day on 1-2 November and the Sinulog (date varies) in January. We were here in December just a few days before Christmas and the Celosia Argentea were in full bloom.
Celosia, by the way, is the official flower for the Sinulog celebrations.
I did some googling as well to see what other local bloggers were saying, and a number of them have the same recycled information posted their blogs. One subject caught my attention, in particular, was the claim that Celosia came from Amsterdam. Firstly, people should stop referring Amsterdam as the country. Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands. Secondly, there are NO flower fields in Amsterdam. Thirdly, in my 14+ years of living here in the Netherlands, I have yet to see a Celosia Argentea. I have also been to the world famous Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse and do not think I have come across these flowers!
TIP: Just before reaching Sirao is the ‘Temple of Leah’ which has a nice viewing terrace with panoramic views of Cebu. Might as well drop by here if you have the time. I would have wanted but it was starting to get dark so we decided to go to another place where we can sit down and relax with a drink.
So, would I recommend this? Well yes, but only if you fancy flowers. If not, skip it.
PICTURE GALLERY - SIRAO PICTORIAL GARDEN & CAMPING SITE
The fruit stand where my mum got stuck. She bought some bananas.
This is the Sirao Pictorial Garden and Camping Site, one of the two flower garden and farms here. This flower farm is set in a hilly ground with beautiful views of the surroundings.
A visit here is not complete, course, without taking the obligatory group pictures.
Twilight at the Sirao peak.
Travel Period: December 2017
Destination: Busay, Lahug (Cebu - Visayas
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Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)
All pictures were taken by a point and shoot pocket camera or a smartphone.
