Sogod is an interesting place to visit when holidaying on Cebu Island. It sits on the shores of Sogod Bay and stretches back into the island’s rolling hills and tropical forests. Sogod’s attractions include pretty beaches, a waterfall and resorts where you can relax and enjoy the town’s laid-back charm.
Spend some time getting to know the town centre, dominated by the colonial Santiago Apostol Parish Church. Established in 1842, the church serves as the town’s community centre and often hosts various cultural events. A short walk from here is Sogod Public Market where local vendors come to sell wide ranging goods, including fresh fish, fruits and vegetables.
Typical of Cebu Island’s coastal towns, Sogod is home to a collection of white-sand beaches. Arguably the most impressive is Calumboyan Public Beach, which has soft sand and clean, inviting water. Stay overnight at beachfront resorts such as Alegre Beach Resort. For some adventure, arrange diving or snorkeling excursions through your resort and spot brightly colored fish and coral reefs.
Another place to visit is Bagatayam Falls, which is just a 30-minute walk from the town centre. Nearby is Binaliw Spring, a good place to swim on a hot day and enjoy a picnic on the grass verges. Take a moment to admire the lush surroundings, most notably the groves of banana and mango trees. Look for Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, said to bring healing powers to the spring’s water.
Sogod is about 37 miles (60 kilometres) north from Cebu City and connected via the island’s public buses. Consider renting a car or scooter in Cebu City and explore other areas of the island at your own pace. Drive to Hagnaya Port, on the northwest coast, and then catch a ferry to Bantayan Island. Travel to Maya, located at the island’s northernmost point, where you can continue by boat to Malapascua Island.
