Exploring Cebu: Temple of Leah and Sirao Garden

Last night my family and I arrived in Cebu for our 'early summer vacation'. But my mom wasn't much of a fan of beaches and island hopping. So for our first day here, we decided to explore the Temple of Leah and Sirao Garden in Upper Busay, Cebu City.

We took off from JY mall which is usually the starting point when going to Busay. There were habal-habals (motorcycles) waiting in the area that will take you to our two destinations for P150 per person roundtrip. However, we hired a taxi instead which agreed to take us to the temple and garden for P1,000. It was a fair deal.

First stop was at the Temple of Leah. Entrance is at P50 per person while senior citizens are free of charge. After walking a short distance from the entrance, the huge temple and its vast courtyard welcomed us with a panoramic view of Cebu Island.

Temple of Leah

The temple's courtyard

Some areas of the temple were closed so we only got a few pictures inside. The temple is a work in progress.

Mom by the steps of the temple

The temple was created for the beloved matriach of the Adarna clan, Leah Albino-Adarna, by his husband Teoderico Adarna. His temple made out of "undying love and ceaseless devotion" has turned it into Cebu's own version of Taj Mahal.

Bronze statue of Leah Adarna

Teoderico Adarna's message

After the visit at the temple on a hot morning, we were off to Sirao Garden which was a few minutes away from the Temple of Leah.

The road to the garden was like a roller coaster ride and it narrowed as we got closer. Unfortunately, we were not able to reach the original Sirao Garden since the taxi dropped us off at the first garden which seemed like it. And we already paid the entrance fee of P50. Nonetheless, my mom and dad had so much fun taking pictures around. The flowers were not the same but were still pretty. The wind was also cool and the mountain view was relaxing.

Mandatory family picture

One of Sirao's many flowers

After taking so many pictures and a quick break in one of the huts, we finally headed back to the city for our lunch.

The overall trip was fun. But I would suggest that you visit earlier since Busay is an elevated area in Cebu and it can be very hot from 10am to 2pm.

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