Southern Cebu Wonders: Miraculous Simala Shrine & Historic Carcar Full Day Taxi Tour
Explore a Sacred Pilgrimage Site & Spanish Colonial Heritage with Taxi Transfers
scheduleMorning
timer11h
calendar_monthDaily
languageBisaya / English
hailPickup incl.
Overview
Travel south from Cebu City to the magnificent Simala Shrine and the historic town of Carcar on this full-day taxi tour.
Experience the awe-inspiring “Miraculous Church,” then explore Carcar’s heritage churches, old streets, famed chicharon workshops, and lively markets—all at your own pace with a dedicated taxi and driver.
This tour efficiently covers the highlights of Southern Cebu in a single day.
Highlights
Visit the "Miraculous Church," Simala Shrine, and experience its grand architecture and atmosphere
Stroll through Carcar City, known for its Spanish colonial heritage buildings
See the beautiful St. Catherine of Alexandria Church (Carcar Church)
Visit a famous Carcar chicharon workshop (self-guided visit, option to purchase)
Experience the vibrant local market in Carcar (optional)
Learn about history at the Carcar Museum (optional, self-guided visit)
Comfortable roundtrip private taxi transfers from Cebu City (English-speaking driver)
Included in the Price
Private taxi or dedicated vehicle with an English-speaking driver within the designated area
Fuel expenses
Not Included in the Price
Entrance fees (e.g., museums)
Shopping expenses (e.g., Chicharon)
Food and drinks
Expressway / toll fees (if applicable)
Parking fees (if applicable)
Overtime charges (if the charter time is exceeded)
Tip for the driver (optional)
Tour guide service
Meeting Point
Hotel lobby of your accommodation (major hotels in Cebu City & Mactan Island). Please inform us at the time of booking.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 2 days before the tour date. After that, a 100% cancellation fee applies.
Schedule
Hotel Departure (Pick-up by English-speaking Driver)
At your designated time, our experienced English-speaking driver will pick you up from your hotel in Cebu City. Today, embark on a full-day tour to Simala Shrine, a prominent religious site in Southern Cebu, and the historic town of Carcar!
Arrival at Simala Shrine & Visit (Self-Guided)
After about a 2-hour drive from Cebu City, arrive at the Simala Shrine in Sibonga, known as the "Miraculous Church." Admire its castle-like grand exterior, then explore the sacred interior, the Virgin Mary statue, and miraculous exhibits at your own pace for about 2 hours. Please be mindful of the dress code.
Transfer to Carcar City & Lunch Time (Optional & at own expense)
Transfer from Simala Shrine to the historic town of Carcar (approx. 45 mins). Upon arrival in Carcar, you can consult with your driver and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring Filipino cuisine or Carcar specialties (approx. 1 hour, meal cost is at your own expense).
St. Catherine of Alexandria Church & Heritage District Walk (Self-Guided)
Visit Carcar's iconic St. Catherine of Alexandria Church to see its beautiful architecture. Afterwards, freely stroll through the heritage district with its old Spanish colonial houses for about 75 minutes.
Visit a Famous Chicharon Workshop (Observe, Taste, Purchase)
Your driver will take you to a workshop for Carcar's famous 'chicharon' (crispy pork rinds). Observe the making process, taste freshly made samples, and purchase some if you wish, for about 45 minutes.
Local Market or Carcar Museum (Optional & Free Exploration)
Finally, spend about 45 minutes freely exploring either the vibrant Carcar Public Market or the Carcar Museum, which showcases the town's history (or both, time permitting). (Entrance fees/purchase costs not included).
Depart from Carcar & Return Journey
After enjoying the charms of Southern Cebu, depart from Carcar and head back to Cebu City (approx. 2 hours). Enjoy the scenery from your window, reflecting on your day's adventures.
Hotel Arrival
You will be safely and comfortably transferred back to your hotel, marking the end of the tour. Thank you for a long journey!
Important Information Before Booking
Participation Restrictions
If you have booked for one car (maximum of 4 passengers) and there are more than 5 passengers on the day of the tour, the tour will be cancelled for safety reasons. Please note that no refunds will be issued in this case.
Important Notes
【Handling Late Arrivals】
We apologize for the inconvenience, but we will handle late arrivals as follows:
If we can contact you: We will wait for 15 minutes from the time contact is made, and depart thereafter.
If we cannot contact you: We will wait for 15 minutes from the scheduled meeting time, and depart thereafter.
【Simala Shrine Dress Code】
Simala Shrine is a sacred place. Please wear modest attire that covers your shoulders and knees (e.g., t-shirts or blouses, long pants or knee-length skirts) when visiting. Tank tops, shorts, mini-skirts, revealing clothing, see-through garments, and clothing with profane words or images are not permitted. Please remove hats and sunglasses inside the shrine.
Tips and Additional Information for Your Tour
Entrance fees for Simala Shrine, museums and other attractions in Carcar City, as well as the cost of purchasing chicharon (crispy pork rinds), food and drinks, and candles are not included in the tour price and should be paid individually at the venue.
The tour involves a fair amount of walking in Simala Shrine and Carcar City, so please wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Don't forget a hat and sunscreen for sun protection.
Travel to Southern Cebu (Simala & Carcar) from Cebu City is a long journey, and travel time can vary significantly depending on traffic conditions. We recommend planning with some buffer time.
The driver can communicate in English but is not a specialized guide knowledgeable about history and culture. Researching points of interest beforehand will enhance your enjoyment. Search for #SimalaShrine, #Carcar, or #SouthCebuTour for information.
The local market offers a glimpse into the lives of local people and might be a good place for souvenir hunting.
Simala Shrine can be very crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Visiting on a weekday is recommended if possible.
Other Information
Tour schedules are subject to change or cancellation due to weather, traffic conditions, etc.
If your accommodation changes, please be sure to notify us before your departure from your home country. Failure to notify us of hotel changes may result in your inability to participate in the tour. Please be careful.
Photos and videos on the tour detail page are for illustrative purposes and may include locations not visited on the actual tour. Please refer to the ""Schedule"" on the same page for accurate locations.
Information regarding the tour status and communication can be handled through the official accounts (LINE, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, WhatsApp) listed at the bottom of the screen. Once your booking is confirmed, please register with one of the accounts and send a message including your booking number and name to enable communication.
