Simplify Your Next Mountain Escape (Busay)

Cebu Pulse: Finally a reason to gather the barkada and a chance to win a free buffet for two… three… four… or five people!

The Specs: A look at two very different ways to spend a night in the mountains: one with linen napkins, one with a campfire.

Beyond Cebu: Why a quiet forest sanctuary in Chiang Mai is the best way to extend that highland feeling abroad.

The Agenda: A look at the local runs and concerts coming to the city arena later this month.

How to Play: Bring your group and your valid government ID. Gather at least four paying adults, and when the bill arrives, you get to reach into a bowl and unroll a tiny scroll of paper to reveal your reward right then and there.

What's on the Line: You can instantly win a free buffet for two, three, four, or five people, wiping out a significant chunk of the ₱688 per head cost immediately.

When to Catch It: Plan your outing around their weekend service—specifically Friday dinner, Saturday dinner, or Sunday lunch.

Where can I find it? 11 Roosevelt Drive, Cebu Transcentral Highway, Busay, Cebu City (If you’re heading toward the Temple of Leah, you’re on the right track).

When should I go? Tuesday to Sunday, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Closed Mondays). If you show up right at 5:00 PM, you’ll beat the twilight crowd and snag a parking spot before the slope gets stressful.

What's on the Menu? The menu features Californian comfort classics, including brick oven pizzas,100% cheddar croquettes, miso pork tomahawk, truffle farfalle pasta, and craft cocktails.

How much? Expect to spend about ₱500–₱1,000 per person.

What do people say? 4.6/5. People love that the air is actually cold enough to justify the indoor fireplaces, and the portions don't leave you hungry. The catch? The parking lot is tiny and sits on a steep slope, and if you show up on a weekend without a reservation, you're likely out of luck.

What’s the vibe? It strikes a balance between a high-end restaurant and a backyard hangout. It’s sleek, but the warm lighting and the sound of wood crackling in the hearth make it feel like you’re miles away from the city.

Who is this for? Perfect for a date night where you want to impress without the stiffness, or for groups who just want to eat good pizza and talk without shouting.

What’s the move? Send a message for reservations early. Aim for a 5:15 PM slot to catch the sun going down behind the mountains, and definitely get the cheddar croquettes.

Where can I find it? Gaslamp District, Cebu Transcentral Highway (TCH), Busay, Cebu City.

When should I go? The campsite runs 24/7. The food park opens at 6:00 AM. Mondays are quiet, but from Tuesday to Thursday, it stays open until 11:00 PM, and on weekends, they push until 1:00 AM. Go in the morning if you want quiet for work; go on a Friday night if you want the energy of a weekend crowd.

What's on the Menu? It’s a collective of stalls (look for The Daily Grind for coffee) serving everything from breakfast plates to late-night fusion snacks.

How much? Meals and coffee usually run between ₱200 and ₱400. To camp, it’s ₱1,000 for a slot (which covers two people) plus ₱250 for every extra person.

What do people say? 4.4/5. It’s an easy 20 to 30-minute drive from the city, which is its biggest pro and con. People love the accessibility and the fire pits, but because it's so close, the food lines can get intense on Saturday nights.

What’s the vibe? It’s trendy without trying too hard. It’s for the person who wants to sit around a campfire and smell the pine trees but still wants a clean restroom and a quick exit back to the city.

Who is this for? Ideal for car campers who want to test their gear without driving three hours, or friend groups who want a breezy, low-stakes weekend spot.

What’s the move? Bring a jacket for the late-night drop in temperature. If you're going on a weekend, get there early so you aren't fighting for a parking spot while everyone else is trying to order dinner.

Where can I find it? Huai Kaeo, Mae On District, Chiang Mai, Thailand

When should I go? Open daily. Arrive before the sun goes down. Those mountain roads are beautiful, but they aren't exactly well-lit once night falls.

What's on the Menu? The kitchen leans into high-end comfort. Think refined, polished dishes rather than street-side snacks, with breakfast included as part of the deal.

How much? It fluctuates between ₱7,400 and ₱9,800 per night. A splurge, yes, but for a place that feels this secluded, it fits.

What do people say? 4.5/5. It’s the kind of place that spoils you with sunset views and silence. Just be ready for the trade-offs: nature here is unfiltered, which means you might meet a few local insects, and those mountain nights have a way of cooling down indoor pools faster than you’d expect.

What’s the vibe? It’s romantic, quiet, and feels like you’ve been dropped into the middle of a forest. It’s not "resort-fancy"; it’s "nature-immersion-fancy."

Who is this for? If you’re looking to truly disconnect, or if you and a partner need a few days where the only schedule is the sun, this is the spot.

What’s the move? Skip the ride-share apps. The drive is long, and drivers often decline the trip up the mountain. Rent your own car so you can move on your own clock. And keep that mosquito repellent handy; the forest is gorgeous, but it's very much alive.

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