Probably you have heard so much about Buwakan ni Alejandra in difference social networking sites that’s why you ended up with this blog post. But I’m not going to discuss to you in details the history and geography of the place and the scientific names of the plants that you will see there – that will be your task when you get there (aside from taking numerous Instragammble photos). What I’m going to share to you are the stories behind those beautiful photos of Buwakan ni Alejandra and the reality that you have to deal with upon going there.
NOTE: Scroll down for the recent updates about Buwakan ni Alejandra.
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Buwakan ni Alejandra is an hour away from Cebu City.
For somebody who survived the 14 hour rough ride to Buscalan, Kalinga and 12 hour hike to Mt. Kanlaon, the trip to Buwakan ni Alejandra would just be a piece of cake. However, just like any other mountain, one should never underestimate the ranges of Balamban. Located approximately an hour away from Cebu City, the ride to this famous garden is already an adventure itself.
2. Buwakan ni Alejandra is located in Cebu Transcentral Highway.
The reason why the flowers of Buwakan ni Alejandra have grown beautifully is because of the cold weather of the place. The garden has been strategically located in the long stretch of mountain ranges in the middle part Transcentral Highway – a road traversing from Cebu City (east) to Balamban (west). Since Buwakan ni Alejandra is on top of a mountain, you have to endure a rollercoaster ride of twist and turns, of direct assaults and downhills.
Friendly reminder: Check your gears and brakes always.
3. Buwakan ni Alejandra is NOT as spacious as it looks.
While it has been made known to many that Buwakan ni Alejandra is the biggest flower farm in Cebu, it is actually not hectares big. Nonetheless, they are still expanding the area though so probably months from now it would be so big that a football field could already fit in it.
4. You will not be the only visitor of Buwakan ni Alejandra.
Given the number of shares and likes, Buwakan ni Alejandra has sparked the interest of many tourists, both young and old. Thus, do not expect that you can actually own the place and do a photoshoot of your own with all the props and choreographs that you want (but continue reading number 5 to know how you can actually act like you own it). This is where the power of angle and editing comes into the picture. Remember, you can’t complain about the crowd if you’re part of it.
5. The weather condition in Buwakan ni Alejandra can be very unpredictable.
We actually wanted to take numerous photos photos of the sun setting upon our visit to Buwakan ni Alejandra. However, I forgot how these mountains made my companions and I suffer on our Mt. Manunggal and Mt. Mauyog hike way back Valentine’s Day. I forgot how unpredictable the weather conditions are in the mountains (told you, never underestimate a mountain). And so, in the middle of our journey, we were drenched by rain and lashed by the harsh wind at the back of the pickup truck that we were riding on. And instead of witnessing the sunset, we saw nothing but fog, fog, and fog. Good thing my colleagues were as crazy as I am. Instead of lurking in frustration on the shelter near the garden because of the rain, they suggested that we’d go around and take numerous photos as there were nobody else in the garden but us! We won’t also lose anything as we were already wet even before we arrive at the place. Thanks rain! HAHA. Not only that, the fog and rain actually added to the beauty that was of the garden! It added natural effect and filters!
Truly, nothing worth having comes easy. It’s normal to complain and blurt out our frustration but better than that, probably we can also channel these energies into something productive, something that would be beneficial to others rather than upset them. If you can’t beat them, join them. If life gives you lemons, make lemonades! If it rains, learn to dance under it. It sounds crazy but perspective changes everything. And I’d like to thank my colleagues for making me realize that. You can skip this part. To Jacque, Venus, Pierre, Renz, Jeya, Jing2x, Taney, Mariez, Lhil, Rona, Guen, Deia, and Sheen, thanks for understanding the situation and maintaining grace under pressure. HAHA. And of course, to Mme. Mary Gel Sungahid for hot choco and coffee and accommodating us for this holiday trip. *insert a big round of applause*
The trip to Buwakan ni Alejandra would not be a beautiful learning experience for us had it not been for the harsh wind, heavy downpour, rollercoaster ride, hospitality of the personnel, and natural beauty of the flower selection. Worth the visit! How about you? How’s you? Have you been there? What was your experience?
How to Get to Buwakan ni Alejandra?
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V-hire from Ayala
You can take a v-hire ride from Ayala Terminal to Gaas, Balamban upon going to Buwakan ni Alejandra. Fare range would be P120 – P150. You can just ask the driver to drop you off near Adventure Café if he’s not familiar with Buwakan as it’s just beside it. The only problem with this is that it’s difficult to catch a ride back home.
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Habal-habal from JY Square
If you can stand the scorching heat of the sun or the unpredictable change of weather condition, you can ride habal-habal that are stationed near JY Square. However, you have to really haggle with the drivers as the place is far and they also have to pay for the waiting time. Price range may reach up to P500 or more.
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Contact transportation services
If you are in a group and want to save, you can contact Van for Rent Cebu Ph for an affordable and hassle-free transportation services. You can either choose between the SUV or van as means of transportation. You may also visit nearby travel spots like Sirao Flower Farm, Temple of Leah, Tops, Little Tagaytay of Cebu, and many other sites along the way for side trips.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT BUWAKAN NI ALEJANDRA
- The entrance fee of Buwakan ni Alejandra for adults is P55, P25 for children, and P30 for PWD and Senior Citizens.
- Buwakan ni Alejandra is open from 7am to 6am daily.
FRIENDLY REMINDER: Always be a Dakila. Be a responsible hiker. Be a responsible traveler. Let’s follow the LEAVE NO TRACE Principles and keep the integrity of creation. Let’s stop the hate; rather, let’s educate. See you on trails!
Dakilanglaagan 