How do I get to Temple of Leah, Sirao & Tops from Cebu City?
Short answer
The Busay highlands begin just above Cebu City - Temple of Leah, the Sirao flower garden and the Tops lookout are all roughly 8-15 km and 30-45 minutes up from the centre by private car. It’s the easiest half-day out of the city, and a popular late-afternoon run timed for sunset.
The roads up are steep and winding with no single route linking the three sights, and no direct jeepney or bus goes all the way up. Most visitors charter a private car or habal-habal for the loop rather than piece together public transport stop by stop.
Step by step: Cebu City to Cebu Highlands (Temple of Leah, Sirao & Tops)
- 1Pick a time of day
Late afternoon into sunset gives the best views over the city and sea from Tops; mornings are cooler and quieter at Temple of Leah and Sirao.
- 2Climb the Busay road
About 8-15 km and 30-45 minutes uphill from the city centre, depending which stop you start with.
- 3Loop Temple of Leah, Sirao & Tops
Your driver waits at each stop while you take in the temple, the flower fields and the ridge-top view.
- 4Head back down, or stay for sunset
Return to your hotel, or linger at Tops or a view café until after dark before the drive back down.
Ways to travel, compared
- Private highlands loop (what we arrange)~30-45 min up
Pickup from your Cebu City hotel, then straight up to Temple of Leah, Sirao and Tops at your own pace. Fixed half-day price - request a quote.
- Taxi / habal-habal (public)~30-45 min +
No single route links the three sights, so visitors usually charter a taxi or motorbike for the loop - slower and less comfortable than one private car.
Cebu City to Cebu Highlands (Temple of Leah, Sirao & Tops): FAQs
How far is the Cebu highlands loop from Cebu City?
Temple of Leah, Sirao and Tops are all roughly 8-15 km and 30-45 minutes up from the city centre, though the roads are steep and winding.
Is sunset at Tops worth the trip up from the city?
Yes - Tops and several view cafés look straight over the city lights and Mactan. A private car timed for a late-afternoon pickup gets you there for sunset and back down safely after dark.
Can I visit Temple of Leah, Sirao and Tops in one trip from the city?
Yes - they’re close together along the highland roads and make a natural half-day loop from Cebu City. Since there’s no direct public transport between them, a private car is the practical way to link all three at your own pace.
Can you do the return trip, Cebu Highlands (Temple of Leah, Sirao & Tops) back to Cebu City?
Yes - the same private car and driver, Cebu Highlands (Temple of Leah, Sirao & Tops) back to Cebu City over the same ~8-15 km. Ask for both legs in one quote request and we price the round trip together.
Cebu Highlands (Temple of Leah, Sirao & Tops) → Cebu City
We run this route in both directions, with the same car and driver. Ask for both legs in one request and we'll price the round trip together.
We'll pre-fill Cebu Highlands (Temple of Leah, Sirao & Tops) → Cebu City on the form — just add your dates and details.
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