Adpenture

First on our itinerary in Cebu is the Sirao Pictorial Garden in the mountainous area of Busay, Cebu. Also called “Little Amsterdam” by the locals, this place was a sensory delight for tourists and visitors who are looking for that picture-perfect attraction they can bring memories home.

Instagrammable Location

This garden was filled with fun installations like replicas of mini-windmills of Amsterdam, giant hand sculptures (the famous “Caring Hands”) and heart arches. You can also explore the other fun backdrops, perfect for that Instagram look you can share with your family and friends.

Once inside, you will be surrounded by rainbow of vibrant flowers like celosia, hyacinths and petunias. It gives that serene and relaxing vibe where we got to slow down, breathe fresh air, and create new memories together.

There’s just so much to see and take photos of but the best thing about this place is you get to enjoy the cool highland air and mountain views while your family explores the fun installations. Definitely a refreshing family trip, a change from the usual weekend mall trip.

Where To Find It

What makes Sirao extra special is its location. It is about 17 km (30–40 minute drive) from the city, and nestled in the highlands of Busay. The drive itself is already part of the fun. You’ll pass by rolling hills and there are roadside fruit stalls and other small attractions along the way.

We rented a private van so its very convenient for us since we’re traveling with kids. There’s parking on-site, fruit stalls next to the area and you can make side trips to nearby spots like Tops Cebu (which I will be posting next in my blog).

But if you’re feeling a bit extra, in a budget or travelling solo, you can also get a motorcycle taxi. I recommend renting a car though for convenience.

Tips for Visiting with Kids

Based on our experience, here are some tips we recommend to make your Sirao trip smoother and full of fun:

• Go Early – The garden opens around 6–7 AM. We decided to arrive much later though since we were pretty exhausted from the previous day’s trip. But if you have the chance to get there earlier, it is better to arrive before the crowd for easier parking, cooler weather, and calmer surroundings.
• Wear Comfy Shoes – A must do! since some paths are uneven, so sneakers or sandals with straps work best.
• Bring a Carrier and some blanket – Since some areas have uneven paths or steps, a baby carrier is more practical than a stroller so make sure to bring one. Also, don’t forget a light blanket or jacket for your little one to protect them from the cool wind.
• Bring Snacks & Water – There are small stores nearby where you can buy delicious fruits, drinks and meals. We brought some snacks and packed lunch but since the garden has a strictly no food inside policy, we had to buy some drinks to a nearby store so we could use their tables to eat. The fruit shake we ordered was divine though so its a win-win.
• Mind the Weather – The garden is most colorful from October to November and during sunny days. And because we went there in mid-July, we had a bit of rain when we arrived. Good thing its just for a moment so we got to take a lot of photos and not ruin the trip.

Final Thoughts

Siaro Pictorial Garden is a visual treat with stunning views, cool highland air, and a refreshing ambiance. Its a perfect place for families to enjoy, relax and create memories together. Visiting this location was fun and exciting even with a baby on board.

Despite the few rains, this was worth the trip. We captured a lot of photos and got to enjoy the mountain view and take in that scenic calm of Busay’s highlands.

So if you’re looking for a Cebu day trip that’s equal parts relaxing, fun, and picture-perfect, I highly recommend adding Sirao Pictorial Garden to your family’s travel list. It’s an easy escape from the city where kids can explore, parents can unwind, and everyone can come home with not just pretty photos but also happy memories.