The mystic place of Cebu is a lot to take in, especially when the location is filled with wonders and attractions all over. From the Temple of Leah to the different beach islands it offers, it is not hard to keep up with its vast nature and beauty. As a natural habitat of rich vegetation, flora is available widely in the island. A living testament to this is the renowned flower garden in Balamban, commonly known as Buwakan ni Alejandra.
Be guided by the history and the facts of the attraction because should you find yourself roaming the different islands and spots of Cebu, make sure your itinerary contains a stop in Buwakan ni Alejandra.
What’s In A Name
In case you’re wondering, “buwak” translates to “flowers” in Cebuano, the language majorly used and spoken in the Visayas. “Buwakan”, then, comes to mean flower garden.
Alejandra? The woman is none other than the mother-in-law of owner Eleuterio Gentap. Of service to the public as a councilman in the barangay, Gentap also acts as the landscaper of the flower garden. Buwakan ni Alejandra has been witnessed by many, including foreigners and colonizers, since the Japanese occupation at around 1941 to 1945. The garden – renovated, beautifully landscaped, and expanded – however, just opened to the general public recently in 2017.
The Rates
Open seven days a week from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, Buwakan ni Alejandra has an entry fee of Php 50.00 for adults. Php 20.00 is the entrance payment for children below 8 years old.
What To Expect
Spanning 700 square meters, Buwakan ni Alejandra hosts different and diverse species of flowers. With approximately 200 varieties, the attraction’s picturesque scenery is a definite relaxing getaway from the city. Reconnect to nature and rejuvenate your senses as you surround yourself with blooming flowers and growing buds.
The garden is conveniently located on the Cebu Transcentral Highway, an hour away from Cebu City proper. Accessible on the mountain road, expect a series of zigzags and ups and downs due to the location. It is also worth noting that the weather on the mountains can be very unpredictable – make sure that you’re ready to face the heating sun, or that you can brave a few cold drizzles.
How To Get There
BY MOTORCYCLE OR HABAL-HABAL: Having an almost starting price of Php 500.00, you can ask a habal-habal from JY Square to take you to the site. You might need to have a haggling skill, though, because depending on the weather and the number of tours you want to take, prices will go up!
BY VEHICLE: If you’re coming via wheels, Buwakan ni Alejandra is approximately 32 kilometers away from the city. Take note of the highways and make sure you don’t miss it. The exact address is Sitio Bunga, Balamban, Cebu.
Alejandra’s Flower Garden, or as we know it, Buwakan ni Alejandra, reminds us of our need to reconnect and revitalize our souls by being one with nature. With windy breezes and bright skies, standing amidst a flower garden is a perfect getaway, and a perfect escape.