
Sirao Garden – Little Amsterdam of Cebu
It’s my first time to visit Cebu and it has become my favorite travel destination in the Philippines. Cebu is one of the top destinations to visit in the Philippines. It has everything you are looking for, from instagrammable spots to beautiful islands and beaches, and tall skyscrapers. One of the best places we’ve visited in Cebu is the Sirao Garden also known as the little Amsterdam of Cebu.
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How to get there?
Sirao Garden is located in Busay which is on the mountainous side of Cebu. It is a bit complicated getting there especially if you do not have your own vehicle but here are three options.
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Option 1: Hire a Habal-Habal or Motor Taxi
- From SM City Cebu, ride a jeep heading to Lahug (route code: 04L) then get off at JY Square Mall. Fare is around 7PHP ( 0.13 USD).
- After arriving in JY Square Mall, you can ride a Habal-Habal, also known as motor-taxi. You can easily spot them since they will be shouting “Sirao” or “Temple of Leah”
- Make sure to agree on a price first before riding with them so you won’t be overcharged. Fare is usually 100 – 200 PHP per person (2 – 4 USD) for one way trip to Sirao. They will ask for an additional fee for roundtrip and if you ask them to wait for you.
- To save more money and time, I suggest you also visit nearby attractions such as the Temple of Leah, TOPS, and Cebu Taoist temple. Fare is usually 500PHP per person for all these attractions.

Option 2: Hire a Taxi
For a safer and more convenient way of transportation, hiring a taxi is much better. It is a more expensive option too. Some taxi drivers take advantage of and overcharge tourists. Make sure you agree on a price first before getting in to avoid spending a lot of money. I have a friend who visited Cebu before and she met a friendly taxi driver who toured her to Sirao Garden, Temple of Leah, Cebu Taoist Temple and other nearby places for only 2000 PHP (40USD) for the whole trip. She gave me his name and phone number but I was not able to use it because I took the 3rd option. If you are traveling to Cebu and want a convenient and hassle-free trip, you can message Kuya Boy (+639325479927).

Option 3
I highly recommend booking a Private Car Charter if you want a safer and more comfortable way of transportation without worrying about being overcharged. We booked the 8 hours car charter within Cebu and Mactan City. If you visit places outside the areas covered such as Sirao and Temple of Leah, there will be an additional charge. We started at 7 A.M and by 11 A.M, we have already visited 3 destinations. We have explored Sirao Garden, Temple of Leah and Cebu Taoist Temple without feeling rushed.

TOPS of Cebu was originally on our list of places to visit for that day. However, the driver suggested that it is much better to visit there during night time. The views are more beautiful during night time and the price is not worth it if we visit there during the daytime so we skipped that. The driver also toured us around the city and explored sites such as the Heritage Park, Ancestral Houses, Fort San Pedro, Magellan Cross and many more. Booking this private car charter is one of the best options and the price is worth it.
Sirao Garden

We arrived at Sirao Garden around 7:30 A.M and we were the third visitors. There are already two cars parked when we visited. It looked like me and my mom were the only ones on the farm though since we did not see them. We had the whole place to ourselves.

The giant hand is the most photographed in this farm and it is similar to the ones in Indonesia or Vietnam. This is one of the top instagrammable spots in Cebu. There’s usually a long line of people waiting for their turn to take a photo with this giant hand. Since we went there early, we did not have to wait since we had it all to ourselves. There are actually two hands on this farm, the first one in the photo above. It is much bigger and taller than the second one. It was a bit scarier going up there than the second one too.

I preferred this Giant hand over the other one since it was smaller and not as high. It was a bit windy when we visited. Even if I am not usually afraid of heights, it was a little scary going up the hand.

Little Amsterdam of Cebu
Sirao Garden is also called ‘The Little Amsterdam of Cebu’ because of the windmills. It is similar to the Keukenhof Tulip Garden in Amsterdam. Since the Philippines have a tropical climate, tulips are not easy to plant and grow here. Instead of tulips, the Sirao garden planted celosia flowers.
My mom enjoyed the windmill My mom enjoyed the windmill
I did not really have any high expectations but I was a bit underwhelmed when I saw the windmills. I’ve seen some beautiful photos of the windmills on Instagram and Pinterest. It was not as beautiful in real life though.

Five years ago, Sirao garden actually started when farmers planted some flowers to sell on All Soul’s Day. Locals discovered this farm when there were so many beautiful flowers. More people discovered this place when this place suddenly became viral through social media posts. Since a lot of people visit the farm, the farmers decided to not cut the flowers anymore.

Since there were too many tourists visiting the farm, a lot of the flowers are damaged. Some tourists pluck the flowers and some accidentally step on the plants. Because of the damages, the owner of the farm decided to close the farm for a while. The place was just not ready for tourists during that time. Months later, Sirao Garden opened again with more attractions and this time, it is ready for tourists.

One thing I did not like about our visit to this garden is the lack of proper walkways. It was raining for the whole day the day before we visited the garden. The narrow path was mostly moistened from the rain. When you plan your trip to Sirao Garden, I highly suggest avoiding visiting on a rainy day.

It was sunny and the weather was great when we visited but because of the rain from the previous day, the paths were still moistened. I suggest choosing proper footwear since the paths will be slippery. Lots of mud stuck on our feet and sandals. But if it was not raining the previous day, the lack of proper walkways won’t really bother us.

You can also take some photos of the Bali inspired spot in the garden. It feels like you are in Bali instead of Cebu.

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Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed reading about my visit to Sirao Garden. If you want more content like this, subscribe to my blog and follow me on Instagram 🙂
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110 Comments
Adam Belda
Before, it is my tradition to yearly go to Cebu. 2019 indeed was the heaviest year. So thank you for reminding me to visit the beauty of Cebu again. I just miss every memories of the little and lost kid version of me in Cebu!
Jessica Collazo
That place looks out of this world. And yes,is very Instagramable. Is enchanting.
Trishan Mehta
Philippines is on my must visit list of travel destinations and I will definitely visit Cebu whenever I visit this beautiful country.
Fae Celine
yes, it is enchanting indeed
Fae Celine
I hope 2020 will be a great year for you 🙂
Neil Alvin Nicerio
It’s the first time to hear about this place. Thanks for sharing.
Dawn Lyndelle
I’ve been here before! Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get as many instagrammable pics as I wanted. hehe. It’s truly one of the best places to see in Cebu. 🙂
Fae Celine
It’s a struggle to get instagrammable photos if there are a lot of crowds that’s why we visited Sirao garden as early as 7:30 A.M 🙂
Laura Pedlar
This looks like nice place to visit and it appears that you can get there very cheaply. The giant hands are amazing but I wouldn’t want to climb one in the wind! The flowers are pretty, I think it would be a good place in Ceru to go.
Fae Celine
Yes, it is very affordable to go to Sirao garden, it’s a great place and must visit place in Cebu
Nina Out and About
I’ve always loved the shots in the hand, but had no idea there were two! Thanks for sharing.
Jessica Collazo
That place looks out of this world. And yes,is very Instagramable. Is enchanting.
Fae Celine
I’ve always thought that there’s only one giant hand until I came here
jk
This post is stunning with those colorful pictures. It makes me want to live there. That hand is amazing.
www.wanderwomom.com
oh my super ganda. whole year round ba ganto sya kaganda? and bago ba ito? parang wala pa to nun 2011 ko na cebu hahasuper tagal na diba?
Shafinah Neville
Have been trying to map out my itinerary for the Philippines for the longest time – and this definitely just made the list!
Matt Taylor
That place looks stunning!! I lived in the Philippines for 2 years back in the late 90’s but never got to go to Cebu!
Melissa
What a wonderful post! This place looks amazing. I have been looking to visit someone like this! Officially going on the bucket list!
Ayishia
Honestly I’d never even heard of Cebu before but you’ve inspired me to go. This place looks beautiful!
Wendy
This place is really popular! I’m glad to see strong tourism and local tourists are also flocking there.
Jessie Adams
This definitely looks like a place I would want to visit! I love the beauty of it!
Disha Smith
Wow! These photos are beautiful. I can’t wait to visit this place someday!
Sarah Emery
I love the Philippines!! Cebu is definitely on my list and Sirao Garden looks absolutely beautiful! Great tips on how to get there and tips about the garden.
clang
Ang ganda at nice ng mga pics! Next time na maligaw kami ng Cebu puntahan namin yan.
Ann
Seems like a plcae I would enjoy, I wish I could see it with my own eyes 🙂
Karla
Ang gaganda ng pictures! Who would have thought that this is in Cebu?! I’ll definitely add this in my itinerary!
Ntensibe Edgar Michael
Wwwooooaaahhhhhh….the Giant Hand! Is there anything more beautiful than being in that palm and taking in the views plus the fresh air?
Denise @In-Home Medical
The Philippines looks like an amazing place to visit. I would love to climb into that giant hand and see the view.
Eileen M Loya
What a beautiful place to visit. I love all the pretty flowers in different shades of yellow, pink and red. You were so brave to go up the Hand. I’d be terrified to do that. The views are perfect too. I would love to get a chance to visit Sirao Garden too.
Tiffany La Forge-Grau
This place has so much to see and do! I would love to visit that some day.
Kendall
This looks beautiful! Would love to visit.
Sharon
Beautiful photos, Cebu looks like an adventure in waiting.
Karla Nina Mallannao
Never been to Cebu. Huhuhu pero this is definitely one of my list! Super ganda and instagrammable!
Karla Nina Mallannao
Never been to Cebu. But this is definitely in my list! Super perfect ng place! Ang ganda at dami ng instagrammable spots! HAHAHA
Fatima Torres
There’s so much beauty all around. This place is perfect just to breathe and be at peace with yourself.
Manahil
I’ve never been there before and definitely didn’t know about it too. Thanks a bunch
Nicole San Miguel
Thank you for this guide! I will be traveling to Cebu on May 🙂 I’ll definitely add this on my list
Kam Olivar
Wow! I didn’t know that there’s such a beautiful place in Cebu! Time to plan my next trip there ?
Vasundhra
Wow! Sirao looks like a dream! Such a cutesy place to go, and I’ve never heard a thing about it before. Also, good point about always travelling insured, YES!
Sue Davies
Cebu looks lovely. Hoping to get there next year when I am in Singapore for a while. Sirao Gardens looks lovely
Nicky
I didn’t know this existed in Cebu, we missed it when we were there unfortunately. The flowers look so bright and lovely, we’re they fragrant too?
Love the photos of you perched on the Giant Hand, but I too would have been a little nervous, especially coming down without a handrail. Great photos though!
Rad
I like the aesthetics of the hand stairs! Definitely something instagrammable. 🙂
Angela
Such a cute place to visit, I would love to get a photo out on the hand.
Anna
I hope to visit Cebu soon, Sirao Garden looks stunning – goes onto my travel bucket list! Thanks for the inspiration!
Myrah Duque
What a beautiful and peaceful place. The gardens are so gorgeous and like that picture ofthe hand!
Bree
My nephew’s girlfriend…well a year ago she was lol comes from Cebu…I even have a huge magnet on my fridge she gave me when she visited January 2019. Its def a pretty place. Thanks for sharing.
Abby
Wow!!! ang ganda dito!
Super love it. Sana makapunta din ako dito. I would love to take photos of this place. So interesting!
Josy A
I love all the colourful decorations and flowers! What a fun place to explore.
Do you know why they created a giant hand? Is there some symbolism behind it?
Jenny Talaver
Cebu is such a wonderful place!
Heather
Cebu looks like a colorful and vibrant place to visit! The giant hand is a must-see!
may palacpac
Malabo kaming mag habal habal cause we have kids. We plan to take them to Cebu but I’ve been wondering nga on how to take a tour with the kids in tow if walang sariling car. Sana makatiyempo din kami ng 2K All-In. There’s 5 of us, kaya sulit sa ‘min yun.
Fae Celine
Just message Kuya Boy (+639325479927) 🙂 He does not overcharge tourists and he is very kind and friendly.
Maria Elsa Jose
Gonna visit this place one day. And I would remember this article of yours, oh, i will keep it for a guide. Salamat!
Rose Ann Sales
Thanks for sharing itineraries..! Can’t wait to travel to Cebu this year. Such a fantastic place.
angie
so very cool , love seeing new and different things thanks for sharing
Christian Foremost
Yes I did enjoy this! All your pictures are also so beautiful. Wish i could visit these places whenever we go around going to cebu. I don’t know about the giant hands though. I’m afraid of heights too. Lol
Shreya Saha
Cebu is a very nice and beautiful place for traveling in Philippines, I was there for quite a long time ago, after reading your blog I was really spellbound and nostalgic because I was there at that time. You have nicely mentioned in your blog about the place, where to travel and about transportation. For new travelers, it will hard to get proper transportation, but in your blog, you have mentioned nicely 3 types of transport system I prefer the second one. The Giant Hand is the most beautiful and instagrammable place. I really need to visit the Sirao Garden next time and experience the Amsterdam of Cebu.
Angela
This looks like a really fascinating place. I’d love to visit but I’m not sure I’d be brave enough to stand on that hand. What an amazing view though.
Lyosha
How beautiful! The nature is absolutely breathtaking and I am crazy about the first photo – awesome point of interest!
Kathy Kenny Ngo
Whoa! I’m from Cebu and I’ve never heard of this place. Good to know that there’s something I can add to my to visit place when I go back and visit
Renata Feyen
That place really has a lot of a fairytale destination – I would love to have a picture of me in that hand 🙂
Agnes
Philippines are still on my wish list. I would like to see these paradise islands, also Cebu. Your first photo is fantastic, the rest too. The Giant Hand makes a tremendous impression. I would love to take pictures there. I have never heard of ‘The Little Amsterdam of Cebu’ before, so I add it to my list.
Maysz
I went to Cebu last year but unfortunately, We didn’t visit this place because of limit time 🙁 but Sirao Garden is one of the beautiful tourist spots in Cebu Awesome photos!
Hannah
This place is GORGEOUS! I am putting on my bucket list. I think the charter a car idea is really good, especially for those who have kids. I also love that golden hand, it makes a great place for pictures.
Cris
What an amazing place! I would definitely love to spend a few days there!
Khryz
Ang ganda! Haven’t been to Cebu. Sana mavisit namin to pag pumunta kami. Very interesting din yung hand ha. 🙂
tweenselmom
Wow, you take nice photos, I didn’t imagine a simple place can be shot on such a nice way. The flowers look so beautiful and the sunlight so refreshing.
Marysa
What a neat place to visit. It would be interesting to visit and explore there.
Jennifer
This looks like such an amazing place to visit! I wonder how much plane tickets would be from my part of the world
Cyndi Buchanan
What a beautiful place to visit! Thank you for this in depth guide.
Stephanie
Oh wow, I’ve never been to the Philippines, but if I go Cebu will definitely be on my list! Especially the giant hand, that looks like such a neat vantage point.
Brandi-Leigh Grant
Absolutely beautiful photos! The Philippines looks so gorgeous
Renee
Wow! Beautiful pictures. Love this post
Lisa
What a lovely place to visit! I went to the Philippines in 2018, but sadly missed out on visiting Cebu. Sirao Garden is adorable, and the sculptures are so unique too. The Giant Hand is incredible and very Instagrammable! Definitely one to add to the list if I ever return.
Subhashish Roy
Absolutely fabulous destination. Cebu has been in my must visit list and your pictures makes me all the more determined to visit soon.
Laura
It looks so wonderful place to visit. The view is amazing x
daniel
Great post!! Philippines is the only country in the South East asian that I haven’t been to yet but it has been sitting on my list for a really long time. I haven’t been to Sirao Garden yet but it seems pretty little garden. The hand monument seems pretty nice and unique. I would love to travel to Cebu soon.
Kristine Nicole Alessandra
I love this place. So many pretty flowers all around. The views from the hand sculpture is fantastic! My only wish is for them to put some safety features on that thing. It would be scary if it gets really windy.
Corinne
After reading this article, I have to return to the Philippines. I did not get to Cebu last time, and it looks stunning. I definitely would be visiting the park, because who doesn’t love a good instagram opportunity! How long do you think that it takes to really see and do everything on Cebu?
Carrie Ann | Should Be Cruising
Sirao Garden is so beautiful! I’ve been to the Keukenhof near Amsterdam at peak bloom time (very late April/early May) and it’s gorgeous, but it’s very different than what I can see from your beautiful pics. I’d love to experience this as well, even if the idea of it looking like Amsterdam isn’t quite true.
I’d love to see all of the celosia in flower – that’s actually one of my favorite plants! I once planted an enormous bed of celosia in all different colors. I was so pleased with myself until massive armies of ants ate all of the pretty flowers! It would be such a dream to see so much of it in one spot 😀
Ashli Ferguson
The flowers are GORGEOUS!!!
I would love to see that!
Suman Doogar
Such a pretty place, so much of color in your pictures of Sirao Garden. Would definitely love to visit.
Courtney
Ooooo Sirao Garden looks like one interesting place to visit! So many fun photo ops! Would love to visit one day
Pearl | ownthepool
I love Cebu for picture opportunities. My family plans to travel more this year so thank you for sharing this hidden gem.
sherianne
Cebu and specifically Sirao Garden is now on my list, I want to walk out onto the hand! The flowers are gorgeous and the path with the umbrellas is dreamy. The private car hire sounds like the best options to have a great day trip.
Swati
The place looks pretty. Mostly for taking pictures for Instagram. I completely relate with you on the Windmill part 🙁 The Giant hand is awesome, would love to visit the place someday and take pictures 🙂
Ting
Wow! Cebu looks like a very fun place to go! I’ve never been there but I’ll definitely add to my list!
Joanna
Sirao Garden looks so peaceful and beautiful The vibrant colors make it a place that I would really love to visit if I ever find myself near Cebu.
Slowly Anywhere
I don’t know if it is because of your pictures or not but this place looks magical to me.
bee
I would love to visit this place and option one sounds like something I would go for.
Mudpiefridays
There are so much changes since I last visit wayback 2016. That beauty and calmness of the place are still there but I think todays it is has more structure to see.
Anshul
Wow. Sirao Garden looks like it popped out of Alice in Wonderland. Such a trippy place.
Mariyam Abid
Such a beautiful place Sirao Garden is! It truly feels like one is in the hands of nature. I’d love to vist there someday.
Ann
Sirao Garden looks stunning, I do belive I would enjoy a visit 🙂
Rosey
How wonderful to have the whole place to yourself! I like to photograph in gardens.
aisasami
My coworker is from the Cebu region, I have to ask him if he ever been to these gardens. I want to go because I really want to be photographed with that cool The Giant Hand!
magen
I’ve never been to Cebu but it looks amazing! That Giant Hand looks equal parts breathtaking and terrifying.
Jan
Looks like a lovely place to visit! I would be scared to get on that giant hand with no barriers or rails even on the stairs! Will visit this place when I go to Philippines. 🙂
Dawn
Wow, what natural beauty! Adding it to my list of places to go!
Phoebe
How lucky you were to visit with so few other people. I think I’d be rather alarmed coming down the steps of the hand without a hand rail but definitely worth it for such a great photo.
Alison
What a beautiful place! And you’ve included so much good info about how to get there and what to expect. I so enjoyed reading about it. I’m adding it to my list.
Alison
CHELSEA MESSINA
I adore the magnificent colors of the garden… just WOW. I must visit this beautiful place. Thanks for sharing!
siennylovesdrawing
thanks for all the lovely captures here, I always wanted to visit to Cebu, gonna add this to my to travel list
cheers, siennylovesdrawing
Suanlian Tangpua
Wow!! One of these days I would visit this beautiful garden with my family.
Slavka
Gorgeous place! What a view! Lovely photos, too.
Fae Celine
Thank you! Sirao Garden is a gorgeous place indeed
Michelle
Wow, this looks beyond amazing! Bucket-list worthy for sure!
Adriane
Great article! I love the pictures. I need to plan a trip here!
April Key C. Rode
Sirao is so pretty now compared to last 2017. I visited the place when they just opened a few years back and I am amazed how much they are able to add more beauty to the place. I love this hand. I wish to come back next time we go home in Cebu.
Anna | Yes, Little Hummingbird
Wow, this garden looks so gorgeous. I’ll probably never visit the Philippines, personally (overseas travel is very likely never in my future, unfortunately), but still. I really appreciate such detailed instructions on how to find it, and get there. What a lovely addition to the post, and a really smart consideration!