
Temple of Leah – Taj Mahal of Cebu, Philippines
Temple of Leah
Everyone knows the story of the Taj Mahal in India. The emperor of India built it in memory of his favorite wife. The temple of Leah in Cebu, Philippines has also a similar backstory with the Taj Mahal in India. Teodorico Soriano Adarna built the Temple of Leah as a symbol or gesture of his love for his late wife, Leah Albino-Adarna. They have been married for 50+ years and they are also the parents of the famous Filipina actress Ellen Adarna.
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Temple of Leah is actually still in construction and is expected to be finished by 2020. This temple is made up of 24 chambers that include an art gallery, museum, library and many more. There are also life-sized statues of lions and angels, gladiators, and many more all over the temple.
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How to Get There?
Temple of Leah is located in the Busay area. The entrance fee to this temple is 75PHP or $1.5. If you have read my trip to Sirao Garden, you would know that I visited several attractions in one day. I booked a Private Car Charter in Cebu for more convenience and to save more time.
If you want to take public transportation, then here are three options.
Option 1: Hire a Habal-Habal AKA 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 ).
- 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 “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) 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
The road to the Temple of Leah is mountainous. So 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 also 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. If you are traveling to Cebu and want a convenient and hassle-free trip, you can message Kuya Boy (+639325479927).
Option 3: Book the Private Car Charter Car in Cebu
rhdr
I highly recommend booking the Private Car Charter in Cebu. It is safer and more convenient. You don’t have to worry about being overcharged.
Temple of Leah is definitely a must-visit place when in Cebu. It is one of the best instagrammable spots in Cebu as well.
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51 Comments
Nicole
Wow! What a beautiful place! I would love to visit here one day.
Sabina
What a beautiful place!
xoxo,
sabiithefirst
Patricia @ Grab a Plate
First – wonderful travel tips. Second: Wow!! What gorgeous photos – looks like an amazing experience!
Kelly
I have never been to a temple and I would love to visit one. I would definitely take a private tour. I find that is the best way to learn the history of the region.
Pam
The pink outside is beautiful! I would be afraid to walk down the stairs – they look so smooth and I’m a bit clumsy! Haha This temple looks like a great place to visit.
Carissa
What an amazing experience!!! The pictures are absolutely stunning!!!
Shana
Beautiful pictures!
Emma
Great tips and such a gorgeous place
Travelling Tam
Gutted that I missed this when I went to Cebu in 2019! All the more excuse to go back though!
Bindu Thomas
Wow!! Beautiful photos and wonderful travel tips. Definitely I will visit here one day.
Katja
Unfortunately missed this beautiful place when I was there. Looks like I have to go back!
Jean-Marie
Stunning pictures! Would love to see it in person one day!
Amanda Kerr
Great read! Gorgeous pictures girl!
Kari
Looks really nice! Great pictures! I want to go there some day! I even have a friend in Cebu City that I have been corresponding with for nearly 40 year, but not yet met… š
Krysten Quiles
Oh wow this place looks STUNNING, I love all the colors and all the light filtering through. What a beautiful place!
Olivia
How have I never heard of this place before?! It looks absolutely stunning.
April Key C. Rode
I like how you included all the transportation options here and I do agree with you booking a private car is the way to go. Less hassle and you know the price is fixed and the drivers won’t rip you off especially if you don’t have that much money and are traveling on a budget.
Emily Terrell
This is absolutely amazing! I had no idea there was a similar place with a like story as the astounding Taj Mahal. I hope to one day see this for myself. Thank you for the tips and pictures! Quite inspiring.
Sage Scott
The Temple of Leah is absolutely beautiful! What a lasting memorial from her husband.
Sarah
Kamusta Ka Na! The more I read about the Philippines, the more I want to visit. This looks like a beautiful place. I have never been to Cebu, but have a few friends from there and they say it is beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing.
Kuntala Bhattacharya
Your pictures are really amazing and wonderful. I liked your articles very much and especially because my blog is related to travel. Loved the article and the place. Really hope I can visit the places.
the joyous living
thanks for sharing how to get to the temple. i’d love to hear more about the story of their love and things like – will leah be buried at the temple? thanks,
Cityrocka Perry
Just awesome architecture! I never knew that India had such beautiful destinations. I have to visit one day soon š
Chelsea Sauve - Wandure
Wow, it’s stunning! What a beautiful spot, and lovely back story! I had never heard of the Temple of Leah – thanks for sharing its beauty!
Kathy Kenny Ngo
One of the reasons I want to go back to Cebu is to visit this place. It looks so good!
Jon Maldia
Looks beautiful. Might visit it when we go to the Philippines.
Lyosha
wow! looks so incredibly beautiful! i enjoy it a lot!
Jenn - The Solivagant Soul
First, I love how your dress contrasts with the picture in the background of all your pics. Lovely! Now, I had no idea about this temple but I am planning on visiting the philippines next year and let me tell you, I will be going thanks to you. Thank you for sharing!
Holly
Oh my goodness, that skylight is gorgeous. What a beautiful place to visit!
Garf
I will try to visit this place the next time I vacation in the Philippines. I am so looking forward to my next trip.
April Key C. Rode
I’ve been here in the Temple of Leah and I love your pictures. It was too crowded when we went 3 years ago. I love how you included the history of the place. Thank you for sharing Cebu.
Pearl | ownthepool
Cebu is on our travel list when we see Asia. I love temples and gorgeous landscapes.
Angella
I hear so much about Cebu from my Korean friends. Now I can understand why! Never thought Cebu was filled with such beautiful architecture & culture. You photos are amazing & make me want to book a flight…maybe in 2021. š
Marie Phillips
That is such an amazing temple. I can’t imagine how amazing it will be when it is finished. I would love to visit someday.
Tara Pittman
Sometimes the best travel tips are from people who were over charge. This is good to know about the cab rides.
Sundeep
Looks like amazing place to visit. Thanks for letting us know about this place.
tweenselmom
I’ve seen this place in a tv show, I didn’t imagine it was this beautiful. Thanks for highlighting it.
Crickette, The Things I Have to Say
What a beautiful place! I’ve heard of this, but I’ve never been here. I’ll make sure to visit it the next time I’m in Cebu.
Clari Says
My blogger friend also visited that place and she said it’s really gorgeous in person. Seeing your post makes me want to travel there. Also, thank you so much for the tips.
Amber Myers
Oh wow, what a gorgeous temple. I’d love to get here one day. The photos are amazing.
Samar
I always wanted to visit temple-of-leah, The love signs, really appeals my eyes.
Thanks for the wonderful post.
Infinity Laser Spa
This is such a beautiful place with stunning architecture and breathtaking art! I really hope I can visit this place one day!
Nyxie
This place looks magical! Like something out of a fairytale!
Trisha
Looks majestic ! And your pictures and description are wonderful. I am going to book mark this fo rmy travels.
Stephanie Jeannot
The beauty of the columns. I love landscape photography just for that very reason. I love seeing the beauty of an atmosphere. I would have been smiling the whole time trying to capture images of this place.
Lisa @ Midwest Glam
Your photos are stunning! It looks like such a beautiful place. Iād love to see it some day.
Antony Marj
Wow, that’s beautiful! Would love to visit!
Eloise
what a beautiful place! great architecture, colors, and weather… I’ve never been but would love to go.
Rose Ann Sales
So many beautiful places in the Philippines..! Can’t wait to explore Cebu sometimes..
Chantal
The temple of Leah is beautiful. The colours and sculptures are so inspirational. I love learning more things.
Yukti Agrawal
The temple of Leah in Cebu in Philippines has also a similar backstory with the Taj Mahal in India. I never knew about Teodorico Soriano Adarna and also he built the Temple of Leah as a symbol or gesture of his love for his late wife, Leah Albino-Adarna. Read something interesting in your article.