Hmm, basaha 'ni ninyo ang
KM47 marks Cebu .
Copyright © 2014 Manila Bulletin
by Mars W. Mosqueda Jr.
27 June 2014
"Catmon, Cebu — Summer may be officially over but every time one mentions Cebu, images of white sandy beaches, crystal clear blue waters, and lively parties come to mind.
"Cebu’s popularity as a beach destination has seen the growth of a variety of luxury beach resorts, exclusive beach clubs, and beautiful bays that can only be enjoyed if you have enough money to blow on such leisure time.
"The blue waters of KM47 resort in Catmon, Cebu can be enjoyed for only P20. Although the beach has no white sands, the serenity of the place and the pristine water are more than enough to enjoy a swim.
"Although there are still public beaches in the island of Mactan, its jam-packed ambience makes one hesitant to take a day off to enjoy the breeze.
"There’s one place, though, that many do not yet know, and can offer the feeling of isolation and natural beauty for only P20. Its name is nothing fancy and speaks of its location – KM47.
"KM47 is the unofficial name of a beautiful and idyllic beach resort in the town of Catmon. The resort has no signage, no logos and streamers so people called it KM47, in reference to the marker put up by the Department of Public Works and Highways to inform motorists that they are already 47 kilometers away from Cebu City.
"The beach is located just a few steps away from the national highway and does not have any sign of the commercialization that has taken over the beaches in Mactan. There are no stalls selling stuff, no restaurant, no noisy crowd. There’s just crystal-clear water, a clean beach front, and a couple of sea turtles that play with the waves a few meters off the shore.
"There is also spacious parking and plenty of open space where you can grill fish or pork, and the scent will surely add to the ambience of a simple picnic. And while the beach front does not feature white sands, the pristine water is more than enough to take the stress of city living away.
"Manned by the resort’s long-time caretaker, Apollo Fernandez, KM47 is owned by a prominent family in Cebu but it has not been promoted to lure tourists. It’s a hidden beach that is actually very visible as you travel from the city to Cebu’s north.
"Entrance to the resort is only P20 per head and that’s for the whole day. There are cottages that can be rented for P200 a day, offering unlimited use of a fresh water shower. But if you are swimming alone or with just a few friends, you can actually unroll a picnic blanket and won’t need a cottage.
"Now, who says that the beaches of Cebu will take a small fortune to enjoy?"
"KM 47" in Binungcalan, Catmon, Cebu
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