Simala Shrine
Simala Shrine
4.5
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4.5
307 reviews
Excellent
172
Very good
96
Average
28
Poor
8
Terrible
3
Brian Austin Cartin
Cebu Island, Philippines73 contributions
July 2019
As you stroll along the long bridge/hall towards the church, the view is mesmerizing and leaves you at awe! The devotion and dedication of the people to create a shrine or rather a palace for the Blessed Virgin Mary is indubious and should be commended. The scale of it is very large and you can see intricate details as you circle the area. Just enjoy the view and if you are willing, you can light up a candle and pray for the things you want.
Written 2 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clarizz
6 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
They have a strict compliance of proper dress codes. No short shorts and mini skirts, no sleeveless, no dresses above the knee, etc.
People downstairs offer "sarongs" for rent.
Also, arm yourself with your own umbrella, fan, and water. If you're visiting in "hot & sunny hours".
There are umbrellas for rent downstairs too.
God bless us all! 🙏
People downstairs offer "sarongs" for rent.
Also, arm yourself with your own umbrella, fan, and water. If you're visiting in "hot & sunny hours".
There are umbrellas for rent downstairs too.
God bless us all! 🙏
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SimonOnVacation
Toronto, Canada355 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Booked a private vehicle to get the shrine. The place was not far from Cebu City but the traffic and rough roads to get here is the reason for close to 3hr drive.
The place had a lot of people, we went directly up the main church. Mini-stores lined the side entrance, people buying souvenirs, religious items and also lighting candles.
People stay indoors to pray and ask for intercession for their prayers.
The place had a lot of people, we went directly up the main church. Mini-stores lined the side entrance, people buying souvenirs, religious items and also lighting candles.
People stay indoors to pray and ask for intercession for their prayers.
Written 11 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flappy Hanson
Manila, Philippines369 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We went to Simala Shrine during our very short weekend trip to Cebu. We rented a car at the airport and spent overnight at a resort in Mactan. The next day, with the help of Waze, we were able to reach the shrine, also known as the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist. The road leading to the shrine is called Mama Mary Sanctuary Road.
As a Catholic, I consider this place as a pilgrim site rather than a tourist attraction. Since this is a religious place, proper dress code must be observed. Sleeveless clothes and shorts are not allowed.
God bless us...
As a Catholic, I consider this place as a pilgrim site rather than a tourist attraction. Since this is a religious place, proper dress code must be observed. Sleeveless clothes and shorts are not allowed.
God bless us...
Written 25 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jaye T
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Friends
Simala Shrine in Cebu is like stepping into a fairytale! This stunning hilltop castle is surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flowers. It's famous for its beautiful statues and grand altar, where many believe miracles happen.
Visitors can climb the stairs for breathtaking views, ring the huge bell for good luck, and explore a mini-museum filled with fascinating artifacts. Don't forget your camera, wear comfy shoes, stay hydrated, and be respectful in this holy place. Simala Shrine offers a magical mix of fun and spirituality
Visitors can climb the stairs for breathtaking views, ring the huge bell for good luck, and explore a mini-museum filled with fascinating artifacts. Don't forget your camera, wear comfy shoes, stay hydrated, and be respectful in this holy place. Simala Shrine offers a magical mix of fun and spirituality
Written 4 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zayn
2 contributions
Nov 2021 • Friends
Today, we visited this place. We ought to have a solemn prayer unfortunately the place was very crowded. And there was one guy on duty shouted on us. We know our fault but its not a major offense, he didn't have to shout and humiliate us in front of the crowd. I knew his doing his line of work but is it right to humiliate us?
Written 27 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
frenchy8888
Los Angeles, CA74 contributions
July 2022 • Friends
This place is so beautiful and sacred… Breathtaking It’s like a castle - I love it !!! I can’t wait to go back when the chapel is done , it’s under renovation when I was there last July 11,2022 . I love this place especially the Virgin Mary . VILMA VITUG JENNINGS here 😍 all my love 😍
Written 7 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marion93722
Fresno, CA520 contributions
July 2019 • Family
A testament of faith for the deep devout and solemn place. It’s amazingly huge. Well tucked in a local place. Be prepared to cover up but no worries for there are scarves for sale outside. Lots of mementos from miraculous healings. There is a route to kiss/pray to the virgin. A few minutes drive from Oslob for orientation on the location.
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ynnabackpack
Iligan, Philippines30 contributions
Nov 2014 • Family
Devotees or not, believers of prayers and the miraculous Virgin, lovers of beautiful architectural designs, Board Exam takers, Philippine Bar applicants or mere travel joiners..............................................WELCOME to Cebu's castle church aka Our Lady of Simala Shrine (Monastery of the Marian Monks of Eucharistic Adoration) in Cebu. The locals also called it milagrosong (miraculous) Birhen sa Simala.
How to get there? Whether you've landed at the airport or docked at the seaport, take a cab or a jeepney to the South Bus terminal (for buses) or to the city link terminal (for vans). (Actually, you can also take a taxi from Cebu city proper to Simala for Php2,000.00 or maybe lower if you're a skilled haggler.) I preferred the air-conditioned public van because its one-way fare is only Php100.00 per pax and in 2-hour time it dropped me off right outside the monastery. (Via bus, you'll be dropped off the town proper and you'll need a motorcab therefrom to the monastery.) On your return travel to Cebu, take a motorcab (for Php20.00 per pax) to the van terminal or the bus stop.
Don't worry about foods because there are eateries outside the monastery. There are also free-of-charge nipa huts (cottages) within the monastery compound for your potlucks. But please observe CLAYGO (clean as you go). Just be sure to bring potable water; I haven't seen any potable water fountain or faucet. Though, there's lots in the toilet tub. Kidding. What isn't a joke is that you can use the toilet for free. Seriously, I'm really awed and amazed with the monastery's simple acts of generosity. No wonder blessings are coming in for her.
Tips:
1. If you're a dual citizen (Philippine and senior) or you're with a baby, take the intended pavement. It's in the middle. Yes, it's the wide one before going to the long stairway. If you're the fit one whose only rightful option is to take the stairway especially during noon time, there are umbrellas for rent at the main gate. It's for Php20.00 only.
2. If you plan to join the mass, be there before it starts at 12 nn.
3. You may offer flowers at the main altar.
4. Don't like the big crowd and long queues? Don't come on weekends or holidays.
5. Souvenirs? Lots of them. Cheap or expensive, for your own taking.
6. I have spotted a signage of a pension house nearby.
7. Side-tripper and foodie? Indulge with Carcar City's famous pork chicharon. You may do this on your return travel to Cebu.
Thanks for reading. I hope I have helped. Bon voyage and God bless!
How to get there? Whether you've landed at the airport or docked at the seaport, take a cab or a jeepney to the South Bus terminal (for buses) or to the city link terminal (for vans). (Actually, you can also take a taxi from Cebu city proper to Simala for Php2,000.00 or maybe lower if you're a skilled haggler.) I preferred the air-conditioned public van because its one-way fare is only Php100.00 per pax and in 2-hour time it dropped me off right outside the monastery. (Via bus, you'll be dropped off the town proper and you'll need a motorcab therefrom to the monastery.) On your return travel to Cebu, take a motorcab (for Php20.00 per pax) to the van terminal or the bus stop.
Don't worry about foods because there are eateries outside the monastery. There are also free-of-charge nipa huts (cottages) within the monastery compound for your potlucks. But please observe CLAYGO (clean as you go). Just be sure to bring potable water; I haven't seen any potable water fountain or faucet. Though, there's lots in the toilet tub. Kidding. What isn't a joke is that you can use the toilet for free. Seriously, I'm really awed and amazed with the monastery's simple acts of generosity. No wonder blessings are coming in for her.
Tips:
1. If you're a dual citizen (Philippine and senior) or you're with a baby, take the intended pavement. It's in the middle. Yes, it's the wide one before going to the long stairway. If you're the fit one whose only rightful option is to take the stairway especially during noon time, there are umbrellas for rent at the main gate. It's for Php20.00 only.
2. If you plan to join the mass, be there before it starts at 12 nn.
3. You may offer flowers at the main altar.
4. Don't like the big crowd and long queues? Don't come on weekends or holidays.
5. Souvenirs? Lots of them. Cheap or expensive, for your own taking.
6. I have spotted a signage of a pension house nearby.
7. Side-tripper and foodie? Indulge with Carcar City's famous pork chicharon. You may do this on your return travel to Cebu.
Thanks for reading. I hope I have helped. Bon voyage and God bless!
Written 27 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laagang Alom
Cebu City, Philippines235 contributions
July 2019 • Couples
Simala Shrine is one of the well-known religious place in the Philippines where thousands of devotees visit the shrine which is located in Lindogon, Sibonga, Cebu.
The line is very long just to kiss and visit mama mary inside the church.
The line is very long just to kiss and visit mama mary inside the church.
Written 22 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, is there any entrance fee?
Written 10 April 2019
None. It's a church so there's no entrance fee.
Written 25 April 2019
Hi, malayo ba ang simala shrine sa Theotokos Shrine? Thank you
Written 18 January 2019
Can you repeat in King's English please? Thank you
Written 5 March 2019
Is this open for elderly persons, I mean accessible to an elderly person?
Written 12 November 2018
yes... elderly person are welcome and have access....
Written 19 December 2018
Hello, does anybody here know if you need to schedule or book a tour to visit Simala Shrine and how far is the Shrine from Chong Hua hospital? Thank you!
Written 9 June 2018
No need to schedule or book a tour. You can always go there by bus or better yet ride a v-hire for a faster way to go there.
Written 11 June 2018
Hi! Ask ko lang if pwede bang magsuot ng pedal shorts sa simala? Thanks!
Written 30 May 2018
For ladies, no sleeveless & skirts/dress/shorts should be below the knees.
Written 16 June 2018
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