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It was an ordinary Sunday and since Valentine's Day was fast approaching, I and my hubby thought we'd like to go somewhere we'd never been before but closer to home. A Pre-Valentine Family Date it is! Yessssss! The children giggled when they heard of the plan and were more than excited to go.
I originally planned of going somewhere else because a friend told me of this nice place in her town but as I browsed my Facebook news feed, I came across a photo of this big ship at the top of a mountain in Bili, Borbon, Cebu. I already heard about this new tourist destination called Master's Dragon Peak before and had been curious how it is up there, especially during the sunset.
It was about 4 o'clock in the afternoon and home chores were already done, so off we go to S/V Master's Dragon Peak!
A Bit About S/V Master's Dragon Peak
I was lucky I was able to talk with the owner's sister who happened to be touring around other balikbayans in the local dialect (or Filipinos who live and work abroad but came back to the country to visit in English) like her in the place. It was from her I heard a little information about S/V Master's Dragon Peak.
S/V Master's Dragon Peak or Sailing Vessel Master's Dragon Peak came into being after their family bought 6.5 hectares of land and thought of using this area for agricultural purposes and creating a family legacy. This newfound beautiful sight was opened to the public on September 2021 and has been improving since then as I checked on their Facebook page.
Agricultural Purposes
Using the land area for this purpose, a big portion of it grow dragon fruits which are long-lived plant and perennial in nature.
Creating A Family Legacy
Since the family members were mostly seamen like the real owner who was a Master Seafarer himself, one with the highest rank in a ship, they came up with the idea of building a huge ship at the top of the mountain and making it one must-visit tourist destination in the place.
For these reasons, the S/V Master's Dragon Peak got its name! Interesting, right?
The Search for MDP Adventure
It was our first time visiting this place so we didn't really have an idea where it was located exactly. It was about 30-35 minutes from home when we arrived at Barangay Bongdo and saw the sign that said "This Way to Master's Dragon Peak!"
On our motorbike, we took the right turn and drove forward reading the signs we passed along the way. Moving farther, we traversed this long winding, and steep road we were not sure where to end. Good thing the road was concrete we had a smooth ride!
Not until we reached these two roads that diverged leaving us more thrilled to take this adventure. To our surprise and joy, it was at this point that one could already behold the huge ship sailing and waving at the mountain peak! My son cried, "Tua ra!". He meant "It's up there!" pointing towards our target destination. At last, we found it! Yahooo!
In about a minute or two, we reached the place! My daughter took her quick pose in front of this large ship's steering wheel which indicated we were at the right spot.
Not wasting any second, we headed immediately to this red structure that read Ticket Booth and Telephone just outside the gate where guests would pay their entrance fee to be able to enter the place.
Entrance rates:
Regular - Php99.00 or 1.81 USD per adult
Kids & Senior Citizen- Php50.00 or 0.91 USD (but 7 years old and below
is free)
Exploring Master's Dragon Peak
As we got inside, I saw this little restaurant, a cafe, and a food stall where guests could order food, coffee, and some refreshments while at the site.
Starting to explore the place, I couldn't help but get amazed by the actual view of the ship from below nestled at the top of the mountain amidst the lush forest! It's indeed a sight to behold!
Going down to the lower part of the area, the beauty of the landscape designed as MDP which stands for Master's Dragon Peak with different colorful ornaments planted in them left me in awe.
This is the view of the lower portion of the area opposite the entrance.
As I walked further, I couldn't resist but took a photo opportunity sitting at this heart-shaped photo background with yellow spider plants surrounding the landscaped garden.
The colorful train that stands just beside the stairway towards the peak complemented the vibrance and liveliness of the place.
It looks like my little family won't go further up unless they have this little remembrance of the train.
Just below the train lies the Resto Kitchen restricted to MDP staff only and a comfort room available to all guests.
Taking the staircase with approximately 38 steps towards the second level, we reached this pirate ship's wheel-designed spot with another valentine's day inspired photo shooting background that could attract tourists to take a quick pose.
Sitting at this point made me feel I was breathing underwater with these sea creatures that surrounded me!lol
Taking another step up, this perfectly designed huge clam sat comfortably above other sea creatures happily waiting for us to get inside and take a pose!
Glancing at both sides, I noticed two dragon fruit-shaped concrete shelters positioned next to the seemingly floating pirate ship adjacent to each other.
Seeing other local tourists taking a sip of this refreshment we knew was their special dragon fruit shake, we also tried it, too. I always loved dragon fruit ever since I tried it once. So, without hesitation, I ordered for the four of us and we didn't regret it! It's indeed worth it!
Hands on the Deck
Aye Aye, Captain! We have finally reached the mountain peak and were ready to explore further this huge pirate ship docking atop the summit! Let's go!
On the ground deck of the ship lies the ship store and the snack bar that sell a variety of snacks and drinks for its sailing passengers.
Climbing up to the first deck through the staircase, one could really see the very detailed parts of the ship and how well the owner and designer know very well these details.
A crew bar is situated on this deck with a wider space at the rear part and a sign that says "Safety First" at the other end.
Going further up, I could start savoring the fresh air at the top deck and saw for myself the other side of the ship close.
This rear part positions the ship's steering wheel where the master controller takes control of the sailing vessel. From this view, the ship's sail and mast can be gleaned up close and the bowsprit at the opposite part.
Looking around from the top, a breathtaking sight has unfolded before our eyes! The green and pristine mountains, the sky that seemed so close was magnificent!
As the heat of the sun started to cool down, we were enjoying the atmosphere while taking a sip of our dragon fruit shake and waiting for the sunset!
The sun gleamed like a jewel in the sky as it started to hide from our sight! It was perfect! I was so enticed with this view that I almost forgot it was almost dusk and my hubby woke me up from this thought and signaled it was time for us to leave.
The best place you've been is the one which you get to see and enjoy with those dearest to your heart. Even though it was just a quick escape but it was, I think one of the best!
How To Get To Master's Dragon Peak
S/V Master's Dragon Peak is located at Sitio Mangga, Bili, Borbon, Cebu. It's about a 2 1/2 hour trip from Cebu City by bus and less than 10 minutes from along the highway. Just get off at the corner of Barangay Bongdo and a big sign at this point will lead you to your destination.
And, this is all for today Hive friends! Thank you for reaching out this far. See you again in my upcoming blogs!