What a view! This monastery looks as majestic in person as it is in the pictures. Be warned though, there’s quite a lot of steps going up and there can be a lot of people during weekends. When you reach the entrance of the monastery, there’s a queue of people who wants to go inside. But if you decide to just stay outside, you can light your candle and buy memorabilia’s just outside. Also, there’s a small chapel at the bottom of the monastery where you pray without going through the long queue.

The church was still under construction when we went there last Monday so you really can't roam around the huge parish, especially inside, and they only allow visitors on one wing. The Mama Mary statue was also outside of the parish along with the altar. There was a line when we got there to have a glimpse and touch the Mama Mary statue. After that, you can go to the only open wing of the parish where you can take pictures of its beautiful exterior. Outside the parish, there's a lot of vendors selling candles, replicas, tshirts, food, and souvenirs. To go here from Cebu City, go to the South Bus terminal and tell them to drop you at Simala. Once you got there, habal-habal drivers would show up immediately and offer you a ride. Ride fee is 50 pesos and one motor can accommodate two people. They would also offer to stay and wait for you to finish roaming around so you can ride them again for another 50 pesos which was not bad. If you'll go back to Cebu City, they would drop you off to a deserted location with vans waiting. Was skeptical at first but then I saw other passengers were being dropped off there lol. Ride back to Cebu City via van was around 150 pesos. But I think you can still ride back to Cebu city via bus if you want a cheaper ride. Just decline the van option and return to the stop where you were dropped off first at Simala. All in all, it was a majestic place but too bad that it was under construction when we went there.

Having seen photos before of Simala, I always wanted to see it for myself and on my most recent holiday, I was fortunate enough to have been able to travel there. Simala is a church like you have never before seen. A massive building dedicated to the worship of Mother Mary which attracts hundreds, if not thousands of tourists every single day. Even if you are non-religious, it's easy to see why. Vast tracts of land filled with stunning gardens, beautiful architecture all maintained to the highest standards are filled with people all coming to show respect to one of their religions icons. It truly is a sight to behold and well worth the lengthy trip you may have to make to witness this beautiful building. Car parking is available but still requires a walk up a steep hill packed with people, stores and sellers of all manner of merchandise. The heat can be brutal here but it is still worth it. The sight from the carpark itself is magnificent as it overlooks a large part of the local area and the view is breathtaking. Well worth a visit.

As of October 3, 2021, the main church is close but you can still go inside (entrance area). There you can lit your candles and pray. Children are not allowed inside. To my surprise Simala is getting better. God bless who wants to go there 🙏

A must see when in Cebu. We visited this place of worship after our morning whale shark watching on our way back to Cebu City. It is spectacular.

We arrived in Simala Parish Church after lunch. Traffic was manageable and the crowd wasn't a lot. Considering the path going up, our seniors were able to use the stairs with ease. Visitors were respectful to one another, keeping right and allowing quick snaps of the place. The parish museum was organized setting up a system where people queue through pictures, testimonials, Mary's relic, and the writing area for prayer intentions. It was a very good experience overall.

This is the second time I've been here and I can say a lot has changed. More and more devotees are coming each year because of the miraculous Mama Mary. One of the places that you should visit while in Cebu.

After years of just imagining being at this place, I've finally visited my comfort and healing zone. This place is magical in its realness on how even just the ambiance embraces people and holds them in faith going to the right path. Every corner of this place is just how it should be. It gives a feeling of "God is continuously showering each of us an overflowing amount of blessings". This place is a must-go-to place in the Philippines I could say. Visit and be blessed even more!

We went here last May 17, 2022. The only accessible area is around 20%. 80% or majority of the place was closed for tourists due to constructions and renovations. Upon entering the church, there is an alloted space where you can light your colored candles and pray for your intentions. You can also purchase religious items there. For the parking area, there is a space near the entrance. Parking fee is ₱40. *may mga manong pala na kakaway-kaway sayo before you reach the church. I don’t know but it looks like they are waving towards a parking space (too narrow entrance). Not sure on the parking rates there but better go straight ahead and turn left when you reached the entrance to the chuch which is on your right.

As of Dec 9, 2021. The top is still closed. It's good that they put the candles near the entrance :).

at the time we went here, it's under renovation. you can only explore 20% of the place. the church is really huge and hopefully we can come back when it's fully open.

Awesome experience. We travel 2 hours from the city to reached here. Along the way is heavy traffic due to road widening still we reached on time. It's little busy for devotee. Place is safe, you can see security guard inside every corner and they are approachable. Parking available nearby for 20 pesos + toilet facility. Pasalubong or souvenir items available at cheap rate. Food vendors are everywhere.

This religious site dedicated to the Virgin Mary was one of our stop after our Oslob tour in Cebu. Dress properly when visiting this shrine. If wearing shorts, have something to cover your legs like a malong. You will not be allowed to enter it's gates and marvel the site and expanse of the church and it's history. Be amazed with it's grandeur.

Love the architectural design of this place. Such a magnificent holy place to visit. Mama Mary's devotees flock to this splendid castle. There are a lot of picturesque areas for tourists as well.

Simala Parish Church is a very solemn place for you to reflect and pray. If you wish to light candles, it’ll be Php40.00 each candle stick per color. Bring hat, umbrella, water to rehydrate, fan and handkerchief or towel for your comfort. And yes, you still have to take your shoes off as you get inside, wear socks if you’re not so into grounding. I also recommend to write your prayers, letters ahead of time to avoid congestion and quicker drop-off.

The Shrine getting bigger and wider. A part of the building start expanding front left of the compound. Its a huge on going construction to cater more devotees all over the country and sometimes coming from abroad. More people really receives there blessings thats why they returned and bring some relatives and friends.

So pretty!!! I would recommend wearing proper clothing as I was asked to change. (For respect) I was wearing a tank top and a short. We booked the 3 day tour from klook..and OMG. WORTH THE MONEY. Our driver was so nice. Patient. And understandable.

My third time visiting this church. I went there together with my family this time. Almost every year, they have construction or renovation going on. Travel time is still 2 hours. If you want to arrive directly to the church, then you should grab a VHire. Take the first trip around 5 o'clock in the morning so that you'll arrive early. They will open the gate at 8 o'clock in the morning. Security guards and armies are every where to check and look at their visitors. Vendors are everywhere as well. They have affordable meals and souvenir items.

Nice tourist attraction. Park near the gates. Go early as line starts at 7am even though gate will open at 8am. Do not wear skirts, short and leggings they were strict with dress code.

This is a free entrance. If you are in Cebu, it’s a must to drop-by especially if you are a christian or a devoted christian. The lines for the Mama Mary is long and you have to remove your footwear so I suggest you wear socks for proper hygiene. Wonderful church. Worth to visit!

We went here on a weekend after lunch- it was packed and extremely hot. The stuff they sell here costs twice as much as it does, but if you're someone who is religious, I guess it won't matter. You can rent a cover-up for 20 pesos if you're wearing shorts, sleeveless or above the knee skirts/dresses.

V hire to the church, about 1 to 2 hours drive from Cebu City, very impressive plus place,, had to buy a sarong because would not let people in with shorts. Just the size and beauty of the place is over whelming, you don't have to be religious to visit but if you are you will be blessed,, plenty of religious trinkets at many stores along the way and in the church itself,, if raining you can even hire umbrellas, lost one star for transport, always trying to cram more and more people in not looking at comfortable just profit,, this has nothing to do with the church just the travel. Fully recommend and will surprise you with the beauty,, see you there

The place is well-decorated, however, it's very noisy you can't concentrate when you want to pray. There were vendors of all sorts of religious items all over the place. The place is clean though.

It's a quiet place & a good feeling to pray. Surrendered all your worries, sorrows and asking for guidance. It was worth it to travel , climb going up of stairs and going inside of the Church. I was amazed about the structures, paintings and the colloms inside of the Church. I highly recommend to visit this place and will come back again.

Amazing place where you can pray 🙏 from city proper will took you 2-3 hours to reach this place. When visiting here please observe proper dress code.

Went on a day tour to Simala during our Cebu trip earlier this month. Travel took 2 hours from Cebu City. It's a great place to pray and commune with God - quiet, solemn, peaceful. We went during a national holiday, so understandably there are a lot of people. Will definitely come back on a less busy day.

The church's architecture is impressive, with a grand facade that is adorned with intricate carvings and colorful tiles. Just a reminder make sure you dress appropriately when you visit the Basilica. They're quite strict about the dress code, so guys should wear collared shirts and long pants, and ladies should go for modest dresses or skirts that go below the knee. However, if you forget or didn't come prepared, there are vendors outside the church who sell or rent scarves that you can use to cover up🧣.

The church is so big and have a love of history and stories behind, this is worth visiting. However, prepare for long lines and long travel. The place is very solemn, if you are a devotee of Mama Mary, this is a place for you.

One of the great place to visit in Cebu. 😇😊 From google: The Monastery of the Holy Eucharist, popularly known as the Simala Shrine or Simala Church is located in Marian Hills, Lindogon, Simala, Sibonga, Cebu. It was built in 1998 by the Marian Monks from Pampanga. It used to be just an ordinary church until after the incidents of miraculous events. One of which is the shedding of tears of the Mother Mary’s image. It paved the way for the shrine’s popularity with devotees constantly flocking the area.

Great place. Nice view and location. Great for connecting with your religious self. You can write your petition and request and hope it will be granted. May pamisa din dito and you can light a candle, color coded candles! Souvenirs avaliable as well with portion of the sales/proceeds back to charity.

This place is very calming and so nice. The best time would be on a weekday. Make sure your clothes don't show your shoulders and reach below your knees. If you're in the area already don't fret because there are stores where you can rent a tapis / sarong not sure how much. There is also no entrance fee.

Enchanting place, there were too many things to see on the way to the main chapel, but once inside, the breathtaking golden altar catches your attention. There was a museum area where they display handwritten testimonials of answered prayer requests. The road on the way to this cathedral is narrow and some parts are good for just one vehicle, so I think there is a schedule for entry of 4 wheeled vehicles. There is a parking lot beside the entrance for 40pesos

The Miraculous idol of Mama Mary was on the gate of the church, when we got there. The place was peaceful and orderly. We didn't have the luxury of time to witness Her being transferred to Her original place at the altar of the church.

The place is huge. It's aesthetically pleasant to the eyes. Been there with my family as part of our Cebu tour. A great place to strengthen your Catholic faith.

A place for faith. I am a devotee and I was always blessed. Forever grateful and thankful.

Limited access to the entire facility due to covid 19 giving way to a much needed renovation. It is still a place of solemn worship and recollection of thoughts and feelings.

Breathtaking view of the church and it's surroundings. During our visit, the church is closed due to renovation. But still going to it is totally worth it.