SIMALA SHRINE in Sibonga Cebu: Travel Guide, How To Go, Dress Code, and Tips
The castle-like Simala church is proudly nestled on the Marian Hills in Sibonga, Cebu. Over the years, it has become one of the most-visited destinations in the “Queen City of the South,” known for its incredible architecture and stories of miracles.
Built by the Marian Monks, this isn’t just a church; it’s a sanctuary of faith. The monastery is famous for the “Crying Virgin Mary” statue and its castle-like design that looks like something straight out of a fairy tale.
I lived in Cebu for a few years, but I had never visited Simala, so this was my first time actually being there. All the interesting information I learned about this monastery was a surprise to me. I was really amazed by its history and all its miracle stories. Even though I’d seen so many photos, the moment I passed the entrance, I was overwhelmed. The architectural structures made me feel like I was in Europe! The castle-like church looks surreal, and I felt so humbled by its solemnity.
Best Things To Do in Simala Shrine
Most visitors come to Simala to offer prayers and light colored candles, each representing a different petition. You can also walk through the hallways to see the thousands of letters and items left by people who believe they were healed.
- Light a Candle: Each color has a meaning (e.g., Gold for healing, Green for prosperity).
- Write a Letter: There is a dedicated area for writing petitions to Mama Mary.
- Visit the Museum: See the displays of crutches, wheelchairs, and diplomas left by devotees.
The first thing I did was pray. I offered prayers with colored candles—I personally lit three: Gold for healing, Blue for perseverance, and White for purity. I believe it’s what I needed at that moment. Upstairs, I was even more surprised to see so many statues of the Virgin Mary in different forms. You won’t believe that I actually read each of its histories! I wasn’t familiar with most of the statues, but I’m just really happy I got to know them.
Best Time To Visit Simala Shrine
To experience the shrine at its most peaceful, it is best to visit on a weekday. Weekends and major Catholic holidays bring in massive crowds, often resulting in long lines that can take hours.
- Operating Hours: Usually 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Best Days: Tuesday to Thursday to avoid the weekend rush.
- Tip: Arrive before 9:00 AM to beat the heat and the tour buses.
We already expected a lot of people since it was a week away from the celebration of the Sinulog Festival. I was supposed to fall in line to meet and kiss the Virgin Mary, but unfortunately, we had a 7:00 PM schedule to catch that day. I had goosebumps seeing the letters on the walls from locals who believe they were healed—wheelchairs, graduation pictures, robes, diplomas… I nearly cried because of how beautiful it is.
How To Get To Simala Shrine
The journey to Sibonga takes about 2.5 to 3 hours from Cebu City depending on traffic. It’s a scenic drive through the southern towns of Cebu.
- By Bus: Go to the Cebu South Bus Terminal and take a bus bound for Sibonga or Oslob. Tell the conductor to drop you at “Simala.”
- By Van (V-Hire): Vans are available at the One Citilink Terminal.
- Local Transfer: From the highway drop-off point, take a tricycle or “habal-habal” to the shrine entrance.
Know Before You Go: Dress Code and Tips
ince this is a sacred site, the monks strictly enforce a “Modest Dress Code.” If you aren’t dressed appropriately, you may be denied entry or asked to rent a shawl.
- Strictly Prohibited: Short skirts, sleeveless tops, shorts, and crop tops.
- Respect: Silence is observed inside the prayer halls; no loud talking or running.
- Souvenirs: There are small shops for religious items and snacks near the entrance.
I wanted my first time to be memorable, so instead of just taking photos, I also bought a bracelet souvenir with photos of Mama Mary in it to remind me of this incredible experience. The place is simply majestic—it’s like heaven nestled here on earth. I love how respect and solemnity is emphasized. For a while, I forgot all my worries and just surrendered everything.
Budget and Expenses when Visiting Simala Shrine
Traveling to Simala is very affordable for solo travelers. Most of your budget will go toward transportation and your personal offerings.
Here are some estimated cost and expenses when visiting Simala Shrine
- Bus Fare (Roundtrip): ₱350 – ₱450
- Tricycle / Habal-habal: ₱60 – ₱100
- Colored Candles: ₱50 per piece
- Food & Water: ₱200 – ₱300
I am definitely visiting again, as I promised in my written letter to Mama Mary. I want to return with someone I personally included in my prayers.
Next time, I would really want to meet and kiss the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was a stunning experience that made me cry—it truly felt like surrendering everything to God. ♥
jayresa03
Dapat pupunta kami nun dito! We were in Leyte then nagkayayaan san papasyal. Dito dapat but our relatives got lazy kaya hindi natuloy. Sayang!! Ang ganda!
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Renel
You lived in Cebu rin before?? Haha. Ako rin. Almost a year. And hindi ko rin ‘to napuntahan, pero marami akong nakikitang photos. Curious ako bec of the architecture. 🙂
Misskhae
Yesss I lived in Cebu kasi nag aral ako dun ng mga three years. Weird nga e na marami man din sana mapupuntahan dun talaga pero di ko rin pinuntahan. Hahaha! 😀 You should visit it, ganda ng architecture talaga. Mala-Europe! 😀 <3
Renel
Sana maka-visit soon! 🙂
Gurezu
I agree. I was surprised how Big Simala is. And how beautiful it was.
Misskhae
TRUUEE! I’m definitely going back and sana yung hindi ko na kelangan magmadali at maghabol ng oras 😀
Gurezu
Ako rin kasi nung pumunta ako may part pa na hindi tapos.
Misskhae
Maraming mga area pa din sila dun na hindi pwede pumasok kasi under construction pa. I’m sure mas gaganda pa yun pag natapos na 🙂