The Amazing City Lights at Tops Lookout

The Tops Lookout is one of the oldest and most famous Tourist Attractions in Cebu City that is located in the mountainous barangay of Busay (just like Sirao Flower Farms/Sirao Peak). This place is popular among local tourists due to its colder climate, perfect for lovers, family, friends and barkada (group) for a much deserved relaxation and most of all for getting a bird's eye view of the amazing Cebu City lights. The pictures you see below are from the old TOPS which was closed for renovation and was later reopened in 2024 with February 14th as the soft opening date. We've been there a few weeks after the soft opening, you can explore here thru this video. Also check out SKAI360 at TOPS.

Tops Lookout - Status: Complicated (lol)

Lovers in Tops (lol)

BEST TIME

In my opinion, the best time to get there is from 4:00pm to 5:00pm as there are certain areas along the way that is too dark if you go there after the sun sets. If you want to go there in the morning, you'll be able to see Cebu City's skyline but it would be best to get there at night to see Cebu City's amazing array of lights.

This is Tops at daytime. This is what happens when you are trying to get a jump shot and not everyone is flying lol

The last time I was there was in the late 90's and it's good to know that they haven't renovated the place that much, if they do, it could be very minimal for me to not notice it at all.

You can eat your food here, there's a table on the right

Looks like their pre-nup pictorial continues here (lol)

There are several food stalls there where you can order food and drinks.

ENTRANCE AND GETTING THERE

Update 4/11/26: The information provided below are from the old TOPS. For the latest update, check out this NEW TOPS blog and find out the new entrance fee and how to get there

(Old TOPS Info) The entrance fee/toll fee is now Php100 or US$2. (Not that I can remember but my brother told me that the entrance fee used to be consumable before (for food and drinks) but not anymore or not that we asked if it was).

GETTING THERE

(Old Tops Info) OPTION 1

We get there on a private vehicle but I saw a poster pasted on the wall (as below) that offers services going to and from Tops Lookout that also includes a package and a tour to Temple of Leah (a nearby tourist attraction). See details below.

Temple of Leah is also a popular tourist attraction in Cebu City.

OPTION 2

If the number listed above fails, you can get to Tops by riding a jeepney going to JY Square Mall. Disembark there and hire a motorbike (habal-habal) to get you to Tops. Go with the one who had been there. Travel time is between 15 minutes to 20 minutes from JY Square to Tops.

OPTION 3

Hire a taxi to take you to JY Square Mall then tell the driver to drop you off where motorbikes for hire (habal-habal) are located, then hire a motorbike to take you to Tops. Go with the one who had been there. Again, best time to get there is before sunset.

OPTION 4

If you are somewhere near Talamban, hire a motorbike (habal-habal) at San Jose Bakeshop or near Talamban Sports Complex and tell the driver to take you to Tops. Travel time will most likely be 30-40 minutes.

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