Temple of Leah: Things to Know About Cebu’s Taj Mahal
Up in the mountains of Busay in Cebu, there’s a love story that people can’t stop talking about. A love story, that although ended in 2012, continues to live on in the form of a temple. In case you don’t know it yet, it’s the Temple of Leah.
About Temple of Leah
Dubbed as the Taj Mahal of Cebu, the Temple of Leah has been attracting foreign and local tourists for its Roman-inspired architectural shrine. Unlike India’s Taj Mahal, it is not a mausoleum but serves as home to the treasures and memorabilia of the late Leah Albino Adarna, the grandmother of Filipina actress Ellen Adarna.
Temple of Leah History
More than its appealing structure, what draws people to visit Temple of Leah Cebu is the love story of a couple that has been melting hearts of so many travelers.
Businessman Teodorico Adarna dedicated the temple to his wife, Leah, of 54 years. She died of lung cancer in 2012 at 69. They started their family at a young age. Leah was 16 and Teodorico was 19 when they got married. They had four children—Allan, Arlene, Arthur (deceased) and Alex; and 16 grandchildren, including actress Ellen Adarna.
The easiest way to get to the Temple of Leah located on Cebu Transcentral Highway is to ride a jeepney with route code 04D, 04I, or 04H (Lahug-Busay) from downtown Cebu City. Ask the driver to drop you off at the street to Temple Leah. The attraction is within 5-minute walking distance. You can also join a guided tour with transfers.
If you want a faster and hassle-free commute to the fort, book a Grab or ride a taxi instead.
Visiting hours: 7am to 6om daily
Entrance fee: PHP 100 per person (10 years old and below are free)
Parking fee: PHP 100 if inside the premises; free if outside but limited slots only
Other fees: PHP 2,500 for professional photography for events
Top Of Cebu
You can come in the daytime, as early as breakfast and see similar views, from the Temple of Leah too for example but you will not get the good food you can get here. It's open pretty late, and they have a lot of different dishes and drinks here not just cater to the locals taste but to internal visitors too. so there's definitely things on the menu that you can enjoy.
Address: Transcentrale Road
Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Cebu City
Operation hours: 9am to 2pm
Budget: PHP 190
La View In The Sky
Another good place to eat near the Temple is La View In The Sky. they serve defferent kind of dessert
Address: Transcentrale Road
Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Cebu City
Operation hours: 9am to 2pm
Budget: PHP 100
Zubuchon
Oh your trip to Cebu isn’t complete without trying the boneless lechon at Cebu’s Original Lechon Belly. It’s a popular restaurant near the fort and has been visited by several Filipino personalities.
Address: Escario Central
Cebu City, 6000 Cebu
Operation hours: 10am to 11pm
Budget: PHP 1,900 good for 15 persons