Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary

This is a private, family-run facility that is a great place for kids (and grown-ups) to learn some things we missed hearing in grade school. For the nature enthusiasts, there's the butterfly garden that is planted with food plants that attract butterflies to feed and breed here. Here is a chance to see some native plants with blooms that are frequented by local butterfly species, learn that the much hated caterpillars metamorphose into grandiose butterflies, that these winged beauties live only for a few days, and many other scientific facts all dished out by passionate guides who often are members of the family. There is an educational gallery that tells the stories about butterflies and moths, specimens beautifully mounted in glass frames and well labelled, including some ethnographic items that are part of the family heirloom. For the art enthusiasts, the gallery in another part of the residence contains some of the best examples of the artist's unique work notably the mosaics made out of salvaged butterfly wings. Some of these mosaics have found their way to the Vatican Museum, and some private galleries in the USA and Japan. The facilities are maintained as much as possible to the extent that the family can afford so you can see hand-made cardboard signs and feel the humidity slowly eating up the precious relics. A fully funded museum has money to address these issues but not this one. Although there is really no set admission fee, it is towards a noble cause and a gesture of appreciation, that people should give generous donations to the museum commensurate to the value of one's visit. This kind of museum-gallery founded for the love of nature and the arts and the desire to share them with everyone deserves our unequivocal support. It is Cebu's version of the Smithsonian but without the trimmings! Get ready to get educated at this wonderful facility.

Had a visit. Guide was very passionate and knowledgeable. A handy tip is to take perfume or cologne as the butterflies like the smell and will land on you. Really lovely that they preserve these lovely creatures.

Actually, a lot better than I thought it would be, bring your camera, lots of novel photo opportunities, you will see, including, really nice guides, they don't require a tip but do it anyway, a small gratuity, much appreciated and worth it.... So funny these large butterflies kept landing on my girl friends chest, great photos, wonder if they are trained to do this..... Also, the guide put two on her ears like ear rings, very gently as to not hurt them, a great photo....educational too... Lots of laughs and fun... I really did not want to go but really enjoyed the tour, does not take long either.

This is a private, family-run facility that is a great place for kids (and grown-ups) to learn some things we missed hearing in grade school. For the nature enthusiasts, there's the butterfly garden that is planted with food plants that attract butterflies to feed and breed here. Here is a chance to see some native plants with blooms that are frequented by local butterfly species, learn that the much hated caterpillars metamorphose into grandiose butterflies, that these winged beauties live only for a few days, and many other scientific facts all dished out by passionate guides who often are members of the family. There is an educational gallery that tells the stories about butterflies and moths, specimens beautifully mounted in glass frames and well labelled, including some ethnographic items that are part of the family heirloom. For the art enthusiasts, the gallery in another part of the residence contains some of the best examples of the artist's unique work notably the mosaics made out of salvaged butterfly wings. Some of these mosaics have found their way to the Vatican Museum, and some private galleries in the USA and Japan. The facilities are maintained as much as possible to the extent that the family can afford so you can see hand-made cardboard signs and feel the humidity slowly eating up the precious relics. A fully funded museum has money to address these issues but not this one. Although there is really no set admission fee, it is towards a noble cause and a gesture of appreciation, that people should give generous donations to the museum commensurate to the value of one's visit. This kind of museum-gallery founded for the love of nature and the arts and the desire to share them with everyone deserves our unequivocal support. It is Cebu's version of the Smithsonian but without the trimmings! Get ready to get educated at this wonderful facility.