CCLEX Cebu
Bridges are often seen as just roads that connect places—but what if one could offer an unforgettable travel experience? The Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), spanning nearly 9 kilometers over the water, offers exactly that. And no, you don’t have to drive to enjoy it. You can actually walk it, and trust me—it’s a stunning adventure.
In this post, I’ll take you through my early morning bridge walk on CCLEX Cebu, highlighting everything from panoramic views and modern safety features to the peaceful rhythm of walking between sea and sky. It’s not just an infrastructure marvel—it’s a sunrise escape route right in the heart of Cebu.
🏙️ What Makes CCLEX Cebu Special?
CCLEX Cebu is the longest bridge in the Philippines to date, connecting Cebu City to the town of Cordova on Mactan Island. Since its inauguration in 2022, it has served as a vital traffic solution and a symbol of progress. But beyond cars and tolls, CCLEX Cebu also invites walkers and cyclists to enjoy its dedicated pedestrian lane—something rare in large-scale bridges across the country.
It’s well-paved, secure, and scenic—the perfect mix for anyone wanting to experience Cebu from a fresh perspective.
☀️ A Sunrise Start: The First Steps
I arrived at the foot of the bridge before 6:00 AM. The city was still half-asleep, but the sky was already blooming with soft oranges and pastel blues. A cool breeze greeted me as I stepped onto the pedestrian path near the South Road Properties (SRP) entrance. Despite the expressway nearby, the atmosphere was peaceful.
Security signs were posted clearly, and CCTV notices were present throughout. The presence of an emergency assistance terminal reassured me—it wasn’t just a walk, it was a safe walk.
📷 Sights Along the Walk
As I continued my stroll across the bridge, here are the striking scenes and moments that stood out:
🧱 1. Rock Shoreline and Urban Horizon
The first part of the walk offered a close look at the rocky shoreline and the distant skyline of Cebu. Skyscrapers peeked above the green hills, contrasting beautifully with the quiet sea.
🚨 2. Emergency Booths & Monitoring Systems
Halfway along the walk, I passed a bright red emergency call box. These booths are equipped with cameras and a push-button system in case of distress. Seeing this showed me how pedestrian-friendly and responsive the CCLEX Cebu authorities have made this bridge.
🛣️ 3. The Road That Rises
Gradually, the path began to elevate. From below sea level views, I was suddenly among the sky cables and towers. The cable-stayed portion of the bridge is both visually stunning and structurally impressive. Walking under its towering vertical cables felt like walking through a futuristic gate.
🌅 4. Glorious Light and Sea Reflections
Perhaps the most memorable part of the walk was watching the sun rise as it reflected on the water below. The sky was painted in gold and silver, and the wind whispered calmly in my ears. It felt meditative—almost spiritual.
🚶♂️ Who Should Walk the CCLEX Cebu?
This bridge walk isn’t just for fitness buffs. It’s great for:
- Locals looking for a new way to experience their city.
- Tourists wanting an offbeat, non-touristy activity.
- Solo travelers or runners craving inspiration and motion.
- Couples or friends wanting to share a calming yet empowering walk.
Just make sure you’re comfortable with walking around 8–9 kilometers one way. It’s flat, but it’s long.
⚠️ Important Tips Before You Walk
Here’s how to make your CCLEX walk safe and enjoyable:
- Wear athletic shoes – You’ll thank yourself later.
- Start early – Between 5 AM to 7 AM is ideal for low traffic and less heat.
- Bring water – There are no refilling stations along the route.
- Pack light – A small sling bag or fanny pack is enough.
- Follow signage – There are clear rules for motorcycles, pedestrians, and vehicles.
- Mind the weather – Avoid walking during heavy winds or rain.
📍 Ending at Cordova: More to Explore
After an hour and a half of walking and photo stops, I reached the Cordova exit point. A bright green road sign confirmed I was now in Mactan Island, near MCIA (Mactan-Cebu International Airport).
From here, you can:
- Take a tricycle or grab ride back into town,
- Visit nearby coastal eateries for a hearty local breakfast,
- Or simply rest and watch the waves.
If you’re planning a roundtrip walk, make sure to hydrate and stretch before heading back.
🚫 When Not to Walk the Bridge
Despite being amazing, there are times when you should avoid the walk:
- During hot midday sun (10 AM–3 PM)
- If you’re with small children or elderly
- On stormy or rainy days
- If you’re not comfortable walking long distances
🌅 Why This Bridge Walk is Worth It
There’s something powerful about walking through a space built for speed, but experiencing it slowly. The CCLEX reminded me that beauty doesn’t always lie in the destination—sometimes, it’s in the footsteps, pauses, and sunrise views you catch along the way.
It gave me time to reflect, appreciate local development, and see Cebu from an entirely new angle. As bridges go, CCLEX is more than concrete and steel—it’s a canvas for experience.
If you live in Cebu or are just visiting, I highly recommend dedicating one morning to this walk. It’s budget-friendly, incredibly photogenic, and will leave you with clearer thoughts and full phone storage from all the photos you’ll take!Have you tried walking the CCLEX? Drop your experience in the comments below, or tag @mixofdaysblog on Instagram or Facebook. I’d love to feature your story in a follow-up post.
