Perrelos Century-old Acacia Trees
A roughly 3.2-kilometer stretch of century-old acacia trees arching over the national highway in Barangay Perrelos, Carcar City.
The overview
About Perrelos Century-old Acacia Trees
The Perrelos acacia trees form a shaded canopy over roughly 3.2 kilometers of the national highway in Barangay Perrelos, Carcar City, stretching from Sitio Dunggoan to Sitio Kamagayan. The trees date to around 1915, when Claude Russell, then district engineer of the Bureau of Public Works in Cebu, oversaw the planting of acacia along 58 kilometers of first-class roads across the province as part of an early American-era road-beautification program. Most of Cebu's original roadside acacia elsewhere fell to war damage or later road projects, but the Perrelos trees survived in large part because southern Cebu was spared the worst destruction of the 1945 Liberation, when retreating Japanese forces moved north ahead of the American landing. The surviving row became a rare, intact stretch of century-old roadside acacia in the province. In 2019, an online petition drawing roughly 11,000 signatures helped persuade the Department of Public Works and Highways to reroute a planned road-widening project rather than cut the trees down, cementing their status as a protected piece of local heritage. Drivers heading along the South Road today still pass beneath the arching canopy, one of the more distinctive roadside sights in southern Cebu.
What makes it worth it
Highlights
- Acacia trees planted circa 1915 under an American-era road program
- Roughly 3.2 km of tree-lined national highway
- Survived WWII destruction that hit northern Cebu harder
- Saved from a road-widening project by a 2019 petition
- One of southern Cebu's most photographed roadside sights
- 1 Best viewed from a passing vehicle or a brief roadside stop; there are no formal parking areas, so pull over carefully. Early morning or late afternoon light works well for photos. Location approximate — confirm on arrival.
Wayfinder route
How to get there
From Cebu City South Bus Terminal, take a bus or van heading south along the Cebu South Road; the tree-lined stretch runs through Barangay Perrelos just before or after Carcar proper, depending on route (about 1-1.5 hours from Cebu City).
Nearby on the chart
Where to stay & eat nearby
CNT Lechon
₱₱Carcar City
Famous traditional lechon restaurant in the Lechon Capital of Cebu.
View & BookJoyful Lechon
₱₱Carcar City
Popular lechon restaurant with traditional Carcar roasting style.
View & BookCarcar Lechon Row
₱Carcar City
Row of lechon vendors along the highway, each with unique recipes.
View & BookCarcar Rotunda & Heritage Marker
₱Carcar City
Iconic plaza with lechon statue and heritage marker in city center.
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Entrance Fee
Free
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours (public road)
Duration
15-30 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
Best Time to Visit
Early morning or late afternoon for photography; year-round.
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