Cebu
WELCOME TO CEBU!
White sand beaches, secluded island escapes, historical sites and amazing landmarks in a highly-urbanized province. What more can you ask for?
The province of Cebu is richly blessed in natural beauty and cultural heritage. It is a place where you can relax and get away from the stress of the bustling metropolis without actually missing the convenience and excitement of city life.
Enjoy the beautiful world-class beaches of Cebu… bask in the sun and savor the calmness of island living… but as soon as you feel the urge to hit the mall or experience some nightlife, remember that the city is just an hour’s drive away.
Island serenity plus city life – this is definitely one promising vacation!
OVERVIEW
Cebu is one of the best Asia-Pacific destinations in the world, according to the reputable travel authority, Conde Nast Travelers Magazine. Located at the heart of the Philippine archipelago, Cebu is the main gateway to other provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao.
Cebu is known for its beautiful beaches, dried mangoes, and excellent jewelry and furniture. The province is blessed with narrow coastlines, limestone plateaus, and coastal plains -- all characteristics of a typical tropical island. Cebu has the best of both worlds -- rustic and cosmopolitan. Its capital, Cebu City, also known as the Queen City of the South, and the oldest city in the country, is highly progressive with a growing number of businesses that were attracted by the island’s laid back but productive lifestyle. The latest in technology are here for business people while the beaches are always a few minutes away if one wants to relax and unwind.
Cebu is one of the most developed provinces in the Philippines and the center of commerce, trade, education and industry in the southern parts of the archipelago. Travelers can choose from a number of five-star hotels, white sand beaches, world-class golf courses, convention centers, and shopping malls.
GEOGRAPHY
The island of Cebu is approximately 587 kilometers south of Manila in the Central Visayas. Stretching 225 kilometers, it is bounded by Leyte and Bohol on its eastern side, and by Negros island on the west with the Tañon Strait flowing in between them.
The province of Cebu includes 167 neighboring islands, the better known parts are Mactan, Malapascua, Bantayan, and the Camotes Islands. Of the many small islands here, some are uninhabited which make it a great place to explore for adventurous travelers.
CLIMATE
Cebu's weather is relatively moderate, having no distinct wet and dry season, the perfect vacation spot for seasons. One can bask under the sunshine the whole year through since Cebu is blessed with a tropical climate with a generally fair temperature range of between 23 –33°C (73-91°F). The coolest temperature can be felt in January and warmest in May.
HOW TO GET THERE
By Air
Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour flight time from Manila to Mactan International Airport. Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines offer direct flights to Cebu from Manila.
International flights come in from Narita, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Incheon, Pusan, Taipei, Kota Kinabalu and Singapore.
Air Philippines
Reservation Hotline: (02) 855 9000
www.airphils.com
Cebu Pacific
Reservation Hotline: (02) 702 0888
www.cebupacificair.com
Philippine Airlines
Reservation Hotline: (02) 855 8888
www.philippineairlines.com
By Sea
Travel Time is approximately 22 hours by sea. WG&A Super Ferry services this route 6 times a week.
WG & A Superferry
Manila Tel. No. (02) 528 7000
WHAT TO SEE
Badian Island
Located 97 kilometers southwest of Cebu City, it is famous for beautiful coral reefs and white sandy beaches, making it an excellent diving spot. Accommodations is offered by the Badian Island Resort & Spa, a “AAA” class resort. It has established itself as a world-class international resort in Central Visayas.
Bantayan Island
The island is one of the 15 islands bunched up off the northwestern coast of the province and is 110 kilometers north of Cebu City. It is composed of the 3 municipalities: Madridejos, Santa Fe and Bantayan. It is known as the “Egg Basket of the Visayas” producing over 100 tons of eggs on a daily basis for distribution in the region. It is a popular destination during Holy Week: the island community received special permission from the Pope many years ago exempting this predominantly fishing community from having to abstain from meat during the Lenten season. However, the island’s most alluring features are its sandy white beaches, crystalline waters, and the peace and quiet this island paradise offers.
Basilica Minore Del Santo Niño
This 16th century church is the seat of Christianity in the Philippines. It was built on
the exact site where the image of the black Sto. Niño (Child Jesus), Cebu’s patron saint, was discovered. The church was built by Fray Andres de Urdaneta in 1565. The Sto. Niño is the oldest religious relic in the Philippines. Magellan gave him to Queen Juana, wife of Rajah Humabon, as a baptismal gift in 1521. After the Spaniards had left the country, it was found encased and preserved in a wooden box after a fire set by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi’s men to fight off rebels engulfed the settlement in 1565. The Santo Niño’s survival after experiencing many fires and other catastrophes throughout the years is a miracle in itself. In 1965, Pope Paul VI elevated it to the category of minor basilica after 400 years of Christianity in the Philippines.
Location: Osmeña Boulevard
Casa Gorordo Museum
It is the home of the first Filipino Bishop of Cebu - Juan Gorordo (1862-1934). Now under the Aboitiz Foundation, the house has been restored and outfitted as a house museum that showcases the elegant lifestyle of the 19th century. Porcelain, liturgical items and photographs of old Cebu are also on display.
Location: 35 Lopez Jaena St., Cebu City
Colon Street
This is the oldest street in the Philippines built by the Spaniards under Miguel
Lopez de Legazpi. Named after Christopher Columbus, the street is also known as the Parian District which is now a bustling hub of retail stores.
Location: Downtown Cebu City
Fort San Pedro
Fort San Pedro is the oldest and smallest fort in the Philippines built in 1565. It was originally a log and earth structure built to ward-off attacks from marauding pirates and native
Cebuanos. Later, the 2,025-square meter fort was rebuilt with hard stone walls measuring 8 inches thick and 20 meters high, with an entrance towering at 30 meters. During the American occupation of the Philippines, the fort served as a barracks. By 1950, the fort became the Cebu Garden Club and for a time also housed the Cebu City Zoo.
Location: Pier Area, Cebu City
Fort San Pedro National Museum
On display here are artifacts taken from the old Spanish Galleon, San Diego, found within the deep sea of Fortune Island, off the coast of Nasugbo in Batangas. Precious artifacts on display include porcelain pieces of all sizes from the Ming Dynasty. Artifacts excavated within Fort San Pedro’s premises are also found here including lockets, swords fragments, canons and helmets.
Location: Legaspi Extension, Cebu City
Kawasan Falls
Located in Badian island, a visitor is refreshed with the coolness of surrounding lush greenery amidst picturesque waterfalls. Budget to moderate rate accommodations are available in the area.
Lapu-Lapu Monument
Lapu-Lapu is the first Filipino leader to resist Spanish attempts of colonization. He has a bronze monument that stands proudly at the site where he defended his land’s freedom in the great battle between him and conquistador Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.
Location: Barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Island
Mactan Island
Blessed with an abundance of natural beauty from its white sand beaches, Mactan Island is located across Cebu City. Mactan Island also serves as a jump-off point for diving sites in surrounding islets.
Magellan’s Cross
Planted by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan on April 21, 1521, the Cross of Magellan marks the spot where Cebu’s local chieftain Rajah Humabon and his followers were baptized by Fr. Pedro Valderama. From 1525 to 1740, the Augustinians built an open shrine in the area. An encasement made of “tindalo” wood now protects the original cross. It can be viewed in the pavilion near the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño.
Location: Magallanes Street, Cebu City
Magellan’s Marker
This marks the spot where Ferdinand Magellan fell into the hands of Mactan island’s local chieftain, Lapu-Lapu, during the Great Battle of Mactan. The marker is found approximately 20 kilometers outside of Cebu City.
Location: Barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Island.
Malapascua Island
Located north of Bantayan Island is the idyllic island of Malapascua. The waters surrounding the island are replete with marine life making it a diving haven. Its waters boast of a diverse marine life with thresher sharks, white tip sharks, mantas and several wreck dives.
Moalboal Island
More than the usual sun, sea and sand island, Moalboal is a paradise known for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. It is one of the most popular and prime diving spots in Asia particularly the waters surrounding Pescador Island. Moalboal is 89 kilometers southwest of Cebu City.
Olango Wildlife Sanctuary
Olango Island is a pit stop for migratory birds flying south to Australia and New Zealand from Siberia, China, and Japan during winter time from September to November and they pass through Olango again from March to May on their way back to their breeding grounds in the northern hemisphere. This is a nature and bird lover’s paradise. The sanctuary also has 1,000 hectares of mangroves and sand flats on Olango’s southern shores. It is also a breeding ground for fish. It would be best to call beforehand to ask when the best time to see them as the wild birds only come to the shore during low tide. Contact the local Department of Environment and Natural Resources at telephone number (32) 346-917.
Sumilon Island
Located in the southern part of the province, this tranquil island features a sandbar that seasonally changes its shape and location. Measuring only 24 hectares, it is also the first marine protected area in the country and was made a fish sanctuary in 1974. The island is also a jump-off point to several popular dive sites around the area. It can be reached by land after a 3-hour scenic drive through rural and Spanish era towns boasting of centuries old churches and “baluartes.” It can also be quickly accessed from Manila via a flight to Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental and a 20-minute pump boat ride to the island.
The Taoist Temple
Situated in the northern hill overlooking the city, the temple represents the large Chinese population in Cebu. It has an interesting architectural design by Chinese standards.There is a replica of the Great Wall of China that consists of huge and colorful dragons, spacious balconies offering scenic views. The temple preserves the teachings of Lao-Tse, the 600 B.C. Chinese philosopher. Devotees would climb its 99 steps to light joss sticks and have their fortune read.
Location: Beverly Hills
TOPS
This area in Cebu gives the best panoramic view of Metro Cebu, Mactan and Olango islands. Set on top of a hill, the place has cottages for those who want to go on a picnic or dinner with their families and loved ones. Evenings are especially beautiful here especially when one sees the lights from the islands glowing. TOPS is about 14 kilometers away from Cebu city’s downtown area.
Location: Busay Hills, Lahug, Cebu City
WHAT TO DO
Canyoning
Cebu and its limestone mountains provide an ideal place for spectacular canyoning in crystal clear tropical rivers. Though difficult to access in densely forested mountain valleys, these places offer nature in its purest form. Several tours are offered, one is more basic and one more for adventurers seeking an adrenaline rush. Jumps from heights up to 8 meters and several waterfalls higher than 30 meters challenge even the most adventurous tourist.
Caving
There are abundant cave systems on Cebu Island, many of them yet to be explored. Tour operators provide the necessary knowledge and equipment like lights, harness and helmet.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Next to the friendly residents, scuba diving is the biggest asset of the Philippines. Explore a fascinating world of corals, anemones, sponges and a swarming host of brightly colored reef fish any time of the year. Clownfish, batfish, groupers and turtles will keep you company.
Spa
Some of the best resorts around Cebu City are also the locations for some of the best spas in the Philippines. After a day under the sun, treat yourself to a relaxing massage and allow the experts to soothe your senses.
Swimming
Some of the best white sand beaches in the Philippines are located in Cebu. Mactan and Sumilon Islands are some of the best choices for fun under the sun. AAA resorts can be found around these islands, offering the best accommodations in the province.
Water Sports
Choose from various water sports and pump up your adrenalin as you enjoy the waters of Cebu!
WHERE TO EAT
Choices for mouth-watering food in Cebu from high-end, moderate, and budget dining restaurants are endless. Everything is reasonably priced with big amount of servings and good quality of food.
The restaurants located within Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa are must-tries.
Apart from Filipino restaurants, Cebu has a wide array of international restaurants from Asian to continental. Travelers with limited budget or time in the city may also settle in any nearby barbecue stalls. Simply pull a chair, order a “
puso” - rice wrapped in coconut leaves, barbecue and a beer and it will cap a simple but delightful meal time. Don’t forget to try Cebu’s native longanisa, which are made of sweet and spicy ground pork.
Sutukil in Mactan Island has been a famous tourist attraction. This is where you can find a variety of stalls lined-up serving fresh seafoods. Just take your pick of seafood and you can have it cooked at any of the restaurants within the complex. Remember, your visit to Cebu will never be complete if you do not try a fresh mango juice or shake.
WHERE TO SHOP
Shopping is a national pastime and a variety of malls in Cebu are available, providing visitors with local products, handicrafts, dried fruits and native delicacies as well as souvenir gifts and items. The big malls here are Gaisano, SM Cebu City and Ayala Center Cebu.
Ayala Center Cebu
Ayala Center Cebu offers only the best shopping, dining, and entertainment experience complemented by the surrounding greenery. At the center of this development is a seamless indoor-outdoor garden experience that remains unmatched in Southern Philippines.
Artevalman Handicraft Market
This is one of the most popular places for souvenir shopping in Cebu.
Carbon Market
Visit this bargain hunter’s dream. This market is popular among local Cebuanos for its handicrafts, sweets, fruits, flowers, vegetables, meat and dried seafood products
Taboan Market
This market is famous for the local favorite, dried fish
WHERE TO STAY
Alegre Beach Resort
Located 90 minutes from Mactan International Airport on the northeastern coast of Cebu, the resort offers Filipino-Spanish inspired air-conditioned cottages nestled in a lush tropical setting with ocean and private garden views. Guests can stroll through its coconut grove or on its 3 private beaches. Its house reef also offers a spectacular experience for a 100-foot wall dive. Water activities include snorkeling, diving, jet skiing, windsurfing, and kayaking. Outdoor activities include bird watching, trekking, and mountain biking. There are also tennis courts, a putting green, a game room and a library. Conference and banquet facilities are also available
Hotels
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