Cebu Philippines Travel and Tourist guide
Kawasan Falls are perfect for a cool dip
A tropical playground right at the heart of the Philippines, Cebu is an ideal hideaway for tourists looking for nature, culture and history. The island’s capital is one of the most developed metropolitan areas outside of Manila. Cebu City or 'The Queen City of the South' is also the unofficial capital of the Visayan Islands, and is the oldest in the country.
Steeped in fascinating history, Cebu is also home to some of the best heritage areas in the Philippines. A popular tourist destination frequented by local and foreign visitors alike, the city boasts charming nature parks, stunning beaches, bustling entertainment areas and cultural attractions.
There are several major tourist spots in Cebu, including Mactan and Badian Islands as well as the city itself. Getting into the ancient city is easy because it is home to the country’s busiest port area and is a major international gateway. While it offers all the comforts of a modern metropolis, Cebu also manages to keep its historic significance. The city is also home to some of the most well known historic destinations in the country, including the Magellan’s Cross, Fort Santiago, the Lapu-Lapu Monument, as well as the oldest street in the country, Colon Street.
Tartanilla rides, trekking its hillsides as well as soaking the sun are just some of the unique experiences to be had in this bustling city. Being one of the most developed urban areas outside of the metro, Cebu is also lined with large scale shopping malls, casinos, restaurants plus amusement and entertainment parks. The city also has the liveliest nightlife while large scale hotels also swarm its high end streets.
Cebu Activities
A great mix of activities and tourist spots are available in the city as well as the surrounding countryside. More on Cebu attractions.
Lapu Lapu is a proud hero in Cebu
Beaches and sea: Cebu is home to a great deal of beaches not only in Mactan Island but in the surrounding areas too. A short drive from the city is Olango Island, where great white sandy beaches await. Nearby is Kansatik, which is famous for its underwater mountain, adorned with colourful fishes, sponge and coral. Sagod to the north of the city is also one of the best cavernous areas in the island and is home to beautiful dive sites. The Capitancillo and Calanggaman islets are also great locations, along with the Gato Islet - famous for its lagoons. The ultimate destinations for sun seekers are located some two hours from the city – the picturesque beaches of Mahawak, Mahayahay and Kawit.
Diving, snorkelling and bird watching: The best place to do all these is Olango, along with its six satellite islands. The area is ideal for bird watching, being on the path of several migratory species, while opportunities for scuba diving and snorkelling are also at hand. Other major diving destinations to visit around the island include the Badian Island and Moalboal, both of which are famous for their underwater attractions. More Cebu activities.
Catch the Sinulog Festival: One of the most famous and colourful festivals in the Philippines, the Sinulog Festival is annually held in Cebu on the third Sunday of January. It is a celebration of religious and cultural value, honouring the child Christ. The celebration involves street parties, parades and all night dancing.
Enjoy the scenes: From the Second Mactan Bridge, you canlook over some of the most charming views of Cebu City and its skyline. If you want to experience the city in a different high, try the Xtreme Rides from the Crown Regency Cebu, the tallest tower in the city, which offers breathtaking views of the town through a walk around the building’s edge.
The Tops is also a popular vantage point. It is right at the peak of Mount Busay, offering the wildest views of the city. You may take a bike, trek up, or hire a taxi to reach the summit.
Shopping: Outside of Manila, Cebu probably has some of the largest shopping centres and entertainment precincts. SM City Cebu as well as the Ayala Centre Cebu both offer great selections of luxury shopping areas, boutiques, fine dining, and entertainment.
Cebu restaurants
From street stalls to fine dining restaurants, Cebu has it all. Great delicacies, cuisine, pastries as well as local treats can be tasted in one of the many bistros, restaurants and food outlets in the city. Among the most sought after delicacies in town are SuTuKil or Sugba-Tula-Kilaw, a combination of grilled seafood, soup and broth and pickled vinegar, and the famous Cebu Lechon or roasted suckling pig.
Among the best places to go for Sutukil is the area near the Mactan Shrine, where you could have the local delicacy anyway you like. For authentic Filipino dishes, you can head to Cafe Laguna and the Golden Cowrie, both found in major malls in the city. The Spice Fusion is famous for their Asian Cuisine, while Chinese treats can be sampled in the Harbour City Dimsum. If you want authentic Cebuano street food, you may go to Larsians, which specialises in local delicacies. More Cebu restaurants.
Cebu nightlife
Anywhere from the metropolitan Cebu’s downtown and uptown area, you will find upbeat bars and night places, from music cafes, discos and casinos. Great karaoke places also abound in the streets of Lahug, while restobars and sports bars are also aplenty. Filipinos love to laugh, so it’s no surprise that there are plenty of comedy bars in the city. More Cebu nightlife and bars.
Accommodation in Cebu
There is a wide range of hotel options for tourists in the city, from budget travellers to those who want a luxurious stay. Among the best budget accommodations in the city are the Gran Prix Econotel Cebu and the Cebuview Tourist Inn. Travellers with mid-range budgets could choose among the Alpa City Suites Hotel and the Alta Cebu Resort, among others. Those with extra money to spare can splurge in the likes of the Crown Regency Suites Mactan and the Island and Sun Beach Resort. More Cebu hotels.
Getting to Cebu
A wide range of direct scheduled and daily flights to Cebu’s Mactan International Airport can be taken from Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The Cebu City Domestic Port, on the other hand, offers connections to Manila and other prime cities like Davao, Zamboanga, and Cagayan de Oro. More Cebu transportation.
