Touted as the “Queen City of the South,” Cebu will take you on an adventure that you’ll always remember long before you leave the place. It has an interesting mix of relaxed provincial airs and urban feels that let you experience a modern, yet idyllic setting worth your every time, effort, and money.  

At A Glance

Cebu stands as one of the country’s key commerce and tourist destinations. It is well-known for hosting several modern industries such as business processing services and furniture-making. The great thing about this progressive area is that it retained its cultural and historical background, which gives Cebu its distinct appeal.

The province’s prime location in the Visayas also makes it an ideal place to start your journey to other tourist destinations in the region and even in Mindanao. What are you waiting for? Check out the endless attractions that Cebu offers as soon as you can.

How to Go  

By plane

Flying is the fastest and easier way to reach Cebu. From Manila, it will only take you less than an hour and a half by plane. There are daily flights from international and local airlines such as Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific, and Philippine Airlines going to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

By boat/ferry

Home to one of the major ports in the Philippines, the Port of Cebu, you might want to go in the province via ferries. This kind of transportation is best if you’re taking a long vacation and enjoy the sea. There are regular trips from Manila or Batangas from local sea-travel providers like 2Go Travel and Sulpicio Lines.

Getting Around

Like most provinces and other small towns in the country, Cebu’s popular mode of transportation includes tricycles and jeepneys.

If you’re going solo or are less than three in a group, the motorized tricycle can conveniently take you around. But you can also ride in one of the jeepneys plying around the streets of Cebu since the fare is cheaper. A larger group will also be more comfortable riding a jeepney.

For those who want to travel a bit more in style, you can hail taxi cabs. There are some drivers who offer whole day services if you want comfort and convenience in one when touring Cebu.

Tourist Attractions

Given Cebu’s rich past, historical landmarks are a popular attraction in the area. Magellan’s Cross is an important site in Cebu that symbolizes the mark of a new era in the province’s religion when its locals converted to Christianity. Most visitors go here to light a candle and offer a prayer.  Other favorites for history buffs are the Basilica del Santo Niño, Museo Sugbo, and Yap-San Diego Ancestral House.

There are many sandy beaches, breathtaking islands, and great diving spots found in several parts of Cebu. As such, island hopping appeals to many visitors. From the white sand beach of Bantayan Island to the idyllic Olango Island to the gorgeous Lilo-an and Sumilon Island, beach lovers have a lot of amazing options to choose from.

Meanwhile, the Sinulog Festival draws thousands of tourists every year. This nine-day lively celebration commemorates the Child Jesus and features many activities including a dance parade.

Top Things to Do

When in Cebu, there are many types of escapades and activities for all kinds of travelers. Whether it’s on land, sea, or air, you won’t be disappointed with the list of things you can do in this memorable destination.

Love thrilling adventures? The Sky Walk Extreme offered at the Crown Regency Hotel will let you walk on translucent glass flooring that’s situated 126.55 meters high above the busy streets. Does swimming with sharks get you pumped up? Diving in Malapascua Island gives you a chance to interact with thresher sharks.

Your Cebu trip will not be completed without pigging (pun intended) on lechon, which is a roast pig in Filipino. This savory delicacy is considered as one of the country’s yummiest and juiciest lechons.

Where to Eat

Looking for authentic Cebu lechon? Rico’s has always been a top favorite among locals, and tourists, and even those not in Cebu. Taste this juicy goodness for less than P200 for a single order or around P600 if you’re with a group. For other much loved Filipino dishes, you can try Café Laguna’s kare-kare or Abuhan’s beef pochero specialty.

For those with more sophisticated palates, grab lunch or dinner at any of the savory offerings from Cebu’s top hotel restaurants including Café Marco and Shangri-La Mactan’s Tides.  

Nightlife

If you feel like partying in Cebu, you’ll certainly warm up to Cebu City’s vibrant nightlife. This modern side of the town features lively bars and hipster restaurants where you can drink and party all night long with your group or newfound friends.

The party almost never stops whether you go to Cebu IT Park and Mango Square. Or you can head over to Crossroads or Blu Bar & Grill if you’re looking for a bit sophisticated nightlife. While the happenings usually start at nine or 10 in the evening, they can last until the wee hours of the morning or who knows when.

Where to Stay

There are numerous accommodations in Cebu that will any type of budget. Backpackers can opt to stay in one of Cebu’s many affordable guesthouses, lodging inns, resorts, and even budget hotels. If you have extra money for your hotel, choose to stay in something nicer such as the Crown Regency Residences. There are many types of rooms to choose from even if you're a group of six. For those who can splurge on a room, you can check in at one of the luxury hotels in Cebu such as Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, Crown Regency Hotel, or Radisson Blu Cebu. 

Travel Tips  

• Focus on a few specific destinations in Cebu to appreciate your visit more.

• Don’t forget to slather on sun block when going around.

• Locals will typically converse with you only in Bisaya (Visayan) or English. So it might help to learn simple Bisaya words that you think you’ll need.