It is the Philippines’ most densely-populated island and is second to Luzon only in terms of strategic importance and economic impact. This is one of the most prosperous regions in the country – in recent years of up to growth rate was 8.8%, considerably higher than the national average. Cebu is a hotbed of tourism, attracting almost two million foreign tourists a year. The island is known for its white-sand beach and spectacular diving. This is especially true at the northern tip, at Malapascua, and on the southwest coast, at Moalboal. Cebu City has a lively bar scene, new eateries, and a growing retail appeal.
Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
Cebu’s holiest church houses a revered Flemish statuette of the Christ child (Santo Niño) that dates to Magellan’s time. The church has faced many hardships. It was established in 1565 as the first church of the Philippines, but three previous structures were destroyed by a fire. The current baroque building was constructed in 1737. Its façade and belfry suffered severe damage in the 2013 earthquake, but have now been restored.
The church’s incendiary history may be attributed to the perpetual bonfire of candle in its courtyard, which is stoked every day by pilgrims and other worshippers. They venerate an image of Jesus the infant, hidden in a chapel on the left side of the altar. It is believed to date back to Magellan’s time, and to be miraculous. (It probably had to be, to survive all of those fires.) The image is displayed every year as the centerpiece of Cebu’s biggest annual event, Sinulog Festival.
On Sundays and Fridays, the street outside the church is closed to vehicular traffic, all-day outdoor masses are held and the basilica turns into a sea of pilgrims, water sellers and replica Santo Niño salespeople.
Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary
Olango Island, located just 20 minutes away from Mactan via public bangkas, is home to an important wildlife reserve. Taking in 1030 hectares of sand flats and mangroves on Olango’s southern shores, the sanctuary supports the largest concentration of migratory birds found in the Philippines – 48 species (including the rare Chinese egret, the Asiatic dowitcher and several species of sandpiper and plover).
Timing is key. The peak months are October to November for the southward East Asian–Australasian migration, and February to March for the northward leg. Visit at low tide when birds flock to the sandflats to feed on worms and snails. From May to August there aren’t that many birds, but it is still a stunning place and worth a trip. Island Buzz Philippines also offers kayaking in mangroves.
The sanctuary is located 15 minutes away from Olango’s Santa Rosa Pier by tricycle. (Around P180 roundtrip with an hour of waiting time).
Museo Sugbo
This museum is housed in an old, sturdy building made of coral stone that served as Cebu’s Provincial Jail from 1870 until 2004. The rooms are divided into eras from Cebu’s rich history. The American-era exhibit contains a collection of letters from Thomas Sharpe and other memorabilia. Thomas Sharpe is one of 1065 Thomasites who arrived at the beginning of the American period, to fulfill President McKinley’s promise to ‘educate Filipinos’.
In the upstairs WWII gallery, you’ll find an American bomb that fell in Cebu. You’ll also find Japanese propaganda newspapers as well as a Purple Heart and Bronze Star awarded to Uldrico Cabahug. The museum complex has a gift shop and a cafe.
