Cebu is the center around which the Visayas revolve. Cebu is the Philippines’ most densely populated and strategic island, second only to Luzon. This is one of the most prosperous regions in the country – the 2016 growth rate was 8.8%, considerably higher than the national average.
Cebu is a booming tourist destination, attracting almost two million international travellers each year. The island’s main attractions are its white sand beaches and spectacular dive sites, mainly off the northern tip at Malapascua or down on the southwest coastline at Moalboal. Cebu City has a lively bar scene, new eateries, and a growing retail appeal.
Must-see Attractions
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. The 2013 earthquake severely damaged its facade and belfry, but they have 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. Their object of veneration is a picture of the infant Jesus sequestered in the chapel to the right 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 as many birds, but this sanctuary is still worth a visit.
Island Buzz Philippines also offers kayaking in mangroves. The sanctuary can be reached in 15 minutes by tricycle from Olango’s Santa Rosa pier (around P180 for the round trip and an hour or more of waiting).
Museo Sugbo
This museum has several galleries housed in a solid old coral-stone structure that was Cebu’s provincial jail between 1870 and 2004. The rooms are devoted to different eras of Cebu’s past. The American-era Gallery contains a collection of letters from Thomas Sharpe and other memorabilia. Thomas Sharpe was one of 1065 teachers, known as Thomasites, who arrived during the early days of American rule 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. In the museum’s compound, there is a café and a gift store.
How to get to Cebu City
Plan
The Mactan Cebu International Airport is a modern facility which handles both domestic flights and international flights. It is located at Lapu-Lapu City in Mactan Island. It’s just over nine miles from Cebu City via the Central Nautical Highway. MyBus offers regular service daily to the SM City Mall for ₱25. An official yellow airport taxi to town typically costs about ₱400-500.
Cars
You’ll need patience and stamina if you want to navigate the traffic around Cebu City. Also, many of the smaller nearby islands are not accessible by car. Cebu City has an active port and offers ferry connections to Manila and Butuan City. Some of these trips can accommodate cars. The Central Nautical Highway skirts Cebu Island’s coast, connecting Cebu City with Mandaue City, and beyond, to the north and Naga, and beyond, to the south. Cebu-Toledo Wharf Road crosses the island’s mountains and connects to Toledo City.
Bus
Cebu City serves as a hub for bus transportation around the island. Ceres Liner offers air-conditioned services to Bato, among other places. Other major companies are Jegans Transport, Gabe Transport, Metrolink, and others.
Cebu City Accommodations
Both the Radisson Blu Cebu and Harolds Hotel are stylish, modern properties located in downtown Cebu City. They offer first-class amenities and convenient locations. The Marco Polo Plaza Cebu offers stunning views of the city on a stylish patio terrace. Choose Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino for the thrill of gaming without having to leave your room. Many rooms offer great views.
Popular Neighborhoods of Cebu City
- Colon is the downtown area that revolves around Colon Street. This is said to the be the oldest and the shortest street in the entire country. Here you’ll also find the majority of the city’s historic sites, such as the historic Fort San Pedro or the iconic Magellan’s Cross. There are also many budget-friendly hotel options in this area, like the Cebu Century Hotel.
- Fuente Osmena, a park in the heart of town at the Fuente Osmena intersection, has been a local meeting place for more than a hundred years. It is also a hub for commercial activities, with the Mango Square Mall, the ultra-modern Robinsons Galleria Cebu and the Carcar Public Market offering cheap street food.
- Mactan Island is a neighboring island where you can find some of the best beaches in the area. There are many luxury hotels and resorts here like Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, along with connections to water-based activities.
