Travellers arriving in Cebu may think they are in a crowded, traffic-clogged city in the Philippines. It is easy to understand why people want to get out of Cebu City as quickly as possible, with the beautiful tropical islands and beaches just offshore. If you take the time and explore Cebu, you will discover a few cultural treasures.
Cebu City
Referred to as the ‘Queen City of the South,’ Cebu is home to an estimated one million people and is actually the oldest city in the Philippines. Cebu has a vibrant nightlife, shopping malls and busy international air and water ports. But if you dig deeper, it also has a rich religious history and rich religious heart. In fact, the city claims it was the birthplace of Christianity in the Philippines.
Moalboal
Moalboal lies further south, around 2.5 hours drive from Cebu Main. The best diving and snorkelling is found at Pescador Island, which has beautiful coral reefs and crystal clear waters. Panagsama Beach has a number of bars, restaurants, and budget accommodation. Inland there are some amazing treasures to explore such as the beautiful Kawasan Waterfall…
Mactan Island
Mactan Island has exclusive luxury resorts that would immediately eat up the savings of most backpackers! Mactan Island is becoming increasingly popular with wealthy Korean tourists. It also serves as the island’s primary airport.
Cebu has many things to do
1. See Magellan Cross
Ferdinand Magellan, a Spanish conquistador who arrived in Cebu in 1521, planted a wooden Cross as a sign to convert the native Cebuanos. The plaque next the cross, which states that it is authentic, confirms this. Although most historians agree with the claim that the original wooden crosses were burned by the locals after Magellan’s departure. The cross is housed inside an octagonal building in Plaza Sugbo.
2. Visit the Basilica of Santo Niño
Basilica, a tourist attraction in Cebu that dates back to 1565 and is a must-visit for those who are interested in the fascinating religious histories of the Philippines. The church contains a sacred statue of Santo Niño (translating as ‘Holy Child,’ Jesus) which is believed to have been presented to the Queen of Cebu by the Spanish conquistador, Ferdinand Magellan. Many Filipinos come to the Basilica for prayer.
3. Visit the dancing inmates
The dancing prisoner of Cebu is a cultural phenomenon. Travellers in Cebu can see this show on the last Saturday of each month. The inmates perform to popular songs, including Justin Bieber and Michael Jackson, and have become world-famous for their performance! And, it’s good for prison morale too – apparently, the crime rate inside dropped 80% during rehearsals for the show and the community dancing has continued to improve prison health, behaviour and spirit.
4. Enjoy a spectacular Filipino Festival
The Philippines is home to so many festivals that you will always be in the right spot at the right moment. Sinulog takes place every third Sunday of January in Cebu. It is one of the largest, loudest, and most colourful festivals of the Philippines. The festival is devoted to Santo Nino or Jesus the child, as Cebuanos commemorate their conversion from paganism towards Christianity.
5. Island hopping is a great way to explore the world!
The gorgeous tropical Visayas Islands are made up of 167 islands surrounding the main island Cebu. If the heat of the city is too much and shopping malls aren’t your thing, a short boat ride will take you to islands with palm trees and deserted beaches. Malapascua has been voted one of Southeast Asia’s 50 best islands!Bohol, Panglao Island, Siquijor, and Bantayan Island have become popular among backpackers!
6. Visit “Tops”
For an incredible view of the city and the surrounding islands, head to the area, famously known as ‘Tops’ which lies at the ‘top’ (surprisingly) of Mount Busay. You can either hike, bike or take a motorbike up to the top. Visit at sunset to enjoy the most breathtaking view.
7. Snorkeling off Cebu and diving on the coast
Moalboal has become a world-famous diving destination in the Philippines, Southeast Asia and beyond for its incredible underwater wildlife. There are many dive shops that offer a range of courses from beginners to advanced. The big attraction here is the ‘sardine run’ – huge shoals of sardines that can be seen all year round. Moalboal has white sandy beaches and clear waters with abundant coral reefs.
Cebu is accessible by plane
Cebu Pacific Air flights are very affordable and only take an hour to reach Cebu. The main airport is home to daily flights within the Philippines as well as Cebu Pacific Air flights out of Singapore and Hong Kong.
Boat: Cebu City has the most active port in the Philippines. From here, you can connect with the majority of shipping companies, including those that go from Cebu to Manila or Davao. Boats are very cheap and are a great choice for travellers with plenty of time.
What’s next?
Bohol and Panglao Island: are tropical islands that are only a two-hour ferry ride from Cebu. Bohol is famous for its chocolate hills. You can also see the smallest primate in the world, go snorkeling, diving or just relax at a beautiful white sand beach.
Malapascua Island: A four-hour bus ride from Cebu city and you will find yourself in the small and beautiful island of Malapascua, famous for dives with ‘thresher sharks.’
Bantayan Island: Bantayan is a great place to experience the authentic island life. You’ll also get to see hundreds of chicken farms.
