Cebu’s travel guide will leave your mouth open. From the vibrant culture, friendly people, beautiful attractions, pristine beaches and buckets of unforgettable experiences, you will be left speechless. This province in the Philippines is a tourist destination in Asia that should be on every traveler’s list. This tropical island will be a dream destination to all travelers. Cebu is a diverse island. Cebu’s beautiful beaches will surely entice you to visit. But that’s just the beginning! You can find much more in this book.
It depends on why you are visiting Cebu. If you plan to visit Cebu primarily to indulge in water sports then the months of January to April are the best to plan your trip. During this time, the weather is pleasant and rain chances are low. This is also the best time to visit because it is not too humid. This is also a great time to be in the Philippines because the famous Sinulog Festival is held on the third sunday of January every year.
If you are planning to visit Cebu, but do not want to go during the peak season, you can choose the months of July to October. As this is not the peak season, you can find some amazing deals on flights and accommodation.
Is Cebu a safe place to travel?
Cebu City is located in a grouping of islands, including the Visayas Region. The city of Cebu is located in central Philippines. Cebu has seen a recent modernization due to the increase in foreign investments. Its modern urban skyline is a testament to the city’s economic growth. This has led to a boom in tourism for this part of the nation. In Cebu, you can expect to see tourists from all over the world.
For first-time travelers the concern about safety is always present. Cebu is a safe city in the Philippines. It is safe to travel in the city. Cebu has a moderate level of risk and danger. If you use common sense, you will not be in danger.
Taxis, Transportation and Risk
Cebu City’s public transport and taxis carry a medium risk. Basic precautions should still be taken. Be alert and aware of your surroundings. Cover your pockets while on the bus with your hands. You should also take care of the backpack or bag you are carrying. Taxi drivers may also trick foreign tourists into paying more by giving false information about a ride’s fare.
Natural Disaster Risk Cebu
This is one of those risks which are beyond the control of humans. The city is still prone to natural disasters. The city is actually hit by around 20 tropical storms each year. Cebu is also known for its earthquakes and volcanic explosions. You should check the weather forecast before planning a visit to Cebu.
Pickpockets are a risk in Cebu
Pickpocket is a major threat in the Philippines, just like it is in other Asian countries. Cebu’s pickpockets are mostly young children. Hence, you should take precautions. The most important thing is to not carry all of your cash. Always keep an eye out for your surroundings.
Scams and Risks in Cebu
Cebu has a medium risk of scams but you should still be cautious. Keep small bills in your pocket at all times. Cebu vendors are known to do something very common. They tell you that they don’t have any change for large notes and ask you to buy additional items. Another scam that is common in Cebu takes place around ATMs. Scammers are lurking around ATMs, while others come to distract you.
Cebu City: How to get around
Getting around in the city of Cebu is pretty easy – thanks to the wide options of transportation. Six main modes of transportation are available in the city. Let’s take a look at the different options.
Jeepney in Cebu
Jeepneys are the most iconic public transport in Cebu. There are several routes for this transportation option. This is the best choice for short trips. You can identify the Jeepney route by looking at the upper front side of the vehicle. It has a unique combination both of letters and number that represents the route. The Jeepney fare in Cebu is PHP 7
Habal-Habal
This is my personal opinion. It’s the most convenient, fun and enjoyable way to travel in the city of Cebu. Habal-Habal, or the motorcycle, is what it’s called. In the city, you can expect to find both types of drivers – the ones who will ask you to pay the high fare and the ones who ask normal fare. Angkas is a similar app to Grab and Uber. This app allows you to book motorbikes in the same way as taxi-based apps. If you know how ride, you can rent a motorbike. The price of renting a motorbike starts at PHP500 for a single day.
V-Hire Cebu
V-Hire, or Van For Hire, is a great option for those traveling with a group. This is a great option for those who want to travel with their friends or family to nearby cities. V-Hire has a terminal outside SM Cebu City. The Van has 4 seats in a row, which is great for groups of 8-10 people. This option allows you to visit the cities of Lapu Lapu and Dano.
Ferry Boat in Cebu
The Philippines is a popular coastal nation, and traveling there without ferry boats would be a waste. The ferries of Cebu City sail along the Mactan Channel. This is an excellent way to reduce traffic on the roads that connect Mandaue City in mainland Cebu with Lapu-Lapu City. Ferries are the main means of transportation for foreigners living in Lapu-Lapu, who work or study in Cebu City.
If you are in a hurry or not, I recommend that you use ferries when you visit Cebu City. You can also ride the ferry just to see what it’s like. The ferry will depart in 10-20 minutes. The fare is PHP 14 plus a PHP 2 terminal fee.
By Bus
My Bus is the best option for a budget-friendly and convenient way to travel in Cebu City. It operates from Mactan Cebu International Airport up to SM City Cebu, Parkmall. It also goes up to Talisay City, Seaside City, and to Talisay City. Metro Rapid Transit Service offers My Bus services to the Philippines. Do not be surprised when I tell that these buses were built by Mercedes Benz Daewoo and Volvo. One bus can hold up to 90 passengers.
Cebu City – For First Time Travelers
Cebu City is the best place to stay in Cebu for first-time travelers. Cebu City offers its visitors a wide range of attractions, including modern architecture, a rich history, as well as enticing nightlife. Tourists have a variety of choices in the city, including hotels and hostels. Mad Monkey Hostel offers accommodation for those looking for a hostel. Harolds Hotel, Zen Rooms Hamersons Cebu and Harolds Hotel are the best options for hotels in Cebu City.
Moalboal – For Hikers and Trekkers
Moalboal, a small town in Cebu, is the best place to explore. This small town has much to offer its tourists. From Filipino culture and natural experiences, it has a lot to give. But this is the best place to stay if you are a hiker or trekker. The dense tropical rainforests, rivers and waterfalls are all waiting to be explored.
Moalboal Backpacker Lodge is a great option for booking a hostel stay in Moalboal. If you’re looking for hotels in Moalboal, you might want to consider The Blue Orchid Resort and Dolphin House Resort. If you choose to stay in Moalboal, we recommend that you do not miss diving with sardines.
Mango Square – For Nightlife
Cebu’s nightlife, which is just as popular as its natural beauty, is also well-known in this part the Philippines. Mango Square is the best place in Cebu Island to explore the ultimate nightlife. Book your stay in Mango Square if you are a nightcrawler. There are many bars and clubs that offer an unforgettable night to both tourists and locals. Mango Square is home to both hostels as well as hotels. Bunks Hostel offers the best hostel option. St Mark Hotel Cebu City, on the other hand is the best option for tourists who want to have a pleasant and comfortable stay.
Cebu: Best Food to Eat
Puso Rice
Has anyone ever heard of rice being portable? Puso rice is a portable rice. Puso Rice is also known as the hanging or boiled rice. It comes in coconut leaf wrappers and boiled. In local eateries, you can find these hanging in bunches like bananas. This dish is best eaten with Lechon or street food.
Pochero
Pochero is a stew pot that is very popular in Cebu city, especially during rainy season. Imagine enjoying a bowl of hot beef soup in the rain.
Ngohiong
Cebu’s staple dish is Ngohiong. It is often likened to the famous Spring Rolls. You probably know what this dish is like. Ngohiong contains bamboo shoots and pork ground. This dish is best eaten with squidballs, chorizo or tempura. You can have it with rice.
Siomai
Siomai can be found in abundance at street food stalls throughout Cebu. Siomai, or steamed pork or beef balls, are a popular street food in Cebu. These balls come in a light pastry flip-style and are served with a selection of sauces such as chili sauce or soy sauce.
Mango Pizza
Have you ever heard of or eaten mango pizza? Just because this dish has a unique combination, it is on the list. Mango Pizza in Cebu is a unique dish. The pizza is made up of mango, but also green bell peppers and nuts. This odd combination is actually delicious.
Barbecued everything
Did you know that Cebu people love grilled foods? There are many barbecue restaurants in Cebu. Cebu offers a wide variety of grilling options, from chicken to pork. Each barbecue restaurant has its own unique blend of sauces, which is the best part. Yakski Barbecue Byron’s Back Ribs and Ned Nanay’s Grill, are three of the best restaurants in Cebu to enjoy a barbecue.
Halo Halo
Halo-Halo, the shaved-ice variant of the Philippines, is called. Cebu is home to a popular dessert dish that is enjoyed by both locals as well as tourists. It is made of various ingredients, including banana, tapioca and gelatin. Other ingredients include Ube, milk and Leche Flan. You can find different versions of Halo Halo in different restaurants.
Cebu is one destination where you can find a mixture of everything: history, culture and heritage, adventure, nature and wildlife, and yes, Cebu waterfalls. What does that mean? You can’t confine the scope of travel destinations so diverse in a single article or guide. Don’t think that Cebu is only these attractions. It’s much more! Some of the best things about Cebu are hidden and can only truly be appreciated when you explore it in a local manner.
