Cebu is a busy and crowded city in the Philippines. Cebu City is a popular destination for tourists, but with stunning tropical islands and beaches just offshore it’s understandable why people want to rush by the island and Cebu City.
Take the time and explore Cebu. You will discover some cultural treasures that are unique to this island! And before you make a sprint for the ferry port, don’t forget the famous diving Mecca of Moalboal in the south… Cebu island offers several areas worth mentioning…
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 is a vibrant city with a thriving nightlife. It boasts gleaming malls, international air and seaports, and a rich history. In fact, the city claims it was the birthplace of Christianity in the Philippines.
Moalboal
Moalboal is a small beach town located further south. It’s a 2.5 hour drive from the Cebu Main Airport. With crystal clear water and coral reefs, diving and snorkelling here is the order of the week. The most popular place to do this is at Pescador island. Panagsama Beach, the main beach, is lined with bars and restaurants as well as accommodation that suits backpackers. Inland there are some amazing treasures to explore such as the beautiful Kawasan Waterfall…
Mactan Island
Mactan Island, connected to the main island via bridges, is home to luxury resorts which would quickly eat up most backpackers’ savings! Mactan Island is becoming increasingly popular with wealthy Korean tourists. It also serves as the island’s primary airport.
Cebu Top 7 Things To Do
- 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 located in an octagonal-shaped building in Plaza Sugbo.
- Visit the Basilica of Santo Niño
The Basilica in Cebu, which dates back to 1565, should be a top tourist destination for anyone interested in the fascinating history of religion in 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 visit the Basilica to pray.
- Visit the dancing prisoners
The dancing prisoner of Cebu is a cultural phenomenon. Travellers in Cebu can see this show on the last Saturday of each month. Inmates from Cebu put on a spectacular performance, dancing to popular songs like Justin Bieber and Michael Jackson. It has become a worldwide phenomenon! 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.
- Enjoy an amazing 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 on the third sunday of January each year. It is one of the Philippines’ biggest, loudest, and most colourful festivals. The festival is dedicated Santo Nino or the child Jesus as the Cebuanos commemorate their conversion from paganism into Christianity.
- Island hopping is a great way to explore the world!
The tropical Visayas Islands consist of no less than 167 islands, which surround the main island Cebu. If the heat of the cities is too much for you, and shopping malls don’t appeal to you, you can take a boat trip away and find deserted islands with palm trees swaying. Malapascua was voted as one of the top 50 islands in Southeast Asia.Backpackers love Bohol, Panglao and Siquijor Island!
- 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. The best time to visit is at sunset, when you can enjoy a stunning view.
- Snorkeling off Cebu and Diving
Moalboal, in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, is known for its amazing underwater life. The small area has a number of dive schools that offer courses for 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 sand beaches, clear water and coral reefs that will make you salivate. The best part is the diving is affordable for budget travellers.
Cebu’s Best Time To Visit
There is no cold season in a tropical destination as the temperatures are high all year round. The weather is pleasant from December to February. The sun is always shining and the ocean water is warm. May is the month when the sun is at its hottest. Extreme temperatures can last even into the evening.
You may want to avoid these months. Visit Cebu in October to witness some of the most beautiful storms. After October, the rain stops and it gets very dry in April.
Getting Around Cebu
Cebu Island is located in the Visayas region of the Philippine archipelago. It consists of a main island, as well as 167 other small islands and islets. The island of Cebu is long and narrow, with vast stretches of rolling mountain ranges and coastal plains.
The public transport in Cebu City is a combination of motorbikes and taxis. Prices are very affordable and it’s a great way to get from one place to another! You can walk around the city and experience the local life and street stalls.
If you’d like to explore further, you can either hire a vehicle or take a cab. The island is large and a car will make it easier to reach the main tourist spots in Cebu. Grab is another option for renting cars and motorbikes. Booking your transfer is recommended for long distances.
If you plan to visit the islands you can take a ferry to Bohol Island, Pescador Island or Malapascua Island. These ferries run once or twice daily. You should check the ferry schedules before you arrive, rather than just showing up. You can book private boat trips, which are generally not expensive.
What to prepare before visiting Cebu
Most Filipinos are friendly and helpful to tourists. Crime against them is rare.
You may be ripped off by taxi drivers in Cebu who will take you the long route to your destination. I suggest you familiarize yourself with the map to know if you are going off course. Before accepting a ride, make sure you have discussed and agreed on the cost.
It is common for tourists to be snatched and grabbed in popular tourist destinations. To avoid this, it is best to use a backpack with a lock and to keep your handbag firmly in your grip when walking through the streets.
Cebu is a place where children are forced to beg. It can sometimes get out of hand. Although I understand how heartbreaking it is, I suggest you don’t give in. Politely say ‘No.’
Follow these safety tips if you’re concerned about your safety:
- Never take a taxi by yourself. Always find someone to travel with you. You will make new friends if stay in a youth hostel.
- If visiting a beach, watch your belongings and don’t let them stray too far from shore.
- It is safe to walk through popular areas late at night. But be on the lookout for any suspicious characters.
Cebu is a paradise of breathtaking, scenic, tropical and heart-stopping adventures.
