Cebu makes for a great destination to spend a week exploring the Philippines. There are many things to do, including hiking, swimming with Whale Sharks, and visiting hot springs. Cebu is a natural wonderland with so many attractions, you’ll have a hard time deciding what to do.
Cebu City is the biggest urban area in Cebu Island. It is part of a group of islands in South China Sea, south of Manila and in the Visayas Region of the country. Cebu City lies in the middle, along the southeastern coastline. A mountain range runs down the center of the Island. The combination of mountains with the sea provides an abundance of fresh, local ingredients.
Cebu City has a Latin flavor in certain parts. This is because, along with Spanish colonization and trade between the Philippines, Mexico, Cebu City served as an early outpost. Cebu City is a city with a rich culture and cuisine.
Cebu City Top 5 Reasons To Visit
1. Enjoy Life on Water
Cebu City’s island setting is ideal for enjoying the water. You can enjoy the white sands and soft waters of Larawan Beach on Mactan Island, or Larawan Beach in Talisay City. Along with the relaxing beach, you can dive to explore coral reefs and whale sharks, or enjoy some of Asia’s best fishing. Many resorts have private beaches along the coastline.
2. Delectable Cuisine
Cebu City offers a wide variety of dishes, including seafood, that are influenced by a mixture of influences from the region, such as Spanish, Mexican, Chinese and Japanese. You’ll find a wide range of options at all price points, from street food that is dirt cheap to fine dining.
3. Explore Fascinating History
Cebu City is the oldest urban center in the country. There are many ways to learn about its long history. Magellan’s Cross is located in downtown Cebu City. It was first planted in 1521. And you can walk down Colon Street to see the oldest road of the country.
4. Outdoor Adventure
Cebu City, as well as Cebu Island, offers a variety of outdoor sports. You can go spelunking or canyoneering or jump down the many waterfalls on the island into rushing streams. You can go rock climbing, mountain biking, and skydiving.
5. A Shopping Extravaganza
Cebu City is a great place to shop, with the huge SM City Cebu as well as the Ayala Center Cebu and its terraced gardens. You can also find a variety of other shopping options from street vendors and themed malls to large skating rinks at the SM Seaside City Mall.
Cebu City: What to do?
1. Basilica del Santo Niño: Mother of all Churches
This historic cathedral, located in the heart of Cebu City for centuries, is the oldest Roman Catholic Church to be found in the Philippines. The building, which is atmospheric and time-worn, is a symbol of the spread and birth of Christianity in the Philippines. From frescoes to statues, everything about the interior exudes that important role – particularly the awe-inspiring Image of Santo Niño. Nearby, Ferdinand Magellan’s Cross celebrates the 16th century arrival of the explorer to the Philippines.
2. Cebu Taoist temple: Hilltop Worship
While Christianity became widely spread in the Philippines following the arrival the Portuguese, many other religions have continued to thrive. This Taoist Temple is a modern wonder. An enormous dragon statue welcomes visitors from the hillside. The colorful chapel is entered through a replica of the Great Wall of China. Explore the grounds to find the library, wishing-well, and balconies, from which you can enjoy stunning views of Cebu.
3. Fort San Pedro: Centuries of Conquest
Cebu Pier has been a strategic location for this fort for centuries. It overlooks the water. While you explore the dramatic ramparts of the fort, your imagination will run riot as you learn the long history in military defenses throughout the Pacific. Just outside, Plaza Independencia marks the country’s independence from the Spanish, and it is a perfect place for a bit of R&R.
4. Colon Street is the first street in the country
Colon Street became the first street in the Philippines hundreds of years ago. Today, the street is a commotion with vendors, shops, and jeepneys. It is difficult to imagine the city of the past with the sights and sounds, but a stroll along the stretch will reveal lingering evidence of the past. You can learn more about the country by looking for commemorative stones on the side of the road.
5. Lapu-Lapu City Escape to Mactan
This coral island, located just across the bridge from Cebu City is the closest getaway. Mactan is a great place to start an island-hopping adventure. You can enjoy the beaches and sparkling water or pamper yourself at a resort. The most popular activities are snorkeling and water sports. Boat rentals are also available for excursions into Bohol Strait. You could even try something different like deep-sea diving or water skiing!
When to visit Cebu?
Cebu is an amazing destination all year round. It offers travelers a perfect mix of cultural experiences, beautiful beaches, and thrilling outdoor adventures. Knowing the best time to travel to Cebu will enhance your experience. You can enjoy ideal weather conditions and less crowds.
Cebu is an all-year destination that you can visit at any time. Cebu is located in a tropical region where rain is common throughout the year. Cebu’s rainiest months are December and January, while the driest ones are March and April.
High Season
Cebu’s busiest seasons are the holiday season, Easter break and the period between December and early June. Expect more crowds and higher rates at hotels during this period. Cebu is driest in March and April.
Low Season
The low season runs from June through November. During the low season, visitors to Cebu can still enjoy its attractions and activities.
Santo Niño Sinulog Festival
The Santo Niño Sinulog Festival in Cebu is celebrated every third Sunday of January, which is typically during the high season for tourism in the province. The festival is one if the biggest and most grandiose celebrations in the Philippines. It attracts millions of visitors all over the Philippines and the world.
The festival is marked by colorful parades, processions and street dancing where participants wear traditional clothing and dance to drum beats. The Sinulog dance, which is the highlight of the festival, is a two-steps-forward, one-step-backward movement that represents the flow of the current in the Pahina River, where the Santo Niño was found.
The festival is one of the most popular and largest festivals in the Philippines. It attracts visitors from all over the Philippines, and even around the world. In addition to religious and culture activities, the festival features a variety if food fairs and concerts.
Typhoon Season
Cebu’s typhoon seasons last from June to December. The most frequent storms occur between August and Oktober. Cebu is not as frequently affected by typhoons as other parts of the Philippines. However, heavy rains and strong wind can still affect travel plans. During these months, it’s best to stay up-to-date on the weather and plan accordingly.
Best time for diving
Cebu diving is possible all year long, but the best conditions usually occur from March to the end of June when the weather is dry, the seas are calm and visibility is excellent.
Even though the rainy season (June-November) is a good time to dive, it can be rough at times and visibility may be reduced.
December to February is a great time to dive. The water temperature is cooler and the seas are a little rougher, but it’s still an excellent time to see marine life.
