Cebu is a province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas (Region VII) region. It consists of the main island and 167 surrounding islands and islets. Despite being far from the capital, Cebu - the queen city of the south holds the top spot as the most visited cities in the Philippines.
It’s a tiny island found in the middle of the country and it houses various attractions, from Spanish-colonial heritage sites, adrenaline-pumping skyscraper adventure, to beaches and diving spots where you get up close and personal with whale sharks. Other than that, it’s also a famed destination for Lechon!
How to get there
There is an abundance of flights going in and out of Cebu, domestically and internationally. You can fly directly to and from Mactan International Airport with most of the airlines operating in the Philippines, especially PAL, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia.
Free destinations to visit
Cebu isn’t the number 1 destination in the Philippines for nothing. There’s plenty of places to see and excursions to experience here than anywhere else.
Here is a quick rundown of the things-to-do and sights to see in Cebul!
Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu
This is home to the famous Child Jesus (Santo Niño). The Basilica Minore del Santo Santo Niño de Cebu holds a remarkable value to Catholics as it was historically a baptismal gift from Ferdinand Magellan to Queen Juana and Rajah Humabon - the first two locals in the island who were baptized.
Locals and tourists alike drop by in a steady stream to the Basilica Minor del Santo Niño de Cebu to say a prayer or two. This Church is most significant during the Sinulog Festival which falls on the third Sunday every year, to honor Santo Niño.
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Pilgrim’s Center, Osmeña Blvd, Cebu City [/block]
Magellan's Cross
This is a kiosk-like structure that houses the famous Magellan’s Cross. It’s just a few hundred meters away from the Basilica Minor del Santo Niño de Cebu and is important as a historical marker in Cebu City which memorializes the birth of Christianity of the Philippines and the first-ever colonizer to step foot in the country - Ferdinand Magellan.
The original cross was encased in tingalo wood to preserve and protect it better. However, rumor has it that the original cross was destroyed after the fall of Magellan.
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P. Burgos St, Cebu City [/block]
Fort San Pedro
A triangular-shaped bastion fort that was once a military defense structure during the Spanish era. This is the oldest and the smallest fort in the country which plays a vital role in the history of Cebu. It represents the legacies of the Spanish government and their historical artifacts that are well preserved here. Today, this is now a leisure park that locals and tourists can both immerse in.
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A. Pigafetta Street, Cebu City [/block]
Casa Gorordo Museum
Built during the mid-19th century, this was originally a private home to Cebu’s most prominent family - the Gorordos. Later on, it became a residence to archbishops of Cebu. Today, it’s a museum that houses antique furniture, coral stone blocks, and pure Philippine hardwood. This museum will take you on a trip down memory lane, specifically to the Spanish era through its period costumes, paintings, decorative art, and more.
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35 Eduardo Aboitiz St, Cebu City [/block]
Mactan Shrine
Its also known as the Magellan Shrine. This was erected to serve as a memorial tower to honor the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. It was built in 1866 at the spot where Magellan was killed in 1521, during his battle with Lapu-Lapu at Mactan. Here you will also find the statue of Lapu-Lapu, commemorating how he defeated Magellan and symbolizing the first successful resistance against the Spanish colonizer.
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Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu [/block]
Simala Shrine
One of the most well-known religious structures in the Philippines. With thousands of devotees visiting the shrine everyday, it’s easily one of the most heavily trafficked destinations in Cebu, not just as a tourist attraction but also as a place of worship.
The Simala Church was built by Marian Monks from Pampanga due to several miraculous events that occurred which includes the shedding of tears of Mama Mary. This is why devotees and believers travel to Simala shrine because they believe that they will be healed by praying to Mama Mary in the shrine
Because of its majestic castle-like aesthetics, even locals and tourists with different religious beliefs are drawn to this shrine.
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Sibonga, Cebu [/block]
Cebu Taoist Temple
A landmark that was built to preserve the teachings of Lao-Tse, the Chinese Philosopher. While it wasn’t built for the purpose of tourism, its artistic appeal attracted tourists and locals alike, thus it eventually became a famous site to visit for tourists. Aside from that, it boasts an overlooking view of the city from its spacious balcony, making it all the more an appealing destination to visit.
The entrance of the temple is reminiscent of the Great Wall of China and it houses two temples - the Phu Sian Temple and the Main Temple. The temples welcome even non-worshippers. The compound also houses a chapel, souvenir shop, a library, and a wishing well.
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Cebu City, Cebu [/block]
Temple of Leah
Dubbed Cebu’s version of India’s Taj Mahal, the Temple of Leah has been attracting foreign and local tourists for its Greek-inspired architectural shrine. Unlike India’s Taj Mahal, which is a mausoleum, the Temple of Leah serves as home to the treasures and memorabilia of the late Leah Albino-Adarna.
Her husband, Teodorico Soriano Adarna, reportedly spent 80 million Philippine pesos to put up this temple as a symbol of his undying love for her. Located on top of a hill in Busay in Cebu City, the area provides travelers a scenic view from the top.
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Cebu Transcentral Hwy, Cebu City, Cebu [/block]
Tops Lookout
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Image from Almera Talks[/caption]
A relaxing spot situated 600 meters above Cebu City, it is one of the few spots in Cebu where you can get a good panoramic glimpse of the city’s skyline. Tops Lookout is best visited at sunset, for that picturesque dusk view of the Mactan Bridge and its neighboring islands. Other than the view, cafes and picnic areas are also available for visitors who’d love to spend more time here.
The breeze can get quite chilly at night at Top Lookout, so better bring a sweater or jacket with you!
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Cebu Tops Rd, Cebu City, Cebu [/block]
Excursions to experience
The attractions in Cebu don’t just end with the remnants of the Spanish era, there are also excursions that can well take you up dangling in the city’s tallest skyscraper or go diving under pristine Cebu waters!
Osmena Peak
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Image from Journey Era[/caption]
The highest peak on the island of Cebu, located at the municipality of Dalaguete. It’s the tallest of the hills in the Mantalungon Mountain ranges which is similar to the Chocolate Hills in Bohol. Upon reaching the peak, visitors will be greeted by the 360-degree view of Southern Cebu and its neighboring province, Negros Oriental.
This is a trekking spot, so getting here won’t be as easy as taking a cab or even a habal-habal.
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Location
Mantalongon - Lugsangan Rd, Badian, Cebu
How to get here
- Go to the South Bus Terminal in Cebu City.
- Take a bus going to Oslob or Bato, and drop off at the Dalaguete junction. Travel time is 2.5 – 3 hours.
- From there hire a motorcycle (habal-habal) and go to the wet market in Mantalongon/
- From the wet market, you can either trek to the peak for about 2 hours or take another habal-habal to the peak.
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Sky Experience Adventure
An adrenaline-pumping adventure in the theme park on top of Crown Regency Hotel and Towers. Experience a sky adventure in a theme park on top of Crown Regency Hotel and Towers. Here, you’ll have the chance to try different kinds of extreme activities such as the Skywalk Extreme, which lets you walk around the edge of the building while wearing an overhead safety harness. Or, challenge yourself and ride on their Edge Coaster—the first and only amusement ride of its kind in the world. If you have a fear of heights and want a different kind of entertainment, you can instead explore their 6D theater or blacklight mini-golf.
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Tower 1, Crown Regency Hotel and Towers, Fuente Towers, Fuente Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City [/block]
[block type="tips" title="How much does it cost?"]
₱525 per person via Klook [/block]
Kawasan Falls
A three-stage waterfall that sits at the foot of Mantalungon Mountain Range where visitors can swim in cold, turquoise waters. Canyoneering is also one of the activities that you can do here if you’re up for some adrenaline-pumping water adventure.
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Take a bus to Badian from Cebu City. Once in Badian, there are signs pointing to the Kawasan falls. Alternatively, you can book guided services being offered in the vicinity. [/block]
[block type="tips" title="How much does it cost?"]
Entrance fee is ₱45 for foreigners and ₱20 for locals. [/block]
Oslob Whale Shark Watching
One of the things that you must not miss when you’re in Cebu is Oslob, especially the chance to get up close and personal with their whale sharks. Don’t worry, it’s completely safe and they’re really human-friendly.
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You can get here by land from Cebu. If you’re a tourist, most likely you’ll have to stick to the buses for transportation. Take the Ceres bus in South Bus Terminal in Cebu which goes to Bato via Liloan, and drop off at Brgy Tan-awan in Oslob. The entrance to the Whale Shark diving spot is just along the highway. [/block]
[block type="tips" title="How much does it cost?"]
| Whale watching (in the boat with no swimming) | ₱300 for Filipinos
₱500 for foreigners |
| Whale watching (snorkeling with equipment) | ₱500 for Filipinos
₱1,000 for foreigners |
| Scuba diving with whale sharks | ₱600 for Filipinos
₱1500 for foreigners ₱2000 Scuba diving gear rental |
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Cebu is a destination where concrete jungle, remnants of the Spanish colonial era, and tropical islands collide. It's one of the very few places in the Philippines that rolls a variety of wonders into a single destination. With the vast number and exhilirating experiences that it offers, it isn't a wonder why it holds the number 1 spot in Philippine tourism.
If you're on the look out for a local destination this the upcoming summer season, definitely the Queen City of the South will not disappoint!
The post Cebu Travel Guide: Where, How, And What To Do appeared first on iMoney.ph.