Cebu, Philippines

It is an island in central Philippines with Cebu City as its capital. About an hour flight from Manila. The island is long and thin with a few smaller islands off-shore. The airport is located in Mactan which is separated from the main island by the narrow Mactan Channel. Cebu City is one of the main centers of commerce, trade and industry in the Visayas and Mindanao region of the country. Because of this and other important aspects that Cebu City was given the moniker Queen City of the South.

For local and foreign tourist, there are many places to visit in Cebu. One is “Magellan's Cross” which was named after Ferdinand Magellan, aPortuguese explorer who came to Cebu in the early 1500s. Pieces of the original cross are believed to be encased in the present cross. The monument is just across the street from the Sto. Niño Basilica in downtown Cebu City. It used to be the only Catholic Basilica in East Asia. The basilica houses the famous “Santo Niño” the patron saint of the Cebuanos.

 

Another place to visit is the Spanish “Fort San Pedro” which is where the Lapu-lapu shrine is (Punta Engaño) it is also where the Battle of Mactan took place.

The “Taoist Temple” is also a good place to stop by. You can see the entire city on top of the hill. Then rent a cab to “The Top” a small park on top of a mountain where one can spend a few hours while enjoying the scenic view. During sunset and at night you can see glowing lights from the buildings and houses below the mountain.

If you happened to be in Cebu City in January, you can experience the “Sinulog Festival” – that held every third week of January, it is the fiesta of Sto. Niño  (Child Christ). The celebrations consist of a fabulous procession of the image of the Child Jesus followed by devotees of Sto. Niño. After which, a fluvial procession takes place. There is also a parade of magnificent floats along the main roads of Cebu City followed by local groups in colorful costumes, dancing and chanting along the route. Sinulog Festival is marked by street dancing by tourist and locals alike under the constant beating of drums. This festival is the Philippine version of Mardi gras. During Sinulog week, all hotels in Cebu City are fully booked. So if you plan to attend the festival, book way ahead of time.

The year long attraction to many tourist to Cebu are its beaches. You can find many beaches throughout the island; north and south of Cebu City. And just across the city on Mactan Island (where the airport is located), are several beach side resorts, hotels, bars and restaurants. Mactan Island boasts of world class diving spots to please those their interest is diving.

How to get there:

 By Ship:

To get to Cebu City, you can take the many ferry boats that ply the Manila-Cebu route (about 23 hours) at the Port of Manila -if you are on a leisurely vacation.  catch any of the airlines that fly almost hourly to Cebu at the Manila Domestic Airport (all airlines except PAL) or the Centennial Terminal (for Philippine Airlines only). 

By Plane:

If you want to visit Cebu by plane,  you can catch any of the airlines that fly almost hourly to Cebu at the Manila Domestic Airport (all airlines except PAL) or the Centennial Terminal (for Philippine Airlines only). 

Airlines that fly to Cebu:

Air Philippines

Cebu Pacific

PAL (Philippine Airlines)

Zest Airways (formerly Asian Spirit)