Cebu Philippines travel and tourist guide
Cebu has some made-to-order beaches
Cebu belongs to the Central Visayas region and is positioned around 600kms south of the Philippine Capital and bounded by the Tanon Strait, Camotes Sea, Bohol Strait and Visayan Sea. Its land area occupies 5,088 square kilometers, and it was previously known as Zubu from the 13th until the 16th centuries. Back then, it was inhabited by Muslim, animist and Hindu tribal groups which Datus and Rajahs ruled.
Until the Spaniards arrived, Cebu was considered a Rajahnate and was founded by Rajamuda Lumaya, a Chola dynasty native prince. Now, Cebu is a known tourist destination in the Visayas region which is home to the country's oldest city, Cebu City.
Below is a brief introduction to the island but visit 1stopPhilippines for our comprehensive Cebu travel guide.
Visiting Cebu from Boracay
Tourists generally love the tropical climate of the Philippines, and there are few better places to relax in the sun than the upscale resorts of Badian and Mactan Islands.
These offshore areas are draw the largest proportion of Cebu tourists, but for the budget traveler and those looking for a way to experience traditional Filipino culture, the southern parts of Cebu offer great value rustic accommodation nestled by idyllic fishing villages. Some resorts also boast lovely coral reefs and fantastic dives to discover the region's breathtaking underwater life.
While being a tourist destination, some parts of Cebu still experience a great deal of poverty. While locals are usually very friendly, tourists are still advised to take caution and not show off flash jewellery while walking around Cebu City as petty crime can be a problem. Make no mistake, though, Cebu also has its share of very rich and stable middle class citizens mostly living in the city.
Cebu is a perfect place to enjoy an island getaway where you can relax and participate in different watersports and trips to quiet fishing villages or hikes to the Kavasan Falls. Trekking up to the top of Mt. Busay is also a good activity; you can climb up with your mountain bike, which is the best way to experience the climb. Cebu is also known for its shopping opportunities with its most famous malls being the Ayala Center Cebu and SM City Cebu, and others like the Banilad Town Center and ParkMall.
What to see and do in Cebu
Mactan Island offers great beaches near Cebu City
The main activity of tourists in Cebu is sightseeing. Activities like water sports and trekking call for a carefully planned visit according to the season. Summer is usually hot while colder winds are experienced from November to January. The best time to visit is from March to May if you want to be on the beach. But for sightseeing, January is the best time to go so you can witness Sinulog, one of the biggest festivals in the Philippines paying tribute to the Child Jesus. July is the start of the rainy season with frequent downpour of rains but very little typhoons hitting the island.
Some resorts offer their own tour packages which allow you to explore Cebu City in one day or more. Specialised tour packages also allow you to visit locations which are off the beaten path, enabling visitors to bask in the atmosphere of small fishing towns and mountainous areas. For the adventurous, the choices for hiking or trekking include Osmena Peak. More on Cebu activities.
Osmena Peak is the highest one in the entire island on the high hills of South Cebu. Trekkers are required to cross a rugged range which splits the island into western and eastern sections. A range of valleys of jungles can also be encountered along with friendly locals and native marketplaces selling local produce. More on Cebu attractions.
At the heart of Cebu lies two luxurious and famous shopping centres, Ayala Center Cebu and SM City Cebu. Both are home to a plethora of shops, restaurants, entertainment centers, and other services common to commercialised complexes in Manila. You can also explore smaller boutiques and malls to find unique products, souvenirs plus significantly cheaper merchandise and local delicacies. More on Cebu restaurants and bars.
Where to stay in Cebu
Because Cebu attracts many foreign and local tourists, it now has many hotels, resorts, and guesthouses in town and on the surrounding islands so you have a wide selection of choice depending on your budget and needs. The prices of accommodation usually increase during peak season and they also become fully-booked, which makes it advisable to book in advance. More on Cebu hotels.
Crown Regency Suites Mactan
This 1.5-hectare property is close to Mactan Island's best beach resorts but is still easily accessible to scenic attractions and top commercial centers of the island. Rates start at US$73 for a one-bedroom suite complete with modern and comfortable amenities. (Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Tel: +63 (0)32 3414586) more info and booking
Hilton Cebu Resort & Spa
A Mediterranean-style upscale resort on a private beach in Mactan Island where opportunities for snorkeling and diving are available. It is a 25-minute drive from Cebu City's nightlife, shops, and attractions. (Mactan Island, Tel: +63 (0)32 492 7777) more info and booking
Cebu Midtown Hotel
With 99 rooms, it offers great facilities and reasonably-priced guest rooms complete with modern amenities. Best rates start at under US$40 through our hotel booking partners. (Fuente Osmena, Tel: +63 (0)32 231 4244) more info and booking
Century Hotel
A budget hotel with basic amenities and facilities in each room. US$8 for a single room. (Corner Colon and Pelaez St, Tel: +63 (0)32 255 1340) more info and booking
Getting to Cebu
The best and fastest way to arrive in Cebu is to fly from Manila through Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific and then land at the Mactan Airport. It is also possible to fly to Cebu via Silk Air from Singapore, via Cebu Pacific or Cathay Pacific from Hong Kong, or via Qatar Airways from Doha.
