I bet lots of us now have this urge to travel overseas. But due to this situation, we can't. However, we can plan the itinerary ahead! How do you feel about tropical destination? Surely you'll love it! If you haven't been in the Philippines, or you've been and want to visit again, might as well lay out your trip particularly to Cebu, the Queen City of the South.
Cebu, the country's oldest City and first Spanish settlement in the Philippines is located in the eastern side of the country. It is surrounded by 167 islands and islets, so surely there's an endless exciting things to do while on a vacation. Whether you're an experienced or a newbie traveler, you'll definitely not get disappointed.
From its rich history and old heritage sites, diverese culture, mouthwatering street foods, awesome beaches, waterfalls, well known animal park, and the vibrant people .......and to name it all, you won't be able to get enough of this tropical vibe. Don't go home without trying the pork lechon(whole roasted pig) and the local delicacies (ampaw, otap, dried mango and hopia) you can easily find almost anywhere. People speaks Cebuano, Tagalog and English so it's very easy to communicate. What else could you ask for!
How to get there:
There are plenty of planes coming from Manila and few from other parts of the Philippines. There's also direct international flight from South Korea, Taiwan, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong and China.
Click here to find out flights:
From Mactan Cebu International Airport, you can either take taxi, yellow cab, mybus, or grab.
Check here to find out transportation: https://mactancebuairport.com/passengers/to-from-airport/
Before heading to Cebu city, my advice is to explore Mactan, Lapu-Lapu area first since you're already there. And there's so much to see and do!
MACTAN ISLAND
Lapu-Lapu Monument
Visit this famous 66 ft statue of local leader who became hero that fought Mactan against the battle with Spaniards on 1521. Inside the shrine, you'll be fascinated with all the local colorful souvenirs being sold that you'd love to take home.
One of the leading business hubs in Asia, Cebu doesn't only bring back the past but takes you to the present. Enjoy the foods from hundreds of restaurants you can choose from inside Mactan Newtown.
If you're a beach lover, this island has its endless list of beaches. Here's some to provide you option:
1. Costabella Tropical Beach https://costabellaresort.com/
2. Bluewater Maribago Beach resort http://booking.bluewatermaribago.com.ph/4.26/?p=1&check_in_date=Jul+09%2C+2020&check_out_date=Jul+10
3. Cebu White Sands resort and Spa http://whitesands.com.ph/
10 000 Roses Cafè
Entrance fee: Php20/pp
INTERCITY GUIDE
Sinulog Festival
This event happens every third Sunday of January. On their vibrant and glamorous costumes, artist and dancers perform on the grand parade which is the main part of the occasion. This is believe to be the most colorful festival in Asia where locals from all over the country participate and show off their artistic creativity while millions of visitors are from every corner of the world.
Tip: Wear a comfortable outfit and carry water to avoid dehydration.
Crown Regency Hotel & Towers Skywalk Extreme
If you're in thirst of the best view of the city, head on to this activity. Recognized as first in the Philippines and is widely known to be the 4rth place in the whole world. Standing tall at 126.55 m, with its 37th floor, this sky walk will definitely rack your nerve and challenge your braveness in heights. With a safety harness and safety briefing, you are ready to walk around the tower. You'll extremely feel you're on the top of the world by walking on those translucent glass floor where you can have all that view (even underneath view) you're looking for . I would recommend to do the walk at night time to see twinkling lights of the city like a christmas lantern. Make sure yo bring someone with you just to share the fear! Haha
Check rates here: http://www.skyexperienceadventure.com/page/rates-and-schedules
And if heights is not in your plate, you can just stay low and enjoy the city's historical places:
•Fort San Pedro/Fuerte de San Pedro Nailed those instapose with a classic feel. This structure was built and opened on 1565, this was made for military defense under the command of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Some canyons used on that era are still present. Now, it is part of Plaza Independencia in Cebu City, and is one of the main attractions in the city. The entrance fee is only around Php 30 or equivalent to NZD 1.
•Magellan's Cross - visit this christian cross which was planted by Spanish and Portuguese explorers as ordered by Ferdinad Magellan during arrival in Cebu. It is just 15-20 minutes walking distance from Fort San Pedro. Everyone can go in free of charge. You can take as many pictures as you like. However, there's a queue most of the time.
•The Basílica Menor del Santo Niño de Cebú - if you love ancient history, just a few steps away from magellans cross, be amazed with this oldest church in the Philippines. Most known as Santo Niño Basilica, a minor basilica that was founded in the 1565 by Fray Andrés de Urdaneta, O.S.A.
8 NEARBY DESTINATIONS
Ride to Balamban with a habal-habal (motorcycle) from JY Square Mall. It's where all the exploration close to city starts.
Check Kuya Art's Facebook page here for more info: https://www.facebook.com/Laag2xtaBai/
We hired him in all these trip and you'll get a driver, a tour guide, and a photographer for your instaphoto all in one!
Check NZ dollar to Philippine pesos conversion here:
1. Buwakan ni Alejandra
Entrance fee: Php50/adult
Php20/children
2. Sirao Garden
Entrance fee: Php50
3. Florentino's Eco Park and Cafè
Entrance fee: Php55/pp
4. JVR Island in the Sky Resort
Entrance fee: Php55/adult
Php30/children
5. West 35 Mountain Eco Park
Entrance fee: Php85/pp
6. Temple of Leah
Entrance fee: Php50/adult
Children go for FREE
7. Taoist Temple
Entrance fee: TOTALLY FREE
8. Tops of Cebu Restaurant
Entrance fee: Php50/pp
Come there in summer from March-May when all the flowers are in full bloom. You can do whole day itinerary for all these city nearby trip because each location is accessible to each other. That's what we did and was worth it, lots of fun.
After a long day, treat yourself with this savoury Ngohiong which can be found only in Cebu, posu (hanging rice), pork barbecue and a gravy. For around Php30, you'll have a meal!
FURTHER SOUTH
Osmeña Peak Mantalongon, Dalaguete
Almost an hour return, this 1 031m summit offers a dramatic view of landscapes and sea. Bring your vegetable basket, you might get new harvest veges from locals.
Oslob Whale Shark Watching
Schedule to watch early to avoid crowd.
Tumalog Falls
Just few kms away from Oslob, ride a motorcycle and soak yourself in this cold falls with a gatorade color like water.
Sumilon Island
Take a small boat from Oslob and swim like crazy in this white sand of paradise.
Panagsama Beach, Moalboal
Meet this beautiful friend while snorkeling in Moalboal's beach. Dive with millions of sardines too. You can see them upfront. Spectacular!
Pescador Island Hopping
Make your eyes full watching all the tropical fish swimming around you. The marine life with all the coral reefs are exceptional.
Kawasan Falls Canyoneering
Challenge yourself until how high you can jump into the water. Would you bet for 40ft? You have 7 falls to finish in total, the last phase is gonna be the nerve shaking one haha.
Spring rolls and Buffalo chicken wings will wrap up the delightful day.
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