Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Cebu Hotels and Resorts
Overview
Cebu has become a favorite place to go to among tourists and locals alike. Aside from the warm and friendly smiles that everyone is greeted with when in Cebu, there are also great beaches to go to. There are many activities to do while in Cebu and it’s a good idea to find a Cebu resort that allows one to maximize the Cebu experience
Cebu Beach Club
If one is a beach bum and is going to Cebu to enjoy their pristine white sand and turquoise sea, a Cebu resort worth considering is the Cebu Beach Club. This Cebu resort epitomizes the idea of a tropical vacation and one can chill out under the sun along the beach as long as possible. Aside from the beautiful environment with which Cebu Beach Club is located on, this resort is also only 15 minutes away from the airport so it’s very convenient. The staff at Cebu Beach Club are cordial and customer service is excellent at this place. In fact, at this Cebu resort, they make it a point to always to exceed their guests’ expectations and are very attentive to their needs. For a Cebu resort that is picture perfect, the Cebu Beach Club is relatively affordable, with rates starting from US$ 78 to 85. There are 48 rooms in total at this place and the amenities are air conditioning, mini bar, television, bathtub, a hair dryer and a bedside radio.
Cebu Grand Hotel
Another 3-star resort in Cebu is the Cebu Grand Hotel. Unlike the Cebu Beach Club which is a stone’s throw away from the beach, the Cebu Grand Hotel is located in the center of the city in close proximity to the business district. This is not to say however that just because they don’t have beach front rooms that this Cebu resort should no longer be considered. The Cebu Grand Hotel is taking a different approach by bringing their guests closer to what’s happening in the city so it’s ideal not just for families but for those traveling on business. Room rates at Cebu Grand Hotel starts at Php 2,700 and their facilities include a swimming pool, a business center, bar and restaurant, fitness gym, function rooms and even a barber shop and beauty salon. Each room has been built with its own in-room safe and cable television and the guest has the choice waking up every morning to a view of either the city or the mountains.
Cebu Sightseeing and Activities
Cebu City, being the prime city in the Visayas region of the Philippines, has several destinations for sightseeing and other activities in and around the city. These destinations include historical and cultural sites as well as natural and mad-made wonders. These places make Cebu City an ideal place to visit and have fun.
Historical Places
The Magellan Marker is in Punta Engano, Lapu-lapu City. Punta Engano is the site of where it is believed that Ferdinand Magellan was killed by Lapu-Lapu.
Magellan’s Cross is located in Magallanes Street in Cebu City. This is where Ferdinand Magellan planted a cross in 1521 as a way of commemorating the baptism of Rajah Humabon and his followers.
Fort San Pedro in Pier Area, Cebu City was a fort for what is considered to be the first settlement by Spain in the Philippines. It was turned into the American Warwick Barracks during the American Rule in early 1900s. During World War II, Fort San Pedro was used by the Japanese soldiers.
The Lapu-Lapu Monument is located in Punta Engano Lapu-Lapu City. This monument depicts local chieftain Lapu Lapu with a bolo and a pestle in both of his hands.
Different museums showcasing the Cebu culture and history are scattered around the city. Casa Gorordo Museum and Fort San Pedro National Museum highlights Cebu culture from the Spanish times up to early 1900s. The University Of San Carlos Museum, on the other hand has a collection of artifacts that have anthropologic and biological value. While the Southwestern University Museum has collections from prehistoric to Spanish Colonial period.
Nature Attractions
For visitors who enjoy being outdoors with nature, Cebu City has destinations for swimming, scuba diving and adventure. Mactan Island, Moalboal, Badian Island, Malapascua Island and Camotes Islands are prime destinations for water activities. For the sightseeing tourist who is more adventurous Kawasan Falls is a perfect site to hike for picnics and bathing. The Olango Wildlife Sanctuary, on the other hand, allows one to see migratory birds.
Religious and Cultural Attractions
For sightseeing about religion and culture, Cebu City has several destinations for the traveler. The Catholic and Spanish influences are evident in the historic Basilica Minor del Santo Nino. Other noteworthy destinations are the Taoist Temple and Phu-Sian Temple in Beverly Hills, Heavenly Temple of Charity in Peace Valley, Chapel Of The Last Supper and Celestial Garden.
Other noteworthy destinations are the Liloan Lighthouse, Beverly Hills, Cebu Golf and Country Club, Alta Vista Golf and Country Club and Fuenta Osmena.
Cebu Hotel Guide
The Philippines has many great hotels where you can experience luxury and service. The oldest city of the Philippines is no exception to that rule and we are here to give you the Cebu Hotel Guide to show you that Cebu is not as old as it sounds like.
Let us start the Cebu Hotel Guide with one of the most famous and luxurious hotels in the world and in the Philippines; the Marriot Hotel Cebu. The Marriot Hotel Cebu is located right across the Ayala Mall and in the upscale district. This four star hotel has suites, ordinary rooms and presidential suites where you can enjoy the comfort and luxury that only Marriot can offer. The cost per night averages on a $130.
The next hotel in our Cebu Hotel Guide is going to be the Cordova Reef Village Resort Cebu. This resort is close to all the dive sites that you might want to travel too. This four star resort is located in the Mactan Island of Cebu on which one of Philippines international airports is located in. The Cordova Reef Village Resort Cebu has wonderful amenities great for relaxing or you can just lie around in the beach. The cost per night starts at around $150.
Another hotel in the Cebu Hotel Guide is one of Philippines business hotels called the Parklane International Hotel Cebu. This hotel is located right in the middle of the business district which makes this an ideal place to stay for travelling young professionals. This four star hotel has wellness centers and a fitness gym where you can sweat your stress out. The rate per night in this hotel ranges around $110.
The best three-star hotel in the Cebu Hotel Guide with the optimal location is the Midtown Hotel Cebu. This hotel is located directly above a supermarket and a shopping mall and is just a foot step away from restaurants, larger malls and the shopping districts of Cebu. The Midtown Hotel Cebu is yet another one of Philippines business hotels and the ambience remains classy and chic. You can dine in their glass restaurant that overlooks the shopping district of Cebu. The stay per night costs around $65.
The last hotel in the Cebu Hotel Guide is going to be the Costabella Tropical Beach Hotel Cebu. This is a four star hotel located in Cebu, Philippines and this hotel is situated along the white beaches of Cebu. This beach resort offers a spa, a pool area where you can sip your tropical cocktails and a great ambience. The stay per night in this hotel starts at around $110.
We hope that you have found the right hotel for you in Cebu, Philippines with the Cebu Hotel Guide. Enjoy the four and three star hotels that Cebu, the oldest city in the Philippines, has to offer.
Cebu Festivals and Events
Overview
There are many things that add to and represent the vibrancy of Cebu but none of them as colorful as the various Cebu festivals held annually. With centuries of different beliefs and being the melting pot of cultural diversity, Cebu festivals are more than just fun activities to participate in or watch, these events are also enlightening.
Sinulog Festival
There is no Cebu festival that is as famous as the Sinulog Festival. Held every third day of January this Cebu festival is in honor of the patron saint of the province, Santo Nino de Cebu. The Cebuanos’ faith in their religion is something that has remained a constant despite the end of the Spanish occupation of the Philippines. Basically, the Sinulog Festival is a step back in time to when the province was converted to Christianity. In honor of the patron saint, several parades are held during the Sinulog Festival and dancers dressed in colorful costumes dance to the rhythm of drums and other musical instruments. It’s hard not to get carried away with all the spirited dancing during this Cebu festival. The Sinulog Festival is celebrated for 9 days and on the last day, the grandest parade is held that starts off very early in the morning. The Sinulog Festival would not be complete without including the Santo Nino de Cebu in the parade adorned with candles, flowers and other relics. This Cebu festival starts in Mandaue with Basilica as the ultimate destination.
Marawi Festival
The next Cebu festival on the calendar is the Marawi Festival which happens in May. Marawi Festival is held in Mandaue and this is really a celebration of Cebu’s past and the crucial role that it played when Magellan first landed here. Parades and street dances are common during the Marawi Festival but in addition to those, plays and dramas are also held. The theme of these plays is historical events and by watching it, one will get to learn about the history of this province and understand the importance of it. During this Cebu festival, figures from Cebu’s myths and legends are on display in floats that parade around the city. The Cebuanos works on these creative designs for months on end prior to the Marawi Festival. At the end of the Marawi Festival, the grandest fireworks display illuminates the night sky. There really is no better way to end a whole day of reminiscing and celebration than by watching the fireworks display at the end of a very well organized Cebu festival.
Cebu Beach Guide
Cebu is an island in the South of Philippines that is also called the queen city of the south. The capital of Cebu is Cebu city and it is a modern city with several companies and factories. Cebu is a place where the modern life of the city and the paradise of beautiful beaches meet. You can enjoy a laid back life in a beautiful beach in just one hour. Cebu is surrounded by beautiful beaches in the north, east, west and south.
1. Mactan Beaches – These are the beaches that you can find in the Mactan island. The island is also where the international airport can be found. The island has several hotels and resorts. Some have pure white sand others have the darker kind. The following are the famous resorts :
a.Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa – This is a world class hotel made some renovations which made it bigger. This hotel is more expensive than most resorts and hotels in Mactan. This hotel has a good view of the Mactan beach. They also have two large pools where guests can always swim in or play volleyball. Many families like the kids zone where their children can enjoy different games and activities. This is a large area where children can play. It has three floors which are all padded. It has a huge slide too.
b.Plantation Bay Resort and Spa – this is another world class hotel in Mactan. You can enjoy the beach with the white sands.
2. Beaches in Alcoy – Alcoy is a town in the south of Cebu. Alcoy has small coastline with white sands. The people live on fishing and mining as well. Alcoy has a beautiful area with mountains and some cliffs made of limestones. Tingko is the most popular beach in the town because there are wonderful rocks in the coast. The waters is clear and it is an ideal place for divers. This is also one of the cheapest beach in Cebu since there is no entrance fee. Tingko beach has one of the most beautiful sunset and sunrise in the country.
3. Daan Bantayan and Gibitngil Island
The island of Gibitngil is located in the town of Medellin which is in the northern end of Cebu. Many tourists nowadays have discovered this island. Many of them island hop during the day. The island has white fine sands that are compared to powder. The water is also crystal blue perfect for snorkeling fans and scuba diving enthusiasts. People in Gitbingil are peaceful people and they have recorded very low crimes in their area. You can reach the island from cebu via a bus bound for Medellin then via a motor boat going to the island.
Malapascua is a beach located in the island of Bantayan. Malapascua also has fine white sands and clear waters. It is drawing more tourists every year. It offers rich marine life and varied coral formations as well. There are many hotles and resorts in Bantayan and during the peak season there are several parties being held at night.
Cebu Travel Guide
One of the popular and fast-advancing metropolitan areas in the southern part of the Philippines, Cebu plays home to numerous tourist spots, hotels, and restaurants. Another attraction in the city is the entertaining festivals that it annually holds. In terms of sightseeing, people can always visit some of the natural and manmade attractions in the place since their locations are very accessible. Hence, for those who have interest in visiting and spending their vacations in Cebu, Philippines, it is best that they take a look at Cebu travel guides where they can stay, dine and do some leisure and recreational activities.
Accommodations
In terms of accommodation, Cebu City, Philippines, takes pride in the elegant and luxurious hotels that it features. For those who are in search for hotels that offer first-rate services, they can always check the five-star hotels like Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa, Maribago Blue Water Beach Resort Club, as well as Badian Island Resort and Spa Cebu, which are commonly features in most Cebu travel guides. Meanwhile, for those who prefer to stay in hospitality service providers that have affordable rates, they can know the facilities and room amenities at three-star and two-star hotels like Midtown Hotel Cebu, Holiday Plaza Cebu, and Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort Cebu, through the guides.
Dining
Aside from accommodations, Cebu travel guides also feature famous dining places in Cebu City, Philippines, which serve sumptuous and mouth-watering dishes to everyone. Some of the restaurants that are commonly featured in the guides are Family Farm Grill House Kilo-Kilo, City Breakfast Club, and Abaseria Deli and Café. Hence, for those who want prefer fine dining restaurants, Cebu travel guides feature the ambiance, menu, and location of Lumpia House Fine Dining, Grand Majestic, and Royal Concourse.
Tourist Attractions
When it comes to tourist destinations, travelers to Cebu, Philippines, can always check Cebu travel guides for information or details about famous sightseeing spots, namely Casa Gorordo Museum, Heritage of Cebu Monument, and Magellan’s Cross. Hence, for those who have interest in culture and arts, they can always visit art and antique collections at President Sergio Osmena Memorabilia and CAP Art Gallery, Rizal Memorial Library and Museum, as well as Arcenas Antique Collection.
Transportation
Regarding transportation and travel to Cebu City, Philippines, Cebu travel guides also offer ways on how to get to the city proper. Hence, for those who are new to visiting the city, they can ride in boats or take flights from Manila going to Cebu ports. From Cebu port, there are a lot of jeepneys, buses, and cabs that can take them to the places that they want to visit in the area.
Cebu Travel Agents
Cebu City: Ace of the Visayas Region
The City of Cebu has been regarded and known as the Queen City of the South in the Philippines. The city has been considered as the Second Capital of the Philippines (next to the Metropolitan Manila). Its promising and growing industry in making furniture, dubbed Cebu as the furniture capital of the Philippines. This type of industry is advantageous for medium and small entrepreneurs and they are the reasons why the local government supports and encourages this furniture-making venture.
Festivals and Trademarks
Whenever the word ‘Sinulog’ comes into scenario-it is definitely a highlight in the City of Cebu or moreover, of the Cebu Island itself. The reason for this great feast is to honor one of the patrons of Cebu-the Señor Niño de Cebu or the Lord Holy Child of Cebu (the other patron, actually a patroness is the Our Lady of Guadalupe, but the Señor Niño had been more recognized). The feast is also a commemoration for the Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer when he arrived in the Philippines. The festivity is defined by procession and a ‘Mardi Gras’-themed parade. Another related celebration is the ‘Kadaugan sa Mactan’ which is an annual reenactment of the historical encounter between the soldiers of Ferdinand Magellan and the territorial army of Datu Lapu Lapu. This commemoration is held every twenty-seventh of April at Punta Engaño. Since Catholicism had left a dent in the island itself, almost all festivities are religious in nature-indeed very Christian.
Getting around the City of Cebu
Cebu City would never be considered as the Queen City of the South if there is no established means of transportation for tourists and visitors to roam the wonderful city. Round the clock or the whole day and night, the Philippines’ Kings of the Road-the Jeepneys are very available. These colorful modes of transportation can convey or carry visitors around all they have to do is just say the location. They can be seen, literally, on all sides of the main roads and streets. Bus is another mode of transportation in Cebu City. Of course, for those who could pay for a more comfortable ride, taxis are also available for transportation needs. As a tip, always ask or insist on a metered fare basis. Almost all taxi trips or ride around the city would just cost more or less a hundred Philippine Peso (around two dollars the least). Expect that taxi drivers may ask for deals other than the metered fare, especially for tourists, but if the price is ‘not right’ and more than what should be paid feel free to report them to local authorities.
Travels and Tours Agency
As one of the most progressive cities in the Philippines, especially in the Visayas Region, Cebu City local government sees to it that all who are interested in going and staying would be well accommodated. There are a lot of travel agencies that cater tourists and visitors that are based in Cebu City. One of them is the Alenter Tours and Travel Corporation which is located at N. Escario St., in the city of Bohol. Adventure International Tours also provide quality services in terms of accommodation and itinerary. Located at C. Rosal St., also in Cebu City, Adams Express Travel also caters the same quality services regarding tourists’ accommodation and program.
Cebu City is hailed as the second capital of the Philippines for nothing. The city’s economic stability has been its reputation and asset why tourists visit this island for business and leisure. Cebu City is simply one of the best.
Cebu Government Sites
The City of Cebu
Cebu City has been regarded as the ‘Queen City of the South’ of the Philippine. It is the next most significant metropolitan center and the regarded or recognized as the Philippines’ oldest city. Cebu City is also regarded as Metro Cebu that includes Talisay, Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue. Significance and importance of this city could be attributed to the historical and cultural heritage of the place.
Cebu and Famous Landmarks
The city of Cebu is an important center of culture in the Philippines. Since it is the oldest known city in the country, various historical spots of great essence could be seen around Cebu City. Plaza Independencia of Cebu or the former ‘Plaza Libertad’ is the city’s most historically important plaza. The place was once the location of the building for the old Gobierno Provincial and nowadays, it has become the most preferred picnic spots for locals and tourists. Want to know something about the philosophy and the teachings of the great Lao-Tse? Then visit the Taoist Temple situated at Beverly Hills, Cebu City and be one of those who climb its steps (99) to light joss sticks to check or have their fortunes read. Another Cebu City’s pride is the Fort San Pedro. This citadel is the oldest and smallest tri-bastion fortress in the country. It served as the center if the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines since the 1700′s. Its three supports San Miguel, San Ignacio de Loyola and La Conception are still standing on their spots. One of the best, or a tourist and any visitors could never be considered staying at Cebu without checking the most famous historical landmark of the place: The Magellan’s Cross. According to history, it was the cross planted by the shores of Ferdinand Magellan in the 1500′s. Devout Cebuano Catholics and visitors never fail to drop by, pause for awhile and offer a prayer or two whenever they have a chance to pass by the place. This has been the usual occurrence in this monument for the past four hundred years.
Cebu City, Tourism and the Internet
Being the second most significant city of the Philippines only means that the city is very progressive and prosperous in terms of economic and commercial growth or development. Not only for business motives, Cebu is also flocked by tourists around the world because of the significant and historical spots in the city. Keeping up to the pace of tourism and economic expansion, the local government of Cebu City has made use of the power of the internet. The official website of Cebu City (http://www.cebucity.gov.ph/) gives potential tourists or clients an ‘appetizer’ regarding what to expect in Cebu City. Knowledge and information are very crucial factors to consider for tourists and investors. Through the power of the internet or the World Wide Web, the wonders of the Queen City of the South of the Philippines are just a few clicks away.
Cebu Sightseeing Guide
Tourist destinations are aplenty in the Philippines, but, as this Cebu sightseeing guide will indicate, few can compare with the sights and sounds of this beautiful island.
Cebu sightseeing guide: historical landmarks
Home to some of the most significant events in Philippine history, there are several locations that you will want to pay a visit to. One of them is Fort San Pedro, the most ancient bastion in the archipelago. Covering over 2,000 sq meters, the ruins of the walls and towers are still visible and give you a glimpse of its past glory.
Another fabled landmark is the Cebu Monument. This tableau is a showcase of the significant events in the island’s history. Other historical sites are the University of San Carlos, the oldest school in the Philippines, the Capitol building and the Lapu Lapu Monument.
Cebu sightseeing guide: cultural sites
The Casa Gorordo Museum was actually the residence of a Filipino bishop, and has now been converted to a repository for antique artworks, relics, furniture and a place where one can view the Filipino lifestyle in the 1800s.
Other cultural haunts in Cebu include the Southwestern University Museum, which houses the vast collection of Lydia Alfonso, which consists of relics culled from different periods of Philippine history. Other sites worth a visit are Julian Jumalon’s Butterfly Sanctuary, the Rizal Museum, the Sala Piano Museum, and the Rose Ong Collection, repository of various orchids.
Cebu sightseeing guide: natural wonders
If you want to get in touch with nature, you can go to Mactan Island, which has become a beach resort and a haven for scuba diving enthusiasts. Another popular site is Kawasan Falls, where some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the island can be seen.
The Olango Wildlife Sanctuary is the place to go to for bird lovers, as it hosts thousands of different types of birds from various parts of the country. The Nonoc Cave on the other hand, is perfect for those that love diving and trekking.
Cebu sightseeing guide: religious shrines
The Taoist Temple is a shrine dedicated to the conservation of the words and sayings of Confucius. A site for religious pilgrims, it is also a popular spot for tourists. You may also want to visit the church in Mandaue to have a look at the Chapel of the Last Supper, a sculpture of the famous painting by Da Vinci. The Celestial Garden is also popular among devotees and tourists mainly due to the religious statues scattered across the hills.
As this Cebu sightseeing guide makes clear, there are several locations that you can go to. If you want to get a taste of Philippine culture and glimpse its natural beauty, this island paradise is a good place to start.
Cebu Restaurant Guide
Cebu is one of the best places you have to visit in the Philippines. It is an island with fantastic beaches and restaurants as well. The Cebuanos have a penchant for good food so it is no wonder that there are plenty of restaurants in Cebu. You can categorize the restaurants into three. There are restaurants when you are on a budget, for mid range budget and restaurants for splurging.
Cebu Restaurants on a Budget
1.Casa Verde – This is actually an old home that is found on F. Ramos street. This was turned into a restaurant and they offer delicious baby back ribs for one hundred thirty pesos only. It is the restaurant’s best selling meal.
2.Ila Puti – This restaurant has two branches one in Sykes in Mabolo and one in the IT Park. They have dishes that are not so much cooked in Cebu like bangus in coconut cream and carbonara.
3.Da Vinci’s Pizza – This is a pizza chain with many branches in Cebu. They are known for their pasta with white sauce. The prices of the pizzas are affordable ranging from two hundred pesos up to three hundred pesos which is good for four or five people.
Cebu Restaurants for a Mid-range Budget
1.Café Georg. This is a restaurant situated in Banilad which offers several varieties of appetizers. Many people like the spinach with the dip. They also offer salads and fish cooked in the Singaporean way. They also offer Bolognara pasta and chicken pot pies. The restaurant updates the menu every now and then.
2.Lemongrass Restaurant – This is a restaurant operated by a family. They offer different Cebuano and Filipino dishes.
3.Garden Café – This is a restaurant in the ayala mall which offers cuisine from Thailand and Vietnam. They also offer their own version of herbal juice.
4.La Buona Forchetta – This is a restaurant that was a former mansion. They serve Italian dishes with their famous Focaccia bread, Salciccia which is their pizza and pasta marinara. The prices range from three hundred pesos up to four hundred pesos.
5.Spice Fusion – This is a restaurant with the Asian theme. They serve food or cuisine from Asian countries.
Restaurants in Cebu for a Splurge
1.Abaca – This is a restaurant that changes menu on a daily basis because of the availability of the ingredients they use. The price for one person is one thousand pesos. The price may be too expensive but visiting this restaurant is more of an experience.
2.Tides – This is a restaurant inside Shangri-la hotel in Mactan. They offer a buffet style of food. They offer different kinds of dishes from seafood to chocolate.
