How to Get to Cebu

One of the most unique aspects of Cebu, the Philippines, is its accessibility. Not only is it home to multiple attractive and exciting tourist destinations, it is also connected to many major cities like Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and Seoul. Many people are wondering how to get to Cebu so they can take advantage of all that it has to offer.

Fortunately, there are many options available to travelers looking to go to Cebu. From international flights and ferries, to public busses and trains, there are a variety of ways people can connect to this amazing island. Here’s what you need to know about how to get to Cebu.

International Flights to Cebu

International flights are the most popular way for people to get to Cebu from overseas. The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) is located in Lapu-Lapu City on Mactan Island, just southwest of Cebu City. Numerous airlines service the airport, including several from Asia as well as Qatar Airways from Europe. Direct flights from all over the world are available and can be found by searching Skyscanner.

Flights typically land at the international airport on Mactan Island, but some flights might also arrive at Cebu-Mactan International Airport on Mactan Island or at the airport located in Cebu City. From the international airport in Lapu-Lapu City, travelers can take a shuttle or taxi to get where they need to go.

Domestic Flights to Cebu

Domestic flights can be taken from many other cities within the Philippines that have regional airports. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air both offer flights from Manila to Cebu City in just about an hour. The cost is usually relatively cheap, unfortunately you might have to put up with waiting in line for multiple hours as security can be stringent at regional airports within the Philippines.

For regional destinations within the Philippines, there are also several airports around Cebu which offer direct flights. For example there are direct flights from Bacolod City to Cebu–Mactan International Airport and Iloilo City to Mactan–Cebu International Airport with almost daily flights available. You can find detailed flight information at FareCompare, which allows you to browse flights and compare prices among different airlines.

Ferry to Cebu

Ferry services are a great way of travelling between islands, not only within the Philippines but also all of Southeast Asia in general. There are multiple ferry services that travel from Manila and nearby islands to Cebu City port. SuperFerry and OceanJet are two of the most popular ferry services plying the route between Manila and Cebu City. The trip typically takes one full day, but if you’re short on time you can always take an overnight ferry and save some time. While the trip is long, its highly cost-effective and really scenic – ideal if you’re looking to take in some picturesque views along the way! You can find detailed itineraries and other useful information on Direct Ferries.

Trains and Busses from Other Cities

If you’re traveling from nearby cities like Tacloban or Iloilo, you can take a bus or train from those cities to reach Cebu City. There are busses which run through these routes and depart several times daily from Tacloban, Iloilo and other nearby cities like Ormoc, Maasin City and even as far as Tagbilaran on the island of Bohol – all of which you can book online at PhBus.

Trains are available in some areas like Iloilo and Bacolod City, but they depart rarely and seats fill up quickly so keep this in mind when planning your trip if you’re looking to travel by train. You can find more information about specific train routes at Philippines Train Travels.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are several ways for people traveling to Cebu and other nearby areas in the Philippines. Depending on your budget and time constraints, you can choose the best option for your particular needs – whether you decide on a fer

An Insider’s Guide to Discovering Cebu Beyond the Tourist Traps

If you’re one of those adventurous souls who loves to discover hidden gems, then Cebu is the place for you. With its rich history, beautiful landscape, and vibrant culture, this city in the Philippines has something to offer everyone. Here’s a local’s guide to help you experience Cebu City in a way that most tourists never do:

Local Attractions

While Cebu has many popular tourist spots, there are plenty of little-known gems that offer a unique experience. For example, the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House, one of the oldest houses in the city, is a must-visit. The house gives visitors an opportunity to learn about the traditional architecture of Filipino homes and experience the lifestyle of a prominent Filipino-Chinese family from the 17th century.

Another hidden gem in the city is Fort San Pedro, a military defense structure built by the Spanish in the 16th century. Inside the fort is a museum that showcases the history of Cebu and how it became the hub of trade in the Visayas.

Dining Spots

Cebu’s food culture is diverse and offers a plethora of delicious options for visitors to try. For a taste of the local cuisine, visit the Larsian BBQ, a popular food court that serves barbecued pork, chicken, and seafood. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the balut- Filipino dish of boiled duck embryo.

Cebu is also known for its lechon, a roasted pig dish. Head to the famous Cnt Lechon to try the city’s best lechon. It’s made the traditional way, slow-roasted over charcoal for hours and served with a variety of dipping sauces, which are a treat on their own.

Cultural Experiences

Cebu has a rich cultural heritage that you can discover through its festivals, music, and art. The Sinulog Festival, held every January, is the city’s biggest fiesta and showcases its rich history and traditions. During the festival, Cebuanos come together to dance, sing, and parade with colorful costumes and vibrant performances.

For music lovers, the Cebu Jazz Festival in November showcases local and national jazz musicians in a three-day event.

Cebu’s art scene is also thriving, and tourists can visit museums and galleries that exhibit contemporary and traditional Filipino art.

Local History

Cebu’s history is fascinating and filled with captivating stories. One of the most interesting ones dates back to the 16th century when the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived on the island, becoming the first European to set foot in the Philippines. He then baptized Rajah Humabon, one of the island’s leaders, into the Christian faith at a site now called the Magellan’s Cross.

A visit to the Basilica del Santo Nino, built-in 1565, is also an excellent way to immerse yourself in Cebu’s history. The church is home to the Santo Nino, an image of the infant Jesus believed to have miraculous qualities.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Cebu has no shortage of exciting and unconventional experiences to offer. For beach lovers, a day trip to Olango Island is a great way to escape the city’s hustle and bustle. The island has breathtaking sceneries and the opportunity to observe migratory birds.

If you are interested in learning about Cebu’s agricultural heritage, you can visit the Sirao Flower Garden. The garden is a hidden gem where you can admire rare and beautiful flowers. It offers a perfect backdrop for photography or a leisurely walk.

In Conclusion, Cebu City, Philippines, is a dream destination for adventure seekers and open-minded travelers who want to explore beyond the beaten track. With its vibrant culture, rich history, scenic beauty, and mouth-watering cuisine- it has something for everyone. Follow this local’s guide to make the most of your visit to this beautiful city, and you’ll have memories that last a lifetime.