What is Cebu Like?

The Philippines are an archipelago of 7,641 islands, making it the world’s second-biggest archipelago nation. Central Visayas is the third largest region in the country and home to some of the most amazing landscapes, food and culture. One of the most unique and amazing provinces of this region is Cebu.

Cebu is an province that is divided into 15 different municipalities and one city – Cebu City. The island itself is circled by 170 smaller islands, making it a delight for culture lovers, sun seekers and beach goers. It has a booming restaurant scene, lively nightlife, and cultural attractions that make it one of the most fascinating places in the country.

What is there to do in Cebu?

There are plenty of things to do within Cebu. Whether you are traveling with your family, a group of friends, or on solo mission, all types of travelers will find plenty of activities. From scuba diving and snorkeling to cave exploring and beach hopping, here are some of the best things to do in Cebu.

Beaches

Cebu is home to a lot of stunning beaches. Bantayan Island, Malapascua, Moalboal and Oslob are some of the must-visit beaches here. Each beach has its own attractions and tourists can pick from activities from diving, swimming and snorkeling to visiting natural habitats of turtles or whale sharks.

Island Hopping

Many tourists come to Cebu for its archipelago of 170 smaller islands. Island hopping around Cebu is an adventure tourist love to embark on. Some of the popular islands include Olango island where tourists can spot migratory birds and swim with sea turtles; Sumilon Island with its powdery white sand beach with colorful corals and Hilutungan Island renowned for its well-protected marine sanctuary.

Religious Sites

Apart from the natural beauty of this province, there are also many spiritual sites to visit in Cebu. The well known Magellan’s Cross called “Bantayan sa Hari’ in Cebuano is a famous religious symbol of the country located in the courtyard of Basilica Minore del Santo Nino cathedral in Cebu City. Other ancient religious sites include the Temple of Leah which is an architectural masterpiece and Langub Cave Chapel famous for its religious Mactan stone carvings.

Adventure & Nature Activities

Cebu has a lot of natural beauty for travelers to explore. Kawasan Falls are one of the most popular journeys; It consists of three tiered falls where visitors can swim and jump off natural water slides while surrounded by lush greenery. Other activities include Tumalog Falls where tourists can jump into crystal-clear water and Kawit Cave with its natural coral rock formations. For adventure lovers trekking up Osmeña Peak (1013 meters high) is a thrilling experience and spectators can get amazing views of the sunset and landscapes from the top.

What is the Local Cuisine Like?

Cebu has a unique mouth-watering cuisine with influences from Spanish, Chinese and Korian fare. The most popular cuisine from the province includes Lechon – spit-roasted pork; the local version of Lechon Baboy – skewered pork barbeque sprinkled with spices; “Puso’ which are rice cakes cooked in coconut leaves; local seafood curries such as Pangat and Pinangat made with fish & coconut milk; and Halo-Halo that is a popular desert which consists of shaved ice topped with milk, jelly and fruits.

The food scene here is growing every year as more global cuisines open up in the city. From local delights to European dishes served up in swanky restaurants and al fresco eateries along the coast, there are countless places to taste something new in Cebu.

In Conclusion

Ultimately, a visit to Cebu will be worth your while as it offers endless opportunities for exploration. Whether you are looking to enjoy its sandy beaches and water activities, partake in outdoor adventures, or explore its spiritual sites, there is something for everyone in this amazing province in Central Visayas. And don’t forget to sample some delectable local cuisine when you are there!

Exploring Cebu: An Insider’s Guide

Are you ready to experience the enchanting city of Cebu like a local? Beyond its beautiful beaches and popular tourist spots, Cebu boasts hidden gems waiting to be explored. In this insider’s guide, we’ll take a closer look at what Cebu has to offer beyond the usual tourist hotspots.

Discovering Hidden Gems

While Magellan’s Cross and the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño are must-see destinations, Cebu has a lot of other hidden gems to explore. The Taoist Temple, situated on the hills of Beverly Hills Subdivision, offers panoramic views of the city. Temple of Leah, a Greco-Roman building, is a homage to the owner’s late wife and a stop that promises beauty and grandeur. For a more low-key experience, stroll around Fort San Pedro, a Spanish-era fort that was once a military defense structure, it now houses a museum on Cebu’s history.

Eating Like a Local

Cebu’s food culture is a melting pot of different influences. Be sure to try the lechon, a slow-roasted whole pig; it’s known as the best lechon in the country. For seafood lovers, try the sutukil at the nearby Mactan Island. For an authentic culinary experience, try eating at small eatery called carinderias, it’s a popular local culinary tradition where you can taste some of the best local dishes.

Cultural Experiences

Cebu has a rich cultural and historical background seen in different art, music, festivals and customs, a chief example is Sinulog festival held in January which honors the Santo Nino through street dancing. For music lovers, go watch UP Serenata every Thursday, and indulge in a live acoustic music performance showcasing different local artists. Don’t forget to visit Mandaue’s Banilad Trade Center to experience the workshops hosted by Creative Cebu, which showcase various talents from DIYs to food.

Uncovering Local History

The Fort of San Pedro played an important role not only in Spanish-Era governance but also in the Phil-American War. It was from here that American forces attacked Cebu in 1899. In 1945, the Aznar mansion used to serve as a headquarters for the Japanese imperial forces, the mansion’s role in the World War II has been the subject of stories and movies. You can also visit Museo Sugbo, a former jail, now turned museum, showcasing various exhibits from art to history.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Want to explore Cebu in a more unconventional way? Join a river cruise in the Bojo River, in the island of Aloguinsan. The experience offers the chance to explore nearby mangroves, learn about the biodiversity of the river, and even bond with local residents. For thrill-seekers, canyoneering in Badian is a must – go rappelling through the canyon and leap into waterfalls. Feeling more adventurous? Island hopping in the nearby Camotes Island is always a good idea; enjoy a quiet laid-back island life with clear blue water surrounding you.

With our insider’s guide, you can now explore Cebu like a true local. Enjoy the food, culture, history, and hidden gems that make this amazing city unique.