Cebu
A destination of character, the enticing Cebu Island is surrounded by incredible marine biodiversity and fine-sand beaches.
One of the oldest cities in the country, Cebu City teems with soul, history, and nightlife. Combine that with stunning nature, a colourful undersea world, sparkling emerald waters and white sandy beaches, it is no wonder that Cebu has become one of the nation’s favourite tourist destination.
Attractions
Brimming with activities, there is no shortage of things to do at Cebu. You can hop from one ridiculously beautiful island to another, go on a spectacular scuba dive, or just unwind on one of its sugary soft sandy beaches. The city does not sleep at night and pulsates with an exciting nightlife, perfect for backpackers, solo travelers, or groups of friends. Still, romantic couples and families could seek quiet refuge at luxury resorts peppering the island.
Getting There
The fastest way to get to Cebu Island is by flying into Mactan Cebu International Airport. The airport is conveniently served by many major Asian airlines and even Emirates from Dubai. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Manila to Cebu but the boat journey is long, and the ferries do not run daily.
Money Matters
As with most places in the Philippines, cash is king in Cebu. The only recognised currency is the official local currency of Philippine Peso (PHP). However, ATMs that accept most major credit cards can be easily found in Cebu City, especially at shopping malls and also at the airport. Money changers are available in most big malls too.
Weather
The weather in Cebu is tropical, which means hot and humid all year round with heavy monsoons. The summer months of March to May can be unbearably hot while the best months to visit are during the winter months of November to January, where the days are sunny and nights are relatively cool. January is the coolest month, which is also when the vibrant Sinulog Festival is held each year, attracting about 1 to 2 million of people from all over the country to Cebu.
Getting Around
The most popular way to travel around Cebu is via metered taxis, which are convenient and cheap. Flashy jeepneys are all over the city and travel on fixed routes. To get on, simply wave your arm at an approaching jeepney and the driver will stop to pick you up. If you would like to go around the island, you can take an air-conditioned bus from the Cebu South Bus Terminal.
Food
A typical Cebuano dining experience consists of sitting in an open-air food court and sampling a plethora of delicious cuisines, both Filipino or international dishes with a local twist. Not feeling adventurous? You can easily find restaurants serving Western or other Asian cuisines across the city, and even fast food joints if you are in a rush.
Being the most densely populated island of the nation, you can expect Cebu to be bursting with life and buzzing with activities. Relishing its natural beauty in the day while partying the lively night away, that is the true Cebu experience.
