With summertime officially around the corner, countless couples, friends, and families are headed down south to Cebu. This Philippine island province found in the Central Visayas region is definitely a favorite vacation destination for tourists and locals alike. Besides. Cebu is home to fun activities, scenic spots, historic landmarks and, of course, good food.
How To Get There
Cebu is a very accessible place and you can get there by air, by sea, or even by land.
By Air
If you prefer traveling by plane, you’d be glad to know that daily domestic flights to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport from key cities around the country. International visitors may also fly straight to Cebu from Hongkong, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea.
By Sea
By sea, the Cebu City Port accommodates inter-island sea vessels for the Cebu-Manila-Cebu trips coming from major cities in Visayas and Mindanao.
By Land
Meanwhile, those who want to use their own car may avail of the services offered by Roll On-Roll Off (RORO) ferries. Hourly bus trips are also available from Dumaguete, Oriental Negros and Bacolod, Negros Occidental.
Where to Go and What to Do
Summer usually calls for a lot of fun under the sun and Cebu has plenty of wonderful spots for you to choose from.
Island Beaches
For example, Oslob, South Cebu’s Sumilon Island is known for its pristine beaches, salt-water lagoon, and infinity pool. You may also enjoy awesome activities here like trekking, glamping, and whale-shark watching.
On the other hand, North Cebu’s Funtastic Island (Gibitngil Island) has a majestic white beach that will captivate beach lovers of all ages. Aside from swimming and sunbathing, you could likewise go cliff diving or try a wild zipline ride. The island also has interesting rock formations that are definitely worth checking out.
Photo credit:Mike Gonzales via WikimediaCommons
Other island beaches you might want to consider visiting include Bantayan’s Silion Island (Virgin Island), Pacijan Island, Badian’s Saragossa Island, Daanbantayan’s Malapascua Island, and the Olango Group of Islands.
Historic Landmarks
History buffs will surely have a great time in Cebu because of its rich cultural heritage.
Magellan’s Cross, for example, is a must-see for those interested to trace the roots of Christianity in the country. Next, the Basilica del Santo Niño is home to one of the Philippines’ oldest religious artifacts – a Child Jesus statue that dates back to 1521. Both are found in Santo Niño, Cebu City.
The Casa Gorordo and Yap-San Diego Ancestral House give you an idea of how it was like to live in Cebu during the Spanish era. Both are also located in Cebu City.
Finally, Museo Sugbo is the perfect stop for those who want to learn more about the province.
Fun Activities
Nightlife is very much alive in Cebu. IT Park and Crossroads offers some of the hippest spots. Treff is known for its unique delicacies and stunning glass-and-white exterior. Additionally, Blu Bar & Grill has been picked by Travel + Leisure Asia as one of the best bars in Asia.
Those looking for some adrenaline-pumping adventure should ride the Xtreme Edge Coaster which takes you high above the ground for over 130 meters. Also, there’s the ever-popular Sky Walk.
In the mood for some shopping and dining? Go head over to Ayala Center or SM City.
What (and Where) to Eat
Lechon Cebu
A visit to Cebu is never complete without tasting its world-famous lechon (roast pig). Where can you find the best Cebu lechon in the province? Well, most foodies agree that it’s a close fight between Cebu City’s Zubuchon and Cebu Lechon CNT so just take your pick. Other yummy dishes such as lechon kawali, lechon sisig, and liempo are also available.
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Tuslob Buwa
Located in the corner of Katambisan Village, Central Nautical Highway, Catmon, Tuslob Buwa is a budget-friendly exotic delicacy that literally means “dip” and “froth” in the Cebuano language. For just a hundred bucks, you’ll get an order along with 10 to 12 puso (rice wrapped in weaved palm leaves) to feast on.
Ngohiong
Street food enthusiasts, on the other hand, should never miss out on Cebu’s ngohiong (“ngo-yong”) – a deep-fried, spring-roll-style delight made from battered rice-paper roll, singkamas (jicama), ubod (bamboo shoots), ground pork, minced shrimps, onions, and garlic. Its mouthwatering seasoning, on the other hand, includes salt, pepper, and its distinctly delicious Chinese five-spice powder.
Ngohiong is pretty much easy to find as you’ll see them in sold in food stands, eateries, and even some Chinese restaurants. Just ask the locals and they’d gladly point you to the best sellers.
Conclusion
For all these reasons and more, you will definitely love your summer break if you choose to spend it in Cebu.
For more vacation recommendations, go read one of our previous blog posts about the Top 10 Travel Destinations for Summer in the Philippines.