There's an endless list of what and where to go in Cebu, so to narrow it down I have a few lists of the oh-so-famous spots in "The Queen City of the South." Let's go!
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Also known as Basilica de Santo Niño Church. Located in the heart of Cebu, one hour away from Mactan Airport, depending on the traffic. When it comes to religion Cebuanos are a good example of faithful believers. It all started when a Spanish explorer named Magellan came to the Philippines and planted Christianity in the hearts of the Filipino people. Ever since that day, it has become a strong foundation of faith and values among the people.
Sr. Sto Nino is the oldest church in Cebu and a very popular tourist destination. The Spanish architecture-inspired church is famous for its grandeur design and the miraculous Sr. Sto Nino. A very extravagant event happens every second week of the month of January where believers of Sr. Sto Nino celebrate his greatness. The so-called event is the ever-sought party in the Queen City of the South, the one and only "Sinulog Festival." People from all walks of life simply gather in this colorful event to dance and party all day long. An unlimited list of activities piles up to feast your appetite for fun. A series of street dances, boastful floats, beauty pageants, drinking contests, and endless parties surely keep everyone busy.
During this event, the church is jam-packed with worshipers and tourists. If you want to see the church closely and be at peace while roaming around its corridors better avoid those dates. While you're around the area don't forget to visit the Magellan's cross located at the side of the church.
2. Magellan's Cross
Located near Basilica del Santo Niño along the City Hall Lane, Cebu City. This cross is said to be the cross planted by Magellan when Christianity was established in the country. They said the original cross is enclosed inside the cross.
3. Cathedral Church
A few steps away from Sto. Niño Church, from KFC, goes straight to the alley that sells all kinds of flowers, Christian ornaments, and food stalls. Check out the museum just beside the church too where they feature artifacts about the church during the old days.
4. Fort San Pedro
The oldest and smallest fort in the Philippines is located at Pigafetta Street, Cebu City. A historical place if you want to get to know Cebu during the Spanish colonization. A few metres away from Plaza Independencia. It's a garrison-made museum and event hall that offers packages for intimate celebrations like birthdays and wedding events.
5. Fuente Circle
A playground for kids and a chill-out spot for adults. This park lights up at night where people gather to sit around. It looks pretty nice during the holidays most especially in December when a giant Christmas tree will be set up in the center polished with colorful lights and huge Christmas decorations.
6. Casa Gorordo Museum
This ancestral house features a variety of information about a rich family's lifestyle back then. Located in No 35 Lopez Jaena, Cebu. Check out the Colon Monument a few steps away from the museum. It symbolizes a landmark for Cebu's oldest street.
7. Colon street
The oldest street in Cebu. A busy place where people buy and sell goods at a cheaper price. Beware of pickpockets around this area. Make sure to wear something ordinary to keep you away from deceiving and abusive people.
8. Tops
One of the most popular tourist spots in Cebu. It is found in Barangay Malubog, Busay, Cebu City. An overlooking place to see the metro, better to be there late in the afternoon to avoid the blazing heat of the sun. See the lights glow as the sky turns black and the city comes alive with flying colors. From JY Square Mall in Lahug there are plenty of motorcycles that can take you up to the top, or for your convenience better take the taxi for safety purposes.
9. Cebu Taoist Temple
Located in Beverly Hills Subdivision a nice place to see another great view of the metro.
10. Mountain View Nature's Park
Located in Sitio Garahe Busay. A great place for dining and doing some exciting activities with family and friends.
11. Lapu-Lapu Shrine
A 20 metres bronze statue in Punta Engaño, Mactan Lapu-Lapu City. It was built to honor a native leader who defeated the Spanish soldiers during the Battle of Mactan in 1521.
12. South Road Properties (SRP) Cebu
Check out the nearby Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod
Rising soon is SM Seaside City which is said to be the biggest mall in the Philippines.
13. Food
Try the ever-famous Barbeque Stalls at Larsian near Chong Hua Hospital. Never miss the Seafood Restaurants in Sutokil located at the farthest end of the island of Mactan. Check out Local foods too like bibingka in Mandaue, Siomai sa Tisa with hanging rice in Labangon, and of course Cebu's pride Lechon in Carcar or Talisay.
Check out: What to eat in Cebu City
14. Osmeña Peak
There are numerous adventures, treks, and diving sites that you can try. From swimming with the whale sharks or catching the sunset at Osmeña Peak.
This is one of my favorite climbs of all time, the climb that opens up my love for mountaineering. A spectacular view of the sea and the island of Negros awaits you at its peak. Overnight camping is allowed. Please ensure you keep the place clean when you leave the site.
Check out: How to get to Osmena Peak
15. Beaches
The best beaches are almost everywhere on the island. Enjoy the white pristine waters of the Queen City of the South. Check out: Sumilon Island, Camotes Island, Malapascua Island, Bantayan Island, Pandanon Island and Mactan Islands. Endless resorts to choose from with a great variety of rates that will suit your budget.
Cebu is the best place for beach outings. The Queen City of the South holds so many beautiful, pristine white sand beaches.
Here's a list of the Best Beaches in Cebu:
- From the South bus terminal: take the Ceres Bus
- Buses Operate from 1 AM – 9 PM
- Bus Fare: 150 PHP – 180 PHP
- Bus Route: Cebu to Alcoy
- Drop-Off: Tingko Beach 1, Alcoy
- Travel Time (bus/private car): 3-4 hours
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- From the North bus terminal: take the Ceres Bus
- Bus Fare: less than 200 PHP
- Bus Route: from Cebu to Hagnaya Port
- Drop off: Hagnaya Port, San Remigio, Cebu
- Travel time (bus/private car): 3-5 hours
- From Hagnaya Port: Take a Super Shuttle Ferry or Island Shipping
- Boat Fare: less than 200 PHP
- Terminal fee: less than 20 PHP
- Boat Route: Hagnaya Port to Sante Fe Port
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- There are two ways to get there:
- *1. The fastest way to the island is from the airport straight to Mactan Wharf
- From the Mactan-Cebu International Airport:
- Take a taxicab to Island Central Mactan Mall. The wharf is right behind the mall.
- *2. Another option if you don't have much luggage is the yellow multicab (mini jeepney) right outside the airport. Alight (exit) at Marina Mall and across the street is the Island Central Mall, then make your way behind the mall to the wharf.
- Airport to Island Central Mactan Mall (aka "Island Mall") by car/multicab: 5 – 10 minutes
- Ticket Kiosk location: behind Island Central Mall, walk 5 minutes to Cebu Yacht Club’s port area
- Boat Fare: 500 PHP – 550 PHP
- Travel time to Consuelo Port (on Camotes Island): 1 hour and 30 minutes
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- From the Mactan-Cebu International Airport
- You can take a cab to go to your resort or hotel. The estimated fare is 150-250 PHP, depending on traffic.
- Alternatively, if you're familiar with Uber and/or Lyft, then you can download and use the mobile app, Grab, to book your transportation.
- From Lapu-Lapu City: Both places have boat rentals for island hopping
- 1.Take a cab or jeepney from Mepz 1,Lapu-Lapu City to Hilton Hotel,Punta Engaño Lapu-Lapu City, port is right beside the hotel.
- 2.Take a cab or jeepney from Lapu-Lapu Mercado to Baybayon Datag ,Maribago Lapu-Lapu City.
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- From the North bus terminal: take the Ceres Bus
- Bus Fare: 150 PHP – 250 PHP
- Bus Route: from Cebu to New Maya Port
- Drop off: New Maya Port
- Travel time (bus/private car): 3 – 4 hours
- From New Maya Port:
- Boat fare: 100 PHP – 150 PHP
- Travel time to the island: 45 minutes
- Boat Schedules:
- From New Maya Port to Malapascua Island and vice versa: 6:30AM - 4:30PM, so make sure to plan ahead of time. Always check the weather conditions before your trip.
- The first option is by bus
- From the South bus terminal: take the Ceres Bus
- Bus Fare: 120 PHP - 180 PHP
- Bus Route: Cebu to Moalboal Terminal
- The second option by V-hire (van for hire)
- From One Citilink Terminal, a few meters away from the South Bus Terminal
- V-hire fare: 120 PHP - 150 PHP
- Travel time (bus/v-hire//private car): 3-4 hours
- How to get there: Whale Shark Experience
- From the South bus terminal: take the Ceres Bus
- Buses Operate from 1 AM – 9 PM
- Bus Fare: 150 PHP – 180 PHP
- Bus Route: Bato via Liloan to Oslob
- Drop-Off: Brgy. Tan-awan in Oslob
- Travel Time (bus/private car): 3-4 hours
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- How to get there: Cebu City to Pandanon
- From the Mactan-Cebu International Airport:
- You can take a cab going to Hilton Port, Punta Engano, Mactan. The estimated fare is 200-300 PHP, depending on traffic.
- Alternatively, if you're familiar with Uber and/or Lyft, then you can download and use the mobile app, Grab, to book your transportation.
- From Hilton Port:
- Boat Rental: 2,000 PHP - 10,000 PHP, depending on boat size
- Boat Route: Hilton Port to Pandanon Island
- Travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- From the Cebu South bus terminal: take the Ceres Bus
- Bus Fare: 140 PHP – 170 PHP (one-way, air-conditioned)
- Bus Route: from Cebu to Oslob
- Drop off: Bancogon, Oslob at Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort’s Port
- Travel time (bus/private car): 3-4 hours
- Take note that advance booking is required. It takes around 7-10 minutes to reach Sumilon Island. Book your hotel stay with Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort
*Prices may have changed.
Cebu is for everyone! A great place for good food, exciting adventures, and lovely sceneries. There's the mountain to make you feel closer to the sky and the pristine white beaches to soothe your senses. My heart will always say yes to this great city. Everything that made me who I am today is because of all the travels I've had, without a doubt, it's truly more fun in the Philippines.
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Do you want more adventure?
If you still have one more day to spare why not go do something unique and fun like Wall climbing or a Zip-line adventure in Cebu, Philippines.
Where am I going next?
My next adventure is to check out the Hidden Waterfalls in the Southside of Cebu, Philippines.
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This is a nice post and informative too. I would like to add that if you want to spend your time in Cebu without worrying about traffic and getting a ride, you should try to rent a motorcycle and/or scooter at book2wheel.com. They offer the cheapest motorbike rental in Cebu and the quality of the motorcycles they provide are good. You should try it.
ReplyDeleteHello Larry, I will look into it. Thanks for checking out my post. Cheers!
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