Cebu Photo: Thita Lerdsiwanon/Shutterstock.com Refereed to locally as “queen of the south,” Cebu, the country’s oldest city, has now become its favourite tourist destination. With a keen choice of historical sights, long stretches of white sand beaches, excellent year-round scuba and water sport action, choice of dining, exciting nightlife and, of course, the famous warm hospitality, it’s no surprise that visitor numbers, new hotels and tourist attractions are increasing.
Jordan Tan/Shutterstock.com Top 5 Magellan’s Cross Housed in a kiosk, this iconic and much prized monument marks the spot where... Basilica Minore del Santo Niño Basilica Minore del Santo Niño was the first Asian basilica, built in 1740. ... Fort San Pedro outcast85/Shutterstock.com Built in 1740 as a nucleus for Spanish settlers, this is the smallest and ol... Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary is a large collection of moth and butterfly spec... Olango Twice a year during winter and spring, on one of the most important migrator...
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Updated 17 December 2019 Destination: Cebu Publishing date: 2019-12-17
THE CITY DO & SEE
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In the heart of the Philippine archipelago, Cebu Since Cebu was the rst Spanish settlement in is at once the island, metropolitan area and the Philippines, the city has a lot of historical provincial capital. The seat of Christianity in the attractions to oer its visitors. The large sea port Philippines since Ferdinand Magellan rst and air hub has also contributed to the planted a cross on the shoreline, the city has modernisation of the city and the urban culture played host to a number of mixed foreign settlers mix with the old heritage. Cebu oers its visitors who left a lasting impression on the landscape a unique experience. and culture. Magellan’s Cross Spain, particularly, has had a strong colonial Housed in a kiosk, this presence and Catholic legacy. As a centre for iconic and much prized trade, commerce, arts and education the city is a monument marks the spot mishmash of the old and new, and oers a real where the explorer avor of Philippine life in all its guises. The lust Ferdinand Magellan for life is apparent 24 hours a day, the common planted a cross after usage of English makes everything quite simple baptising the rst Filippinos, so creating Cebu as and the welcoming smiles of the locals seem to the cradle of Christianity in the Philippines. greet you wherever you go. Look skywards to admire the ceiling paintings depicting the historical event.
Photo: Ron Frank/Shutterstock.com Address: P. Burgos Street, Cebu City Opening hours: Every day 8am - 6pm Phone: +63 32 416 4579 Destination: Cebu Publishing date: 2019-12-17
Basilica Minore del Santo Niño display in the attached gallery. Basilica Minore del Santo Niño was the rst Asian Photo: unmillonedeelefantes/Shutterstock.com basilica, built in 1740. It Address: J. N. Jumalon St., Basak, Pardo, Cebu City Opening hours: Every day 9am - 5pm teems with devotees Phone: +63 32 261 6884 clambering to catch a Internet: www.jumalonbutterysanctuary.com glimpse of the oldest and Email: [email protected] most celebrated religious icon in the Philippines, the Santo Niño statue, presented to Queen Juana Olango of Cebu by Magellan. Twice a year during winter and spring, on one Photo: shankar s. (image cropped) of the most important Address: Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City migratory yways in the Phone: +63 32 255 6697 world, tens of thousands Internet: www.basilicasantonino.org.ph of birds touch down on Fort San Pedro this small island to rest their weary bodies. Built in 1740 as a nucleus Plovers, red shanks, egrets and sandpipers are for Spanish settlers, this just some of the winged visitors that can be seen is the smallest and oldest here. tri-bastion fort in the Photo: Kristina Vackova/Shutterstock.com country. The green Address: Olango Island, Lapu-Lapu City setting makes this ne little fort a good place to take a breather from Crocolandia Cebu City’s chaotic streets. Within the bastion is This is a nature park and the Regional National Museum, which from a smallish zoo hosting Wednesday to Sunday, exhibits artifacts from the crocodiles, birds, lizards San Diego ship wreck. and other such creatures that will make the Photo: Kuz'min Pavel/Shutterstock.com children squeal. In Address: A. Pigafetta Street, Cebu City Opening hours: Every day 8am - 7pm addition on display are some protected plant Phone: +63 32 256 2284 species. There is also a gift shop and café.
Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary Photo: Ammit Jack/Shutterstock.com Jumalon Buttery Address: Biasong, Talisay City Opening hours: Every day 9am - 5pm Sanctuary is a large Phone: +63 32 273 1842 collection of moth and Internet: www.crocolandia.weebly.com buttery species, kept in Email: [email protected] a lush botanical garden. The artist J.N. Jumalon uses the discarded wings and other everyday objects to create the eye-catching mosaics on Destination: Cebu Publishing date: 2019-12-17
Cebu Country Club Photo: Razvan Iosif/Shutterstock.com Cebu Country Club is a Address: Colon Street, Cebu City tranquil oasis and Rizal Memorial Library & Museum popular golf course situated just a few At the Rizal Memorial minutes from the heart of Library & Museum, the the city. It is spread over rst oor showcases a collection of antiques an area of 52 hectares of former sugar donated by the local, plantations. famous and rich Cebuano Photo: Mikael Damkier/Shutterstock.com families. Also on display is a collection of Address: M. J. Cuenco Avenue, Cebu City classical and contemporary artworks by Cebuano Phone: +63 32 231 0345 painters and artists. The upper oor is used as a Internet: www.golngphilippines.com performing arts hall.
Cebu Taoist Temple Photo: Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock.com Your city tour would not Address: Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City be complete without Opening hours: Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm visiting this beautiful Phone: +63 32 416 4579 temple. Cebu Taoist Internet: www.jose-rizal-memorial-library-museum-building.b usiness.site Temple was built in 1972 and is located in the Casa Gorordo upscale area of Beverly Hills Subdivision in A tour inside this Cebu. The place is extremely peaceful and oers residence is a brief amazing photo opportunities since it is approx. journey into a Filipino 300 meter above sea level. lifestyle from 1860-1920. The historic former Photo: Curioso/Shutterstock.com Address: Beverly Hills, Cebu City bishop’s home features Phone: +63 32 948 574 2549 noted paintings, museum relics, a courtyard, antique household items and furniture. Colon Street The oldest street in Cebu Photo: wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock.com was constructed by the Address: 35 Eduardo Aboitiz Street, Cebu City Opening hours: Every day 10am - 6pm Spanish and named after Phone: +63 32 411 1767 Christopher Columbus, Email: casagorordomuseum@ra.org.ph marked by an obelisk at its northern end. Today, it’s the heart of the city’s downtown district and teems with shopping and entertainment discoveries. The street is glittering during the evening. Destination: Cebu Publishing date: 2019-12-17
University of San Carlos Museum arriving in time for sunset is worthwhile for Housed in the country’s romantics. To reveal your intentions with a oldest school, the partner, ring the legendary iron bell. Once for a museum divides its rm partnership, twice for lasting friendship or artefacts into four three times for love that never ends. It is located sections, each oering a 10 minute walk from the car park. fascinating insight into life before, during and after the Spanish Photo: Akhenaton Images/Shutterstock.com Address: Busay, Cebu conquests. You nd the museum just right of the main entrance to the University. Bantayan Island
Photo: Caftor/Shutterstock.com Located in the Address: Pelaez Street, Cebu City northwestern tip of Cebu, Phone: +63 32 253 1000 Bantayan is just one of Internet: www.usc.edu.ph many serene and tranquil Email: [email protected] locations that boast ne EXCURSIONS white sandy beaches. The island is a favourite local holiday hangout, particularly during the Lenten (Easter) season with celebrations that boast one of the most elaborate processions in the country.
Photo: And-One/Shutterstock.com Address: Bantayan Island
Kawasan Falls
leelook/Shutterstock.com Despite the three hour drive and 25 minute walk With its location in the heart of the Philippine along rocky paths, the archipelago it is easy to go for an excursion panoramic waterfalls outside the city. Visit another island or discover steeped in lush greenery the nearby surroundings of the main island of on Cebu island's south Cebu. western coastline is well worth the journey; it's a place where the heat, dust and grime of the city Busay can be washed away beneath the cascading Situated 2,000 feet above water. Bamboo rafts, swings and calm pools are sea level, this excellent also available for those wanting to stay dry. A sight-seeing spot oers great place to have a picnic but try to avoid the breathtaking views of weekends. Cebu and islands. Arbours are available for Photo: Litvinova Olga/Shutterstock.com Address: Matutinao, Badian daytime picnics and instant evening parties, and Internet: www.kawasanfalls.net Destination: Cebu Publishing date: 2019-12-17
Mactan Island Anzani Necessities of trade, Anzani is a lovely place, industry and the airport, where you can see the unfortunately, take up beautiful sunset and have some of the space on a drink on the balcony Mactan. However, much while you are waiting for of its coastline it is left to your meal. The ambiance the abundant beauty of nature, and its dazzling and the food are great here. Their focus is white sandy beaches and resorts are a serious Mediterranean cuisine. draw to tourists. The crystal clear waters attract Photo: AlessandroBiascioli/Shutterstock.com snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. Address: Lahug Nivel Hills Panorama Height, Cebu City Opening hours: Mon - Fri 11.30am - 2.30, 5.30pm - 12am Photo: SimonHS/Shutterstock.com Phone: +63 32 2327375 Address: Mactan Island Internet: www.anzani.com.ph Email: [email protected] DINING Yakski Barbecue What's in a name? Everything, in this case. Yakski Barbecue is a must-do for any meat-lover travelling to Cebu, and don't forget the "must" number two - the signature Yakski
Ekaterina Pokrovsky/Shutterstock.com sauce.
Eating in Cebu is an experience with a Photo: Suphachai Sinsuebphon/Shutterstock.com Address: 268 Don Mariano Cui St, Cebu City multinational choice of restaurants, particularly Opening hours: Mon - Sat 11am - 2.30pm, 5pm - 12am, Sun around the Ayala district. The undecided should 5pm - 12am try a Filipino turo-turo—literally ’point-point’ Phone: +63 32 254 3977 restaurant, where patrons point at whatever they Internet: www.yakskibarbecue.com fancy from a spread of dishes. Street-food Email: [email protected] abounds in Cebu and is amazingly cheap, sugba Maya Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Lounge or sinugba (barbecue) is particularly popular and Combining the dedication include marinated sweet pork, chicken and to serving seafood on sticks. For dessert, "Halo-Halo," is a restaurant-quality food refreshing mix of grated ice, sweet beans, and the relaxing tropical fruits and ice cream. ambiance of a lounge, Maya is an enticing establishment for an evening drink as well as a full meal. Destination: Cebu Publishing date: 2019-12-17
Photo: Xan/Shutterstock.com Port Seafood Address: Crossroads, Cebu City This restaurant is located Phone: +63 32 238 9552 in a 4-star hotel. They Internet: www.theabacagroup.com oer both catering and Email: [email protected] buet. Port Seafood even Wakamatsu Yakiniku features a midnight buet This Japanese/Korean where you got 40 inspired restaurant is dierent dishes to choose from and they also always packed with have a pasta and a crepe bar. customers enjoying its Photo: Africa Studio/Shutterstock.com delicious Yakiniku and Address: Waterfront Cebu City Hotel, Salinas Drive, Cebu extensive buet, so make City sure to book a table at Wakamatsu Yakiniku in Opening hours: Every day 11am - 10pm advance. The all-you-can-eat option is great Phone: +63 32 516 6018 Email: [email protected] value for money and you will certainly leave More Info: Located at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel happy and stued. CAFES Photo: Sittipong Sirichamnan/Shutterstock.com Address: Pacic Square Building, F. Cabahug Street, Cebu City Opening hours: Every day 11.30am - 2.30pm, 5.30pm - 10.30pm Phone: +63 32 232 5897
Casa Verde Casa Verde is a family run restaurant chain and they are not hard to nd Efetova Anna/Shutterstock.com since there are several The big city can sometimes be a bit around Cebu. The menu overwhelming and a quick energising break can is aordable priced and be wished for. Sit down at one of the many cafes you really get good quality food for the price. and enjoy a cup of coee or a refreshing drink, They are famous for their baby back ribs, cooked and maybe a small snack or cake. Some of the to perfection. You will nd one of the cafes also provide WiFi for their customers. restaurants on:
Photo: Tatiana Volgutova/Shutterstock.com Address: Lim Tian Teng Street 69, Cebu City Phone: +63 32 253 64 72 Internet: www.casaverdecebu.com Email: [email protected] Destination: Cebu Publishing date: 2019-12-17
Bloom Cakes & Coffee great view of Cebu City. This is the perfect place Bloom Cakes & Coee to unwind and relax in a unique and magical serves an incredible atmosphere. selection of cakes, coees and milkshakes. They are Photo: Sujittra Panatoop/Shutterstock.com as beautiful to look at as Address: Cebu Transcentral Highway, Cebu City Opening hours: Mon 12am - 12am, Tue - Fri 11am - 10pm, they are delicious to eat. Sat & Sun 7am - 10pm If you have a sweet tooth this is the place for you Phone: +63 995 128 7466 to indulge in chocolaty treats, cupcakes and Email: [email protected] comforting hot drinks. Yolk Photo: Inna Taran/Shutterstock.com Head over to Yolk cafe if Address: 1 Paseo Saturnino, Cebu City you are looking for some Opening hours: Mon - Sat 10am - 10pm delicious early morning Phone: +63 956 076 8238 Internet: www.bloomcakes.org breakfast. This coee Email: [email protected] shop is exceptionally cozy and serves the perfect Abaca Baking Company houseblend coee to make sure you have a great Head over to the Abaca start to the day. Their Chorizo and eggs in a pan Baking Company for are a favourite you will want to come back for. some artisan crafted breads, from-scratch Photo: Tono Balaguer/Shutterstock.com baked goods and classic Address: Tan Kim Building, 80 Tres Borces Padres Street, Cebu City American food. They also Opening hours: Every day 7am - 7pm have quality desserts and pastries on oer that Phone: +63 32 231 0411 you can enjoy with a hot cup of aromatic coee Email: [email protected] or tea. Bintana Coffee House Photo: BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock.com Alongside some must try Address: Crossroads Banilad Road, Cebu City dishes and an excellent Opening hours: Every day 7am - 10pm selection of coee, you Phone: +63 32 262 0969 Internet: www.theabacagroup.com will be able to enjoy Email: [email protected] smooth music and a rustic atmosphere Crate Cafe created by the unique interior design and the art Crate Cafe is a true displayed on the walls. If you have a sweet hidden gem a bit further tooth, try their delicious cheescake with a hot outside the city. Here you beverage of your choice. will be able to enjoy your cup of coee sourrounded Photo: Nitr/Shutterstock.com by nature and with a Address: 81K Elizabeth Pond Street, Cebu City Opening hours: Mon - Sat 11am - 9pm Destination: Cebu Publishing date: 2019-12-17
Phone: +63 32 416 1335 Marshall's Irish Pub Bar & Restaurant Email: [email protected] This Irish bar oers live music every night of the BARS & NIGHTLIFE week and serves not only a great selection of beers but also a wide array of food. Come here for breakfast, lunch, dinner or just a drink or a snack. They have Happy Hour between 16.00-19.00.
Photo: Joshua Resnick/Shutterstock.com
joyfull/Shutterstock.com Address: Mango Square Mall, General Maxilom Avenue, Cebu City Cebu is a haven for partyphiles, particularly Opening hours: Mon - Sun 10am - 3am Phone: +63 32 412 6418 along Colon Street and Osmena Boulevard, with Internet: www.marshallsirishpub.com clubs pounding until day light at weekends and More Info: Cebu City Century Plaza Commercial Complex until 3.00 during the week. The concept of bars here is somewhat dierent and there are few The Distillery places to go that oer a simple place to have a The Distillery is a popular drink and quiet conversation. Cebu also has two bar and evening hang out 24-hour casinos located in both of the Waterfront spot that draws a young, Hotels. rowdy crowd on a regular basis. The bar oers an Jazz'n Bluz extensive collection of Jazz'n Bluz is a slick and whiskies, international beers and other premium sophisticated nightclub spirits. showcasing live quality entertainment. Photo: Jag_cz/Shutterstock.com Contemporary Address: Crossroads, Cebu City Phone: +63 32 266 9064 continental, Filipino, Email: [email protected] Japanese and Creole cuisine is served and it’s not unusual to nd the politicians and wealthy Oqtagon business types escaping the often crowded Oqtagon nightclub is nightclubs to enjoy the laid back soulful sounds. located a 25 minute drive outside Cebu City and is Photo: melis/Shutterstock.com known as the place to be Address: 1 Paseo Saturnino, Cebu City Opening hours: Every day 6pm - 1am for the most vibrant Phone: +63 32 517 6175 nightlife in the Internet: www.jazznbluz.com surrounding area. The best live DJs provide Email: [email protected] diverse and energetic music to have a fun night Destination: Cebu Publishing date: 2019-12-17
out and party until the early morning. Ayala Center Cebu The ultimate shopping Photo: Vladimir Hodac/Shutterstock.com mall experience when in Address: Meerea High Street, Ouano Avenue, Mandaue City Cebu, Ayala Center is Opening hours: Every day 9pm - 7am where many local and Phone: +63 917 638 4777 Internet: www.oqtagonph.com international boutiques are concentrated all SHOPPING under one roof. Besides shops, the mall oers a cinema, restaurants and bars including a children play area. Esprit, Guess, Levi's, Marks & Spencer, Topshop and Lacoste are some of the stores located here.
Photo: dbgg1979/Flickr.com (image cropped) Address: Cardinal Rosales Avenue, Cebu City Opening hours: Sun - Thu 10am - 9pm, Fri - Sat 10am - 10pm Phone: +63 32 516 3025 Internet: www.ayalamallcebu.com Yein Jeon/Shutterstock.com
Shop till you drop or until the money runs out, SM City Cebu which in a city with so many fantastic bargains This giant mega mall is isn't a stretch to imagine. Cebu is the country’s currently the largest in leading producer of hand-crafted products such the Philippines and the as shell crafts, baskets and woven cloth fashion, 4th largest in the world, accessories, silver and various gifts. and you will surely nd no shortage of shopping Highlights of mall shopping include the and entertainment options here. Shops like downtown Ayala Centre, SM-Cebu and Gaissano Claires, Adidas, Crocs, Esprit, Guess, Mango, Country Mall in Baniland; Colon Street has both Levi´s, Nike, Sands and Quiksilver are all located small and large department stores. here.
Photo: Syda Productions/Shutterstock.com For some haggling adventure, the vibrant public Address: North Reclamation Area, Cebu City market of Carbon on Briones and Calderon Opening hours: Mon - Sun 10am - 9pm Streets sells just about everything over an area Phone: +63 32 2310557 of seven blocks. Taboan Public Market For that something a little dierent and When heading to this authentic, Lapu-lapu city on Mactan Island has a market, be ready to long heritage of guitar making and a number of endure - the smell of factories are open to the public for purchases. dried sh (the market's specialty) lls the air, but the reward is getting a Destination: Cebu Publishing date: 2019-12-17
taste of favorite local seafood snacks, such as average ticket prices. danggit and lechon. Photo: gpointstudio/Shutterstock.com
Photo: Sunti/Shutterstock.com Address: Banilad Road Apas, Cebu City Address: Pahina Central, Cebu City Opening hours: Every day 8am - 9pm Opening hours: Every day 4am - 8pm Phone: +63 32 231 1481 Email: [email protected] Islands Souvenirs Carbon Market Islands Souvenirs is local An authentic, busy gift and souvenir shop market for those looking chain, that can be found to experience a true in several shopping hot Asian marketplace. With spots around town. There its low prices and a wide is no shortage of any kind array of fresh produce, it of Cebu memorabilia here. is hard to nd a place with better deals and
Photo: lkpro/Shutterstock.com quality-price ratio than here. Address: Ayala Centre, Cebu City Opening hours: Sun - Thu 10am - 9pm, Fri - Sat 10am - 10pm Photo: Karen H. Ilagan/Shutterstock.com Phone: +63 32 231 2581 Address: MC Briones Street, Cebu Internet: www.theislandsgroup.com Opening hours: Every day 24 hours Email: [email protected] Phone: +63 916 420 8559
Colon Street Carcar Public Market Colon Street is a bustling, This public market is the lively, busy street in the place to be if succulent heart of Cebu City. There lechon (suckling pig) is are plenty of shopping what you're after. The options left and right, so selection of foods extends you won't nd yourself at well beyond this local a loss whatever it might be that you're after. specialty, of course.
Photo: bikeriderlondon/Shutterstock.com Photo: Anna ART/Shutterstock.com Address: Colon Street, Cebu City Address: Carcar City, Cebu Opening hours: Every day 24 hours Gaissano Country Mall Phone: +63 942 971 5507 A large shopping mall with aordable fashion boutiques, as well as stores selling all sorts of merchandise. There is a supermarket inside, and entertainment includes a cinema with below Destination: Cebu Publishing date: 2019-12-17
TOURIST INFORMATION period of stay are required to enter the Philippines. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country.
Photo: TukTuk Design/Shutterstock.com
Best Time To Visit The best time to visit And-One/Shutterstock.com Cebu is during the winter months, since the
temperatures are pleasant and the weather Mactan-Cebu International Airport is not as humid as during Mactan-Cebu the summer. You will also be able to enjoy the International Airport colorful Sinulog Festival in January and discover (CEB) is located on more about Cebu's fascinating culture. Mactan island, 9 km from the centre of Cebu city. Photo: VectorA/Shutterstock.com Complaints about taxi fares are plentiful, so do consult information on Public Transport standard fares at your time of travel. The white Do as the locals and catch taxis are reportedly cheaper than the yellow a colourful Jeepney ones and the journey from the airport to Cebu (routes are posted on the City takes approx. 20-30 minutes. front). These are available 24-hours a day, Photo: Juan Garces cover most of the nooks Address: Mactan-Cebu International Airport Phone: +63 32 340 2486 and crannies and are the cheapest transport Internet: www.mactancebuairport.com option.
Passport/Visa Buses are also available, but these tend to ply The Philippines can be exclusively along the north-south routes and can visited visa-free for up to be quite baing and arduous, particularly in the 30 days by citizens of rural areas. Tricycles are common in towns and Schengen countries, USA, villages and with a bit of haggling they provide a Canada, Australia, New convenient and cheap method of transport. Zealand, Japan, South Korea, South Africa, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and Photo: Pierre-Luc Auclair Address: Cebu most countries in America. A valid return or onward ticket and a passport that is valid upon entry and for at least six months beyond the Destination: Cebu Publishing date: 2019-12-17
Taxi Address: Fooda Saversmart, F. Cabahug, Kasambagan, Cebu The simplest but not City always the fastest way to Opening hours: Every day 9am - 9pm Phone: +63 32 260 7310 get around is by taxi. Internet: www.rosepharmacy.com Always check the meter has been set or a price Telephone has been xed. Some Country code: +63 Area taxi’s are unlicensed and in a bad state of repair code: 032 and these should be avoided.
Holiday Tel: +63 3 2345 1621
Spider/Scorpion Photo: Jardson Almeida Tel: +63 3 2254 6250 Electricity Photo: Taxi 220 volts, 60Hz AC Address: Cebu current. Plugs have two at-sided prongs. Post The central Post Oice is at:
Photo: Stirling Tschan
Population 3,000,000 (Cebu province)
Currency Photo: Andy Fuchs Philippine peso (PHP) Address: A. Pigafetta Street, Cebu City ₱10 ~ US$0,19 Opening hours: Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm Opening hours Phone: +63 32 416 3989 Banks 9am - 3pm Mon - Fri, shops open from 10am - 8pm Internet: www.phlpost.gov.ph Mon - Sat, malls can stay open later and on Sundays and public holidays.
Pharmacy Newspapers The Cebu Daily News There are several The Manila Times pharmacies, both small Philippine Daily Enquirer and big, across Cebu City Emergency numbers 117 and you are never far from one. One of the larger chains is Rose Pharmacy and you nd one of their outlets at:
Photo: Gemma Garner