Cebu Island Travel

Cebu: Queen City of the South

 “Elegant necklaces never hugged her soft neck

Fingers were never adorned by fancy rings

A crown never rested on top of her head

But, regal was she”

–The Uncelebrated Queen by Cee Valenso

As the oldest city in the Philippines, Cebu is rich with historical remnants dating back to the Spanish era. For example, at the heart of Cebu City lies the oldest Roman Catholic Church, which is the “Basilica Minore del Santo Niño Cebu“. Inside the church is a statue of the Santo Niño (or the Black Holy Child Jesus).

Magellan’s Cross can be found inside a chapel at Magallanes Street, next to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. The cross displayed is only a replica of the real cross, which is now encased in another wooden cross for its protection. However, many people believed that the real cross has been destroyed after Magellan’s death.

The Taoist Temple, which was built in 1972, is located in the suburb of Lahug. As the name implies, the temple is the center of worship for Taoism, and not far from this temple lies the Cebu Heavenly Temple of Charity, a temple that is highly noted for its many statues of Chinese gods and goddesses.

Aside from its fascinating history, Cebu is also blessed with an abundance of beauty. Tourists from all over the world visit this island for the beaches and the mountains. The experience of being surrounded by nature helps the body and mind to relax. Many tourists report feeling revitalized and energized after their visit at Cebu.

Getting to Cebu

To get to Cebu, the fastest way would be by plane. The flight hours from Singapore to Cebu is 3 hours and a few minutes at most, and the arrival is at Mactan International Airport. From the airport, you can get around the city by tricycle, jeepney, taxi, or bus.

Where to stay in Cebu

Cebu also has a list of hotels where you can stay. For example, Cebu City Marriott Hotel is half an hour’s drive away from Mactan International Airport. As a five-star hotel, Cebu City Marriott Hotel boasts of excellent service, beautiful rooms, and various facilities to suit your needs.

If you’re craving for some excitement, try Crown Regency Hotel. Like any other hotels in Cebu, Crown Regency Hotel offers elegantly designed rooms, Internet access, and other notable services. What separates this hotel from the others, however, is that it lets you see the city in a whole new angle – from above!

That’s right, you can avail the “skywalk” or “zipline” at Crown Regency Hotel, where you can enjoy the spectacular view at a bird’s eye. A fair warning though: This is NOT for the weak-hearted.

Things to do in Cebu

When in Cebu, also take advantage of the trip by visiting Cebu’s 167 islets and islands.

Visit the Kawasan Falls at Moalboal, Cebu and discover a paradise that is perfect for your summer getaway. The scenery is also breathtakingly beautiful, but be warned – Kawasan Falls is also home to many scammers. Or you can go to Pescador Island at Moalboal for a good diving experience. This place is perfect for those who love exploring the deep, blue sea.

If you’re curious about history, Lapu-Lapu City is the perfect spot for you. There you can find the Lapu-Lapu statue, which was erected in honor of the great chieftain Lapu-Lapu who defeated the Spanish soldiers led by Ferdinand Magellan. You can also find the Magellan Shrine here in Lapu-Lapu City. And of course, if you want to have fun on the beach, try going to Caohagan Island. The beach there is peaceful and clean – very perfect to get a tan and just release all your tension.

Another place you might want to visit, if you’re interested about history, is Bantayan Island. Here you can see the St. Peter and Paul Church, which was built around 1580. You can be assured that the church is well-maintained and spotless, which is great if you’re looking for some peace and quiet. And if you’re in Bantayan Island, don’t forget to set foot in Paradise Beach. Like the St. Peter and Paul Church, the beach is beautiful and without any expensive hotels surrounding it. As the name implies, it’s a paradise, meant only for those who seek some rest and relaxation.

There are more islands to choose from like Mandaue, where you can find a lot of shops and bistros, or Malapascua, where you can take a break from the hassles of life by laying on the picture-perfect beach at Kalanggaman Islet.

As mentioned above, Cebu is loaded with many blessings, be it in history or the scenic routes. Just make sure that you’ve thought of a well-organized plan before setting out to any of these places. You’ll save money and time by doing so. Plus, this ensures having a stress-free vacation. Have fun & we hope our Singapore Travel Blog helped!

Check out also, out other travel guides and tips from Philippines (Such as Boracay etc) and around Asia.