Useful Tips for a Wonderful Cebu Island Holiday
If you have planned to spend this vacation in Cebu, Philippines, you’ve taken a great decision, because Cebu is indeed an amazing tourist destination. However, every tourist destination has its own features, specialties and characteristics, which are important for any tourist to know beforehand, and Cebu too has. Here are some of its features.
Some Basic Facts
- Cebu has a main island in the form of a strip surrounded by 167 other islands and islets.
- The capital, Cebu City, is a part of the Cebu Metropolitan Area along with Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, Danao City and Talisay City.
- Mother tongue of people here is Cebuano. Other than this, Filipino (national language) and English are prominently spoken.
- Just as the rest of the country, Cebu always has a tropical climate with wet and dry seasons.
- Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) is country’s second busiest airport, after Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila.
Getting Around
Your best means to get around in small towns are tuk-tuk (tricycle) and habal-habal (motorbike) because they can slither through the narrow streets.
What to Do
Island Hopping
As mentioned earlier, there are 167 islands and islets surround the main island, and so, Cebu Island hopping is a main activity in Cebu. You can hire a pump boat at Hilton Port, near Lapu-Lapu, in Mactan at a price decided upon your group size and you can have one of the most amazing island hopping experiences in your life.
Swimming with Whalesharks
You can swim with the largest fish in the world, the whalesharks, at the sleepy fishing village of Oslob at the southern tip of Cebu. You can go close to them but touching them is not permitted, and DO NOT wear sunscreen.
Mountaineering
Don’t miss a visit to the highest peak of the island, Osmena Peak. It’s not as deceitful as it looks. So be ready with your tents, shoes and cameras.
Canyoneering
The exciting canyoneering in Badian is also a must-do activity in Cebu. You will get many guides for this heart-pounding adventure.
Beaches
Cebu is renowned for its amazing beaches. Don’t miss some of the most stunning beaches like Bantayan Island, Mactan Island, Malapascua Island, Sumilon Island and Moalboal.
Enjoy Local Culinary Specialties
If you are a foodie, and even if you are not, Cebu will offer you a great culinary experience. Some of the Cebu specialties you can’t afford to miss are puso (hanging rice) and lechon (roasted pig). Other must-eat local dishes are humba, siomai, danggit, dried mangoes and a range of seafood.
History Tour
If you love to get lost in the past through historical monuments, visit the downtown area and start walking through various historical landmarks including Colon Street, Sto. Nino Church, Plaza Independencia, Museo Sugbu, Cathedral Church and Magellan’s Cross.
Road Trip Down South or Up North
Rent a car or hop on a bus and start a road trip down south or up north. You will come across numerous historical places and natural wonders on the way.
Participate in Festivals
Cebu is fond of celebrations and around 40 different festivals are celebrated across the island all through the year, maybe it is a town anniversary, a patron saint celebration or harvest season. Participate in these festivals and enjoy. And if you are here in January, don’t miss Sinulog, the grandest festival of Cebu, celebrated every 3rd Sunday of January.
Scuba Diving
If you are a fan of scuba diving, you will get to do it during Malapascua and Mactan Island hopping. You will meet the thresher sharks in Malapascua along with many other colorful underwater creatures.
Visit the Neighborhood of Moalboal
Situated around 62 miles from the airport, Moalboal is a quiet little coastal town which is a heaven for diving enthusiasts. Its White Beach and Panagsama Beach are magnificent and Kawasan Falls are just 30 minute ride away.
So, are you fully prepared for a fantastic Cebu Island holiday?