What Makes Cebu, Philippines, A Unique Destination?

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About Cebu, Philippines

Cebu Island is often used as a gateway to other locations in the Philippines. Many people need to notice the city’s unique beauty and what it has to offer travelers.

Cebu is renowned as the “Queen City of the South,” lately capturing foreign visitors with its unique landmarks and scenic locations.

It is an urbanized city that is part of the Central Visayas Region of the Philippines. Cebu is the sixth-most populated town in the Visayas region, with a population of 964,169, as per the 2020 census.

What Is The Philippines Known For?

The Philippines consists of 7,641 islands, being the country having the second-highest number of islands in the world, falling short of Indonesia.

The country has pristine beaches that almost seem untouched, making it the perfect destination for beach lovers.

Apart from enjoying the beaches and nature, travelers can also taste delicious Filipino cuisine unique to this part of the world.

Cebu’s famous lechon: Crispy skin, succulent meat, irresistible flavors, photo courtesy of Canva

What Cebu Is Famous For

Cebu Island is often ignored by travelers and used only as a gateway to reach other areas in the Philippines. However, Cebu is also an area with white sandy beaches and majestic waterfalls that make for a beautiful holiday destination.

If you are unaware of Cebu and its attractions, here is what the region is famous for.

Majestic tribute to eternal love in Cebu, photo courtesy of Canva

Pristine White Beaches

Cebu, Philippines, has beautiful, pristine white beaches with crystal clear water that are bound to attract any tourist, be it a beach-lover or not. Similar to many areas in the Philippines, Cebu is the ideal spot for those who love the beach and water-related activities.

These beautiful beaches are located approximately 2 to 3 hours away from the main city area. Island hopping from Mactan Island is common due to the popular beaches found here, such as beaches in Sumilon Island and Bantayan Island.

Turquoise waters and golden sands, photo courtesy of Peter Garcia

Fantastic Underwater Life

Cebu, Philippines, is one of the best places to experience fantastic underwater life. It’s the ideal travel destination for those who love aquatic activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, diving with whales, etc.

Mactan Island, which is a few minutes drive from the city, is the perfect place to catch a school of sardines swimming in unison.

You can also catch a glimpse of giant whale sharks, sharks, and turtles in the blue waters of Pescador Island and Malapascua Island.

The islands of Negros and Bohol, situated close to Cebu, are also great places to witness underwater sealife and are simply a boat ride away.

Amazing experience and unforgettable encounter with whale sharks, photo courtesy of Canva

Adventure And Nature Trails

Cebu is a haven for adventure lovers, whether they want to experience it on land or sea. Some of the adrenaline-pumping activities to do in Cebu include canyoneering in Kawasan, hiking Osmena Peak, ziplining in the city, and many more.

If you want to explore more waterfalls, head over to Samboan, where you get several different waterfalls.

Soaking up nature’s thrill in Cebu Canyoneering, photo courtesy of Canva

A World-Class Airport

Did you know that Cebu, Philippines, has one of the best airports? It’s the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, a busy hub that links you with different parts of the Philippines and the world.

The Mactan-Cebu International Airport is a destination by itself, winning the 2019 World Architecture Award under the “Completed Buildings – Transport” category. It even managed to beat the world-class Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore.

If you are visiting Cebu, remember to take a peek at Terminal 2 of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

The airport is a central point as you can connect with international flights and flights going to many local islands and destinations in the Philippines, including Mandaue City.

Photo courtesy of Canva

Gastronomic Adventures At Their Best

Be prepared for gastronomic adventures in this amazing province, tasting some of the best flavors of Southeast Asia and the Philippines.

Cuisines in Cebu, such as tasty chicharon, crispy lechon, puso, and many more, are favored in Southeast Asia and across the globe. Dishes in this region are known to have a distinct flavor preferred by people worldwide.

You should also make sure to taste a variety of meat dishes popular in Cebu, including pig’s liver, pig’s brain, fried chicken, hotdog, and many more.

Cebu’s famous lechon manok: Juicy, flavorful, a must-try, photo courtesy of Eury Escudero

The Night Life

Cebu City, the capital of the province, is where you can find the best nightlife in the region. Metro Cebu is a busy location bustling with nightclubs, pubs, and karaoke lounges, and it is very lively, especially after hours.

If you’re into exploring Cebu’s nightlife, check out Mad Monkey, Live Super Club, Club Icon, Club Tipsy, Eulax Pub, Jazz n’ Bluz, and Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Fun and lively Bar & Restaurant with delicious food and friendly staffs, photo courtesy of Mad Monkey Cebu

A Rich History

A rich history and cultural practices back up Cebu. It stands out as a cultural hub amidst the other islands of the Philippines, such as Pescador Island.

Cebu has a unique cultural practice in that its people are devotees of the image of the Holy Child Jesus (Santo Niño) in Santo Niño de Cebú.

Cebu’s cultural central point is preserved with historical sites such as museums that have a long history. These historical centers are scattered in different parts of the city.

Magellan’s cross, a symbol of Cebu’s history, photo courtesy of Bei Ayson

What Are The Places To Visit And Things To Do In Cebu?

Cebu, Philippines, has so many places to visit, like Fort San Pedro, that you may feel that you don’t have enough time to cover it all. Here is a brief on each of the main attractions in Cebu province to help you plan out your travel itinerary.

It’s also a province of many prominent waterfalls such as Kawasan Falls, Tumalog Waterfall, Dao Falls, and Aguinid Falls.

Kawasan Falls stunning waterfalls, photo courtesy of Jake Irish

Cebu City

Cebu City will be the starting point of any traveler’s journey in the province. It’s a central part of the region linking other areas in the province like Bohol. You can hop onto a ferry and reach Bohol from Cebu City.

Cebu City is a vibrant place with the Spanish Fort forming traces of the first Spanish settlement in the area. You can take a walk back in history while traversing its roads and paying a visit to Fort San Pedro, which is a Spanish military defense structure.

You may also visit areas of metro Cebu like Lapu Lapu, which is a highly developed and economically stable area in the province.

Yap-San Diego Ancestral House, the first ever Chinese house built outside of China and one of the tourist destinations in Cebu, photo courtesy of Mad Monkey Cebu

Kawasan Falls

Kawasan Falls in Badian, Cebu, is a cascade of waterfalls with three segments. The turquoise water originates from the Kabukalan Spring and is part of the Kawasan River. Its largest and most popular waterfall is 40 meters high and is followed by two smaller cascades.

Travelers can enjoy a refreshing bath or an adrenaline-pumping raft ride at Kawasan Falls. Some travelers may even dare to dive at this spot that has been marked safe for this type of activity.

Enjoy the beauty and adventure at Kawasan Falls, photo courtesy of Canva

Tumalog Falls

Tumalog Falls, with its turquoise water, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Philippines. Located in Oslob, Cebu, the sheer size of this waterfall is what draws people to it.

At a staggering height between 80 and 100 m, this waterfall attracts most tourists annually, although it’s located in a somewhat remote area. You can easily travel between Tumalog and Kawasan Falls on a bike or scooter, enjoying the scenic views around you.

The waterfall is said to remind you of water falling over an umbrella above you.

Majestic waterfall with crystal-clear pools nestled in Oslob, Cebu, photo courtesy of Marvin Galang

Moalboal

Moalboal is a popular tourist attraction in central Cebu, Philippines. It consists of a picturesque reef that is perfect for catching a glimpse of colorful corals and giant sea turtles. Travelers can snorkel here to get a panoramic view of the diverse marine life in this region.

Head off to Bounty Beach or White Beach to spend some time relaxing with friends and family. You’ll still be within reach of Gaisano Town Center to buy all of your essentials.

Aerial photo of beautiful Moalboal, photo courtesy of Ken Suarez

Diving And Snorkeling

Cebu is a haven for those who love water activities like diving. It’s an excellent spot for diving, especially with top diving destinations such as nearby islands like Moalboal and the Island of Malapascua off Northern Cebu.

The colorful fish and sealife make your water expeditions all the better. If you are not that much of a diver, you may even snorkel to explore the beautiful underwater life in Cebu.

Unforgettable adventure of swimming with the sardines, photo courtesy of Mad Monkey Cebu

Diving With Whale Sharks

Whale sharks are very common in the waters around Cebu. Diving with these species is a common activity here and one that you may not be able to do in many other parts of the world.

There are many controversial facts and ethics behind diving with them. However, it remains to be an activity that many tourists in Cebu wish to participate in.

The negative impact of this is controlled to a certain level by limiting the number of people who want to participate in this activity.

Once-in-a-lifetime swimming experience with whale sharks, photo courtesy of Mad Monkey Cebu

Island Hopping Near Cebu Island

There are so many beautiful islands, like Bohol with Mayana Peak, Malapascua, and Bantayan Island, surrounding Cebu, that it has become a popular option for tourists to go island hopping. Here are the islands that you should try covering in your trip to Cebu.

Bohol: The perfect getaway island with wildlife, mountains like Mayana Peak, and beaches.
Malapascua: An island with reefs ideal for experiencing underwater sea life and diving.
Negros: Home to a port town named Dumaguete, this is the 4th largest island in the Philippines.

One of the brown turtles that can be found in Apo Island, photo courtesy of Dale de Vera

Why Should You Visit Cebu Province?

There are so many reasons to travel to Cebu province, and here are a few of them.

Rich Traditions And Culture

The people of Cebu give prominence to culture and tradition, which is a mix of foreign and local influences. Music, dance, furniture making, and architecture here show what changed when the Spaniards arrived.

The Philippines is known as the cradle of Christianity, and Cebu bears evidence of this by having some of the most spectacular churches in the country. Christianity was introduced five centuries back when the Spanish set foot here in 1521.

Cebu has annual festivals and various events to celebrate its rich culture and traditions. You can experience the extravagance of these festivals while visiting religious sites in Cebu.

You may also experience its impact on different religions and cultures by visiting the Taoist temple.

Sinulog Festival: Colorful, energetic celebration honoring Santo Niño, a Cebu tradition, photo courtesy of Chloe Evans

Affordable Food

Cebu has a variety of unique dishes with distinct flavors that you can experience on a trip to the province. Cebu lechon, chicharon, and puso are some of the popular dishes in the region. The best part is that food is extremely affordable in Cebu.

Cebu also has excellent street food that you can buy for low prices, such as sticky rice or puto maya, Masi, bibingka, barbacoa, humba, and sweet mangoes.

Bibingka: Traditional Filipino rice cake, sweet, fluffy, topped with salted egg, photo courtesy of Canva

Bustling But Laid-Back Nature

Although Cebu City is the heart of the province with tall skyscrapers, it’s a place where you can enjoy a laid-back and calm lifestyle. In Cebu, you’re guaranteed a good night’s sleep even after a busy day exploring the streets and urban attractions.

There are places for food and drinks, entertainment, and fun activities scattered across the main region. Some of the popular locations that domestic and foreign visitors visit are the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and the casino.

You are also simply a boat ride away from enjoying outdoor activities like trekking, canyoneering, and watching whale sharks.

You can visit the oldest street in Cebu, which is named Colon Street. It’s the best example of Cebu being a bustling city but with a laid-back nature.

A bustling alley in Colon Street known as the historical street in Cebu City, photo courtesy by Ben Villarosa

Values And Customs

Cebu makes everyone feel at home, primarily due to its values and customs. Cebuanos strongly believe in religious and family bonds built upon these customs and values. They strongly stand up for the ability to empathize with others and the ability to display the spirit of unity.

Even staff at hotels and accommodation facilities are considerate about the well-being of their guests and ensure guests are provided everything required for hygiene and sanitization.

From hi to seeya, Mad Monkey team members always smiles, photo courtesy of Mad Monkey Cebu

Accessibility

Cebu is a business and transportation hub, so you can easily move around the region from one place to another. You can study, work, live, do business, and do many more things in the same place due to accessibility.

Airports, harbors, and pretty much anything and anywhere is accessible from this central hub in the Philippines. You can even experience activities like diving, snorkeling, and whale watching.

Cebu IT Park, located in Cebu City, Philippines, is known as a major business hub and IT outsourcing destination, photo courtesy of Hitoshi Namura

Friendly People

Cebuanos are very friendly, social, and outgoing people. They are always willing to help each other, especially travelers who are new to the region. They speak the local language, Cebuano or Bisaya. Local guides are comfortable conversing in English with tourists.

Wherever you go, you’ll see groups of Cebuanos gathered to enjoy and have a good time. You can stop by and ask anyone for directions or travel tips, and they will be more than happy to provide you with the same.

Cebuans love animals and pets too, so you can happily take your furry friends on your trips. However, ensure that they are well-trained before you take them out in public in Cebu.

If you have a dog, ensure it has completed training with one of the dog training services available in your area so that you know it’ll behave well and be obedient in public.

A Filipino family warmth, laughter, and endless love together, photo courtesy of Canva

When Is The Best Time To Visit Cebu?

The period between July and October is ideal for visiting Cebu if you want to avoid the crowd, especially at popular tourist attractions.

It’s the low season because the region sees more rainfall during these months, so you can also land some excellent deals that provide great value for your money.

During this period, you get to visit Cebu at the cheapest price and without the impact of the warm climate, which is from January to April.

The peak season to visit Cebu is from January to April, when the weather is dry and less humid. It’s also a period when many regional events are held, like the Santo Niño de Cebú Festival and the Sinulog Festival.

Hordes of tourists come to see these festivals that celebrate the history of the region with a dance parade.

Fun & unforgettable moments with the squad at Cebu Canyoneering, photo courtesy of Mad Monkey Cebu

How Can You Get To Cebu?

There are two primary ways of traveling if you want to visit Cebu:

By Airplane

Flying is the most popular way for tourists to travel to Cebu. The Mactan-Cebu International Airport is connected to more than 21 international destinations, which makes it possible to reach the province from almost anywhere in the world.

Cebu City is approximately a 20-minute drive from the busiest airport in the Philippines, making it a very convenient location for tourists to stay before exploring the region.

Connecting travelers worldwide, photo courtesy of Silver Ringvee

By Ferry

The Philippines is made up of so many islands that the easiest way to get from one island to another on the same day is via ferries or boats. You can find a port from almost anywhere you arrive on the island.

You can get boats or ferries to and from Manila, Negros, Tagbilaran, Leyte, Bantayan Island and more destinations.

Sail across the Philippines’ scenic islands with a versatile ferry experience, photo courtesy of Canva

Final Thoughts

Cebu is one of the best destinations in the Southern Philippines to visit. It’s a haven for those who love to experience adventure and explore underwater life.

Some of the best things in Cebu, Philippines, are its pristine white beaches, rich history, cheap and indulgent food, limestone plateaus, and adventure and nature trails. A few of the notable locations to visit include Kawasan Falls, Moalboal, and Cebu City.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is Cebu A Popular Tourist Destination?

Cebu is a popular tourist destination due to its pristine white beaches, majestic waterfalls, cheap food, adrenaline-pumping adventure and nature trails, and festivals like the Santo Niño de Cebú Festival.