Ah, Cebu. Also known as the Queen City of the South. Its capital is the first and oldest capital of the Philippine Islands. The famous explorer, Ferdinand Magellan landed there and eventually, how do you say it, perished. All thanks to this guy named Lapu-Lapu! Clap unless you side with Magellan (boo). It is found in the Visayas region of the country and operates as a province. It consists of 1 main island and 167 other islands and/or islets. The capital city is aptly named Cebu city. You would think, for an island in the middle of an archipelago, the place would be full of beaches and relaxing travel spots. But much to the traveler's surprise, it has the second-largest metropolitan area in the country only behind Metro Manila. Traveling to Cebu, you would get the best of both worlds. And yes, I did just quote Miley Cyrus there. Cebu combines concrete with the jungle; the beach with the aircon; desk spaces with hammocks. There are plenty of travel spots to see in Cebu. And today, we'll explore that.
So you're heading to Cebu in the Philippines but you're not sure where to go. We get it, we hear you! We all have different ways of going on a vacation. Thankfully, there are loads of exciting activities here, especially in historically rich ones like Cebu. Here is a list of activities and attractions you might want to consider on your trip to Cebu, the queen city of the south – may it be historical or a beach one.
Walk down Colon Street
You may have heard of Colon Street as the heart of Cebu's tourist shopping and business activity, but this very strip of untiring vendors and overlapping jeepney tunes also offers a deeply rich heritage walk. Beneath its commercial exterior lies the story of 16th century Philippines during the earliest Spanish settlement. Go on an adventure and hunt down the lamplight-markers detailing the significance of the districts' structures and urban artifacts.
Aim Sky High with The Crown Regency
A few hours away from the country's oldest street stands the country's tallest hotel tower, boasting a full theme park above a fantastic view of the Queen City of the South. The Crown Regency is a haven for the thrill-seekers with coasters winding 38 floors high, extreme zip lines, and a translucent glass floor on which you get to experience walking around the edge of a building!
Witness the Temple of Leah
The Temple of Leah is found in the mountains of Busay in Cebu. Started construction in 2012, it quickly became a famous attraction on the island due to its grandeur and uniqueness. There you'll find a towering seven-story building inspired by ancient Roman architecture. It boasts granite floors, a marble fountain, Grecian-style statues, and doric columns. Much like the Taj Mahal, it was built to commemorate Leah Albino-Adarna, the late wife of Teodorico Adarna, and his undying love for her. Leah's collection of antiques, art, and books are displayed there and you'll truly be blown out.
Get Upclose and Personal with Butterflies
For those wanting a refresher from the cityscape, the Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary is hidden in the heart of the city. With a small entrance fee, you can walk through a mini rainforest, get intimate with exotic species of butterflies, and get a tour around their onsite art gallery and museum. June, the mating season, is best for bringing a camera and capturing all the exciting colors and beautiful life that abounds.
Take Pictures at Sirao Flower Garden
Get a taste of Amsterdam's fairytale flower fields in the mountain barangay of Sirao. What started as a couple's All Souls' Day preparation has grown to become one of the city's popular tourist attractions. Teeming with hundreds of flower species and complementary pictorial paraphernalia, Sirao Flower garden is perfect for all your Instagram needs!
Simala Shrine and Magellan's Cross
The Simala Shrine, once a chapel, is now a castle-like structure found in the hills of Sibonga, Cebu. It is home to the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist and is frequented by tourists because of its amazing structure and beauty. Another religious area you'll find in Cebu is Magellan's Cross. The cross, in a holistic sense, marks the birth of Christianity in the country. It is placed in the area where Magellan and his crew landed and is believed to be where he planted a cross upon arrival.
Dance at the Sinulog Festival
Finally, a trip to Cebu would not be complete without a firsthand experience of the country's biggest and most colorful festival. Every third Sunday of January, a celebration of the Santo Niño brings together Cebu's finest street performers, cultural exhibits, beauty pageants, and street fairs. Most of all, "Sinulog," which translates to "like a wave" is a traditional river dance ritual, rhapsodic to a rich drum sound and the people's cheer. Cap your experience by taking a night walk from the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño and passing by Magellan's Cross.
Visit Fort San Pedro
Cebu has a rich history and Fort San Pedro is there to remind the people of the place's past. The original fort was made out of wood then it was later replaced with stone to fortify the place from Muslim raiders. From a place of keeping people away, it now wants people to stay. A museum is found inside the fort preserving Filipino-Spanish history.
Beaches and water activities
Surprise! An island has plenty of beaches. Cebu is teeming with them and they're beautiful. Check out Pescador Island, Lambug Beach, Panagsama Beach, and many more. Go Island hopping at Mactan where there are beautiful islets to hop on to. You'll also find all sorts of water activities there with the main highlight being whale shark watching in Oslob.
Whether you're looking for an extremely exciting adventure or a serene return to nature, the city of Cebu has got it all for you. And if you're looking for beaches, there are plenty there to enjoy. It's an island after all. So, go visit Cebu now. Also, it's worth mentioning the new projects in Cebu by the DPWH headed by the Infrastructure Czar Mark Villar such as the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway in cooperation with Metro Pacific Corporation and the Metro Cebu Expressway connecting Naga to Danao. Travel with ease and enjoy what Cebu has to offer with these projects.
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