Been receiving lots of queries regarding Cebu City so instead of
answering them again and again, I partnered with my good friend Kim who
blogs at
Indie Escape to make a simple travel guide for the oldest city in the country- Cebu City.
We hope that this Cebu City Travel Guide will be of help to first-time travelers out there.
1. Describe the Cebu City.
Kim says: Cebu City is a crossroad where modern and
provincial life meet. Travelers see it as the gateway to the Visayas
because it’s strategically located in the center of the
Philippine archipelago. You can just hop on a ferry boat to get around.
Cebu City Port (Photo credits: Kim Lim)
James says: Cebu City is like Manila in its traffic
but still having that provincial feel. A bustling metropolis but with
the chill effect by night. It’s not only about food but of unique sights
and warm Cebuanos.
2. What do you like most about Cebu City?
Kim says: I like knowing that when I’m in Cebu city,
I have easy access to breathtaking beach destinations and exciting
outdoor activities without feeling homesick from Manila’s urban life
(thanks to its bustling business district). From the city center, its
northermost and southernmost tips are – at most – 4 hours away. Also
worth mentioning is the vibrant music scene in Cebu. Have you heard of
Bisrock? It all started in Cebu!
James says: I like it being a hub of the Visayas
and Mindanao- by sea and by air. Food is something that I always look
forward to when visiting Cebu- puso,
sutukil, dried mangoes, lechon and many more.
3. Is there anything the local government can do (or stop doing) in order to make the place more tourist friendly.
Kim says: Cebu City attracts a lot of tourists as it
is, especially during Sinulog festival. But I think the local
government can improve more on traffic management – it’s getting worse
every time I visit.
James says: I hope they make a stand on the illegal trade of pawikan (sea turtles) in Bgry. Pasil. For more info, read this:
Stopping Pawikan trade not city’s priority.
4. Don’t go home without seeing/visiting/experiencing _______
Kim says:
- seeing the landmarks of important historical turning points: the Magellan’s Cross and the Lapu-Lapu shrine.
- experiencing the biggest street party in the Philippines – the Sinulog Festival.
- learning a phrase or two in Cebuano.
James says:
- Tabuan Market
- Colon Street
- Yap-Sandiego Heritage House
- Fort San Pedro
- Magellan’s Cross
Painting on the capiz window inside the Yap-Sandiego Heritage House
5. Don’t go home without trying/eating ________
Kim says: The all-time favorite Filipino fare that
put Cebu on the culinary map: Lechon Cebu (roasted pig). Take it with
“puso” rice – just like how the locals eat it. Coming in second place is
a curious aromatic street food: the Ngohiong (the street variety is
usually vegetarian friendly).
James says: Baby-back ribs at Casa Verde. Dude, it will literrally wow you because its big and its cheap. Delectable to the bones!
6. Traveler’s Tip:
Kim says: Get to know the jeepney route coding system so you can get around for less.
Only allot 1 day to do the tourist trail requisites, and then spend the
rest of your stay exploring the back country - try snorkeling in
Moalboal, Canyoning in Badian, Rock climbing in Cantabaco, thresher
shark diving in Malapascua, bird watching in Olango, beach bumming in
Camotes, and many more!
James says: Don’t try to visit all of Cebu can
offer. Explore each destination slowly and enjoy the uniqueness of each
place. I like to visit back the southern towns of Cebu- food tripping,
appreciating the old churches and experiencing nature at its finest
(except for Oslob’s whaleshark watching which I don’t recommend at all).
7. Recommendation Hotel, Inn?
Kim says: The Islands Stay hotel offers modern style accommodation
that’s easy on the pocket (you can even book online using your
Paypal
account).
James says: Check my blog on
Cebu City Cheap Accommodations
Palawan Honda Bay is one of the tourist spots in Palawan that any traveler should go to. Famous for it’s clear water and the different islets scattered around it, you can experience the best of Honda Bay by going in an island hopping day trip adventure. The islets that comprise of Honda Bay Palawan have their own specialties and all of them are perfect for water sports such as diving, swimming and snorkeling.
