Located in the Philippines, Cebu Island has a piece of an entrancing tropical beauty, fondly displaying its white-sand beaches, historical landmarks, and energetic local culture.
Whether you come for the natural wonders, taste delicious food, or truly experience Filipino culture, Cebu has got it all for you.
This guide will cover everything you need to know, from restaurants and accommodations down to transportation, tourist spots, and must-try activities.
Getting Around: Transportation Options
1. Jeepneys and Buses: Public transport is the most economical way. Jeepneys are traditional, brightly colored buses that charge approximately PHP 8-12 (or $0.15-$0.20 USD) for short trips, while buses from Cebu City to surrounding towns charge approximately PHP 60-100 ($1-$2 USD).
2.Taxis and Grab: For a more comfortable ride, taxis and Grab (a rideshare app) are easily available. The flag down rate of the taxis is PHP 40 (USD 0.75), with an added meter charge depending on the distance. Grab could be a bit pricier but sometimes well worth the convenience.
3.Motorbikes: It gives better freedom to go and explore at one's own pace by renting a motorbike. The rent of a motorbike starts from PHP 300 ($5 USD) per day.
4.By Ferry: Take a ferry from Cebu City to visit neighboring islands. Ferry rides to places such as Bohol start at PHP 500 ($9 USD) per person, one way.
Where to Stay: Accommodation Options
1.Budget Hotels: Several budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses in and around Cebu City have prices starting from about PHP 500 (~$9 USD) for a night in a dormitory.
2. Mid-Range Hotels: From Red Planet Cebu to Cebu R Hotel, it is an endless list at way cheaper prices. Generally, room prices range from PHP 1,500-3,000 ($27-$54 USD) per night.
3. Luxury Resorts: Facilities in Shangri-La's Mactan Resort & Spa and Plantation Bay Resort & Spa are world-class, with excellent ocean views and a private beach. Expect to pay around PHP 7,000-12,000 ($125-$215 USD) per night.
Dining in Cebu: Best Restaurants
1. Casa Verde: This is a casual eatery serving very generous portions, thus making it very reasonably priced for food. Their famous dish, Brian's Ribs, is available at about PHP 300 ($5 USD), and the atmosphere in this place is family-friendly.
2. La Vie Parisienne: A French-inspired bistro and bakery, hence popular for its European ambiance. The cost for meals would be somewhere within the range of PHP 500-700 ($9-$13 USD).
3.Zubuchon: To experience the famous le"chon of Cebu, it is Zubuchon where each platter the meal is PHP 200 to 400 or $4 to $8 USD. This restaurant remains popular for its pure taste of Cebuano.
4. Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant: This floating restaurant is located just outside Cebu City and is extremely tasty in Filipino cuisine along with a great view: Main dishes: PHP 250 - 400 ~ $4-$8 USD
Must-see attractions
1. Kawasan Falls: It is a famous destination for canyoneering and swimming due to its turquoise-colored waters. The entrance fee is PHP 45 (about $0.85 USD) while packages for canyoneering start from PHP 1,500 ($27 USD) per head.
2. Osmeña Peak: It is the highest area in Cebu, offering clear, full views of the island. A guide would cost PHP 100 or $2 approximately, and the entrance fee is PHP 30 or $0.55.
3.Establishments preferred methods of payment: In Cebu, most establishments accept Philippine Pesos; hence, one may need to change his/her money to the local currency when he/she arrives.
4. Oslob Whale Shark Watching: The cost of swimming in Oslob for a foreign tourist starts at PHP 1,000, around $18 USD, including snorkeling gear.
5. Temple of Leah: This is a Roman-inspired temple with imposing architecture that everyone loves taking pictures of. The entrance fee is PHP 50 ($1 USD).
6. Sirao Flower Garden: Nicknamed Cebu's "Little Amsterdam", Sirao Garden boasts colorful flower fields perfect for photography. Entrance fee is PHP 50 ($1 USD).
Activities to Try
1. Mactan Island Hopping: Book an island-hopping tour in Mactan. Take you to Nalusuan, Caohagan, and Hilutungan Islands. The price for a whole-day island hopping in Mactan ranges from PHP 1,500-2,500 ($27-$45 USD) per head, depending on the tour, which already includes lunch and snorkeling gear.
2. Dive in Malapascua: Malapascua Island is well known because of the thresher sharks. It starts from around PHP 3,000 ($54 USD) per dive for those who are certified divers.
3. Canyoneering Adventure: This will take you to Badian for an exciting canyoneering adventure at Kawasan Falls, swimming, diving from the top of the cliffs, and hiking through beautiful sceneries. Prices are roughly PHP 1,500 per head ($27 USD).
4. Ziplining at Danasan Eco Adventure Park: An adrenaline-rush play area offering ziplining, ATV, and spelunking. Prices vary, but entrance and activity prices; you can get a zipline for approximately PHP 400 ($7 USD).
Lykkers Interactions
Lykkers, sina nasad ba kamo niadto sa Cebu Island or ni-try ang iba't-ibang offerings niya? Hehe, pag-share ta ani sa thread. Anything would do, from beach hopping to trying the local delicacies to canyoneering. Share with us your thoughts there. And if you're going to plan a trip, what activity are you most excited about?
