Day 1 in Cebu
Welcome to Cebu! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!
We recommend you get acquainted with the city by taking a tour of the Historic Cebu streets. Wander around the area and stop for lunch at one of the open-air cafes or Filipino restaurants. Check out the local shops and grab a few souvenirs to take home.
Make your way to Fort San Pedro and learn about the city`s Spanish legacy. This triangular piece of history dates back to 1565, it was established under the command of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, conqueror of the Philippines. There are two sides that face the sea and the third faces land with 20ft tall walls that are 8ft thick. Visit the small museum on site and see ancient cannons, historical documents, and other artifacts.
Next stop is Magellan`s Cross which is one of the most popular sites in Cebu. This Christian cross was planted by the Portuguese and pays tribute to Ferdinand Magellan, the explorer who died during the Battle of Magellan. A common practice at the cross is to drop coins or light candles at the base of the cross.
Situated next to the cross is the Basilica del Santo Nino, the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the country built in 1565. The sacred image of the Santo Nino de Cebu, `Child Jesus`, is located inside the church which is made from gold and precious stones.
As evening time approaches make your way to `The Tops Lookout` locally known as `The Tops`, a popular observation deck set on top of Mount Busay. Once you reach the top you can bask in magnificent panoramic views of the city below and the surrounding islands. A great location to watch the sunset from 1,968 feet above sea level, there is a café and shops at the top that sells snacks and beer along with dining areas and picnic spots to sit back and relax while the sun sets on the city.
There are a few restaurants in the area where you can go to enjoy some dinner and enjoy sparkling views of the city at night.
Day 2 in Cebu
Start your second day with a trip to the Carbon Market, the oldest and largest farmers market situated in downtown Cebu. Wander this bustling open-air marketplace where all the action is! Visit the many stalls where the locals sell fresh produce, fresh meats, and seafood. Pick up some supplies for a picnic and grab some souvenirs and local handicrafts. Enjoy some coffee and breakfast on the go as you soak in the authentic atmosphere of this 100-year-old marketplace.
Make your way to the pier and catch a ferry out to Mactan Island. Visit the Lapu-Lapu Shrine, the 66-foot tall bronze statue depicts the native hero (Lapu-Lapu) who defeated the Spanish soldiers led by Ferdinand Magellan the Portuguese explorer during the Battle of Magellan in 1512.
Head to the beach for some rest and relaxation, Cebu offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. There are several amazing beaches to choose from. Malapascua is an island located at the northeastern tip of the Island of Cebu, famous for its powdery white sand and calming crystal clear water. The Island`s restaurants offer some of the freshest seafood in the area, you can spend an entire day here, sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, shopping, and eating.
Bantayan is another island situated on the northwestern coast off Cebu with the nickname `Sugar Beach` due to its soft, fine, sugar-like sand. The beaches are idyllic and lined with coconut palms, just like a picture in a magazine.
The beaches in Cebu are perfect locations for diving and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters where over 400 varieties of coral can be seen, there are approximately 500 varieties known worldwide. Sailing around and doing some island hopping is also a great way to see the exception beautiful of the area. Swimming with schools of sardines and sea turtles and even whale sharks is a possibility in Cebu, along with other colorful marine life.
Enjoy your day filled with bright blue skies and the sounds of the ocean, sit back and savor your time in paradise. Your picnic is packed and there are many establishments found along the waterfront where you can sit back and sip on a tropical cocktail while basking in the sunshine.
The city of Cebu has plenty of evening entertainment to offer with spectacular settings such as rooftop bars with stunning views of the city at night. There are plenty of waterfront restaurants to enjoy local Filipino cuisine and freshly caught seafood. The heart of the nightlife scene can be found around Mango Avenue and Mango Square with establishments lining the streets. Mactan Island boasts the luxurious Ibiza Beach Club, a breathtaking location with restaurants and bars located on the water in an upscale, romantic atmosphere.
Day 3 in Cebu
Start your day with a trip to the Cebu Taoist Temple, this unique vibrant Chinese temple dates back to 1972 when it was constructed by the Chinese community in Cebu. The temple sits at 980 feet above sea level and features a towering, multi-tiered temple set on beautiful grounds with a chapel, a library, and a souvenir shop. There are balconies that offer beautiful views of the island and wishing wells as well as a popular ritual performed inside the chapel.
Next, make your way to the Museo Sugbo situated four blocks from the popular Plaza Independencia. The Spanish style coral stone buildings house several galleries with rooms dedicated to different eras in Cebu`s history, including the American Gallery and a WWII gallery. Visit the café on site for some snacks and refreshments. You can walk around the Plaza and find many restaurants and attractions including Fort San Pedro and the Cebu Veterans memorial.
Head out to the famous Kawasan Falls, located around 11 miles south of the city center in the Barangay Matutinao Mountains. Take a small hike through the lush green rainforest to the stunning site of the serene falls. There are 3 waterfalls in total and the highest fall cascades down from 9 feet into tranquil blue waters, you can take bamboo boat rides under the falls, swim in the bluest of blue waters. For the adrenaline junkies, you can try out `canyoneering` a form of water adventure where you hike, cliff jump and abseil in the canons. Enjoy some food in the unique nipa huts and restaurants found close to the falls.
On your last evening in Cebu, you have several options for a great night out. Check out a Jazz club in the city, Mactan Island is actually well known for its production of guitars and other musical instruments and music is a big part of the city`s culture. Try out a Karaoke bar, the Filipinos love to sing and you can join in on the fun at one of the many famous karaoke places found on Mango Avenue. You will also find the popular Marshall`s Irish Pub in Mango square offering a wide range of pints, delicious food, and live music. Check out The International Bar Complex, situated by the convention center and features establishments with different themes for a unique night on the town. The Waterfront Hotel and Casino is a five-star casino found in the city for those who want to try their luck at blackjack, roulette or poker.
Additional Days in Cebu
Should you be able to spend additional days in Cebu visit
Olango Island, these wetlands and wildlife sanctuary are spread across 2,224 acres featuring a sandy beach, rocky shorelines, mangrove forests and plenty of wildlife.
Sumilon Island is famous for its exceptional beauty covering 60 acres of land at the southeastern tip of Cebu. Stretch out and soak up the sun on the powdery white sand beaches, cool of in the crystal clear waters or go hiking in the tropical verdant surroundings.
Visit the `Little Netherlands` at Sirao Gardens. These beautiful gardens cover about 5 acres of land and are filled with beautiful flowers such as daffodils, hyacinths, tulips and celosia. The gardens are designed like the original farm found in the Netherlands with a windmill, fountain and differently shaped bushes in the shape of hearts and teddy bears on display.
Your Last Day in Cebu
Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.