View of coastline of Cebu City
Known as the Queen City of the South, Cebu City is one of the most popular destinations in all of the Philippines for foreign tourists. It has the largest seaport in the Philippines, the second largest air hub and the second largest city in the country. Cebu is a booming metropolitan area with all the conveniences of a modern city. At the same time, it boasts of natural resources like countless white sand beaches as well as historical sites that reflect its cosmopolitan past: from the birth of Christianity in Asia, to early commercial trade with Mexico and China, to vestiges of the American colonization of the Philippines.
To get you started, here’s the top five things to do while you’re in this beautiful island:
1. Biking - Go to Tops, which literally sits at the top of Mt. Busay for an unobstructed view of the entire city at night. A few shops and restaurants stand along the way for a short stop. The best way to experience Tops is by mountain bike. This is a world-class climb and on any given day, Cebu's bikers are humping the 45-minute to 1-hour trek filled with switchbacks and views better than what you actually see at the very top.
2. Drink, Eat, Laugh, and Party - Cebu City is one of the cities that won't miss the party scenes at night. Being a major city of commerce and finance in the Philippines, the development of bars, clubs, and other commercial establishments are at a fast rate. Take a break from the hectic busy urban life... and take a laugh! Comedy bars are common in the Philippines and usually sarcasm, the lowest common of wit as most people would say, is the common specialty of comedians, so don't get pissed at them if they make fun of you. Smile back and just get along. Comedy and disco bars, coffee shops, and restaurants are found in Gen. Mexilom Ave., Fuenta Rotunda and Osmeña Blvd.
3. Ride a Tartanilla - Head to Cebu's old quarters in Carlock St, and try riding a horse-drawn carriage called a tartanilla. Remember to negotiate with the driver before taking a ride.
4. See the scenic view of Cebu City's skyline - The Marcelo Fernan Bridge or Second Mactan Bridge offers some interesting views of the city at night, and is even picturesque from below. Arrange for a taxi to take you there.
5. Shop - Cebu City is well known for two spacious and modern malls outside Manila. SM City Cebu and the Ayala Center Cebu are the most famous and luxurious shopping centers at the heart of the city. Boutique shops, mini-malls, themed malls, fine and al fresco dining include ParkMall and Banilad Town Center, among others.
6. Join the Sinulog Festival - The island of Cebu gets especially busy on the third Sunday of January due to the Sinulog Festival. It is the local way of honouring the Child Jesus. Main thoroughfares around the city are blocked for an all-day and all-night loud and colorful street party. Don't forget your dancing shoes!
7. Swim and Sunbathe - For a real beach experience, visit nearby Bantayan Island. It is accessible by chartered plane from Mactan Cebu Airport or through Hagnaya Port (3 hours by car from the city) where it is around an hour ferry ride to Sta Fe port of Bantayan Island. Day trips to Virgin Island can be arranged with your resort as well.
8. Go bird-watching, snorkeling, and scuba diving - The island of Olango and its 6 small satellite islands are ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving as well as observation of migratory birds.
9. Xtreme Rides - Just adjacent Robinson's Mall is the Crown Regency Cebu which is the tallest building in the city. Adventure seekers may head to the top floor to experience a breathtaking view of this modern city and its environs. You may also opt to join in the Xtreme Rides that literally puts you on the edge of the city, or you may walk around the edge of the building (don't worry, safety cables are attached) to experience this once in a lifetime experience. All of these you can enjoy for a small fee.