Dec

28

Cebu Travel Guide

December 28, 2007 |

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A trip to Cebu

Once a major haunt for sex tourists but now an important commercial hub, Cebu in the Southern Philippines is bustling with lovely beach resorts and rip-roaring entertainment. Set the heart of the Visayas region, visitors can forget the overpopulated Manila and opt for this new-faced and hipper destination. There are many historic jewels to gasp at, while spine-tingling sports are on offer for the enthusiastic lot. Those not into adrenaline-pumping activities can laze around on the beach amid sweet mango trees, or listen to guitar playing locals to while away the hours in this exotic town.

Flights to Cebu
The only two ways to get to the island of Cebu is to fly or take a ferry. Mactan International Airport operates a number of flights to and from Asian destinations. From here, hotel shuttles can be arranged for a pick-up.

By sea, ferries leave from Manila to Cebu, taking about 22 hours. The services are provided by WG&A Superferry, Sulpicio Lines, and Negros Navigation. You can expect a luxurious trip with restaurants, cafés and full bars. Once on the island, you can explore on foot.

Sightseeing in Cebu
There are countless things to keep you busy in Cebu. Beach bums can spend a full day perfecting their overall tan on the beach, but should make sure they do some sightseeing as well. One of the city’s historical gems is Magellan’s Cross, a beautiful cross planted in 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer. Also, don’t forget to check out Fort San Pedro, the oldest fort in the country.

Museum lovers will find an array of museums scattered in the city. Located within Fort San Pedro, the National Museum features the fascinating remains of the San Diego shipwreck and interesting information on the history of the locals. If antique collections of sculptures and paintings are your cup of tea, a visit to Rizal Museum and Library will definitely be worthwhile.

Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
This exotic island oozes aromatic, mouth-watering local dishes. Local cuisine is big on chilli peppers and vinegar, so expect something hellishly hot. Try kinilaw, a Cebuano styled salad with plenty of chilli and special local vinegar made from coconut sap.

Nightlife in Cebu is very lively, but those looking for ladies of the night might be disappointed as the city has been revamped into a sex-free partying hub. Dodgy go-go bars can still be seen on Mango avenue, while jazz and blue fans will find several establishments with live music. The more energetic types will enjoy Arena, a dance club hosting party-goers that move their hips to loud, pumping beats until the early hours.

Fun by day - shopping and activities
Cebu is ideal for the active lot as there is a dizzying array of outdoor activities on offer. The scuba diving is famous here, while spelunking can be done at Cave Busay where you can say hello to bats and observe beautiful stalagmites. Those with adventurous souls can go jungle trekking around the Kawasan Waterfalls or join a group of motorcyclists and tour the city’s countryside.

Shopping isn’t too vibrant but antique lovers will find a plenty of quality goodies in Cebu, while Cebu’s rattan furniture is second-to-none. Maribago is the centre of the island’s guitar-making industry and the best place to pick up a quality hand-crafted, shell-inlaid guitar for your boys back home.


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