Cebu Island, Philippines

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Cebu Island, Philippines

Tips for travelers: Things to know before visiting Cebu Island, Philippines

Trip101 has partnered with over 200 accredited and experienced tour guides from more than 50 countries to ensure you receive the most accurate and authentic travel information. These guides bring a wealth of local expertise, offering insights that go beyond the typical tourist experience. Trust the travel tips from experts who live and breathe their destinations to provide you with unparalleled local knowledge.

These insightful tips are shared by our experienced Cebu Island tour guide(s), Leila

Getting Around In Cebu Island
Getting Around In Cebu Island

How far is the city center from the airport, and what is the best way to get to the city center?

The airport in Cebu is located in Mactan, which is about 30 minutes to an hour away from the city center. The easiest way to get to the city center from the airport is to pre-arrange transportation, such as by booking a car service, so that someone can meet you outside the airport. But for commuting passengers, buses are available from outside the airport, though you need to walk to the bus terminal—it's just outside the airport. These buses also have compartements to store your luggage. Additionally, there are metered taxis, airport taxis, and airport car rentals, each with their respective waiting or parking areas.
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Local Food
Local Food

What are some of the best local food to try in Cebu?

For snacks, we have some fruits and local snacks such as fried and grilled bananas. We also have hot cakes, which are street food hot cakes, similar to pancakes, and sliced fruits served in a container. Other snacks to try are sweet corn, boiled corn, or grilled corn, and kakanin (sweets made of glutinous rice and coconut milk). Besides that, Roasted pork, or lechon, is highly recommended. Several lechon houses in the city are available inside malls, such as Rico's Lechon, House of Lechon, and El Corso in SRP (South Road Properties) near NUSTAR Resort & Casino, where an array of restaurants is located. There are food yards, food carts, sweet foods, burgers, fries, sandwiches, and some fine-dining restaurants. They also have Arab and Indian restaurants. The area is scenic because it's near the ocean, though not a beach, but near the port, with ocean views from some restaurants. Tourists can visit food markets such as Carbon Market in the city center which offers a large food park with various street food options.
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Healthcare
Healthcare

What healthcare facilities are available for tourists/foreigners in Cebu?

In case of emergency, we have big hospitals in the city because we also promote medical tourism. Some notable names are Chong Hua Hospital and UCMed. The city also offers medical tourism.
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Staying Connected
Staying Connected

Do most public areas, restaurants, and accommodations offer Wi-Fi access in Cebu?

Some hotels and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi.
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Money Matters
Money Matters

Where can you usually find the best exchange rate in Cebu?

We have airport money changers, but their rates are quite expensive. So the best and safest place to exchange money is the mall. We have SM and Ayala Mall, the biggest mall in Cebu. There are also some money changers along the way on the street, but they're not safe. The market really has good rates, but you might need a personal driver to guarantee safety here as well. A passport is needed to exchange money.
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Important Travel Info
Important Travel Info

Are there any medications or items travelers should avoid bringing into the country?

Illegal drugs are prohibited. Refer to this link for an updated list of restricted items from the Philippines government: https://customs.gov.ph/prohibited-restricted-importations/.
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Attractions
Attractions

Are there any dress codes to follow when visiting religious sites or monuments in Cebu

Especially in religious places and churches, no sleeveless shirts or shorts are allowed. Walking shorts for men are permitted, but t-shirts must have sleeves. Some fine-dining restaurants also have a dress code and do not allow slippers or sandals. However, for regular restaurants, casual attire is acceptable.
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What To Buy
What To Buy

Where are the best places to find souvenirs in Cebu?

In the big malls, there is a shop called Kultura. It has a wide range of souvenir items from the Philippines, including bags, dresses, small key holders, soaps, teas, and various other items. You can find Kultura in major malls like SM and Ayala Mall. Additionally, souvenir stores are often found near popular tourist sites. For example, in Mactan Shrine, there are small souvenir shops just outside the main attractions, allowing visitors to take home a piece of the local culture. Furthermore, in Mactan, there are renowned guitar factories where visitors can find handmade guitars and ukuleles. Additionally, handmade soaps and items like handcrafted hats made from banana leaf and pineapple fiber are available. Unique souvenirs to buy in Cebu include t-shirts, keychains, dried mangoes, Philippine coffee, including civet coffee, local cookies called otap, and shell accessories.
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Climate Tips
Climate Tips

What's the best time to travel to Cebu weather-wise? Are there any seasons to avoid?

The best time to travel to Cebu weather-wise is between December and May. It is best to avoid traveling between June and November due to the typhoon season.
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Area Guide
Area Guide

Which neighborhoods in Cebu have the best nightlife scene and events?

In Mactan, where the airport and most resorts are located, there's a vibrant nightlife scene. One popular entertainment option is comedy dance shows, featuring performances by LGBTQ artists. These shows are a fantastic mix of dance and song, often with transgender performers. In the city itself, there are numerous bars and nightclubs offering live bands and disco music. Additionally, Mactan and the city both boast 24-hour casinos for those looking to try their luck at gambling. In Mactan, La Punta Pasil, near the airport, has many bars catering to both locals and tourists. Many hotels and resorts in the area host live bands, adding to the vibrant nightlife. Mactan Newtown is a hotspot, featuring numerous restaurants, coffee shops like Starbucks, and entertainment venues offering disco and live bands. In the city, M02 is a popular destination for live music, billiards, and dancing, attracting both locals and visitors. Additionally, rooftop restaurants, such as those atop Marco Polo and Bai Hotel, often feature live bands.
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Local Events
Local Events

Are there any annual festivals or special events in Cebu or nearby cities that tourists shouldn't miss?

Cebu's biggest festival is the Sinulog Festival which happens every third Sunday of January. The mountain top viewing deck hosts concerts featuring famous local and international artists, particularly in January. Many establishments host special events during the festival month of January. K-pop concerts and tours frequently occur in Cebu. Cebu is predominantly Catholic, with 85% of the population adhering to the faith. This strong religious influence is reflected in the observance of Holy Week, particularly Good Friday, when most establishments, including malls, are closed.
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Cultural Etiquettes
Cultural Etiquettes

Is tipping a common norm? If so, what's the usual tipping amount?

Tipping is optional in the Philippines.
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Top 12 Must-Do's In Cebu For First Time Visitors - Updated 2024

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For many decades, Cebu has remained one of the top destinations in the Philippines, offering a wide variety of attractions and experiences suited for different types of visitors, from history buffs to beach bums. Visitors who take a little longer to visit Cebu may find themselves overwhelmed with the long list of things to do. Which to choose? What to do first? No need to fret as this guide is a concise list of must-do's for first-time visitors in Cebu. *For great insights on Cebu, make sure to watch our video where we interview Leila, a local tour guide, for amazing tips about the destination!*

Top 10 Hotels In Cebu City, Philippines - Updated 2024

Top 10 Hotels In Cebu City, Philippines

Cebu City, also known as the Queen City of the South, is the largest city in a province with the same name. It is where history and culture meet in a backdrop of Spanish-era landmarks and modern buildings. Its historic sites include Magellan's Cross and Fort San Pedro. It is also the perfect jump-off point to the numerous surrounding islands, where one can indulge in an itinerary of diving, swimming, kayaking, and sightseeing. These include the infamous Malapascua, Moalboal, and Mactan Islands. Foodies need not worry either, as this city offers sumptuous Filipino dishes, such as lechon and pochero. Since Cebu City is full of places for outdoor recreational activities, the best time to visit is between December and May, when the climate is drier. After a jam-packed itinerary, you're sure to want to relax in comfortable accommodations. Check out these hotels in Cebu City, Philippines.

5 Best Beach Resorts Near Cebu City, Philippines - Updated 2024

5 Best Beach Resorts Near Cebu City, Philippines

With over 7,000 islands in the Philippines, the lovely Cebu City is considered one of the most popular tourist spots in the country. Dubbed the Queen City of the South, this city offers a lot of fun activities. From exploring historic sites to taking part in the ever-famous Sinulog Festival, a religious festival that happens every January, Cebu City promises an unforgettable experience for visitors and locals alike. Besides the vibrant festivals and delicious food, another thing that this city is known for is its beautiful, pristine beaches. This is why there are a lot of great hotels and gorgeous beach resorts where you can blissfully stay in and get your money's worth. Check out our list of the best beach resorts near Cebu City, Philippines. **Popular picks in Cebu City** As the oldest city in the Philippines, Cebu City offers many unique attractions and historic monuments that you probably won't find anywhere else. Here are a few of the most important landmarks in the city: - **Basílica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu**: As the oldest church in the Philippines, it's not surprising that the Minor Basilica of the Holy Child of Cebu has many traditions and customs that have become iconic parts of Cebu City. None are perhaps as popular as the Fiesta Señor, which is connected to the popular Sinulog Festival. - **Fort San Pedro**: An important element of the colonial history of Cebu City, Fort San Pedro was established by Miguel López de Legazpi in his effort to fortify the budding Spanish colony. Today, the structure is home to a museum and historical park. If you have the necessary permissions, you can even conduct weddings here! - **Magellan’s Cross**: As someone who loves exploring cultures, I'd definitely add Magellan’s Cross to my itinerary. It is a symbol of the advent of Christianity to the Philippines and was planted by Ferdinand Magellan's expedition in 1521. The original cross is believed to be encased in the present wooden cross to protect the relic inside.

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