Cebu is one of the key resorts in the Philippines, which combines comfort, relaxation on paradise beaches against the backdrop of palm trees and golden sand, and a rich “excursion”. On the island, tourists are waiting for secluded lagoons with the purest water, modern hotels with a full range of services, magnificent colonial architecture from the time of Spanish rule and picturesque natural beauty.
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Cebu is considered a real paradise not only for lovers of quality beach holidays and exotic species, but also for divers – coral reefs with rich marine flora and the ruins of sunken ships attract underwater divers from all over the world. Even if you dive with a mask, in the azure water you can see the amazing inhabitants of the depths of the most unusual shapes and colors.
The island’s capital of the same name is the oldest and second largest city in the country. It was here that Magellan landed in 1521 and is credited with discovering the Philippines.
How to get to Cebu
There is no direct connection between Russia and the island; you will have to fly with a rather long transfer in Dubai, Singapore, Doha, Beijing, Abu Dhabi or Novosibirsk. The shortest flight in terms of duration, taking into account connections, is offered by Singapore Airlines – 16 hours one way, with Emirates Airlines can be reached in 18.5 hours.
The best option is to fly to Manila and from there take local flights to Cebu-Mactan. Transportation is carried out by Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airways. Travel time is from 50 minutes to 1.5 hours. The average price of a flight from Manila to Cebu Mactan is 2065-7800 PHP.
Tourists traveling to the resorts of the islands of Mactan, Bohol and Leyte also stay at the Cebu-Mactan air hub.
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On a ferryboat
Also, from the capital of the Philippines to the island in about 20 hours, you can swim by ferry, which departs once a day. The service is provided by 2GO Travel of. website in english Ferry fee – from 780 PHP.
The airport
About 40 km from the capital of Cebu City, Mactan Island is the Cebu Mactan International Airport. They offer to get to the city for 220-270 PHP by taxi – this is the most convenient and fastest option. The bus will cost much less, but you will have to transfer to internal transport to get to the hotel, as it arrives at the SM Seaside City Cebu shopping center, bypassing the center. The average cost of renting a car at the airport is from 3380 PHP per day.
Cebu area
The island stretches for 225 km from north to south, its width does not exceed 60 km. The territory of Cebu is crossed by low mountain ranges, gradually descending to the ocean. Most of the settlements are concentrated on the coastline.
The main resort area is Cebu City and its environs. In the city itself and within a radius of no more than 5 km there are numerous hotels, in Downtown – architectural sights, in Uptown – modern shopping malls and offices. For a more secluded holiday, you should prefer the areas of the cities. Badiana and Alcantara, located on the western side of the island, or go north of Cebu City to Borbón.
In the central part of Cebu, there is the Central Cebu Protected Landscape (National Park), where you can look at the picturesque tropical landscapes and get acquainted with the flora and fauna of the region.
Cebu Hotels
In Cebu City, it is better to settle closer to Downtown so that sights and ferry crossings are within walking distance. In Moalboal, Alcantara, Badian and Mactan Island, it is preferable to choose a hotel closer to the coast and beaches.
The Philippines has very affordable hotel prices. In a city four-star hotel with a pool and spacious rooms, a night will cost 3000-5000 PHP for two, a 2-3 * hotel or apartment will cost from 1500 PHP, for a “five-star” you will have to pay from 5500-7000 PHP. In guesthouses, a day costs from 500 PHP. Often the price tag does not depend on proximity to the ocean – for example, in Moalboal right next to the White Beach they offer rooms for 1500-2000 PHP.
Transportation
Public transport is represented in Cebu by city jeepney buses with a capacity of up to 25 people, tuk-tuks for 3-4 people and taxis. Intercity communication is developed quite well, mainly transport runs along the coast, picking up passengers at stops and highways. Some travelers rent a motorbike, although this service is not as widespread here as in other regions of Southeast Asia.
The cost of a taxi ride in Cebu City is from 100-150 PHP. Prices can be fixed for the entire route or by meter.
Ferry service is well established in Cebu – you can get to any of the Philippine islands by sea (all ships depart from the piers of Cebu City). Routes are operated by OceanJet (off. site in English), Weesam Express (off. site in English), Supercat (off. site in English).
Shops and souvenirs
Of the major shopping centers in Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu on the street should be highlighted. Cardinal Rosales Ave and Robinsons Galleria Cebu on st. Sergio Osmena Blvd. next to Pier 4, where you can buy anything from branded clothing and famous Philippine pearls to standard souvenirs. But for authentic things – terracotta dishes, handmade fabric or original shell jewelry, it is better to go to special places – small shops or markets, for example, Carbon Market. Paintings made from improvised materials are very popular with tourists: sand, wood, leather, stones, straw, as well as original rattan and bamboo furniture.
Cebu Cuisine and Restaurants
Cebu has an incredible number of restaurants and eateries serving Filipino and Pan-Asian cuisines. In almost all establishments, visitors will be provided with a wide selection of seafood dishes.
Meat, poultry and fish dishes play a key role in Philippine cuisine. The highlight of the region is tropical fruit desserts: halo halo, puto, ginataan, macapuno. If we discard stereotypes, then durian sweets will seem like a good delicacy.
In an expensive restaurant at the hotel, dinner or lunch with a serving of alcohol per person will cost from 950 to 4500 PHP (depending on the exoticism of the dishes). In a city cafe, a full meal will cost 400-1000 PHP, in fast food chain restaurants, prices fall within the range of 100-400 PHP. The culture of street food is very well developed – the markets offer quite impressive portions of the most incredible dishes for less than 180 PHP.
