It was in the province of Cebu that Ferdinand Magellan first set foot on Philippine soil back in 1521. Even before the Spaniards came, trade with the Chinese already flourished in the province. Prosperity has continued, and today, Cebu City , known as the "Queen City of the South", has become a thriving, highly urbanized center that comes second only to Manila's bustling metropolis.
The locals speak Cebuano - a dialect common in the Visayas and Mindanao region. Filipino (Tagalog) is the national language however, English is widely used.
Only a few minutes away from the city are numerous white sand beaches, crystal blue waters, and swaying palms, making Cebu a perfect destination for both business and leisure. Outside of the city are some of the best scuba diving spots in the world. Mactan Island is a coral island and famous scuba diving and beach site. Malapascua Island is endowed with white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, and the west coast is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The sleepy little market town of Moalboal was one of the first places where scuba diving caught on in the Philippines . From here, you can dive straight off Panagsama Beach , which is home to an extraordinary array of coral, anemones, sponges, and a swarming host of brightly colored reef fish.
Olango Island in Cebu supports the largest concentration of migratory birds found in the country. These birds migrating from Russia stop here en route to Australia.
One of the most unique aspects of life in the Philippines is the widely used Jeepney for public transportation. Everywhere you go in the Philippines you will find colorful and sometimes wildly decorated jeepneys that are an inexpensive way to get around.
Cebu Birdwatching Tours Set as BirdLife & DOT Sign Agreement » Cebu birdwatching gets recognition as The Department of Tourism (DOT) and BirdLife International Inc. (BLI) have signed an agreement to support a bird conservation program as part of its strategy to promote birdwatching tourism in Cebu and other parts of the country...
UK Birdwatching Fair Species Champion is Cebu Flowerpecker » To the delight of birdwatching enthusiasts, the country’s Cebu Flowerpecker recently received the Bird Life Species Champion award at the recently held British Bird Fair in Oakham, Rutland, United Kingdom (UK)...
Camotes Island Cebu Province Eyed as Tourism Icon» Camotes Island has been chosen by the Department of Tourism (DOT) 7 as the new "iconic product” in Central Visayas. As an iconic product, Camotes will be among the priority destinations of the DOT and will receive more promotion assistance from the department...
My First Cebu Taxi Experience » First of all, to a new visitor from the USA or Europe it might be an interesting or a frightening experience to say the least...
Living In Cebu » I have often wondered about living in Cebu and I have found my first month in Cebu an adventure and truly the most enjoyable of my life...
Cebu International Convention Center » The Cebu Convention Center is an ideal venue for conventions, meetings, events, trade shows, business conferences, sporting events...
Festivals
Sinulog Heats Up Cebu Every January... » Every January, the most anticipated event of the year brings the city to life. The Sinulog buzz is in the air indeed...
Cebu Tourist Information : Things to See around Cebu
Mactan Island Aquarium » Mactan Island Aquarium features a collection of aquarium exhibits that takes visitors on an underwater tour through the seas and rivers of the Philippines...
Magellan's Cross ( Magellanes St .). Planted in April 21, 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan; spot where the first Christian Filipinos, Rajah Humabon and Queen Juana and about 400 followers, were baptized by Fr. Pedro Valderema. In 1525 to 1740, the Agustinian priests built an open shrine for the cross but the natives began to take chips from the cross believing it had miraculous power so a kiosk-like structure was built to protect the cross from total destruction. To protect it further, a hallow cross of tinadalo wood was made to encase the original cross which still stands today.
Fort San Pedro (Pier Area, Cebu City ). The smallest, oldest tri-bastion fort in the country. This served as the nucleus of the Spanish settlement in the Philippines . At present, it is under the care and administration of the Philippine Tourism Authority and now houses the National Museum that showcases the San Diego shipwreck & Fort San Pedro diggings.
Taoist Temple » Built in 1972, the Taoist Temple is constructed in a highly ornate style of Chinese architecture, and is topped with a pagoda-style roof. Cebu City’s Taoist Temple, one of the most visited tourist spots in Cebu
Heritage of Cebu Monument ( Colon St. , Cebu City ). Located in the original Plaza Parain, it showcases the significant and symbolic events in the history of Cebu from the time of Rajah Humabon to the recent beatification of Cebuano martyr Pedro Calunsod. The monumental sculptural tableau is the work of national artist Edgardo Castrillo. Construction began on July 1997 and it was inaugurated on Dec. 8, 2000 .
Magellan Marker (Punta Engaño, Lapulapu City ). Inspired by his success in Christianizing the people of Cebu , Magellan crossed the channel to Mactan Island in an effort to spread the faith. Before he reached the shore, he was killed by island chieftain Lapulapu and his men during the battle for supremacy and freedom on April 27, 1521 . Efforts to retrieve the body of Magellan were futile in spite of the offer to trade jewelry and spices for the dead body. This marker was erected in 1866 to mark the spot where the great explorer died.
Colon Street The oldest street in the Philippines was built by the Spaniards in the time of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Named after Christopher Columbus, it is the heart of downtown Cebu. This marks the downtown area. Good for some shopping during the day, be careful about pickpockets. I don't recommend going to the Colon area at night.
Lapulapu Monument (Punta Engaño, Lapulapu City ). Site where the battle between Mactan Island Chieftain Lapulapu and the foreign aggressor Ferdinand Magellan occured in April 27, 1521 . It depicts the hero holding a bolo in one hand and a pestle on the other. Said weapons were believed to have been used during his combat with Magellan. This monument stands as a reminder of Filipino bravery.
University of San Carlos ( P. del Rosario St. , Cebu City ). The oldest school in the country established in 1565. This was formerly called Colegio de San lldefonso, established by the Jesuits.
Capitol Building ( Osmeña Blvd. , Cebu City ). The seat of the Provincial government, is of pre-war vintage, and has the undulating mountains of Cebu for its background. Majestic and imposing, its high dome can be seen along Osmeña Boulevard . A replica of the United States ' White House. One of the many beautiful capitol buildings in the country, constructed in 1937 under the administration of Governor Sotero Cabahug.
Mactan Island » (across Mandaue City ). A coral island and famous scuba diving site, where the major beach resorts of international standards are located. This is where the Cebu Macatan International Airport is and also the site of the Macatan Export Processing Zone, with over 100 companies in operation, employing close to 40,000 people.
Lapu Lapu : The Sunny Side of Mactan, Cebu » Lapu Lapu City and Mactan Island have risen over the years as a unique blend of beach gateways, tourist and recreation enclaves, light industries and suburban living...
Malapascua Island (across the northernmost tip of Cebu ). It was on Christmas day when the Spaniards reached the island. According to townfolks, it was supposed to be a special day of celebration but unfortunately a storm hit the island and so came the name “Malapacual”, Malas sa Pasko, which means “Unfortunate Christmas” in English. Malapascua is sometimes referred to as “Logon”, the main community in the south. “Logon” got its name when the Japanese and Americans fought over the island during WWII. The island is 3 km. long and 1 km. wide, with a population of about 3,000. It has white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. The west coast is ideal for swimming and snorkeling but one should be careful because of unpredictable weather. A walk or tour on the whole island can be done within half a day.
Camotes Island (north of Cebu , across Danao City ). The island is composed of 4 towns: Poro, San Francisco , Tudela, and Pilar. To cross the island, one has to go to Danao City , an hour away from Cebu City , or take a fastferry. There are two boats which travel to and from the island and Danao City everyday. One fastcraft travels from Cebu City.
Kawasan Falls » (Matutinao, Badian) near Moalboal. One can feel the surrounding lush greenery of the panoramic waterfalls.
Badian Island 97 km. southwest of Cebu City . Famous for beautiful corals, reefs, and white sandy beaches, making it an excellent diving spot.
Moalboal 89 km. southwest of Cebu City . Offers white sandy beaches and rich marine life for scuba diving. Notable as an excellent diving area is the water around Pescador Island.
Nonoc Cave (Borbon). 83 km. north of Cebu City . Very picturesque view, shelter for picnic goers and bathers.
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