Home to the oldest city in The Philippines, Cebu Island and its 167 neighbouring islands make up the province of Cebu. This tropical isle provides a mellow spot to relax in the sun, play in the surf and get back in touch with Mother Nature.
Where to stay:
We love the centrally-located Waterfront Hotel & Casino (rooms starting at US $150), which offers a 24-hour gym, pool and shuttle to local shopping malls, as well as complimentary breakfast and a place to win some coin at its casino. Or check into the Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa (rooms from $260), a beach-front oasis with a private marine reserve, perfect for diving and snorkelling. Ask for a room overlooking the ocean so your most challenging decision of the day can be where to place your lounge chair for maximum sun. And don’t miss out on a stop at CHI: The Spa, (treatments starting at $100) with its private villas for wellness treatments inspired by local flora and fruit.
What to do:
Explore the Queen City of the South, starting downtown on Colon Street, the oldest street in the Philippines. Wander through local boutiques and visit street vendors selling snacks and cool drinks to refuel during the day. Basilica Minore de Santa Nino is a beautiful example of Spanish-influenced architecture and is located near the preserved Magellan Cross. Or head to Fort San Pedro (admission $0.25) to see the lavish gardens that now are within the walls of the Spanish-built fort and get a bird’s- eye view of the downtown. Brave travellers can take a jeepney (local mini-bus, $ price dependent on destination) to the Carbon Market in Cebu City to find everything from clothing to fresh produce to souvenirs.
Where to eat:
Locals love their mid-afternoon sweets, so you’ll see plenty of road-side bakeries and cafés offering up cakes and treats. For dinner, consider Filipino cuisine like local fave fish bangus at Golden Cowrie Native Restaurant (from $2), a laid-back spot in downtown Cebu City. Or take a taxi to the Larsian district, filled with garlic barbecue stands with several options of pork, beef, chicken and seafood served Portuguese-style (from $5). Feeling more adventurous? Head to the local seafood shacks in Lapu Lapu City on Mactan Island to savour freshly-caught grilled seafood such as clams and crabs (from $5).
