Nature has gifted the province of Cebu with several astonishing landmarks that merit a long trip to the Philippines. Citizens have constructed their own monuments over time to complement the land's natural beauty. Though some contributions have been accidentally such as the abandoned ships that lie at the bottom of the ocean. Nature has its underwater representation too since Cebu is one of the ideal spots for whale watching. All of these separate components combine to make Cebu a thrilling vacation destination.
Some of Cebu's most interesting experiences require some travel by boat since the province includes an archipelago. Development that spread out from Cebu City to the rest of the province makes this quite simple. Travelers can easily work out an itinerary that includes travel across multiple islands at a low cost.
10 Swim With The Whale Sharks In Oslob
A high population of sharks is usually a clear signal to stay away from a location. Though not in Cebu. People hurry to the small town of Oslob on Cebu’s southern coast for the chance to swim with the whale sharks. This slow species of shark has no appetite for humans. Regardless of their friendliness, Leisure Pro states they shouldn't be touched since the action removes the protective film that covers their bodies.
9 Stroll Through The Flowers At The Sirao Flower Gardens
Colorful fields of flowers run up and down the hills at the Sirao Flower Gardens in Cebu City. Sculptures and structures such as the hand that opens up at the edge of a cliff signal the different sections of the garden. It’s about $2 to get in not including the $.50 parking fee. Bring a few extra pesos to purchase fresh fruit or juice at the stands within the gardens.
8 Canyoneer Your Way To Kawasan Falls
A 15-minute hike brings the group to the top of the canyon. They descend into the cool, turquoise river water from there. The path will require climbing over slippery rocks and sidestepping down narrow paths. As the water levels rise, walking turns into swimming. The group slips down the smooth rock slides of several waterfalls before landing in the final pool with everyone else. Or they can take the easy path and skip the canyoneering all together.
7 Celebrate A Festival Full Of Colors
The Sinulog Festival officially begins on the third Sunday of January, but celebrations can last for the entire month. Go to the Philippines explains that the holiday celebrates Christianity’s introduction to the Philippines by Portuguese explorers. It began with the gifted statue of baby Jesus that is still considered a sacred relic today. All the celebrations culminate in the colorful Grand Parade. Women dressed in traditional costumes performed a centuries-old dance. Then come fireworks, fairs, and other cultural shows.
6 Try The Street Food
Tourists harboring a sweet tooth will be well taken care of in the streets of Cebu. One of the simplest and most popular dishes is Pinaypay, sugarcoated fried bananas. For a treat that comes with larger serving size, order Bibingka. This is an oven-baked rice cake served hot and a little sweet. All of this is washed down with fruit juice. People craving something savory can get steamed peanuts or fried quail eggs instead.
5 Visit The Temple Of Leah For Romance
The Temple of Leah is a modern monument with a timeless backstory. An entrepreneur named Teodorico Adarna had it built in honor of his wife, Leah, after she passed away from lung cancer, according to Choose Philippines. The temple was built in an ancient Roman style and filled with sculptures. Leah herself is depicted in bronze on a throne at the top of a grand staircase. Though the blue staircase is one of the modern touches.
4 Island Hop To Discover That No Two Islands Are The Same
With nearly 200 islands in Cebu province, no island hopping tour can cover them all. It’s necessary to narrow down the list based on which activities sound most enjoyable. Mactan Island makes it on most itineraries because of its highly rated resorts and beautiful beaches. It doesn’t hurt that it’s just 20 minutes away from Cebu City, according to Rome2Rio. Bantayan Island offers a calmer atmosphere with the same amenities though it is three hours away.
3 Seek Out The Unusual On Bohol Island
Bohol does have its beautiful beaches, but that’s not what people come to see. They come to view the Chocolate Hills. Grass has grown to cover mounds of limestone in a tree-lined field. When the grass dries out, it looks like the hills have been dusted in cocoa. It'll take at least two hours to reach the island. The remaining time can be spent on activities at the Danao Adventure Park such as suisliding and caving.
2 Visit The Province's Most Significant Historical Site
There is no Catholic Church in the Philippines older than the Basilica del Santo Niño. Atlas Obscura says that it's supposed to have been built on the exact spot where the Santo Niño de Cebu statue was discovered. That's the relic which the entire Sinulog Festival is based around. The simple stone church contains a lavish inside with painted ceilings and a carved altar. It’s still in use in Cebu City.
1 Find Out What Has Become Of Cebu's Old Fortress
Fort San Pedro dates all the way back to the first Spanish colony on the Philippines in the 17th century, according to Traveling Cebu. Though its current appearance is most similar to how it looked in the 18th century after many renovations. Its cannons and turrets speak to its history as a fortress for both the army and the rebels. A cloistered garden blooming with yellow flowers speaks to its present-day peace.