Located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, Cebu draws almost 2 million foreign travellers each year with its white-sand beaches and spectacular diving.
Consisting of over 7,000 islands, the Philippines is filled with lots of places for travellers to explore, and with so many destinations on offer, many travellers only plan a couple of activities in Cebu before heading onto another island. The Philippines Department of Tourism has compiled a list of 10 things for travellers to consider doing in Cebu before moving on.
Ms Norjamin Delos Reyes, Tourism Attaché at Philippine Department of Tourism Australia and New Zealand said,
“Tourism to Cebu is really booming at the moment. From cultural and heritage sites to natural destinations and more active activities, Cebu has so much on offer. The capital of Cebu City alone, is filled with lively bars, emerging eateries and shops to explore, there really is so much to do. Travellers do not often realise that they can enjoy a full adventure-packed week and more in Cebu alone.”
This so-called “Mini Amsterdam” is attracting tourists from far and wide to view the stunning range of flowers within. Located just a few minutes from Lahug, Cebu City, the 8,000-square-meter piece of uphill land is filled not only with flowers, but bicycles, a windmill, fountains, and picket fences to resemble the fields of Amsterdam.
The Highest Mountain in Cebu, Osmena Peak forms part of a range of green jagged hills, similar to the Chocolate Hills of Bohol. Set amidst limestone cliffs, the hills offer the perfect hiking trail; a relatively easy 700-metre climb which can be done in around 20 minutes, with incredible views out to sea from the top.
A stunning three tier waterfall in the South of Cebu island, Kawasan Falls is one of the Philippines most famous waterfalls; a tropical oasis surrounded by turquoise natural water to swim in. Bamboo rafts are also on hand to take travellers around the blue pool and under the waterfall.
The Heritage of Cebu Monument is located at Parian in downtown Cebu and is amongst one of the most visually interesting sights in the Philippines. Consisting of sculptures made from concrete, bronze, brass and steel, the monument shows scenes about events and structures related to the history of Cebu.
The oldest Roman Catholic church in the country, the Basilica of Sto. Nino is a basilica in Cebu City which was founded in 1565. The church itself is built on the spot where the image of the Santo Niño de Cebú was found during the expedition of Miguel López de Legazpi.
Mount Mago is one of the easiest hiking and camping destinations in the Philippines, with gentle rolling hills and a well-established trail to explore. Travellers may also be lucky enough to witness a surreal natural phenomenon whilst on the trail – a sea of clouds appearing right before their eyes.
Built in 1972, the Taoist Temple is located in Beverley Hills and is one of the many highlights of Cebu. Located on a hillside and offering views over Cebu, the temple is a place for meditation and is beautifully designed with carved dragons, a variety of colours and topped with a pagoda-style roof.
Swimming with the whale sharks is one of the top attractions in Cebu, and one not to be missed. In Oslob, travellers have the opportunity to get in the water and snorkel or dive with these gentle giants and watch them swim by, offering a unique and unforgettable wildlife interaction.
Moalboal is widely considered to be a scuba diving mecca, with easy shore diving and numerous dive sites located along the beaches. The sardines are easily the main attraction here, forming huge clouds and creating different shapes in the water, providing incredible underwater photography opportunities.
Located in Baguio City in Northern Luzon and surrounded by pine trees, this stunning mountain view destination offers spectacular natural sceneries. With a range of adventurous activities on offer, travellers can choose from an exhilarating sky bike attraction, horseback riding, trekking and mountain climbing, and a soon-to-be opened zip line.
For more information, visit Tourism Philippines at https://www.
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