On Tuesday we talked about Boracay, one of the great tourist destinations in the Philippines. It is the mecca of international tourism and we provide all the necessary information to be able to go from Manila to this fabulous destination of sun, beaches, warm sea and fun.
But if you look closely at a map of the Philippines you will see that it is also Zebu. It is an island province in the central region of Visayas composed of a main island and more than 160 islands around it. Cebu, the capital, It is the oldest city in the Philippines and today it is a modern, vibrant and highly developed city. And if you add heavenly beaches to that ... well, you have another tourist option in the Philippines! You will say at the end which one you prefer.
Cebu, the first capital of the Philippines
Before the arrival of the Spanish, the islands were a kingdom controlled by a prince from Sumatra. The Spanish would arrive at the beginning of the XNUMXth century and from then on their history is part of the western books.
The main island, Cebu, is a long and narrow island that runs 196 kilometers from north to south and at its widest point it is barely 32 miles. It has hills and mountains, although nothing very high, and around it there are beautiful beaches, coral reefs, other islands and an underwater life spectacular. To fully enjoy it you have to go during the dry season, outside of June to December, and typhoon season.
Between March and May it is hot and it can easily reach 36 ºC, but he estimates that throughout the year the thermal arc is between 24 and 34 ºC. In short, the low season is between May and June and between September and October with temperatures between 25 and 32 ºC and rains. The high season is April, May and June with more heat and winds, but little rain.
Low prices, less tourism and more offers in one and more tourism, more sun, more party and higher prices in the second. There is also a super high season which is Christmas, New Years, Chinese New Years and Easter. He calculates that prices then go up 10 to 25% more.
Things to do in Cebu
Beyond its natural attractions, which we will talk about later, the city itself is charming and we can dedicate a few days to it. The Christian and Spanish imprint is seen in every corner with churches, crosses and street names. Is the Magellan's Cross, the Minor Basilica of Santo Niño, the Sanctuary of Magallanes and Colón Street, for example, the oldest in the city.
You can visit the Fort San Pedro, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Taoist Temple of Cebu, the Jesuit House, the old and elegant Casa Gorordo from the XNUMXth century and a site known as The Tops which is in Busay and is nothing more than a beautiful viewpoint 12 kilometers from the city center with a fabulous 180º view.
To move around the city you can use a tricycle with capacity for three passengers. Seven Philippine pesos are charged per kilometer. There is also multitaxis and jeepneys very colorful. There is no shortage of classic taxis and buses. Everything is paid in local currency, only large restaurants and hotels accept credit cards.
Now, What about the beaches of Cebu? If you are going to stay a few days then the best option is not to move too far from the capital. In front of her is the Mactan Island, a recommended diving destination and natural beauty. It is also known as lapu lapu y it is connected to the city with two bridges. It is a busy island and of the best diving sites in the region.
Here in Mactan is where the resorts are concentrated and the tourists who make excursions from Manila or Korea or Hong Kong come straight because it has an international airport. Mactan is a great coral island for a getaway. Surrounding it are the Tambuli and Kontiki reefs and the Hilutungan Island Marine Sanctuary. Beaches and diving, snorkeling and boat rides is what it offers.
When it comes to lodging, there is everything from budget hotels to places that deserve to be on Condé Nast Traveler's luxury list. Remember that Mactan is less than an hour from Cebu and 45 minutes from Manila nothing more. You can arrive on direct international flights from Narita in Japan, Incheon in South Korea, Singapore or Hong Kong. But without crossing to Mactan Island there are other recommended beaches and some are on other islands.
All the Camotes Islands There are four of them, Tulang, Pacjian, Poro and Ponson, and they all have great beaches and hotels. The same Badian Island where there is a spectacular private resort. Between the island of Cebu and La Leyte is the beautiful Bohol Island, also well known and with great beaches.
La Malapascua island, island of fishermen, is one of the top destinations and one of the most secret is the Sumilon island. In the first, diving is the absolute king, although it is not very developed for tourism, perhaps one more attraction. There are no ATMs, the hotels are located between the villagers' streets and neither euros nor dollars are accepted.
Watchtower It is an Eden island with crystal clear waters and white beaches. It has one of the oldest churches in the Philippines, four centuries and there are many hotels and resorts of those in which you can lose months. Prices? From $ 60 and up.
As you can see, the offer in this part of the Philippines is more numerous than the one in Boracay. Here you have to organize yourself much better because each island is a destination. They all have hotels and they all offer more or less the same, but it seems to me that If you like swimming, snorkeling and diving in the Philippines, the best destination of all is Cebu.