If you’re up for almost everything, there are endless things to do in Cebu.
It doesn’t matter if you only have one day itinerary in Cebu, for a month, or more. Despite being known as Sugbo, a derivation from an old Cebuano word Sibu or Sibo which means trade, you got nothing to trade off while scouring the beauties around Cebu. In fact, you spend most of your time and energy on the finest which the city has to offer. If you’re up for just about anything, Cebu has it.
The key to getting the best out of your travel is to identify your goal in the very beginning. Perhaps your travel objective is to purely soak yourself in nature and relax, maybe experience different kinds of extreme adventures, go on a food trip, or simply immerse in Cebuano culture reflecting the Philippines as a whole. There are many things to do in Cebu that await you.
You can start with what is Cebu famous for such as its religious heritage, temples, beaches, mountains, cuisines, beverages, or Cebu night spots. Here are some of the things to do in Cebu at the places that deserve a spot in your travel itinerary:
FUN THINGS TO DO IN CEBU
Cebu is known for having wonderful mountains, beaches and resorts.
Island Hopping
Cebu beach resorts will never fail you for the best resorts are in the city. With over seven thousand islands in the Philippines, it’s sure to give you a taste of island life and feel-good vibes. Head to Mactan beach for a start. Your boat and guide will bring you to Pandanon island, a trip for almost an hour. Do not forget enjoying the view while on the way which is as paradisiac as arriving at the island. If you’re into snorkeling, Nalusuan island has the most-preserved marine sanctuary as well as Pescador Island in Moalboal. Especially if you’re having your vacation in Moalboal, don’t miss the scuba diving and experience of turtle and dolphin watching in the waters of Pescador. For a relaxing ocean tour, soak in the magnificent view of the white sand bar as you take around 15-30 minutes boat ride to reach the Pescador Island.
Climbing Mountains
If you have an insatiable craving for scenic views, then satiate your inner wanderlust by the breathtaking views of the mountains. Even if you’re not a bonafide mountaineer, you might want to check out the picturesque mountains Cebu has to offer. If you’re looking for the mountain with the highest peak in Cebu, Osmeña Peak should be on the top of your top list as it proudly stands 1, 013 meters above sea level. The landscape and relaxing cold mountain temperatures are surely exhilarating. On the other hand, Mount Kalbasaan gives off the vibe like you’re walking on one of the dramatic mountains in Newzealand postcards. Overviewing the summit, you’ll get an enticing view of Minglanilla and some parts of Cebu. And if you’re looking for more extreme adventures going up, Puting Bato has the best rocky and vertical monoliths with complicated slippery trails that call out your inner rock climber and adventurist. To those yet deciding what to do in Cebu in one day, you can do a further search and hike the mountain of your choice.
Visiting Cultural Heritages
Within the heart of Cebu, several cultural heritage abound. With a rich history to look at, there were a handful of infrastructures established for a purpose within a time period. For instance, Museo de Sugbo was once a Provincial Jail of Cebu but which has now turned as a museum widely visited by both the locals and foreigners. To get a real-time glimpse of the Philippines’ national hero and of the times gone by, visit Rizal Memorial Library and Museum which also houses various archeological discoveries, rare books, and a theatre. Its library section offers a lot to culture-hungry locals as books can be borrowed by the public. If you want to visit these heritages and others, you can rent a car in Cebu or commute through jeepneys. You can ask from the locals which jeepney has the number bound to a certain route you want to go.
Going on a Food Trip
Cebuanos definitely love to eat. If you go to Colon or Carbon, you can see vendors on most sides of the street selling delicacies you might or might not want to try. However, if you make it a goal to completely immerse yourself in Cebu and get to know what it feels like being one of its locals, you definitely need to try them out. There are various fast-food chains, restaurants, and eateries anywhere you gaze your eyes at especially in the core of Cebu. If you’re up for the next level of adventure, you might even try taking a bite of cuisines that will taste exotic to your eyes and tongue but do not even hurt your wallet. You can try eating tuslob buwa which means “dip” and “froth” where you dip rice wrapped in palm leaves called “puso” to a froth made up of pork brain, liver, garlic, soy sauce, and other spices. Larsian BBQ, on the other hand, is the go-to eatery for tourists who feel a little bit of daring. If you’re craving for a barbecue, Larsian has around 30 stalls to serve you 24 hours a day. These foods may not be prepared in the cleanest place but they’re some worth trying if you have not much of a sensitive stomach. However, if you want to taste Cebu to the fullest but need to take it easy, you can always head on to some of the best restaurants in the city that offer local food.
Exploring Night Spots
If you’re fond of nightlife, there are many fun places to go and things to do in Cebu. If you’ve made it a goal to get to know some of the locals, Metro Cebu’s bars and clubs should make it to your list. Especially if you’re into drinking, dancing, and partying till dawn, Mango Square is the best place to be. There are also G-Spot Bar & Gaming, Trademark Bar and Lounge, and more. Just don’t get flat-out drunk for your safety.
There are a lot more other exciting things you can do in Cebu but may not be mentioned on this page. You can do your own research, ask for your friends’ or other travelers’ recommendations, and over all, just make the best out of your trip.
