What is interesting on the island of Cebu. Shops and souvenirs. Typical Philippine weather

Cebu Island (Philippines) is deservedly called the king of the South, as many tourists come here to get acquainted with the stunning nature, as well as interesting history. There are many resorts, nightclubs.

About the place

The picturesque point is located in the center of the Philippine archipelago, it belongs to the Visayas. Nearby are Negros and Leyte, as well as Bohol - no less beautiful areas than the island of Cebu itself.

Also neighbors are Bantayan, Malapasca, where they often go to sunbathe and scuba dive. This area stretches for 225 kilometers, its width is 25 km. total area leaves 4486 sq. km. Between the western and eastern coasts there is a ridge consisting of mountains.

The most high point- 1000 meters above sea level. Together with Matkan, this area constitutes a single province, which is part of the same name as the island of Cebu itself. This city is quite old and large, very significant for the history of the entire state. In 1521, F. Magellan, the world-famous navigator, moored here. At that time, strife broke out between the tribes, getting involved in which, the European died.

Unity of novelty and tradition

In 1886, a monument was erected at the place of the researcher's death, although a pedestal depicting Lapu-Lapu, the leader of the local tribe, who, in fact, killed the Portuguese, became a neighbor. Both of these persons are respected and revered. Magellan - as having brought European knowledge and worldviews of the Christian world to these lands, and Lapu-Lapu - as the strongest of the patriots who opposed the colonization of the Philippine land by Spain.

As a result, the island of Cebu in the Philippines was nevertheless colonized under the leadership of the conquistador Legaspi, who founded the city in 1565 at the site of the death of his predecessor. A rite of baptism was performed, so that the Christian cradle of the East was born here.

What to look for

Arriving here, you can encounter a large abundance of attractions. For starters, this is, of course, the tomb of Magellan. There is also a basilica built in honor of the baby Jesus, where there is a cross that was erected by sailors from Portugal when they reached these lands. Believers claim that this shrine has magical qualities and can heal diseases. There is the fortress of San Pedro, a fort believed to be the oldest built by the Spaniards. Previously, the colonialists were located here, there was a post for a review, with the help of which it was possible to resist the raids of the southerners. Then an army garrison, a prison, even a zoo were located here. In a word, this building had a large number of functions. Today there is a department dealing with tourism, as well as an open theater.

Shrines and important points

Christianity rendered big influence to the island of Cebu. Church sights are numerous here. These include a church named after St. Augustine, as well as an ancient relic preserved in it - an icon depicting little Jesus. It was she who was presented by Magellan to Queen Juana during the baptism of a woman. There is also chinese temple, which is also called Taoist. With its help, the community of China is represented in this territory. The building is located on a hill in the Beverly Hills area.

The local architecture is characteristic of Chinese culture, inside there is a delightful beauty that differs from the general style of local buildings. Cebu Island is also where the best guitars in the world are made. You can buy such an instrument as a wonderful souvenir. There are products that are made from coconut. It is interesting to look at the cascade of Kawasan waterfalls, through which crystal water flows from the mountains through the forest of the tropics.

Sandy and underwater expanses

Paradise is the island of Cebu. The beaches in these places annually attract a huge number of tourists, they receive extremely high marks for their cleanliness and picturesqueness, they are put on the leading positions in the rankings of world resorts. If you have already got here, diving is highly recommended. You will discover the amazing depths of the sea.

You can see a population of sharks, which, in general, is quite safe, but a surge of adrenaline in the blood still occurs. The sand is very fine and clean, the water is wonderful and clear. Here you can find profitable solutions even for people with a modest budget. So almost everyone can afford a pleasant trip to Cebu Island. Reviews about him are positive. Especially good here from February to May.

The purity of nature

Tourism here has not yet reached the peak of its development, there is great space for work, but, to some extent, this is even good. After all, the weaker the infrastructure, the better the untouched appearance of nature is preserved.

There are few hotels, dive centers are available, but they are also few. Again, whatever is done is for the best. Diving into the water, you will be able to meet many underwater inhabitants typical of the tropics. There are exclusive ones.

In Moalboal, a wonderful resort in the southwest, which can be reached from the city in three hours, there are many diving services. To join this entertainment, you need to take one of the boats that run regularly and get to a special center. Snorkeling is also available to tourists.

From the underwater flora and fauna there are corals, manta rays, groupers, gorgonians, tuna. You can also look at the mysterious sea caves, tunnel of sharks and rays.

The opinion of tourists

If you want to get vivid impressions and have a good rest, you can not hesitate to go to the island of Cebu left by tourists, they say that they really like this vacation. Many come here from Singapore, where they take a direct flight, and then get to Bohol by ferry, where they admire the beautiful hills and relax.

Which can be seen in the water, kindle interest, slight fear and cause adrenaline to flow through the veins. It is worth noting that users praise the work of the airlines through which they get into this picturesque region. Flights are regular. Upon arrival, tourists take a taxi, settle in a local hotel and follow new experiences.

A funny detail is that there are beggars at the airport who can rush to carry your things to the car, and then demand money for it. Better to avoid them. Taxi drivers also will not refuse extra earnings and are unlikely to give change if necessary. It is better to change large cash in a store, and pay with such people in small change. There are a lot of people on the streets even at night. Active life is always in full swing here.

It pays to be careful

It is also worth cautioning inexperienced tourist about the fact that people come across different, so it’s better not to run into trouble once again, and it’s not known who to talk with, because you never know where what started with words will lead. Just in case, of course, the situation on the streets is controlled by the police.

When you find yourself a room, it will become easier, for one important issue will be resolved. You can find both a chic option for a lot of money, and something simpler and cheaper, it all depends on your needs and capabilities.

On the first day, many people visit the city's sights, and on the second day they go to Mactan. Get ready for hot weather. Fortunately, there are wonderful beaches nearby. There are many interesting things in the city. There are suspicious things, but there are wonderful sights that amaze the imagination. It is better to trust professionals who will take care of your entertainment, because you yourself can get lost in an unfamiliar environment. Plan your vacation right and have fun!

Cebu is the largest city in the Philippines, harmoniously combining the beauty of tropical nature with urban architecture. The famous shrine - the cross of Magellan, ancient temples, modern hotels, restaurants, shopping centers - all this is collected in one place, the city of Cebu. It was here at the beginning of the 16th century that F. Magellan went ashore and discovered the Philippine Islands to the world. For many years, Cebu City was the capital of the Philippines, but today it occupies the fourth place among the largest settlements Philippines and still remains large port city uniting many Philippine islands.

Below I will talk about the main attractions, as well as give some tips for relaxing in Cebu.

The locals speak Filipino and English, the Philippine peso is used as the currency. Dollars are not accepted here.

How to get there

Consider only the most popular methods.

By plane to Cebu-Mactan

Cebu International Airport (), as I said, is located on the neighboring island of Mactan ( official name Cebu Mactan Airport). This small island is connected to Cebu by two bridges that are open and accessible at any time of the day. Therefore, getting to the city of Cebu is not difficult: a taxi ride will take no more than 40 minutes. You should not order a car in advance, at the exit a whole delegation of taxi drivers will be waiting for you. Someone offers a fixed price, others count on the counter.

It is better to take with a fixed price, since you will not have to pay for traffic jams (this is a fairly common occurrence at noon) and you will not have to be afraid of "cheating" the meter. The average price of taxi services from the airport to Cebu city is $10-15.

How to get from Manila to Cebu?

There are two ways to get from Manila to Cebu:

by air local airlines(Phillippine Airlines / Cebu Pacific Air 1.5 hour flight and you are there);
by ferry (Cebu Ferries, Negros, Elgreco 20 hours).

The most affordable air carrier is Cebu Pacific Air, Cebu airfare prices start at 3,000 pesos ($50) without a promotion, the price of a ferry ticket is $17.

It is more convenient to take ferry tickets if there is no pre-purchased air ticket and there are budget restrictions, since the cost of tickets is unchanged. Ferry tickets can be booked using the official websites of the companies,,.

But in my opinion, the most acceptable travel option is to buy an air ticket from Moscow.

In any case, you choose:

1.5 hour flight in a fun, bright plane

or 20 hours sea cruise:).

By train

By train you can only get to Moscow, then only by plane, as well as by ferry already as a transfer between the islands.

By bus

By bus, you can only get to Moscow, then you get to your destination by a suitable plane.

Ferries from Cebu

Clue:

Cebu - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow - 5

Kazan - 5

Samara − 4

Yekaterinburg - 3

Novosibirsk − 1

Vladivostok 2

When is the season. When is the best time to go

The climate in Cebu is tropical, hot and humid. Average annual temperature stays at the level of +26.5С, so it is very comfortable here almost at any time of the year. In general, Cebu's weather is divided into three main seasons:

summer (the hottest time of the year from March to May);
rainy season (June to November);
winter (November to April).

The climate in the Philippines is directly dependent on the winds. So in the period from May to October, the island is under the influence of "habakat" (wet winds of the south-west direction), and from November to April, "amihan" (dry winds) reigns.

When is the best time to go to Cebu?

It all depends on what weather more attractive to you, and, of course, on how you feel about the influx of tourists. Usually between December and February there is the largest influx of tourists, so it is better to plan your "Cebu Tour" at another time, for example, April or November.

I was here at the end of October, beginning of November (the transitional period for the end of the rainy season) and at the beginning of the winter season with dry winds. The rains have been strong wind and went mainly in the evening and at night, so during the day it was possible to move freely around the city and enjoy your journey.

Cebu in summer

Summer (March to May) is the hottest and wettest time in Cebu. The air temperature is kept at +33C. The island is under the influence of humid winds at this time of the year, so it is both hot and humid here. The number of tourists is lower compared to winter time.

Cebu during the rainy season

There is no autumn and spring in Cebu, I wrote about this above. The transitional period from June to November is the rainy season. The air temperature during the day is +30.5C, +32C. At this time, there is a change of winds: humid south-westerly directions are replaced by dry ones. Mostly in the evening / night time they go with might and main heavy rains. Since it is at this time that the risk of typhoons and other natural Disasters the highest, for tourists this time of year is unattractive, so the hotels are empty. And those who still decide to visit the country are waiting for discounts on accommodation / flights up to 20%.

Cebu in winter

winter period from November to April is the most attractive for tourists. Comfort temperature+ 29C, + 30C during the day, + 26C at night, dry air and lack of rain make it possible to spend your vacation most actively, plan trips to remote places, dive into the underwater world, and so on.

Due to such climatic advantages, this time of the year is the most attractive for visitors, therefore, when planning your vacation for December or January, it is worth remembering the tourist influx.

Cebu - monthly weather

Clue:

Cebu - monthly weather

Districts. Where is the best place to live

Cebu City is divided into two parts: Up Town and Down Town.

As in many cities, the main historical sights of the city (churches, the Magellan Cross, and so on) are located in the part of Cebu City Down Town, and ultramodern hotels, shopping and business centers are concentrated in the Up Town part.

In Down Town you can rent a room / apartment for a day for 700 pesos ($ 12), in Up Town the prices are 3 times higher. But the main difference in living conditions is the cleanliness of the area.

Down Town, despite its price attractiveness, is a dirty area, there are a lot of beggars on the streets, and so on, there is no such thing in Up Town. Therefore, despite its high cost, Up Town is more attractive.

To find a suitable hotel in Cebu, you can use and choose a place of residence according to the desired ratio of price and quality and distance from shopping centers. You can compare prices from different sites. Offers for renting private apartments can be found. I rented a room at the Mandarin Hotel (2-bed accommodation), it cost 3500 pesos ($ 55 / day) with breakfast.

Breakfast at this hotel is organized according to the system buffet abundance, you will definitely not stay hungry here. Choice of European dishes local kitchen, many desserts... Taste whatever your heart desires, and in any quantity (omelettes, fried eggs, cereals, rice with vegetables, grilled vegetables, bacon, chicken, seafood, pancakes, cakes and so on). Delicious and healthy food is known to energize for the whole day!

If you want to live in a downright chic hotel, then next to the largest shopping center in Cebu City there is one - Ayala. The price for a double room with breakfast is above average: 5000 pesos ($83).

The friendly, helpful staff will assist you with luggage delivery to your room and call a taxi at your request. Everything is like in the best movies.

What are the prices for holidays

Prices for Cebu cannot be called cheap, food / taxi services / cost of living here is cheaper than on, but more expensive than in Thailand. Eg:

Prices for a taxi ride from $ 3, public transport from $ 0.2.
Lunch for one from $3, dinner for two with alcohol will cost $15.
A cup of cappuccino in a coffee shop - $ 2.

Cebu, prices for excursions

A sightseeing tour on a minivan, designed for almost the whole day, costs from $65. It includes visits to historical sites such as Magellan's Cross, Santo Niño Church, Cebu Heritage Monument, Taos Temple, visit observation deck.

lovers active rest and water diving will be interesting diving and snorkeling. Snorkeling prices with equipment rental from $5, diving diving from the shore from $25, from a boat from $40.

The main attractions or what to see in Cebu?

Cebu City is a historical part of the Philippines. When compared with cities in Russia, then Cebu City can be compared with St. Petersburg. There are no natural attractions here, beautiful parks and the opportunity to relax on the beach, soaking up the sand under the scorching sun.

Cebu City is a city with a historical cultural heritage And developed infrastructure. In the "first" capital of the country, you can visit the following objects, which I will discuss in more detail below:

More about these historical places, I will explain below. In addition to these sights, it is worth taking a live look at the monument to the discoverer-navigator F. Magellan and the leader Lapu-Lapu. Maggelan opened Christianity and Europe to the Filipinos, and Lapu-Lapu is a fighter for the freedom of the people against the colonialists.

With children, you can visit the Cebu Zoo, the ticket price for adults is 25 pesos ($ 0.5), 10 pesos ($ 0.2) for children. It is open to visitors daily from 9:00 to 20:00. The zoo is small, it has a lot of birds and various cold-blooded snakes, crocodiles and so on. Zoo option for general development, you should not expect huge impressions from him as, for example, from Monkey Forest on :)

Top 5

Santo Ninho

The history of the creation of the church of Santo Ninho is associated with the name of the Spanish conquistador M. Legasli, who gave the order to burn the city in response to a hostile meeting with local residents. The city burned down, but in one of the houses after the fire, one of the Spaniards found a statue of baby Jesus (Santo Ninho). The statue turned out to be untouched, moreover, it did not suffer a bit: there were no signs of a fire on it. In honor of this event, the church of Santo Ninho was later built on the site of the burnt house.

The inhabitants of the island sincerely believe in the statue of the baby and believe that it is she who protects the city from "misfortunes" from pirates and other misfortunes. The Basilica has a park and a museum. The cost of visiting the museum for adults is 30 pesos ($ 0.5), 10 pesos ($ 0.15) for children, opening hours from 8:00-16:45. The Church of Santo Niño is still open, services are held here daily from 6:00-17:30

Cross of Magellan

This is a shrine erected by the discoverer F. Magellan. Cebuans believe that touching the cross can cure any ailment, so a crowd of people gather here almost every day (tourists and locals). The original Magellan's cross was destroyed by the Cebuans, so the relic we see today was made from the remains of the original on Legaspi's orders.

Opening hours from 7:00-19:00 daily, admission is free.

Fort San Pedro and Independence Square

The fort was built by M. Legasli and named after the ship on which M. Legasli arrived on the island. This is the oldest and smallest fort in the country, located near Independence Square.

At one time, the fort performed various functions: it was also a defensive line that protected the inhabitants of the island from attacks by pirates, it was also a prison, a clinic, and a school. And today it's just a museum under open sky. Opening hours from 7:00-19:00 daily, admission is free.

House Museum Casa Gorordo

You can find out how the first bishop of Cebu, Juan Isidoro Gorordo, lived here. An example of a wealthy Spanish-Filipino family home. The house-museum is in very good condition, so literally in an instant my mind was transported to the times of the 19th century. Opening hours from 8:00-16:00 daily, ticket price $1.

A spacious reception room in the photo above, where the owner of the house met guests, a huge kitchen, a separate place for spending free time and, of course, a room with an altar. And that's not all that awaits you inside.

taoist temple

Here everyone can get an answer to an important question using simple fortune-telling, or make a wish by tossing a coin. You can read more about this place.

Beaches. Which is better

You will have to forget about a vacation in Cebu with a view of the ocean and white gentle sand, since there are no beaches in Cebu City itself. The entire coastal territory is a port: concrete fences along the road and a concrete or stone-lined descent to the water.

One of my friends collects a collection of waters from various oceans, he asked me to bring him water from this trip as well. It took 40 minutes to find a place where I could safely get close to the coast. And this is thanks to the help of a local taxi driver.

The nearest place where you can swim is a bulk beach in Mactan on a neighboring island.

The same place where the international airport is located.

What can surprise Filipinos or cultural attractions

Apart from historical heritage Cebu city has unusual sights:

Alegre Guitar Workshop. Cebu people love music. She accompanies them every day, they sing, play the guitars for any occasion: be it a holiday or grief. Therefore, there are many guitar workshops in the Philippines, and the most famous workshop is Alegre. The process of making one guitar takes 7 years. First, a worthy raw material is selected and a mold is made, then a natural drying process takes place for 5 years, and only then the tool undergoes further processing.

Each guitar from the Alegre workshop is filled with "its" soul and, of course, the sun of Cebu.

Archival eco-house.

A house that uses only solar energy, there are no third-party electrical energy sources.

Museums. Which are worth a visit

I wrote about a couple of museums above, there are no others in this city, unfortunately for lovers of such places.

parks

There is a butterfly sanctuary in Cebu. Here you can admire a huge variety of species live and consider all stages of insect development: from pupa to adult.

The reserve is located at Macopa St. Basak, Pardo; You can get there by taxi (within $ 4.5) or on foot. I personally advise you to walk around the city more!

Open daily from 9:00 to 17:00. Ticket price:

for adults50 pesos ($1),
for children 25 pesos ($ 0.5).

tourist streets

There are no tourist, or rather, walking streets in Cebu.

What to see in 1 day

In one day in the city of Cebu (Philippines) you can see the main attractions: the top 5, which I described above. most convenient and economical way is to take a sightseeing tour of Sibu City.

You can buy it at the hotel reception, in travel agencies (it’s cheaper to buy a tour already on the spot if you speak English, and if not, you should ask the travel agencies of the Russian Federation about the availability of tours in Russian) or via the Internet. It will take all day: you will be picked up from the hotel and brought there in the evening, and during the trip they will tell the history of sights and monuments. The cost of this tour is $80.

If there are time limits, you can make your own mini-tour by using the taxi services on the following route:

1st point Basilica of Santa Ninho + Magellan's Cross (these 2 objects are nearby within walking distance);
2nd Fort San Pedro and Independence Square;
3rd House Museum Casa Gorordo;
4th Taoist Temple.

You can walk from the first point to the second in 30 - 40 minutes, and then take a taxi to save time, the cost of the trip will be about $ 40 one way (from the 2nd to last point route).

This island can be reached by ferry or plane, local airlines in 1.5 hours. The famous Cloud 9 is located here. You can read about this and other surfing places.

One of the proven Russian surf schools (Philippines, Cebu) Hakula organizes high-level surf trips around the world.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

The choice is great, depending on preferences:

handmade baubles and magnets, T-shirts with the name of the island:) prices from $0.5;
Philippine rum, prices from $8 for a 1 liter bottle;
products made of natural pearls (necklace/bracelets/earrings/rings and so on) from $10;
musical instruments (guitars from manual workshops), you can buy a souvenir option for $ 5, the price of a real instrument is from $ 60.

How to move around the city

You can move around the city in the following ways:

by taxi,
on rented cars/bikes,
buses,
jeepney,
using triskills and trisikads.

In the Philippines, public transport is organized without special stops. On buses and jeepneys, the end point is usually written on the side, where the transport follows. You just need to give a sign, wave your hand to stop the minibus, and clarify whether the bus goes where you need to, and how much the ticket will cost. However, in almost every major city, including in Cebu, there is a bus station where you can come to find out about bus routes and buy tickets at the box office.

If with the first modes of transport from the list above, everything is more or less clear, since appearance their obvious, then the last group of vehicles - triskils and tricycles - are a motorcycle / bicycle with a cradle, which can safely accommodate up to 2 people.

Taxi. What features exist

Usually a taxi ride from the airport to the center of Cebu costs $40 per car. When traveling around the city by taxi, you pay the amount according to the meter plus 60 pesos ($1). Be careful when you get into the car, sometimes unfriendly taxi drivers wind up the meters, charge you at a double rate (when getting in / out).

Taxis can be caught right on the street or near shopping centers, as well as hotels. Here there is a special pandemonium of taxi drivers.

Cebu public transport: buses, jeepneys, triskills and tricycles

Bus/jeepney rides start at 10 pesos ($0.2). Even the coloring of public transport here is bright and cheerful. public stops not in Cebu, so you need to catch transport along the roads and tell the driver / conductor about end point to get off the vehicle.

Triskils and tricicades are 2 times cheaper: from 5 pesos per km.

But before he sits down vehicle, check the price with the driver / conductor.

Transport rental

Car rental from $55 per day. You can see how much car rental will cost on your dates. Rent a bike from $5 per day. Rights are required, however, some tenants provide vehicles for rent without rights. When renting a bike, you need to be very careful and attentive: a large flow of cars / buses and other public transport keeps drivers in constant tension. Therefore, having no driving experience, it is better to choose another option for moving around the city. And for sightseeing cultural sights outside the city, you can think about renting a minivan ($65 per day).

Cebu - holidays with children

Many hotels have equipped playgrounds for families with children. You can even use the services of staff for a while, handing over the children under supervision.

You can have fun with children in the water park, which is located on the territory of the Imperial Palace Hotel resort and Spa, located on the neighboring island of Mactan (the cost of visiting is 3500 pesos, about $55). It is also worth visiting the zoo or butterfly park, which I mentioned above.

Cebu Island, Philippines

Cebu (Cebu), the "Queen of the South", attracts the attention of tourists with a combination of the country's rich history, magnificent beaches and resorts, vibrant nightlife and hospitality of the locals.

Location of Cebu Island

Cebu island located in the central part Philippine archipelago(refers to the island group Visayas), east of the island Negros and west Leyte. southeast of Cebu there is an island bohol. A little west of the northern tip of Cebu lies a small island Bantayan, popular as the center beach holiday, and to the east - a small island Malapaska famous among divers.

Cebu- an island of elongated shape, stretching from north to south for 225 km, wide - up to 45 km. The area is about 4486 km 2.

Western and East Coast islands separates mountain range rising to altitudes of about 1000 m.

Together with the surrounding islands, the main of which - Mactan, island Cebu makes up the province of the same name Philippines.

Island capital Cebu, city Cebu(Cebu City, cebu city), located on the east coast, opposite the island Mactan- second largest and oldest city on Philippines.

Cebu Features

Cebu perhaps the most historically significant island Philippines. Here in 1521 the coast dropped its anchor great navigator Ferdinand Magellan. Getting involved in tribal strife, he was killed by the leader neighboring island Mactan. In 1886, a monument was erected at the site of the death of the famous Portuguese. It is curious that a monument to the leader is erected on the same square. Lapu-Lapu (Lapu Lapu), who killed Magellan. If Magellan revered as the one who opened the Filipinos Europe and Christianity, then Lapu-Lapu according to local residents - the first fighter against the Spanish colonialism. This is the Filipino dialectic.

Success in colonization was given to another conquistador - Miguel de Legazpi (Miguel Lopez de Legazpi). According to legend, at the place of death Magellan in 1565 he founded the city Cebu, the first city in Philippines, their first capital. Legazpi baptized local population And Cebu since that time it has been considered the cradle of Christianity in the East.

On Cebu there are the oldest Spanish fortress, the very first street, the first school, etc.

Even with the transfer of the capital to Manila, Cebu continued to play a dominant role in southern region, was the main local port and the main market. The basis of the economy was created by agriculture and, above all, the cultivation of sugar cane.

Attractions of the island of Cebu

Probably the region's most famous landmark is Magellan's grave located on O. Mactan.

in the basilica Santo Niño (Holy Child Jesus) located Cross of Magellan, erected Portuguese navigator upon reaching the Philippines. The cross, according to believers, has healing magical properties.

Monuments Magellan and his killer Lapu-Lapu, standing on the sides of the same square - an indispensable object of visiting tourists.

Fort San Pedro- the oldest (1565) Spanish fortress on Philippines. Once it served as a stronghold of the Spanish colonization, an observation post protecting the city from raids from the south, after that it served as an army garrison, a prison and even a city zoo. Today, the regional department of tourism and an open theater are located here.

IN church of saint augustine the oldest Christian relic in the country is kept - icon of the Holy Child Jesus presented Magellan queen Cebu Juan at her christening.

Chinese (Taoist) temple built by representatives of the Chinese community on top of a hill prestigious area cities Beverly Hills. The traditional Chinese architecture of the temple and the extraordinary beauty of the interior stand out from the local Philippine landscape.

guitar factory. It is believed that some of the best guitars in the world are made on Mactan. Having visited the factory, you can get acquainted with the process of making guitars, and if you wish, you can buy musical instrument or a souvenir (a mini-guitar made from a coconut).

waterfalls Kawasan (Kawasan) - a stepped cascade of crystal-clear water from mountain springs among dense rainforest. Located 115 km from cebu city

We recently returned from unforgettable trip to the island of Cebu in the Philippines. This place is ideal for a beach holiday, divers or just lovers of snorkeling. We have heard about magnificent beaches in Cebu and the small islands surrounding it, and we were eager to get to know this heavenly and tropical place.

Most tourists prefer a beach holiday in Cebu (Philippines) on small islands Badian and Makan. To the northeast of Cebu is the small island of Malapasca, which has recently been recognized as one of the most the best resorts in the world. There is a large population of sharks between Cebu and Leyte Island. So this place is very popular with shark safari lovers.

The islands of Puo and Bantayan are known to travelers for their white sandy beaches with fine sand and crystal clear water. We decided to go on vacation to Cebu on the adjacent satellite island of Makan, in order to be close to civilization, entertainment and a magnificent beach.

Flights to Cebu (Philippines): selection and flight

On the advice of friends, we decided to purchase tickets to Cebu on our own on a free website. After we entered the place of departure and direction, dates and number of people, the system offered us several options for flying to the Philippine island. We decided to buy flights to Cebu on Silkair and Singapore Airlines with a transfer in Singapore at Changi Airport. Total time the journey was 18 hours, including transfers. Changi airport itself is fantastic. No wonder he is recognized best airport in the world. We have not seen this level anywhere else. There are gardens, swimming pools, hotels, a cinema, exhibitions and free tours around town. But we did not see everything, there was not enough time.

Airlines are practically no different, Silkair is a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines. So we were provided comfortable flight with all conviniences. Stewardesses in national costumes were very polite and helpful. Drinks and food were served throughout the flights. Passengers could watch entertainment programs.

Having landed at the Cebu airport, we did not have to get to our hotel for a long time. The airport is located right on the same island where our hotel is located - on Makan Island, which is an integral part of Cebu City and is separated by a strait.

Cebu Hotels

There are a huge number of hotels in Cebu, including famous world brands, but they are located in the city center. For a beach holiday, hotels located in its southern part, or on Makan Island closer to the eastern shore, are more suitable, since it is there that the beaches for vacationers are stretched.

For lovers budget holiday There is cheap hotels Cebu, where you can stay for two weeks for 25-45 thousand rubles for two. To see their location, you can resort to a free service on.

We stayed at an excellent Cebu hotel on the first coastline called.

This is the most real paradise on the ground. And although we got the most budget rooms in the Deluxe rooms in the wing overlooking the garden, not the sea, we were not deprived of the comfort and perfection of the prevailing atmosphere. The hotel rooms are simply magnificent and huge, furnished with the latest furniture with a huge plasma TV, a mini-bar, a small veranda and everything else that is fully equipped for a relaxing and relaxing holiday. The hotel has premier deluxe rooms, bungalows, suites, spa suites, as well as rooms, like ours, only in the sea view wing. The hotel just has a huge territory, private beach, several restaurants, bars, spa salon, fitness center, medical center, laundry.

Things to do in Cebu

Watching whale sharks

Cebu Island in the Philippines is one of the few places where you can watch the huge whale sharks. Many have probably seen these huge spotted and clumsy sharks on TV, but few people know that it is here that you can watch them in wildlife. We took a ten hour day tour. The cost of the tour was $ 50 per person, there were tours and more expensive. The price includes transfer, breakfast and lunch, as well as a boat trip, entrance tickets and snorkeling equipment. There are many brave divers around who swim with sharks and film their dives. In general, whale sharks are quite friendly to people.

San Pedro

This is another attraction of Cebu. The Spanish town of San Pedro is located in the southern part of the island, and it is famous for the fact that the famous spanish navigator Magellan. After that, a fort was built here and educated Spanish colony. The fort still stands today and is one of the business cards islands of Cebu. It occupies about two thousand square meters. The walls are made of stone and fully embody the Spanish style in architecture. The territory is very well-groomed, with neatly trimmed lawns, shrubs and flower beds. You can purchase tickets with round trip transfer, 5-hour guided tour and paid admission for $115 per person.

Tour to Balicasag Island

You can diversify your holiday in Cebu with a day tour to the island of Balicasag. Visiting this island left us with one of the most unforgettable impressions. We also purchased this tour online, as it was recommended to us by the guests of our hotel. The cost of a day stay is quite high at $150 per person, but includes a thirty-minute transfer to the island on motor boat. The island spreads over about 25 hectares and we have not seen anything like it until now. This is a real tropical paradise with crystal clear water, transparent as a tear. Here you can watch dolphins, go diving, snorkeling or just relax on the white sand under a palm tree on the beach. There are many cafes on the shore, where locals will gladly feed you fresh seafood delicacies.

Things to do on holiday in Cebu

You can spend an interesting vacation in Cebu in the Philippines in different ways. Temple, history and architecture lovers can visit Taoist Temple, Leah Temple, Santo Niño Basilica, Sirao Flower Museum, Casa Gorordo Museum and Sugbo Museum.

Holidays in Cebu, the oldest city in the Philippines and the island of the same name, form the perfect combination for a beach holiday and exploring the history of colonization. Nearby tropical islands are ideal for day trips. They are not similar to each other and you are always waiting for something new and unusual. Scuba diving will introduce you to the inhabitants of the ocean, acquaintance with whale sharks will remain in your memory for a lifetime.

Cebu hotels are suitable for all categories of vacationers. philippines famous low prices. For example, here you can eat seafood for 100 rubles. And the biggest item of expenditure during your vacation will be only air tickets to Cebu. But if you approach this matter responsibly, then they can be bought in advance and not expensive.

The picturesque island of Cebu, which is a large province of the Philippines, has long won the title of one of the most attractive places for diving enthusiasts. beauty connoisseurs underwater world have long chosen this paradise of the planet. But holidays in the Philippines at Cebu resorts are not only diving with snorkels and masks. The fact is that most resorts are located not on Cebu itself, but on Badian and Mactan - small satellite islands. It is there that respectable five-star hotels open their doors to wealthy vacationers. Relaxing on the beaches of Cebu is a luxury that not everyone can afford.

beach holiday

Surely you have heard that the rating of the world's best resorts has recently been replenished with another one - Malapaska. This is a small resort island in the province of Cebu. Divers vacationing here are constantly exploring the seabed between these islands. And there is something to see here! There are even sharks in this area. 15 kilometers from the city of Cebu, which is the oldest and second largest city in the Philippines, is the most popular resort- Bantayan Island. The sand here is so white that it is difficult to look at it in the light of the sun! The water is amazingly clear. And with all this, the prices here are quite reasonable in comparison with other resorts in Cebu. That is why on the best beaches Cebu is always full of tourists. If you are interested in untouched heavenly corners, then you should go to the island of Puo, where there are very few vacationers. Most best time for a holiday on this island - from February to May.

Separately, it is worth mentioning diving in Cebu. Surprisingly, this Mecca of world diving cannot be called a very developed resort in terms of tourism infrastructure. Hotels here, as already mentioned, are luxurious, but there are not so many of them. Diving centers can be counted on the fingers, but the beauty of Cebu is not in the outer frame, but in the sea itself. Local waters are so filled with living creatures and plants that divers are not interested in everything that is on the surface! Here you can see hundreds of species of colorful fish and even unique specimens of the Philippine underwater fauna, which are found nowhere else in the world. The most popular diving resorts in Cebu are Moalboal, Panagsama, Pescador, Saavedra, Badian, Tongo, Copton and Bas Diot.

Entertainment and attractions of Cebu

While vacationing in this Philippine province, be sure to take the time to visit historical Center- City of Cebu. It was here, in the capital of the island, in 1521 that the legendary navigator and explorer Magellan landed on the shore of the island, who discovered it. Among the sights of Cebu in the Philippines are the Magellan Cross, the Minore del Santo Niño Basilica, the San Pedro Fort and the Last Sapper Chapel. During the tour of Cebu, you can admire the many buildings built in the colonial style, the university, the Center for Traditional Crafts, the Lapu Lapu Monument, suspension bridges and the Magellan Monument.

Among natural monuments noteworthy are the Kawasan waterfalls, which are stepped cascades of clear water that flows from the mountains among the tropics.

You won't have any problems getting to Cebu. The provincial capital holds the title of second air gate Philippines. It is more convenient for vacationers from Europe and Asia to fly to international airport on Mactan Island. And from the airport in Manila to Cebu are made domestic flights. Movement between the islands of the province is carried out using water transport.

Other popular island Philippines for tourists is tropical.