Cebu City Philippines - General Information

Among the cluster of islands and islets in the Visayas, one province stands out: Cebu. The island is 587 km south of Manila and is the second international gateway to the Philippines. A city in the midst of overwhelming growth, Cebu blends its ancestral heritage and modern business savvy with flair. Crowned as the Queen City of the South, Cebu stands as the country's top business and tourist destination. It is here where business and leisure breathe together with office buildings and beach resorts finding its own place under Cebu's friendly skies.

A bustling trade port since pre-Hispanic times, Cebu was named the country's capital by the Spaniards in 1565. Since then, Cebu has maintained its stature as the center of trade and commerce in Southern Philippines. However, Cebu is more than just a city of increasing sophistication. With its colorful past, the city still retains much of its provincial warmth and charm. Indeed, apart from its numerous man-made landmarks and institutions, Cebu also features miles and miles of forest greens - a haven to wildlife and the place for a perfect picnic. There's the 15,393 hectare Central Cebu National Park, the 696 hectare Sudion National Park, the Cawasan Falls and the Bolok-Bolok Mineral Springs, Nearby Mactan Island boasts of world-class beach resorts.

The sightseeing options at Cebu is absolutely endless. A day is not enough to explore the many joys of the Queen City of the South. The mystic Magellan's Cross planted by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan on the very spot where the first Filipinos were baptized; the bronze statue of Lapu-Lapu, the first Filipino leader to resist Spanish attempts of colonization and is revered to this day; the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino which houses the oldest religious relic in the country.

Cebu offers many possibilities for sports and recreation: golf, tennis, cockfighting, watersports like scuba diving, windsurfing, sailing, boating, swimming, snorkeling, waterskiing, jet skiing, shopping, good food and entertainment.

For the island-hopper, Cebu is one exciting playground for daring expeditions. Aqua sports top the list of what to do. For scuba diving, the best dives are found in the islands of Mactan, Moalboal and Camotes. The calm waters surrounding Argao, Badian and Malapascua islands are ideal for kayaking.

Getting There

The fastest way to reach Cebu is by plane. Cebu is an international destination with flights from Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea. Arrival is at at the Mactan International Airport almost daily. From Manila, Cebu is just an hour away by plane and 22 hours by boat. It is an ideal jump-off point for other tourist attractions in Visayas and Mindanao.

A leisurely way to reach Cebu is by ship, which has first-class cabins, restaurants, and music bars. Travel time from Manila is approximately 20 hours. The sea route is serviced by WG&A Superferry, Negros Navigation and Sulpicio Lines.

Getting Around

Next to Philippine peso, the US dollar also enjoys wide acceptance. Foreign credit cards maybe accepted only at major hotels and establishments. It is advisable to have a substantial amount of cash at hand for a pleasurable trip. Get around the province via jeepney, bus or tricycle. Taxicabs are easily available. Wear light clothing and maybe, a pair of shades.

...............................

.....Islands of the Philippines