Three Perfect Days: A trip to Cebu

Cebu City has experiences waiting around every corner. To get settled in, use United Hotel to find the perfect place. Then, spend a day exploring historical sites, singing karaoke at the mall and sampling unforgettable street food.

Here are our top activities and sites in the city proper.

Landmarks, museums and festivals

• Visit Fort San Pedro, the oldest and smallest Spanish fort in the Philippines, and explore the colonial museum. Inside, discover a collection of fascinating relics from the Spanish colonial period.
• Learn more about Cebu’s past at the Heritage of Cebu Monument: a stone and metal sculpture depicting historical scenes related to Spain’s colonial rule of the Philippines. The monument is located on the original Plaza Parian.
• Casa Gorordo Museum is a house museum located in Cebu’s historic Parian district. This 19th-century home survived two revolutions and, at one point, was home to the first Filipino bishop of Cebu. See first-hand the fusion of Spanish, Chinese and Filipino customs that shaped modern Cebuano culture.
• For a breathtaking view of the city and neighboring islands, head to Tops Lookout in the hills of Busay. Just 30 minutes north of downtown, you can watch the sunset, stargaze and take pictures under the circular archways—all while enjoying a coffee from Tops Cafe.
• Depending on the time of your visit, try to attend the Sinulog Festival, celebrated every 3rd Sunday of January to honor Santo Niño (Child Jesus). The grand street parade is full of color, music and dancing. But be prepared to get soaked in water and paint.
• Widely popular across the Philippines is karaoke. Almost everywhere you go, locals love to encourage tourists to perform—whether it’s at a neighborhood store, restaurant or bar. Right in the central neighborhood of Mabolo, Sunflower Bistro and KTV is a fun and affordable option that’s easy to get to from downtown.

SM Seaside

SM Seaside is the largest Filipino mall, offering an all-inclusive experience. Shop, see a movie, go bowling or even rent a private karaoke room. But make sure to head to the food court and eat.

Any foodie can spend hours in the food court alone. Some must try dishes include:

• Lechon (spit-roasted pork)
• Pancit (spicy stir-fried rice noodles)
• Kinilaw (raw fish marinated in vinegar)

For dessert, taste the sweet shaved-ice called Halo-Halo, a Filipino favorite to beat the heat. Keep in mind that Halo-Halo can have peanuts or other nuts, so always ask before eating.

You could spend the whole day in the food court, but if you’re looking for a more formal dine-in experience grab a seat at Weekend Chophouse and Bar for a thick cut porkchop or prime ribeye. They also have a few gluten-free options on the menu.

Street food in Tisa

Craving authentic, mouth-watering street food? Head to the district of Tisa, just a 5-to-10-minute drive from the city center. Siomai, a sweet and spicy steamed dumplings with Chinese roots, is a must try. The dish has become so popular that there are several variations with different flavors and sauces to try.

Other popular street foods include, Ngohiong (spring rolls) and Pater, a Mindanao dish of steamed rice and shredded meat wrapped in banana leaves.

Mactan Island Hopping Tour is one of the county’s most popular islands tour, taking visitors to two or three main islands. Mactan Island is a short drive from Cebu City and has an international airport, making it the perfect starting point for island hopping. Tour rates can vary depending on the package you choose and how many people are in your group.

Here are some places you don’t want to miss:

The Lapu-Lapu Shrine

Before hopping to the other islands, you must stop at Mactan’s famous Lapu-Lapu Shrine. The 65-foot-tall bronze statue commemorates the victory of chieftain Lapu-Lapu over Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan—an important part of Mactan’s unique history worth appreciating.

The Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Olango Island refers to a collection of 7 small islands just 2 miles (3 kilometers) east of Mactan Island. The cluster includes Nalusuan and Caohagan, two popular stops on the hopping tour. Though every island has its own allure, the Wildlife Sanctuary is a standout. It’s the perfect place for activities like:

• Birdwatching and photographing the sanctuary’s several species of migratory birds.
• Snorkeling, especially in the Orange Reef Flat, known for its biodiversity and tidal flats.
• Guided nature walks through the mangroves and wetlands.

Marine Sanctuaries

Don’t let the tour end without visiting one of these eco-tourism gems:

San Vicente Marine Sanctuary: Located on Olango Island proper, this sanctuary is more relaxed, with less crowds but no shortage of scenic views. Enjoy the mangroves, snorkeling or learn about sustainable conservation.

Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary: Hilutungan is one of the oldest marine sanctuaries in Cebu and known for its well-preserved coral reefs. It’s also considered one of the best places for beginner divers. Bring your underwater camera to capture photos of the vibrant reefs and various marine life, like schools of parrot fish and turtles.

Nalusuan Island Resort and Marine Sanctuary: This sanctuary is a resort the whole family can enjoy. Nalusuan is a dive sanctuary with protected marine life, making snorkling and scuba diving exceptional and unique. Unwind in the resort garden before exploring the reef in search of stingrays, angelfish and barracudas.

To truly appreciate Cebu, the surrounding areas have so much to offer. Whether it’s having a French fusion meal in Liloan or taking a relaxing nature tour in Bohol, there’s no shortage of options. Alongside tourist spots and beaches, these experiences give you a chance to interact with locals and immerse yourself in Filipino culture.

Start your adventure outside the city at Cebu Simala Shrine (also known as Monastery of the Holy Eucharist). This large, castle-like altar is thought to have special powers and inspires pilgrimage from all over the island. The breathtaking monastery is worth every minute of the hour and half drive from Cebu City.

Liloan

Liloan is home to the Cotcot River, a major river in Cebu and a popular river trekking spot. The trek begins in the Barangay Mulao district. You can get there by motorcycle taxi, van or car. Be sure to have an offline map for the drive and ask for a local river guide, as there is no signal in the area.

Not into hiking? Head over to La Vie Liloan Beach Club. On the shores of Liloan Beach, this restaurant and resort is the perfect tropical escape. Eat French- Filipino fusion cuisine, hear a live band and go surfing or parasailing. Then, to end the day, gather around a campfire at sunset to toast marshmallows.

Moalboal

Every year at Panagsama Beach, right off the coast of Moalboal, millions of sardines form a school that moves in swirling, breathtaking patterns. Just like the movie Nemo! Snorkelers and divers from all over come to experience this phenomenon called the Moalboal Sardine Run. As you swim alongside the silver sardines, you’re also likely to run into other marine life.

The small beach is surrounded by affordable hotels like Pescadores Suites Moalboal and the Cebu Seaview Dive Resort.

On the way to Moalboal, don’t forget to stop at Cebu’s tallest waterfall: Mantayupan Falls. Not only is it majestic, but the falls serve as a power source and provide natural water to the Barili community. Take spectacular photos, relax with a refreshing swim and walk across the famous hanging bridge.

Bohol

There’s a reason Bohol was named a UNESCO Global Geopark. It has an unforgettable landscape. To take it all in, we recommend finding an affordable day tour. Or, plan your own tour around these major attractions:

• Hike along the infamous Chocolate Hills, a grassy hill range that turns brown from December to May during the dry season.
• Take a scenic cruise on the Loboc River to admire the lush forest and unique green water.
• Tour the coral stone Baclayon Church, one of the oldest churches in the Philippines built in the 1700s.
• Witness tarsiers, tiny primates native to the islands of Southeast Asia, in their natural habitat at the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary. The sanctuary is run by the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to protecting the tarsiers and educating the public about them.

Other locations

These locations might be a bit off the beaten path, but they’re worth the detour.

Balicasag Island: About an hour from Bohol, you can watch dolphins and feed the fish at Balicasag Island Fish Sanctuary. Or just relax on one of the many pristine beaches.

Oslob: Visit this small coastal town to swim with whale sharks. Then grab a day pass to Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort and kayak through a mangrove-covered lagoon.

Alegría: Surrounded by stunning mountains and waterfalls, this is heaven for thrill-seekers. Hike the beautiful trail up Mt. Lanaya or try canyoneering in the famous Kawasan falls.