10 Things You Absolutely Must Do in Cebu

PUBLISHED April 2nd, 2016 11:54 am

With its towering mountains, paradisal beaches, and thriving urban life, it’s no surprise that Cebu is one of the hottest holiday destinations in the Philippines. Located in the pristine Visayas Sea, this magical archipelago is home to a dizzying total of 167 islands.

Not sure where to start? We’ve sussed out 10 things you absolutely must do if you’re heading over to Cebu.

Get Ready for a History Lesson

As the oldest city in the Philippines, Cebu is home to numerous historical sites like the Mactan Shrine, which immortalises Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan’s defeat in the 1521 Battle of Mactan to Chief Lapu-Lapu. Magellan, however, is also remembered at Magellan’s Cross, a landmark which pays tribute to his Christian evangelisation of the Filipino people, and for bringing the symbol of Santo Niño (Child Jesus) to the Philippines. The original Santo Niño can be found at the Basilica del Santo Niño, a grand building that was the first church to be built on Filipino soil.

Just a short distance away from Magellan’s Cross is Fort San Pedro, a military installation that was built by the Spaniards and Cebuanos in 1738, with the purpose of shielding the city from marauding Muslim raiders. If you’re short on time, we recommend heading over to the Cebu Heritage Monument at Colon Street, a massive monument that summarises the history of Cebu before the time of Spanish rule to the present-day. Another must-see attraction is the Yap Sandiego Ancestral House. Filled with antiques and quaint furniture, this idyllic sanctuary is a great way to understand how Filipinos lived in the past.

Stuff Yourself Silly

Begin your cultural immersion of Cebu by helping yourselves to a serving of Lechón – an immaculately whole-roasted suckling pig. Try it out at any one of these places – Alejo’s Lechón, Cebu’s Original Lechón Belly, Zubuchon Lechón and Rico’s Lechón – for a great experience of this specialty dish.

Another porky dish to try is the Balamban Liempo (roast pork belly). Flavoured with herbs and paired with vinegar, this Filipino favourite is a good alternative to munch on if a whole pig is too much for you. Get your fill of this uniquely Cebuano dish at the one and only Balamban Liempo along Tres Borces Street in Cebu City.

Love poultry? Head over to Mang Inasal, a popular Filipino fast-food chain that specialises in Chicken Inasal – marinated chicken served with rice. Larsian Barbecue near Chong Hua Hospital is also another great place for foodies to check out. Lined with stalls that sell seafood and meat, this unassuming food centre is probably the best place to get street food in Cebu.

Visit Taboan Market

Located in Pahina Central, Cebu City, Taboan Market is most famous for its exceptional range of Danggit (dried rabbitfish), with literally baskets of them cramming the walkways of this colourful marketplace. Danggit is extremely delicious when dipped in vinegar or chili dip, and makes for a popular pasalubong (Filipino tradition of travellers bringing back gifts for loved ones). Just be warned, due to the large amount of fish being sold, there is an intensely putrid smell in the vicinity, and a shower plus a change of clothes is highly recommended after a visit to Taboan.

Spa-Out

There are few better things in the world than soothing your soul at a relaxing spa, but what if the masseuse turns out to be a fully-grown 250kg Burmese python?

The Cebu City Zoo offers a 15 minute massage treatment involving four giant, slithering snakes, with each colossal serpent placed on top of a willing recipient one at a time. Visitors are briefed to strictly adhere to certain instructions, as Burmese pythons can easily strangle their prey within minutes, and there is no escape once treatment begins. Supposed benefits include therapeutic sensations from the snake’s flickering tongue.

For something a lot more conventional and a lot less frightening than the Cebu City Zoo’s offerings, Shangri La Mactan’s Resort & Spa provides one of the best spa services in the city. In-house luxury massage parlour Chi The Spa draws its many influences from authentic and natural healing methods, with a selection of remedies that showcase traditional treatments of the Philippines.

Head for the Mountains

All about adventure and finding jaw-dropping views? Standing over 1000 metres over sea level, the towering Osmeña Peak is Cebu’s highest point, and ironically, one of the easiest for beginners to scale. Visitors first need to embark on a two hour hike across the vegetable fields of Dalaguete to reach the mountain’s base, with the following journey to the summit taking less than an hour to complete.

Those who want to catch the beautiful city lights in all its splendour should head to Mt. Kan-Irag, whilst history buffs might be interested in visiting Mt. Manunggal – the site where President Ramon Magsaysay unfortunately died in a plane crash in 1957.

Mt. Babag is picturesque, with its slippery slopes bypassing scenic flower farms and isolated homes, while the journey to the base of Mt. Kapayas is anything but easy, involving a back-breaking, two-hour motorbike ride across a rugged terrain to reach the base, followed by a precarious climb up a trail littered with sharp rocks. Other mountains to check out include the gentle plains of Mt. Hambubuyog, as well as challenging but impressive Mt. Lanaya.

Canyoneering

Thrill-seekers can get their fill of adrenaline by taking part in canyoneering, a spontaneous activity that comprises of jumping off cliffs, swimming in crystal-clear lagoon waters, climbing up rocks and abseiling down them. Cebu’s version of this extreme sport begins with a spectacular voyage down the Kanlaob River of Alegria to the Kawasan Falls of Badian, where the real adventure begins. Various tour groups offer meals as part of a paid package, in addition to helmets, life jackets, aqua shoes and dry bags.

Try Your Hand at Live-Firing

Shooting a firearm might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but for those who want to experience the burst of energy that only a gun shot can produce are able to try their hand at live-firing at the Target Zero shooting range in the Mactan district of Cebu. Handguns include the .38 Special, Glock 17 and Walther PPK, each of which cost 2000 PHP for 15 bullets (with the exception of the .44 Magnum and .357 Magnum). The only rifle available at this establishment is the M4 Carbine.

Splash Around

Given that there are so many islands and countless number of beaches, its water activities galore in Cebu. From swimming with whale sharks to the more typical activities like catamaran sailing, jet-skiing, kayaking, para-sailing, water-skiing, and wind surfing, there’s definitely something for everyone.

Visit Bantayan Beach

Peaceful and isolated, Bantayan Beach provides the perfect escape for those looking to avoid the maddening crowds of Cebu City. Pearly white grains of sand and tranquil waters await those who make the journey from the mainland. Just hop on a hammock and let the sound of waves reverberate in your ears, as you enjoy the serenity of being one of the only people on the island. Need a place to stay for the night? Check out these charming resorts.

Check Out the Arts Scene

From graffitied walls to contemporary art showcases, Cebu’s art scene is fast becoming a big player in the region. Galleries such as Qube Gallery have played an important role in promoting the development of local artists, while exhibitors like the SM Art Center in SM City Cebu contribute by giving homegrown talents huge spaces to showcase their work. The grassroots level looks promising as well, with places like Queen City emblazoned with the work of street artists. Overall, there’s no shortage of creativity and beauty in this vibrant city.

Top Image: whologwhy