CEBU TOURIST SPOTS | THINGS TO DO

Cebu Tourist Spots | Things to Do

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Top Tourist Spots in Cebu To Visit | Things to Do

Everyone dreams of traveling. It is one of the primary motivations of many for working. People want to see more of the world and broaden their horizons. It is often considered a “rite of passage” among young professionals to travel someplace far for the first time. Even the oldies go out of town once in a while. So what is their choice of destination then? A trip abroad can be prohibitively expensive, so domestic travel is often preferred instead. Cebu is among the primary choices people pick for their journeys. The province provides adventure to visitors without needing to stray far from modern comforts. So what does the “Queen City of the South” offer its guests? A lot apparently, as you’ll be seeing in this article.

List of Tourist Spots in Cebu

Cebu Tourist Spots | Things to Do

Cebu Taoist Temple – living in a trade city means mingling with people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and faiths. Cebu is no different judging from the numerous places of worship found in the city. Taoists warmly welcomes fellow worshippers and visitors to their grand temple in Beverly Subdivision, Cebu. Patrons can make wishes on the well, participate in rituals for good fortune, or perhaps gain some new knowledge in the library.

Sirao Flower Garden – with its abundance of tulips, it is easy to see why this place is known as “Cebu’s Little Amsterdam.” Visitors can frolic around the Alice in Wonderland-inspired landscape in addition to admiring the endless fields of flowers. It’s like going to two places at once – Wonderland and the Netherlands. There’s even a windmill to complete the scenery.

Cebu Tourist Spots | Things to Do

Temple of Leah – visitors, may be wondering what a Greek temple is doing in Cebu. Is it an unearthed ruin or something built by modern Hellenists? Neither is correct as the temple is built in honor of a special woman, hence the name. Teodorico Adarna built it in memory of his late wife, Leah Albino-Adarna, making it the Philippine equivalent of the Taj Mahal. The latter’s collection of books and antiques are contained within along with other objects treasured by the Adarna clan. The attraction leans towards the visitor’s appreciation of the gesture and inspiring them to do something special for their loved ones.

10,000 Roses of Cebu – moving on from real flowers to artificial ones, this attraction is considered the most famous in Cebu (rivaled only by the Mactan Shrine and Magellan’s Cross). The reputation is well-deserved as the 10,000 LED roses light up at night, providing a brilliant spectacle to visitors. There is a restaurant in the center of the park often recommended for couples with the sunlight or light show giving a romantic ambiance in the area.

Cebu Tourist Spots | Things to Do

Osmeña Peak

Osmeña Peak is the highest point in Cebu, giving visitors an awe-inspiring 360-degree view of the whole island. The roads are treacherous, but the climb is surprisingly comfortable. According to locals, the best time to visit is during bright afternoons as thick fog covers the area in the mornings.

Pescador Island

Pescador Island is considered the best diving spot in all of Cebu. The waters surrounding the island are brimming with beautiful corals serving as a home to vibrant marine life. The most notable “resident” is a school of sardines that seemingly like to swim alongside divers. Be mindful, though, as sharks are sometimes spotted in the waters, and both fishing and taking of corals are prohibited.

Cebu Tourist Spots | Things to Do

Kawasan Falls

Visitors can reach this majestic attraction via trekking to the other side of Osmeña Peak or a ride from the nearby town of Barili. Kawasan is a triad of falls, with each succeeding one being higher than the last. The most popular activity is “canyoneering,” a 5-hour trek through the area’s cliffs, paths, and pools. So be prepared for the adventure of a lifetime as you walk, climb, swim, and boat your way to the end. Once that’s done, feel free to eat a hearty meal in one of the many restaurants nearby or have a picnic by the shore.

Oslob Whale sharks

The Whale Sharks are the undisputed masters and stars of Cebuano (and Visayan) waters. The primary purpose of almost all dives is to get a glimpse of these magnificent creatures. Whale sharks are abundant in the waters off the coast of Oslob. Despite being the most abundant fish and being a “cousin” to sharks, they pose no threat to humans.

Cebu Tourist Spots | Things to Do

Tumalog Falls

When you are done playing with the whale sharks, then perhaps it is time to visit another one of Oslob’s attractions – Tumalog Falls. While not as grandiose as Kawasan, it still provides a stunning view of the area at the top. The waters are knee to waist-deep at the most, so it is also a perfect place for swimming.

Sumilon Island

Sumilon Island is located off the coast of Oslob, it is often the go-to destination for wealthier travelers. The island is owned by a private corporation, Bluewater Resorts, hosting a luxurious resort in its center. Other visitors need not fret, though, as the firm holds affordable daytime tours and lunch. The main reason people visit the island is to see the famous sandbar jutting out into the sea. Going there is like being on a beach within a beach. Not to mention that the sandbar looks like the stereotypical clear water and sand beach often seen on television.

Cebu Tourist Spots | Things to Do

Magellan’s Shrine

Other than being one of the most popular attractions in Cebu, this place holds a historical and religious significance to the Philippines. It is where Ferdinand Magellan planted the first cross in the whole country in 1521. Even though he died at the hands of the natives of Lapu-Lapu, his journey prompted Spanish interest in the area. The cross seen by visitors is just an edifice supposedly protecting the original one from thieves and the elements, although some believe that the aforementioned cross is a replica planted by the Spaniards a hundred years after Magellan’s death with the original long rotted away.

Basilica del Sto. Nino

The basilica is a widely-known fact in the Philippines that the country’s oldest church is San Agustin, Intramuros. However, the first church in the country can be found in Cebu. Friar Andres de Urdaneta commissioned Basilica del Sto. Nino (then known as the Church of the Holy Child) in 1565, around 42 years before San Agustin. The present church, as people see it today, originated from 1735 with renovations taking place until as recently as 2013. Pope Paul VI blessed it as a minor basilica and granted it the title of “Mother and Head of all Churches in the Philippines.” In addition to hosting mass and religious festivals, visitors are welcomed to read the works or do research in the basilica’s library. It contains records and writings as far back as the 1700s.

Cebu Tourist Spots | Things to Do

Bolljoon Church

Colon Street

Cebu is home to many firsts in the Philippines. Colon Street is one of them, being the first street laid by the Spaniards in the whole country. It got its name from Cristobal Colon, Christopher Columbus’s birth name. Colon Street is also Cebu’s oldest trading center. Today, it is home to the province’s largest corporations and malls and serves as the venue of the famous Sinulog Festival.

Cebu Tourist Spots | Things to Do | Heritage of Cebu Monument By Britz Somozo

Heritage of Cebu Monument

This monument in the center of Cebu City provides a quick glimpse of the province’s history from the arrival of the Spaniards to the beatification of St. Pedro Calungsod. Eduardo Castillo built it in 2000 on the site where the Spanish governor’s residence once stood. The monument serves as a reminder of Cebu’s illustrious past with the malls and restaurants surrounding it representing the province’s bright future.

Yap-San Diego Ancestral House

The palce has the distinction of not only being the first Spanish-built house in Cebu but also the first-Chinese built stone residence outside China. It was made and owned by the merchant, Don Juan Yap, in 1675, with his descendants turning it into a museum around 2008. Artifacts and religious icons found within depict a picture of everyday life in the city during Spanish rule.

Cebu Tourist Spots | Things to Do | Museo Sugbo By Aries Eroles

Museo Sugbo

The museum once served as the Cebu Provincial Jail and City Hall; now it houses the Visayas branch of the National Museum, National Historical Commission of the Philippines, and related agencies. The main gallery depicts the evolution of governance in the Philippines from pre-colonial times to the modern-day republic. Next is the Presidential Gallery wherein portraits of the country’s presidents, made from 24 karat gold, are displayed. Completing the tour are exhibits of artifacts excavated from different parts of Cebu, notable of which is some of the cargo from the San Diego Shipwreck (the rest are in the National Museum of Anthropology in Manila).

Museo de Parian (1730 Jesuit House)

Just a few steps away from the Heritage of Cebu Monument and Yap-San Diego Ancestral House is Museo de Parian. Otherwise known as the 1730 Jesuit House, the structure once served as the meeting place of Cebu’s elite with Jesuit missionaries living on the second floor. Since then, it has become a nightclub, restaurant, government office until finally becoming a museum in the 1980s. Preservation works are currently ongoing to prevent its sinking (the building’s foundation stood on a small lake), but visitors are welcome to peruse its collection of Spanish and Chinese artifacts that once decorated it in its heyday.

Cebu Tourist Spots | Things to Do

Fort San Pedro

Miguel Lopez de Legazpi built this fort to defend the first Spanish colony in the Philippines from both pirates and rebellious natives. The Spaniards, Americans, and Japanese came and went, but the structure stood firm, withstanding multiple attacks and even artillery and air bombardment in its nearly 500-year history. Statues of Legazpi and Pigafeta welcome visitors as they explore the old fortifications, glimpse at medieval Spanish weapons and examine preserved documents found within.

Casa Gorordo Museum

The place once houses one of Cebu’s prominent families, including its first bishop. Now, it serves as a museum showcasing artifacts, objects, and utensils belonging to the elite of an age gone by. While Yap-San Diego depicts the life of a Cebuano commoner during Spanish times, Casa Gorordo tells the life of the province’s upper class. Coincidentally, it is currently managed by Cebu’s largest corporation, Aboitiz Equity Ventures.

Cebu Tourist Spots | Things to Do

Moalboal

Cebu Safari and Adventure Park

Welcome to the largest zoo and safari park in the Philippines (and one of the largest in Asia as well) if you want to get in touch with your wild side. As the name suggests, visitors can go on a vehicle safari across the park’s open plains and see the animals going about their daily lives nearly undisturbed. It is also home to the rare white lions and tigers as well as flowers collected from all over the world. In addition to the zoo and safari, patrons can zoom around the park on an ATV, take the Philippine’s longest zipline or brave sky biking.

Camotes Island | Cebu Tourist Spots | Things to Do

Camotes and Bantayan Islands

A trip to Cebu wouldn’t be complete without a visit to these two islands. They both boast white-sand beaches (giving Boracay a run for its money), cave spelunking, and the opportunity to live traditionally like the locals. Camotes and Bantayan are accessible from Danao and Hagnaya, respectively. The boat trip usually takes around 3 – 6 hours, but the paradise waiting at the end is worth it.

As you have read by now, it is a no-brainer why Cebu is the destination of choice for many first-time (and experienced) travelers. It is like going through different countries without leaving the Philippines. Be in Spain, China, Brazil, California, and even Greece and the Netherlands at the same time (in an experiential-sense at least since many of the attractions are an hours’ drive away from one another). Fortunately, travel agencies provide tour packages allowing visitors to explore the province in one go while airlines regularly offer discounted fares and even tours on certain occasions. With that said, what are you waiting for, save up some funds and pack your bags, your Cebu tour awaits.