Cebu, Philippines

It is an island in central Philippines with Cebu City as its capital. About an hour flight from Manila. The island is long and thin with a few smaller islands off-shore. The airport is located in Mactan which is separated from the main island by the narrow Mactan Channel. Cebu City is one of the main centers of commerce, trade and industry in the Visayas and Mindanao region of the country. Because of this and other important aspects that Cebu City was given the moniker Queen City of the South.

For local and foreign tourist, there are many places to visit in Cebu. One is “Magellan's Cross” which was named after Ferdinand Magellan, aPortuguese explorer who came to Cebu in the early 1500s. Pieces of the original cross are believed to be encased in the present cross. The monument is just across the street from the Sto. Niño Basilica in downtown Cebu City. It used to be the only Catholic Basilica in East Asia. The basilica houses the famous “Santo Niño” the patron saint of the Cebuanos.

 

Another place to visit is the Spanish “Fort San Pedro” which is where the Lapu-lapu shrine is (Punta Engaño) it is also where the Battle of Mactan took place.

The “Taoist Temple” is also a good place to stop by. You can see the entire city on top of the hill. Then rent a cab to “The Top” a small park on top of a mountain where one can spend a few hours while enjoying the scenic view. During sunset and at night you can see glowing lights from the buildings and houses below the mountain.

If you happened to be in Cebu City in January, you can experience the “Sinulog Festival” – that held every third week of January, it is the fiesta of Sto. Niño  (Child Christ). The celebrations consist of a fabulous procession of the image of the Child Jesus followed by devotees of Sto. Niño. After which, a fluvial procession takes place. There is also a parade of magnificent floats along the main roads of Cebu City followed by local groups in colorful costumes, dancing and chanting along the route. Sinulog Festival is marked by street dancing by tourist and locals alike under the constant beating of drums. This festival is the Philippine version of Mardi gras. During Sinulog week, all hotels in Cebu City are fully booked. So if you plan to attend the festival, book way ahead of time.

The year long attraction to many tourist to Cebu are its beaches. You can find many beaches throughout the island; north and south of Cebu City. And just across the city on Mactan Island (where the airport is located), are several beach side resorts, hotels, bars and restaurants. Mactan Island boasts of world class diving spots to please those their interest is diving.

How to get there:

 By Ship:

To get to Cebu City, you can take the many ferry boats that ply the Manila-Cebu route (about 23 hours) at the Port of Manila -if you are on a leisurely vacation.  catch any of the airlines that fly almost hourly to Cebu at the Manila Domestic Airport (all airlines except PAL) or the Centennial Terminal (for Philippine Airlines only). 

By Plane:

If you want to visit Cebu by plane,  you can catch any of the airlines that fly almost hourly to Cebu at the Manila Domestic Airport (all airlines except PAL) or the Centennial Terminal (for Philippine Airlines only). 

Airlines that fly to Cebu:

Air Philippines

Cebu Pacific

PAL (Philippine Airlines)

Zest Airways (formerly Asian Spirit)

Boracay Island, Philippines

It is located approximately 350 kilometers south of Manila, Philippines. The island is a short distance off the north-western Island of Panay, western Visayas in the Philippines. It has about seven kilometres long and its narrowest point barely 1 kilometer wide, comprising an area of 1,083 hectares.

 While the fine white sand beaches and the crystal clear cool waters of BoracayIsland provide the main attraction, the possibilities for pleasure and adventure in this enchanting paradise are as seemingly endless.

Boracay now has some of the finest hotels and resorts in the Philippines.  It has also become home to amazing restaurants serving up authentic flavors from around the world.  Boracay’s nightlife scene has also developed quite nicely.  Bars and discos can be found up and down Boracay’s white beach, keeping the crowds partying till the early hours.  In peak season Boracay hosts a wide range of international DJs playing to packed parties.

Boracay has also developed with respect to activities.  Now each and every day can be packed with fun adventure.  Scuba diving, parasailing, golfing, horseback riding, kiteboarding, and jet skiing are just a few of the many activities on Boracay.

Boracay hotels are varied to say the least.  From huts on the beach to 5-star resorts, everything is available. 

How to get there:

By Plane

The easiest way to Boracay is to fly direct to Caticlan, which takes all of 36 minutes.

Via Kalibo: The next best way is to fly to Kalibo Airport. From there you take a two-hour (2-hour) ride to Caticlan.For the ride between Kalibo and Caticlan, mini-vans, air-conditioned buses and rental vehicles run in both directions, direct from the airport and Caticlan Jetty Port.

By LandFrom Iloilo or Bacolod on neighboring NegrosIsland, the only way to get to Boracay is by bus. Mini-vans or buses ply the 4 to 5 hour Iloilo-Caticlan route. The trip is split into two: a 3 to 4-hour drive from Iloilo to Kalibo, and, transfering to another vehicle, from Kalibo to Caticlan, for a one-and-a-half-hour drive. A non-stop, 3 to 4-hour taxi ride from Iloilo to Caticlan is always an option.