Splash out in Cebu

In the southern Philippines island of Cebu, get your head underwater to really enjoy things. A Cebu guide to hotels, resorts, dining and nightlife.

Written and photographed by Vijay Verghese

FLYING INTO CEBU, depending on which side of the aircraft you're seated, two things become quickly evident as you swoop over the brilliant azure seas. Firstly, there's a beautiful mountain spine running the north-south length of this long, relatively narrow island. Secondly, as far as the eye can see, there are no beaches. What? As the plane descends, you'll spot the traffic-choked smudge of Cebu City, then ...

See Cebu Slide Show

Relax. Things will be just fine. As with most things in the Philippines, don't let first impressions fool you. Get to know the place and you'll discover why ..., and devoid of the lines and chaos of Manila.

Cebu City Hall

Transport, as elsewhere in the Philippines is a carnival. Brightly painted jeepneys, tricycles...

Cebuanos (as the residents are termed) are a terrific lot. Laid back, friendly, accommodating, chatty and hospitable, they will charm and entertain you relentlessly. Everyone has time. Lots of it.

Magellan's Cross

Mactan is where most of the gleaming four and five-star resorts are to be found, some of them with manicured artificial white-sand beaches that wouldn't look out of place in Hawaii. ...

The welcoming Shangri-La Mactan

Mactan Island Resorts

The pick of the resorts on Mactan is Shangri-La's Mactan Island Resort & Spa. Set discretely in generous grassy acres with coconut trees, flowering plants and jogging trails, this is the getaway that put Cebu on the map when it opened in 1993. It's easy to see why. The spacious 547-room resort has two pools, ...

At the far southeastern corner of Mactan, is the much talked about Plantation Bay Resort and Spa. What sets this place apart from most is the fact that it's entirely "artificial". So what does that mean? Well, the lagoon,...

North of Cebu and Sogod

Alegre villa

A one-and-a-half-hour drive north from Cebu City, along the east coast, is the pleasant farming and fishing area of Sogod...

South of Cebu and San Fernando

An hour's drive south from Cebu City in the San Fernando area, the newish Japanese-run Pulchra is a sight ...

Cebu West Coast, Panagsama and Badian

If a tan - and sand - are all you want, drive across to the island's west coast to Moalboal's quiet White Sand Beach. Yes, it is white and natural, ...

Badian Island resort room interior

Cebu City Hotels, Shopping and Nightlife

Driving into Cebu City, as opposed to actually staying there on business, can be a shock to the system. It takes a while to acclimatise. But once in, there's much to do and enjoy. The old and more colourful parts of downtown Cebu around atmospheric...

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Six Days in Cebu

by Kunio Imamura

This is a story of my travel from Japan to Cebu to stay in a family-run resort villa. I went there last year with my coworker and this year I convinced an additional coworker to accompany me on my return trip.

“Why Cebu again ?” The decision was made because I would like to experience again, the tropical scenery, food, etc. surrounded by friendly hosts. Once is not enough to know well the attractions of Cebu.

Thursday, June 01. 2000
Alighting the airplane packed with Japanese tourists, we were met by our hostess, Anita, who came with her two daughters, a son-in-law, and her driver, to the Mactan ...

The second day began early, at 5:30 because I slept well and the crowing rooster in the neighborhood was too loud to ignore. The beautiful scenery from our room on the second floor made me realize that we had reached our tropical paradise, Cebu. Through scattered coconut trees, I watched the calm sea all the way out to Bohol Island.

That morning, we visited “the Tops” which is the highest spot...

On our fifth day, the Abuan family invited us to a BBQ lunch at the beach located within walking distance. We enjoyed the foods and even tried a coconut wine which was delicious in spite of an oily smell which stinks profusely. Along the back way to the villa, I struggled to climb up a coconut tree, but the laws of gravity kept me from doing so!

For our last supper in Cebu, Anita prepared a delicious soup, baked squid and a fresh ...

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Hotel List - Cebu, Philippines

ALEGRE BEACH RESORT CEBU The Alegre Beach Resort, Cebu is near the small town of Sogod, on the more isolated northeastern coast. The thatched roof cabanas against a hillside backdrop, are above a sandy beach. They are in keeping with the surroundings with oversized bathrooms, two spacious bedrooms and private verandas. The Alegre Beach Resort reception overlooks the swimming pools and the ocean. Drive time from Mactan Airport is approximately 90 minutes.

BADIAN ISLAND RESORT CEBU The Badian Island Resort & Spa, Cebu is on the lagoon side of the small isolated Badian Island, off the southwest coast of Cebu. An 8-hectare beachfront resort surrounded by flowering gardens, white sandy beaches and blue waters. Rooms are large and beautifully designed using Philippine architecture. A superb location for those wishing to escape from hectic lifestyles or enjoy diving. Drive time from Mactan Airport is approximately 2 hours and then a 5-minute speed boat ride to Badian Island or 40 minutes by chartered helicopter.

CARDOVA REEF VILLAGE RESORT CEBU Cordova is a coastal town in the southern part of Mactan Island. It is 7 kms. away from Lapu-Lapu City and 9 kms. away from Cebu City. The channels of Cordova is known as one of the best diving havens in the country. Cordova has a total land area of 780.38 has. bounded by Camotes Sea in the east and Bohol Strait in the south. The main livelihood of its people is fishing. Cordova Reef Village Resort nestles in the sunny coast of Cordova. A perfect mix of sophistication and serenity, its four-hectare domain offers the ambiance of luxury, privilege and distinction. Unique in its architecture and design, all cottages or cabanas are alternately positioned infront of the pool terrace and the beach. The restaurant and bar compliments the beautiful wonders of nature, offering a breathtaking view of the calm open seas below and the majestic skies above. Drive time from Mactan Airport is approximately 20 minutes, Cebu City is approximately 40 minutes.

CEBU BEACH CLUB HOTEL AND RESORT The Cebu Beach Club Resort is a beach property on Mactan Island, a road bridge connects it to Cebu. Each room is nicely furnished with a private balcony, facing the lagoon-shaped pool. Enjoy the beautiful setting and the 2 lagoon-shaped swimming pools of the Cebu Beach Club Resort. Try some of the local seafood at the resturant. Cebu City is approximately 35 minutes drive away and from Mactan Airport is approximately 15 minutes.

CEBU CITY MARRIOT HOTEL The Marriott Hotel is located in the green expanses of Cebu Business Park, the Cebu City Marriott is the first truly international hotel to establish itself in one of the Philippines most important centers of regional trade. With the most modern convention facilities in the city and state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment, Cebu City Marriott is Cebus premier location for business meetings.

CEBU MIDTOWN HOTEL The Cebu Midtown Hotel is centrally located at Fuente Osmena, Cebu's historical landmark and the fastest growing commercial district in Southern Philippines. The 10-storey Cebu Midtown modern structure is set atop a three-level department store and supermarket. The hotel is just 30 to 40 minutes ride to the Mactan Cebu International Airport and Mactan's fine beaches. It is also close to uptown shopping, entertainment and business establishments.

COTABELLA TROPICAL BEACH RESORT CEBU Costabella Tropical Beach Hotel is a beachfront paradise along the tranquil eastern shores of fabled Mactan Island - known for its beautiful white sand beaches, blue seas, sunny skies and hospitable people. It is ideally suited for families seeking a fun-filled holiday in friendly and casual surroundings. The feeling here isrelaxed and cozy, with that special "personal touch" which makes it particularly popular. 15 minutes by car from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and 35 minutes away from Cebu City for shopping, sight seeing, golf, dining and trying your luck at the casino.

PLANTATION BAY HOTEL AND RESORT Discover a resort in a class of its own. Set in 7 hectares of secluded grounds, Plantation Bay offers one of the largest privately owned waterways in the world, with the clean elegance of colonial - plantation architecture. De-compress from life's pressures in the healing tranquility of another world. If you ever spent time at a plantation as a child, you know what we mean. If not, come and discover a refreshingly different Flavor of Life.Truly international. Opened in late 1996, Plantation Bay has already had over a hundred thousand visitors from every corner of the globe. Virtually all of them agree that this is one of the best resorts they've ever been to. International visitors feel right at home at Plantation Bay. English is spoken throughout the resort; we also have Japanese, German, Italian, French, and Spanish-speaking staff members. Drive time from Mactan Airport is approximately 20 minutes, Cebu City is approximately 35 minutes.

SHANGRI-LA MACTAN ISLAND RESORT CEBU Shangri-La's Mactan Island Resort, one of Philippines' largest and most exclusive deluxe resort gives its guests the ultimate tropical paradise vacation experience. Located in Cebu, this idyllic resort with its beautiful private beach offers an exciting range of recreation activities and superb cuisine. Every guestroom blends tropical decor with modern amenities and private balconies provide panoramic views of the Visayan Sea and outlying islands, making it a perfect getaway for fun and relaxation. Drive time from Mactan Airport is approximately 15 minutes, Cebu City is...

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