Travelling to Cebu City

Trip Highlights

Travelling in Cebu City is perfect for travelers who's into History. Cebu is one of the oldest settlement site established by the Spaniards, in line with this, Cebu offers some historical sites that depicts some of Philippines' cultural heritage.

Magellan's Cross

It is a giant cross planted by the spanish and portuguese conquerors; It was ordered by Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer who arranged the Spanish expedition to East Indies (South East Asia), including The Philippines.

The Magellan's Cross is located in Sto. Niño Church in downtown Cebu City. It was planted on April 21, 1521. 

Mactan Shrine

Mactan Shrine is located in Punta Engaño, Mactan Island Cebu. It is the location where the historical Battle of Mactan took place in year 1521.  A 100 year-old  monument of Lapu-lapu is located in the shrine. Lapu- lapu is a legendary Cebuano hero who fought for freedom against the Spanish and Portuguese conquerors. 

I personally liked the Shrine, though I think it is better to stroll the shrine in the morning or late afternoon because it was too hot.  For someone who likes to shop for some random items, there are souvenir shops within the premises.

Aside from the historical sites, as part of our tour, we went to the Taoist Temple. One thing that I admire was the architecture of the place. Have you guys seen the Disney movie, Mulan?, the temple premises was a lot like the structures in that movie. It was so amazing. 

Taoist Temple, Beverly Hills, Cebu City

There's an area inside the temple where you can wish your heart's desire, as they say. However I'm not into Taoist beliefs but to give you a picture, it is like praying to their gods, they will instruct you to go to their altar, get some incense sticks and bow down, they said that gesture is to ask permission to their gods. After asking permission you will be instructed to take two kidney bean shaped wood and wish, after wishing you have to throw the wood, in order for you to know if the answer is yes or no. 

Restaurants

During the tour we ate breakfasts at Sugbahan restaurant, it is near our hotel, it is located in Mandaue Cebu. Because it's breakfast they have breakfast buffet which has sinangag (fried rice), danggit (dried fish), eggs , tocino, pretty much the typical filipino breakfast. For more details about their menu CLICK HERE. 

We also dined in to an eat-all-you-can restaurant named Royal Concourse, the food was so delicious. I loved it because they've got everything from asian dishes to mexican dishes and a whole lot more.  Just having a thought of it right now makes me crave for their delish food. It's a total thumbs up for me. Check out their Facebook page CLICK HERE

Where to buy delicacies in Cebu City?

There is a market called Tabo-an Market, where you can find various delicacies. Delicacies that you can find from the market are: 

Ocean Jet Ferry

Chorizo de Cebu, It's a longganisa (Filipino sausage), Cebu's version of longganisa was sweet unlike the one from Lucban, Quezon and the one from Vigan City. 

dried fishes like danggit and fish tocino, otap ( it is an oval shaped pastry, it's good accompaniment to coffee) , their famous dried mango and chicharon.

If given a chance to return to Cebu, I want to try the sky walk at Crown Regency Hotel and I want to taste a legit spicy lechon!

Cebu is near Bohol Province, I would recommend extending your adventures to Bohol. From Cebu, the fastest way to get to Bohol is by riding a ferry it's either Super Cat, Ocean Jet, Kinswell or Starcraft ferries.