Before you decide to fly to Cebu, spend some time reading this article to know more about Cebu. Don't be like me, encountered a few hiccups especially the departure tax.
About Cebu
Cebu (Cebuano: Sugbo) is a province in the Philippines, consisting of Cebu Island and 167 surrounding islands. Cebu is a long narrow island stretching 225 kilometers from north to south, surrounded by 167 neighbouring, smaller islands, which include Mactan, Bantayan, Malapascua, Olango and the Camotes Islands. Cebu has narrow coastlines, limestone plateaus and coastal plains.
Its capital is Cebu City, the oldest city in the Philippines, which forms part of the Cebu Metropolitan Area together with four neighboring cities which include Danao City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City and Talisay City and eight other municipalities. Mactan-Cebu International Airport, located in Mactan island, is the second busiest airport in the Philippines.
Mactan Island is a Coral Island located across from Cebu City. The island is connected to Cebu by 2 major bridges. Mactan holds all of the beach areas and resort areas closest to Cebu City.
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| Map of Cebu City (given by hotel) |
Language
Cebuano is the official language spoken in Cebu and it is also spoken in most areas of the Visayas.
Currency
The currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP). Bill denominations are: 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 pesos. If possible, bring your cash in 500 PHP denominations as you will find that getting change for 1,000 PHP bills is at times difficult. Only the larger restaurants and hotels accept credit cards including MasterCard, Visa and American Express, although a 5% surcharge on credit cards is standard. Personal checks are generally not accepted.
Climate and Clothing
Amihan - High Season, Sep/Oct to May/Jun 25-32°C, hot and humid, little or no rainfall.
Philippines summer - Apr/May/Jun, 28-38°C, hot and mostly dry.
Habagat - Low Season, May/Jun to Sep/Oct, 25-32°C, moderate to heavy rainfall.
Electricity
Electricity in Philippines is 220 Volts, alternating at 60 cycles per second. If you travel to Philippines with a device that does not accept 220 Volts at 60 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter. Do use a flat blade plug or two round pins plug. Otherwise always bring a travel adaptor along.
Safety and Security
For the most part, Cebu is considered safe for travellers from all locations. However, visitors should take standard precautions to protect themselves from harm during their travels in the area.
Internet Facilities
Many hotels have WiFi internet connection, some restaurants have WiFi hotspots, and internet cafes are also scattered around the island. Getting online shouldn't be a problem, although speeds are going to be slow and subject to interruption.
Tipping
Usually service charge, VAT and local food tax have been included in the bill, so in my opinion tipping is not require especially in Asian country. However if you still insist to tip for excellent service you receive, well PHP20 to PHP50 should be enough.
Getting to Cebu
By Air
Cebu is an international destination with flights from Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea. Arrival is at at the Mactan International Airport almost daily. From Manila, Cebu is just an hour away by plane. Make sure you get to airport at list one hour before your departure time since by now you should know the pace of service. Do remember to set aside PHP750 per adult for terminal fee (departure tax) for international flight.
By Sea
Cebu City's vast, multi-piered port throngs harbor boats travelling around the Philippines. There are daily ferries to and from Cebu, Manila, Bohol, Negros, Leyte, Butuan, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Ozamis and Iligan among others. Ferry schedules change often so reconfirm departure times you get from guidebooks.
4D3N Cebu Itinerary
Day 1 - Explore Mactan Island
- Visit Lapu Lapu Statue/Magellan Monument
- Shopping and dinning at Gaisano Mactan/ Marina Mall
Day 2 - Islands Tour
- Islands Hopping Tour
- R&R in hotel
Day 3 - Explore Cebu City
- R&M Factory for purchase of dried mangoes
- Cebu City historical trail (start from Casa Gorordo Museum to Fort San Pedro, zoom in using the map below)
- Shopping and dinning at SM City Cebu and Ayala Center Cebu
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