CEBU

HISTORY
Cebu is a province in the Philippines consisting of the Cebu Island and many other surrounding
islands. Its name’s derivation has many alternative interpretation but according to history, it was
derived from the word “Sibu” which means “trade”. During the reign of Rajah Humabon, the
island has since become an important trading center where various products are being bartered
like agricultural products, precious stones, perfumes, etc. Its harbors has become known
vernacularly as “Sinibuayng Hingpit” which means “the place for trading” which later was
shortened to sibu or sibo (“to trade”) from which the modern name “Cebu” came from.

It is known to be a fishing village before the Spaniards came but became industrialized through
the years. It is now one of the most developed provinces in the Philippines, with Cebu City as the
center of commerce and industry.

Cebu City, the capital of Cebu, is considered to be the oldest city in the Philippines. It is also
known as the oldest settlement established by the Spaniards in the country.

Found in the island are rich traces of the Philippine history left by mostly the Spaniards. Among
these historical sites are the Magellan’s Cross found in downtown Cebu (a Christian cross
planted by the Portuguese and Spanish explorers as ordered by Ferdinand Magellan upon
arriving in Cebu on April 1521), the Lapu-Lapu Shrine (a 20-meter statue found in Mactan
erected in honor of Datu Lapu-Lapu, a native leader who instituted the death of Magellan), the
Colon Street (the oldest and the shortest national road in the Philippines), the Fort San Pedro
(the oldest military defence structure built by the Spanish and indigenous Cebuano labourers
under the command of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi),

LOCATION
The province of Cebu is an island that is part of the Central Visayas Region in the Philippines and
is situated 584 kilometers south of Manila, the capital city of the country. Cebu is located to the
east of Negros island, to the west of the Leyte, and Bohol islands. It is located on both sides by
the straits of Bohol and Tañon.

Cebu is located between 9 degrees 25 minutes North and 11 degrees 15 minutes North latitude,
and between 123 degrees 13 minutes East, and 124 degrees 5 minutes East longitude in the
center of the Philippine Islands.

Cebu is a long narrow island stretching 225 kilometers (140 miles) from north to south and 41
kilometers at its widest portion. The island is surrounded by 167 neighboring smaller islands
that includes Mactan Island, Bantayan, Malapascua, Olango, and the Camotes Islands. The total
land area of Cebu is about 5,000 square kilometers. Some of the hundreds of small islands
surrounding Cebu are uninhabited.

Cebu has narrow coastlines, limestone plateaus, and coastal plains, which are characteristics of
a tropical island. It has predominantly rolling hills and rugged mountain ranges traversing the
northern and southern lengths of the island. Cebu has steep mountains that reach over 1,000
meters.

In the northern region of Cebu, flat tracts of land can be found in the city of Bogo and in the
towns of San Remigio, Medellin, and Daanbantayan. The highest peak in Cebu is Mount
Manunggal, which is about 1,000 meters above sea level. Cebu has a land area of about
508,440 hectares.

Cebu City is the largest and capital city of the province of Cebu. It has a land area of 291.2
square kilometers with 55.9 km² is classified as urban, while 235.2 km² is classified as rural. The
city’s geographic coordinates are 10 degrees 17 minutes 0 seconds North, 123 degrees 54
minutes 0 seconds East.

To the northeast of Cebu City are Mandaue City and the town of Consolacion, to the west are
Toledo City, the towns of Balamban, and Asturias, and to the south are Talisay City and the town
of Minglanilla. Across the Mactan Strait to the east is Mactan Island where Lapu-Lapu City is
located.

CLIMATE
Cebu is located in the central part of the Visayas, the group of islands in the core of the
Philippines. Just like the rest of the tropical islands in the country, Cebu has dry and rainy
seasons.
From June to October, the days are partly rainy and cloudy and often considered the typhoon
months in the country. What seems to be the advantage of Cebu from other islands is its
geography. This island paradise is often spared from the brunt of typhoons with normal speed.

The travel-friendly days are the sunny ones which start in November last till May. Eternal
summer is an idea foreigners have for tropical countries like the Philippines. It can be. But such
summer is actually punctuated with an hour-or-so of rain. With the incessant climate change, it
is expected that even April and May—the hottest months in the island—have their bouts of rain
every now and then.

STAY SAFE
Do not take a private car. They can be dangerous, and are always more expensive than other
forms of public transportation.

Make sure to agree on a price before getting into a taxi, or insist that the taxi driver turns on the
meter. If you want to take a day trip outside of the city, sometimes a taxi driver can act as a
guide, and look out for you. If you plan to make multiple excursions to tourist attractions around
the city, it can make sense to use the same driver for each trip.

Act like you know where you are going, even if you don’t. Take a look at a map before getting in
a taxi, so you will at least have some idea if the cabbie is taking you the long way.

Some tourists report that older taxi drivers are more trustworthy than younger drivers

Multicabs, the Cebu City version of Jeepneys, are a common way to get around the area, but
travellers need to be aware of their surroundings at all times when using them. Snatch-and-grab
crimes are common. Avoid wearing excessive jewelry, flashing cash, or talking on your cell
phone while taking public transportation. Tourists have reported thieves boldly threaten
passengers, before stealing their property. Be especially cautious when multicabs make stops.

LANGUAGE/DIALECTS
Cebuano speakers from Cebu are mainly called "Cebuano" while those from Bohol are
"Boholano". Cebuano speakers in Leyte identify their dialect as Kana (Leyte Cebuano or
Leyteño). Speakers in Mindanao and Luzon refer to the language simply as Binisaya or Bisaya.
NUMBER FROM 1 TO 10
ENGLISH TAGALOG CEBUANO

ONE ISA USA

TWO DALAWA DUHA

THREE TATLO TRES

FOUR APAT UPAT

FIVE LIMA LIMA

SIX ANIM UNOM

SEVEN PITO PITO

EIGHT WALO WALO

NINE SIYAM SIYAM

TEN SAMPU NAPU’O

GREATINGS
ENGLISH TAGALOG CEBUANO

GOOD DAY MAGANDANG ARAW MAAYONG ADLAW

GOOD MORNING MAGANDANG UMAGA MAAYONG ADLAW

GOOD AFTERNOON MAGANDANG TANGHALI MAAYONG UDTO

GOOD EVENING MAGANDANG GABI MAAYONG GABII

THANK YOU VERY MUCH MARAMING SALAMAT DAGHANG SALAMAT

LOCATION OF THE TOURISM PROMOTION OFFICE

Department of Tourism 7
L.D.M Building, G/F, Legaspi St · (032) 254 2811

Closed ⋅ Opens 9AM Wed

Cebu City Tourism Office

5.0 (1) · Government office

102 Osmeña Blvd

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT?

The city of Cebu experiences tropical climate with hot humid summers and heavy monsoons.
The best time to visit Cebu is during the winter season. It enjoys sunny days, cool nights and it is
less humid at this time of the year. The colorful Sinulog Festival is held in January where you can
see the culture of Cebu at its best. The summer months from March to May are very hot and
humid. Hence, it may not be very comfortable to travel around if you visit at this time. If heat is
not a problem, then you can always visit this tropical island in summer. The rainy season
between June and August usually sees heavy downpours and typhoons. All the destinations may
not be reachable at this time and hence it is not advisable to visit the city during the monsoon
season.

BY PLANE
Mactan-Cebu International Airport located on Mactan Island in Lapu-Lapu city caters to both
international and domestic flights to Cebu. International flights include direct flights to
Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, China, Malaysia, Qatar and Taiwan. Domestic flights
include all major destinations in Philippines. Around 20 flight fly between Manila and Cebu daily.
BY TAXI
Taxis are the easiest option for getting around the city. Grab, Uber and Easy all operate in the
city. Standard city taxis are usually as cheap as app-based taxi services, easy to catch and will
almost always turn their meter on. Flagfall is P40 and then P3.50 for each additional 500m (or
two minutes waiting time).

BY JEEPNEY
There are Jeepneys and Multicabs in and around Cebu City for getting around within the town or

just outside of it. The Multicabs are smaller than

Jeepneys, but they both work by taking more people to their destination than just you and your
party. You can take some comfort in that fact that it should be fairly easy to talk to the drivers,
so they can assure you that you have the right route. Another bonus is that they run at all hours
of the night. If you can’t find one of them though, there are always taxis that can come get you

ACCOMMODATION TO STAY
Shangri-La's Mactan Resort & Spa - Punta Engaño Rd, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, 6015
Cebu

Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark Cebu - M.L. Quezon National Highway, Maribago,
Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu

Crimson Resort & Spa - Mactan Island, Cebu - Seascapes

Resort Town, Soong, Lapu-Lapu City, 6015 Cebu
Radisson Blu Cebu - Serging Osmena Boulevard, Corner Juan Luna Avenue, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu

Plantation Bay Resort and Spa - Marigondon,

Mactan Island, Lapu-Lapu City, 6015 Cebu

WHERE AND WHAT TO EAT?

Vikings Luxury Buffet -is a contemporary and stylish restaurant. At Vikings, we are redefining
the concept of buffet by incorporating show kitchens in our dining area to show our guests how
our professionally trained chefs prepare dishes beyond expectations.

Maya Mexican Restaurant-Maya provides a great dining experience not just in terms of excellent food
but also through its outstanding service and atmosphere. The restaurant was designed by artisans from
Mactan Island, Cebu and Mexico. The Spanish/Mexican-inspired place features a great combination of
traditional style and modern elements.

AA BBQ-Delectable fresh seafood includes fish, squid, shrimp, and scallops. Vegetables are also cooked in
a variety of ways. Aside from their grilled food, the must-try offerings include “pochero” (beef bone
marrow) either sizzling or stewed), hot and crispy squid and fried “bangus” (milkfish) with garlic
Circa 1900-Circa 1900 is a casual dining restaurant that focuses on incorporating local technics and
ingredients into international cuisine. Circa 1900 offers an eclectic menu with plenty of choices that
range from the familiar to the exotic

Isla

Sugbo Seafood City-Isla Sugbu Seafood City opened its

first branch in Cebu back in 2015. Three years later, they brought the seafood goodness in Venice Grand
Canal Mall, Mckinley, Taguig City. It's so well-loved in Cebu that it's known as the most sought-after
seafood restaurant. ... When you're eating seafood, it feels special.”

STK
ta
Bay
-at

Paolito's Seafood House is a restaurant in Cebu. ... The restaurant specialises in Filipino, barbeque and
seafood. STK stands for a local way of cooking food (grilled, sour soup and pickled), The restaurant's
specialty is the Tuna Panga (jaw of the tuna) which they Barbeque at the front of the restaurant.
ATTRACTIONS

1. Fort San Pedro

This is one of the rich historical legacy in Cebu which is located in the Pier Area of Cebu City. It is the
oldest and smallest triangular-bastion fort in the country that was built in the year 1738 by Spaniards
and indigenous Cebuano laborers. It served as military defense and was the focal point of Spanish
settlement. It also served as a stronghold for Filipino revolutionaries. At present, part of the fort is a
museum. A large statue of Legazpi and Antonio Pigafetta may be seen outside the fort walls and inside it
were legacies of the Spanish government. It has well preserved artifacts such as Spanish document,
paintings and sculpture. These days it served as a historical park and a famous venue for prenuptial
pictures or wedding receptions at that. It is under the care of administration of City of Cebu and to earn
income, one would pay entrance fee as follows: Regular fee is P 30.00, Senior Citizen is P 24.00 while
students and children have the same rate of P 20.00.

2.

Magellan’s Cross

Another significant historical landmark in Cebu is the Christianity religion brought about by the arrival of
Magellan in 1521. He brought with him a wooden cross and planted it in Cebu to mark the propagation
of Christianity. It is located in downtown of Cebu. The present Magellan’s Cross is now a Tindalo Wood
encasing the original cross. This is to protect the original cross from people who chipped away parts of
the cross for souvenir purposes or in the belief that the cross possesses miraculous powers. This tourist
attraction is free for everyone to see and experience
3. Taoist Temple

Situated in the northern hills of Cebu in a high end residential area of Beverly Hills about 6 km north of
downtown Cebu, Taoist Temple marks as the symbol of the Cebu’s prosperous ethnic Chinese population
that follows Taoism. Yet the temple is open to Taoism worshipers and non-worshipers alike. Since it is a
towering temple, one could see the breathtaking view of Cebu. The structural and architectural design of
the temple is also well crafted. Moreover, the place is also a perfect avenue for one to reflect, pause and
meditate.

4.

Bantayan Island

Bantayan Island beaches as most tourist say is the Cebuano version of Boracay when it comes to the
wonderful display of majestic white beaches even as you approached its’ pier in Santa Fe Cebu which is
located in the northern tip of Cebu. It is a wonderful place to beach bum. The vast white sand shore and
clear waters seems like a paradise here on earth. It has been one of the most favorite destination of
foreign and local tourist alike and even celebrities especially during the Lenten Season. The Holy Week
celebration is indeed filled with people as it is known for their “karo”and jubilant celebration of
commemorating the Lord’s death and resurrection. The main bread and butter of natives there is fishing.
Hence, they have an abundant supply of fresh sea foods at a lower cost than the skyrocketing prices in
the city markets. The serenity and laid back atmosphere in this island is truly a wonderful experience for
you to rejuvenate and reinvigorate yourself whenever you are downcast from the pressure life has to
offer.
ACTIVITIES
INAMBAKAN FALLS

Inambakan Falls is known for having a beautiful 100-ft waterfall that plunges into a wide pool of
blue water. Surrounded by lush jungle greenery it is indeed an amazing scene. However, what
makes Inambakan Falls such a memorable adventure is the multi-level trek to different pools
and waterfalls.
SUNRISE HIKE TO OSMENA PEAK

The Peak is known for having amazing panoramic views across jagged cliff lines and the ocean. We were
told it would be best for sunrise and we were left speechless by the scene from the summit of the short
20-minute trek.

There is an entrance fee of a few dollars to the hike, which comes with a guide who you can choose to tip
and of course the cost of the motorbike. It is quite a cheap adventure and an amazing sunrise experience

MAINIT HOT SPRING IN MALABUYOC

The Hot Springs were steaming. So hot we could hardly sit in some of the springs which ranged from 38-
42 degrees Celsius. Set in a rainforest just beyond a local village we could feel this was just the beginning
of an amazing trip
KABUTONGAN WATERFALL TREK

Kabutongan Falls trek is one of the most magical adventures on the island of Cebu. The trail follows the
blue waters of a narrow stream up the canyon until you reach Kabutongan Waterfall. Here you will find a
hidden cave behind the waterfall and several different cliff-jumps!

The trail is only a short 30-minutes but there are a few sections that require rope (it is installed). It is
possible without a guide but the guide is vital to help protect natural areas like this and they will help
keep you safe.

The trail crisscrosses the river and includes bouldering and some intermediate difficulty sections. The
hardest part is climbing along the edge of the narrow trail but ropes guide you in all of the parts that are
slippery or steep. Most people of average physicality will find this trail normal.

The blue water of Cebu is exemplified no better than in

the limestone-laden pools of the Kabutongan Waterfall
trek. It is just pure crystal clear water with that trademark
blue, common in all of the south Cebu waterfalls. Despite only being a 30-minute trail, you do feel truly
immersed in the jungle as you make your way up and over boulders and through the vines.

DAO WATERFALL TREK

Dao Waterfall offers not only an epic waterfall finale but

it is the trek in that is truly astounding. For thirty
minutes you wade through those trademark Cebu
blues, while ferns and palms cover the canyon walls on
either side. The trek to Dao Falls itself isn’t hard but it
does require you to walk through the water and
navigate your way around boulders and rocks. It is a
moderate adventure with incredible scenery, which is far
away from the crowds at Kawasan Falls.

The vibrant green ferns, palms and jungle plants come at

you from all angles and contrast against the blues. The
final piece of this incredible natural puzzle is the high
canyon walls that slowly close in on you as you make
your way up the cascades until you are walking through a
narrow trail.
- ALVIN