Cebu is a province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region of the country. In this region is Cebu, along with 150 smaller islets and islands. Cebu City is the port capital of Cebu and it features a number of historical landmarks from the 16th century colonial Spanish past. Here are some of the top things to do in this beautiful part of the Philippines:
Mactan
Mactan is a heavily populated island that is located only a few kilometers from Cebu Island. Many people who stay in Cebu City visit this popular tourist destination because of the close proximity. Mactan is also a part of the Cebu province and it is split into the municipality of Cordova and Lapu City.
Mactan has a population of 470,000 people which makes it the most populated island in the nation. Because Mactan is a coral island, they have some of the best diving, island hopping, jet skiing, snorkeling, and other water-based activities.
There’s so much to do in Mactan, so you’ll definitely want to spend some time there. It’s best to find a hotel in Cebu City because of the affordable price point. While you’re in the city, stay at the cheapest hotel in Cebu City by Southpole Central Hotel.
Kawasan Falls
Kawasan Falls is arguably the most famous waterfall location in all of the Philippines. There you’ll find vibrant blue water that is perfect for swimming. You can also hop onto a bamboo raft and take a ride under the waterfall.
This beautiful piece of nature is such a popular tourist destination for good reason. It is located just 130 kilometers away from Cebu City. Once you arrive, you’ll have to walk uphill for about 1.5km in order to arrive at the first waterfall. On the way there, you’ll run into plenty of souvenir shops.
There are several picturesque waterfalls, natural swimming pools, and lagoons to stumble upon. All of these sites are accessible via jungle trails.
Fort San Pedro
Fort San Pedro is a military defense site that was built by the Spanish. The area that it resides in is now called Plaza Independencia which is located near the city’s pier. While the fort was originally made of wood, other stone structures are located on the site.
The triangular shaped fort has two sides facing the sea and one side facing the land. Many people like to visit the fort because of the rich history and because it is so close to the pier, which is a nice place to unwind. It is also a great place to take photos because of the scenic views.
Cebu Taoist Temple
The Taoist Temple is located in the Beverly Hills Subdivision that is part of Cebu City. This temple was built by the Chinese community in the city. Elevated 110 meters above sea level, this large temple is a vibrant attraction that brims with Chinese culture. It is accessible through three separate routes.
Unlike other temples in the area, this one is open to worshipers and non-worshipers. One of the prayers that is performed here is one in which a devotee prays to the gods and asks them to grant a wish. The devotee will then wash their hands, enter the chapel barefoot, and drop two pieces of wood. If the pieces of wood land face up, then the devotee can make a wish. If the blocks do not land face up, they can visit the temple another time and try again.
To visit the Cebu Taoist Temple, you can simply book a tour around Cebu City. The entrance to the temple even has a replica of the Great Wall of China.
