Cebu Island (Philippines): description, attractions, beaches and reviews

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

Cebu Island (Philippines) is deservedly called the King of the South, as many tourists come here to get acquainted with the stunning nature, as well as an interesting history. There are many resorts, nightclubs.

About the place

The picturesque point is located in the center of the Philippine archipelago, it belongs to the Visayas group of islands. Nearby are Negros and Leyte, as well as Bohol - no less beautiful areas than the island of Cebu.

Also neighbors are Bantayan, Malapasca, where people often go to sunbathe and scuba dive. This area stretches for 225 kilometers, its width is 25 km. The total area leaves 4486 sq. km. Between the western and eastern coasts there is a ridge consisting of mountains.

The highest point is 1000 meters above sea level. Together with Matkan, this area forms a single province, which is part of the Philippines. The capital has the same name as the island of Cebu itself. This city is quite old and large, very significant for the history of the entire state. In 1521, F. Magellan, the world-famous navigator, moored here. At that time, strife broke out between the tribes, getting involved in which, the Europeandied.

Unity of novelty and tradition

In 1886, a monument was erected at the place of the researcher's death, although a pedestal depicting Lapu-Lapu, the leader of the local tribe, who, in fact, killed the Portuguese, became a neighbor. Both of these persons are respected and revered. Magellan - as having brought European knowledge and worldviews of the Christian world to these lands, and Lapu-Lapu - as the strongest of the patriots who opposed the colonization of the Philippine land by Spain.

As a result, the island of Cebu in the Philippines was nevertheless colonized under the leadership of the conquistador Legazpi, who founded the city in 1565 on the site of the death of his predecessor. A rite of baptism was performed, so that the Christian cradle of the East was born here.

Here is the oldest fortress built by the Spaniards. Even when the capital was moved to Manila, this point dominated the entire region in the south. Ships moored here, trade and agricultural land were well developed. Cebu is famous for its large amount of sugar cane.

Worth seeing

Arriving here, you can encounter a large abundance of attractions. For starters, this is, of course, the tomb of Magellan. There is also a basilica built in honor of the baby Jesus, where there is a cross erected by sailors from Portugal when they reached these lands. Believers claim that this shrine has magical qualities and can heal diseases. There is a fortress of San Pedro, the fort, which is considered the oldestof those built by the Spaniards. Previously, the colonizers were located here, there was a post for a review, with the help of which it was possible to resist the raids of the southerners. Then an army garrison, a prison, even a zoo were located here. In a word, this building had a large number of functions. Today there is a tourism department, as well as an open theater.

Shrines and important places

Christianity had a great influence on Cebu. Church sights are numerous here. These include a church named after St. Augustine, as well as an ancient relic preserved in it - an icon depicting little Jesus. It was she who was presented by Magellan to Queen Juana during the baptism of a woman. There is also a Chinese temple, which is also called Taoist. With its help, the community of China is represented in this territory. The building is located on a hill in the Beverly Hills area.

Local architecture is characteristic of Chinese culture, inside is amazing beauty, different from the general style of local buildings. Cebu Island is also where the best guitars in the world are made. You can buy such an instrument as a wonderful souvenir. There are products that are made from coconut. It is interesting to look at the cascade of Kawasan waterfalls, through which crystal water flows from the mountains through the forest of the tropics.

Sandy and underwater expanses

Paradise is the island of Cebu. The beaches in these places attract a huge number of tourists every year.tourists, they receive extremely high marks for their cleanliness and picturesqueness, they are put on the leading positions in the rankings of world resorts. If you have already got here, diving is highly recommended. You will discover the amazing depths of the sea.

You can see a population of sharks, which, in general, is quite safe, but the surge of adrenaline in the blood still occurs. The sand is very fine and clean, the water is wonderful and clear. Here you can find profitable solutions even for people with a modest budget. So almost everyone can afford a pleasant trip to Cebu Island. Reviews about him are positive. Especially good here from February to May.

Purity of nature

Tourism here has not yet reached the peak of its development, there is a lot of room for work, but, to some extent, this is even good. After all, the weaker the infrastructure, the better the untouched appearance of nature is preserved.

Hotels are not numerous, there are dive centers, but they are also few. Again, whatever is done is for the best. Diving into the water, you will be able to meet many underwater inhabitants typical of the tropics. Exclusive individuals come across.

In Moalboal, a wonderful resort in the southwest, which can be reached from the city in three hours, there are many diving services. To join this entertainment, you need to take one of the boats that run regularly and get to a special center. Snorkeling is also available to tourists.

From the underwater flora and fauna there are corals, manta rays, groupers, gorgonians, tuna. You can also look at the mysterious sea caves, the tunnel of sharks and rays.

Tourist Opinion

If you want to get vivid impressions and have a good rest, you can go to Cebu Island (Philippines) without hesitation. Reviews left by tourists say that they really like this vacation. Many come here from Singapore, where they take a direct flight, and then get to Bohol by ferry, where they admire the beautiful hills and relax.

Whale sharks that can be seen in the water spark interest, a little fear and make adrenaline flow through the veins. It is worth noting that users praise the work of the airlines, through which they get to this picturesque region. Flights are regular. Upon arrival, tourists take a taxi, settle in a local hotel and follow new experiences.

A funny detail is that there are beggars at the airport who can rush to carry your things to the car, and then demand money for it. Better to avoid them. Taxi drivers also will not refuse extra earnings and are unlikely to give change if necessary. It is better to change large cash in a store, and pay with such people in small change. There are a lot of people on the streets even at night. Active life is always in full swing here.

Be careful

It is also worth warning an inexperienced tourist that people come across different, so it’s better not to run into trouble once again, and it’s not known who to talk to, because you never know where what begins with words will lead. Just in case, of coursethe situation on the streets is controlled by the police.

When you find yourself a room, it will be easier, because one important issue will be resolved. You can find both a chic option for a lot of money, and something simpler and cheaper, it all depends on your needs and capabilities.

On the first day, many people visit the sights of the city, and on the second day they go to Mactan. Get ready for hot weather. Fortunately, there are wonderful beaches nearby. There are many interesting things in the city. There are suspicious things, but there are wonderful sights that amaze the imagination. It is better to trust professionals who will take care of your entertainment, because you yourself can get lost in an unfamiliar environment. Plan your vacation right and have fun!