Cebu, Philippines

Where to stay

I stayed at the Bluewater Maribago Resort during my stay in Cebu, which is located on Mactan island, and only a 20 minute drive from the airport. The resort is quite large and boasts 3 pools, a private beach, multiple onsite restaurants, and a gym. Depending on what you plan to do during your stay I would recommend this resort for its proximity to the boats for island hopping, which is the key attraction here, and the fact that it has its own private beach for you to relax at.

Things to do!

Island Hopping

If you are visiting Cebu, Island Hopping is a must, there are so many beautiful islands a short boat ride away. We rented a private boat for the day and made 4 stops:

Sulpa Island is a small island, with a white sand beach and crystal clear waters, it has a range of picnic tables under a tree canopy and restroom facilities.
Caohagan Fishing Village, this is a great island to stop at for lunch, the local fishermen have their catch of the day on display, pick out the seafood you like, and they cook it on an open fire for you.
Pandanon Island, this island boasts beautiful waters, and some interesting spots for photos, including this amazing tree.
Hilutungan is a protected marine sanctuary and the perfect spot for snorkeling. You won’t land on this island but your boat will stop so you can swim among the fishes.

Sirao Flower Garden

The Sirao Flower Garden which is also known as “Mini Amsterdam” is a beautiful spot in Cebu to get those epic Instagram photos you are craving. The garden is located on a mountain around 19km or 40 minutes from Cebu City (depending on traffic). You will have to take a taxi to reach the garden as there is no public transportation. Entrance to the garden is only $1 USD and you can spend as much time there as you please. There are restrooms onsite however they are quite primitive, and if you are looking for a snack outside the garden there are local vendors selling food and drinks.

Address: Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines

Things to eat!

Lechón

If you only taste one local specialty while you are visiting Cebu then it has to be Lechón. The dish features a whole roasted pig cooked over charcoal. It became a notoriety when American Chef Anthony Bourdain said it was the best pig he had eaten while visiting the Philippines. You can order it one of two ways, original and spicy. I myself prefer the spicy version but I love anything that packs a bold flavor punch. I ate at the House of Lechon which is famous for the dish, not into pork or a vegetarian? Not to worry they have many other dishes to choose from a lot of which I sampled and I have to say the food here is spectacular.

Address: House of Lechon - Acacia St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines

Ocean to table Seafood

If you plan on going island hopping there is a good chance you will stop on an island for the catch of the day. We stopped at XXX Island which is a seafood lover’s paradise. The local fishermen line up the live catches of the day and you can go along and pick out what you want them to cook for you.

Mangoes

Cebu’s is well renowned for its mangoes, as they are available year-round. They are largely cultivated and exported for their large, robust fruit and prized flavor. While you are here do not pass up the opportunity to eat as many as you can, not a sweet person? Try the unripe variety which is sour and eaten with a pinch of salt or dipped into a paste of tiny fermented shrimp.

Halo-Halo

Halo-halo (which means "mixed"), is a popular Filipino cold dessert which contains a random mix of ingredients including crushed ice, evaporated milk, ube, sweetened beans, coconut strips, sago, boiled root crops in cubes, fruit slices, corn, flan, and topped with a scoop of ice cream. I know it sounds strange but its surprisingly tasty, I found myself quite addicted to it during my stay.