A Quick Cebu Detour

I have always wanted to go to Cebu. Due to its popularity, I even wanted to live there. So when I had the opportunity to see what its like I grab it almost instantly.

We took the Supercat Ferry from Tagbilaran Bohol to Cebu City, approximately 2 hours. This was the very first time that I rode a ferry. I was scared at first because 2 hours at sea is not a joke, especially for someone who does not know how to swim properly. Anyway, it was a smooth ride. There are some bumps along the way but it was kinda fun, just like the Vikings in Enchanted Kingdom. The ferry was clean inside just like the economy seats of a plane.

Other means of reaching Cebu City is by taking a plane. Book a flight going to Cebu International Airport if you are from Manila.

After arriving at Cebu city, we took the jeepney going to SM Cebu to have lunch. Then off to the hotel we went. I have booked a fairly new hotel, Alba Uno, which is located at IT Park Lahug. The location is a little far from the heart of the city but very accessible to the jeepneys.

Being a new hotel, their prices are a little more cheaply compared to others and you can expect a nice, clean and good room. What you see in their website is really what you get. The only problem during our stay is that we were situated at 4th floor and there are some constructions going on the higher floors. Thus, there are dusts here and there but they are very accommodating in cleaning the room from time to time. The bathroom is spacious and very elegant. It has an overhead shower and glass shower door panel.

You can easily see the greenery of TOPS (a favorite tourist destination in Cebu which is somehow similar to Tagaytay) and the Marco Polo Plaza right outside your window.

What is Cebu without sight-seeing right?
Our first destination was in downtown Cebu which is where the famous Cebu landmark is located, the Magellan’s Cross. The cross was planted due to the orders of Ferdinand Magellan after he arrived in Cebu circa 1521.

The Magellan’s Cross is housed next to the Basilica of Santo Niño. Cebu’s is also famous for their Sinulog festival. The festival is held during the 3rd week of January. The Sinulog festival honors the Santo Niño who used to be the patron saint of Cebu.


Next stop is the Lapu-lapu Shrine in Mactan Island. It was built to honor Datu Lapu-lapu who defeated Ferdinand Magellan in the Battle of Mactan.

The Food.
Around Mactan Island is a famous seafood restaurant called Sutukil --which means Sugba(grill), Tula(broth), Kilaw(eaten raw). Eating by the nipa hut in front of the sea is quiet a relaxing experience. Sutukil, just like the dampa here in Manila, allows their guests to pick their choice of seafood and they will cook it just the way you like it.
Since I was at Cebu for roughly 2 days only, there are still a lot of activities and places that I have missed. So the next time I visit the island, I’ll make sure to try out the following:
Sky Experience Adventure. Unfortunately this was closed due to Holy Week when I was in Cebu.
Bantayan Island. Labeled as one of the beautiful beaches in Cebu, I want to feel its pristine white sand under my feet!
Malapascua Beach. A beautiful beach in Cebu which is said to make you want to lie in the beach all day.
Hukad Restaurant. It was a little late that I’ve learned that this is a must-try restaurant in Cebu.
CnT Lechon. I always have my fair share of CnT Lechon --Cebu’s most famous lechon whenever papa comes home from Cebu. Though, I was not able to dine at their restaurant when I was there because (again) it was Holy Week and they did not cooked any lechons.
TOPS. Although it was very visible outside our hotel window we were not able to visit this due to the lack of time. Oh well next time.
Whew! That was a lot of places to see! I am hoping that the next time I visit Cebu, I’ll be able to see it in a new light. Happy Traveling!


*Sorry I have only a few photos for this trip. We'll be back next time. Cebu, you better make it up to me!