A local Cebuano shares tips on how to enjoy Cebu, the best island in the Philippines for families interested in city culture and great beaches.
Cebu is just an hour’s flight from the Philippine capital of Manila, but it is worlds apart in landscape and sensibilities. The province of Cebu is an island, making Cebu City, the second biggest city in the Philippines, different from landlocked Manila. Cebu offers visitors beautiful beaches, mountain retreats, fun nightlife, a wide selection of shopping and dining –all conveniently located in or around a bustling city. It’s also a place where fresh seafood is as easy to come by as friendly people.
In the past decades, Cebu has grown rapidly as a tourist destination. The Mactan-Cebu International Airport has regular direct flights to Japan, Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong. A lot of tourists prefer to bypass Manila and fly straight to Cebu, in fact it is the primary destination of approximately 50% of the Philippines’ foreign visitors. Its location in the middle of the country makes it a convenient hub for exploring the other 7,000 islands in the archipelago.
I’d like to add that I’ve been all over the Philippines, and there’s no place like Cebu, where I grew up. Nature trips — both underwater and high in the clouds — were a big part of my childhood, but so was city life. I could scuba dive in the morning, shop in the malls in the afternoon, and have dinner in a restaurant overlooking the city and the sea. I hope you and your family come to visit sometime and find the tropical vacation you’ve always wanted.
Family Fun on the island of Cebu
If you’re not staying at a beach resort in Mactan (the island across from mainland Cebu), the best way to enjoy Cebu’s beaches and dive/snorkel sites is to rent a boat and go island hopping. While the province has beautiful white-sand beaches, most of them are owned by resorts or belong to private homes. Few of these resorts allow day use for a fee — try the White Sands Resort (63 32 495-2226, Mactan Island 6015 Philippines).
The better option is to rent a boat and spend a day touring the nearby islands. Boat operators in Mactan also do dive trips and rent out snorkeling equipment. Don’t forget to tip the boatmen (20% is generous), and pack lunch and a cooler of drinks to make the trip more enjoyable.
You can schedule a trip once you arrive through any of these local boat centers: Boyong Dive Resort (63 32 492-1800, Buyong, Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City) Scuba Star Dive Services (63 32 492-0120, Buyong, Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City), or Liquid Assets (63 32 492-01008, Buyong, Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City).
If your kids prefer to stay dry, they can stay in the city and go go-karting at Kartzone (63 32 422-2782, F. Cabahug, Ayala Ext. Road). It’s fun, safe, and always effective in getting kids excited. Another option is line fishing at a fish farm on the outskirts of Cebu City.
Cebu is great for a Day of Shopping
Filipinos love their shopping malls, and most of them are heavily air-conditioned to combat the heat outside. Most malls feature Western boutiques, so shopping isn’t the best way to experience Cebu. There are however some portions of the mall dedicated to souvenirs and local delicacies.
The biggest malls are Ayala Center and Shoemart (SM), which are about a five-minute drive away from each other. The most reliable souvenir store with quality products is a chain called Islands Souvenirs (63 32 236-4986 Nasipit, Talamban, Cebu, Philippines, 6000). You can find their boutiques and kiosks in malls, airports and major tourist areas around the country.
If you want to get to the heart of the local culture, I suggest visiting the local markets. Hop on a jeepney (the Philippine mode of transportation- converted, colorful jeeps that ply short-distance routes) and head to the Carbon Market (Jones Avenue, dowtown Cebu City). There you’ll find everything from fresh produce to cheap goods made in China to rows of salted dried fish in nearby Tabu-an. It’s also a great place to buy a guitar, as Cebu is known for producing quality guitars. Walk around the small maze that is Carbon and discover what products Cebuanos trade in. Sample the mangoes as well- the sweetest mangoes in the world come from Cebu, take my word for it.
Favorite Family Beach Resorts on Cebu
Cebu’s premiere accommodations aren’t always by the beach. In fact, the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino (1-800-10-9376688, Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City, 6000 Philippines), 1 Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City 6000) is the preferred hotel for business travelers, owing to its central location in Cebu City. Don’t let the name mislead you, as it’s nowhere near the water. Instead, it’s surrounded by the city’s best restaurants, bars, and shopping malls. This massive hotel has 562 guest rooms, an impressive lobby, duty-free shopping, 10 dining options, and a casino.
Large events, conferences and expos are usually held here, but don’t let that stop you from booking at this three-star hotel. There’s an outdoor pool and fitness center where kids can get active while the parents are taking care of business. If you crave a respite from city life, hillside restaurants and cafes are 10 minutes away, while the beach is just a short ride away over the Mactan Bridge. Childcare services are available upon request. However, no pets are allowed at this hotel.
Perched on a hill, the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu (6332-253-1111, Cebu Veterans Drive, Nivel Hills, Lahug, Cebu City 6000) has an arresting view of Cebu City and Mactan Island. This edifice has long been a landmark in Cebu: the former Cebu Plaza Hotel was the province’s premiere hotel long before big chains arrived. In 2006, the Marco Polo took over the abandoned building, did a major renovation, and reclaimed the hotel’s lost grandeur.
The lobby retains an Old World elegance, while the garden pool is new, big and has a waterfall. Guests can rent mountain bikes from the hotel and explore the scenic routes around Nivel Hills. Because of its newness and its unbeatable location, the Marco Polo offers the best value-for-money as far as staying in the city is concerned. The hotel is only 10 minutes away from the commercial district, and about a half-hour away from the beaches.
On the outskirts of Cebu, the top two beachfront resorts in Mactan are: Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa (6332-231-0288, Punta Engaño Road, Lapu-Lapu, Cebu 6015) and Plantation Bay Resort & Spa (6332-505-9800, Marigondon, Mactan Island, Cebu 6015), which you can read about in the Family Resorts of Philippines article on this website.
Trips Beyond Cebu City to more of Philippines
If you would like to visit the farther reaches of the province or explore the other islands, it’s best to make arrangements through your hotel concierge. They can direct you to reliable tour operators and travel agencies. A reliable one that I like is Destinations Specialists (63 32 231-2462, SM City Cebu, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City)
While the Philippines enjoys tropical weather year-round, only a place like Cebu perfectly mixes together business and tourism. Cebuanos are laid back and like to take things slow, but they still get the job done. The province has a progressive economy, with a big export industry and call centers, medical transcription agencies and other business process outsource (BPO) offices taking root around the city.
For more detailed information on Cebu and the Philippines, visit the Department of Tourism website or the Cebu Investment Promotions Center. For more local tips including where to eat, stay, shop, and dine, pick up a copy of my travel guide, Tara! Cebu at any Islands Souvenirs store in Cebu.
Photos courtsey of nexttriptourism.com and cubecitytour.com.
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There are so many great ranches that it is a fun challange to find the right one for you…but I have to say that the Dude Ranchers' Association website and directory are a very big help…you will find quality ranch vacations that will match what you are looking for. I recommend contacting the Association for more information.
Story tapes allow the driver to be amused and entertained along with the troops. The website Audible.com has a selection of stories for children and families and it allows you to preview a story to see if you like the reader.
A & J Aparments are no longer a vacation rental.
Sage Mountain Villas, the area code would be (284) not (809) we have not used that area code in many many years and is now used but the Dominican Republic.
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These are all great options and sound like lots of fun. We've been planning to visit New Zealand and the Butterfield & Robinson vacations seem to be right up our alley.Thanks for the suggestion it sure beats me stressing over the details.
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D.C. is incredible. I love going there for the cherry blossom festival and I have also been lucky enough to get a tour of the White House's West Wing.
The Verizon Center is a great place to see concerts, and the metro is such an easy and convenient way to get around.
I'm lucky to live just a couple hours away in Colonial Beach, a great little riverside resort town.
I always wanted to visit Jamaica with my kids (boys 7 & 12), but lots of people really discouraged me with horror stories about the safety and attitude of locals towards tourists. I was told if we decide to go just make sure we stay inside our resort. We love exploring and learning new things so this keeps me away.
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You can contact this tour operator in South Africa that specializes in African Safari. http://www.journeyintoafrica.co.za/
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The Gaylord Resort is a great place, although it's a bit far from downtown Nashville. But if you don't mind driving a bit, it's an empire unto itself and older kids can amuse themselves for hours just exploring the place.
UNLESS ITS NOT A CROWDED DAY, I THINK THE CABLE CARS ARE A MAJOR PAIN WITH TODDLERS. I WOULD WAIT TIL KIDS ARE OLDER TO GO TO THE TROUBLE UNLESS YOU DON'T HAVE TO WAIT IN LINE AND JOSSLE FOR A SEAT.
I ALSO THINK CROSSING THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE IS FUN, BUT ALSO LOST ON TODDLERS, SO UNLESS YOU WANT TO DO IT, SKIP THAT ATTRACTION OR MAYBE JUST WALK OUT A LITTLE WAYS.
THE EXPLORATORIUM SHOULD BE AT THE TOP OF THE LIST FOR A COLD, FOGGY OR RAINY DAY – IT'S THE PERFECT PLACE FOR LITTLE ONES TO RUN AROUND AND PUSH, PULL AND POKE ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING.
if you're in Scotland you have to try the national dish, haggis, just don't tell your children what it is! It's actually quite delicious. Scots often refer to dessert as pud or pudding, but they mean the entire gamut of dessert items, not just pudding.
I think it's important to get out of the city and go into the country if you get the time. Check the calendars to see where a Scottish game might be where there will be bagpipers, the tossing of the caber, and all kinds of interesting Highland games. They take place throughout the spring and summer throughout the country and are well worth a detour.
I'd skip Poble Espanyol in Barcelona — way too touristy — unless you want to take advantage of the kids crafts activities.
Kids adore Gaudi's crazy Sagrada Familia, the high-spired church that soars above the skyline. Pay to take the elevator up and then climb down the tight spiral staircase – your kids will be thrilled.
Barcelona;s beachfront was developed during the Olympics, it's now a relaxing way to spend an afternoon with the kids after too much busy city-touring.
Another great kid pleaser is the aerial tram ride up to Montjuic where older kids may enjoy the Olympics museum or a quick stop in the Miro museum.
Villa Cosmica
Villa Cosmica is located on the south side of Puerto Vallarta, far away from the noise, where only the sound of wild birds and the whispering of the waves colliding in the ocean will awaken you every morning. Enjoy this 5 bedroom house, where all bedrooms surround a beautiful swimming pool with a Jacuzzi for 10 people and the most marvellous view to the bay is just a glance away from you. All the bedrooms have air conditioning, also our T.V. room with a game table and SKY cable at your service. Our living room, in the center of the villa is open to the breeze, under a beautiful palapa roof with a small bar to pamper all your senses.
Bedrooms: 5 Sleeps: 10 Baths: 6
Floors: 2 Parking Space: 2 Year Built: 2007
Size of Unit: 450 sq. mts.
Period Nightly Weekly Monthly
Jan 6, 2009 – Apr 30, 2009 $1,495.00 $10,465.00 N/A
May 1, 2009 – Nov 15, 2009 $978.00 $6,846.00 N/A
Nov 16, 2009 – Dec 17, 2009 $1,495.00 $10,465.00 N/A
Dec 18, 2009 – Jan 5, 2010 $1,840.00 $12,880.00 N/A
Jan 6, 2010 – Apr 30, 2010 $1,495.00 $10,465.00 N/A
May 1, 2010 – Nov 15, 2010 $978.00 $6,846.00 N/A
Nov 16, 2010 – Dec 17, 2010 $1,495.00 $10,465.00 N/A
Dec 18, 2010 – Jan 5, 2011 $1,840.00 $12,880.00 N/A
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Gay Friendly Puerto Vallarta
Nestled between the lush jungle greenery of the Sierra Madre Mountains and the sparkling waters of one of the world’s largest bays, The Bay of Banderas, Puerto Vallarta has earned an international reputation as one of the best Gay tourist cities in the world.
Being a port city and a destination for many cruise lines including RSVP and Atlantis, Puerto Vallarta is tolerant and abundant with all things gay.
The center of the activity is the charming section of old town known as The Zona Romantica. Here you will find cobbled streets, red tiled roofs and lovely white washed buildings rich with Spanish architecture. Many gay owned and gay friendly businesses including restaurants, bars, shops and art galleries for every pallet and taste, fill the narrow streets of this splendid fishing village.
Coming Events
There are no scheduled events.
Most tourists spend their day on the gay beach. With its white sand and raging surf Playa Los Muertos is the place to be and be seen. Find a deck chair, sit back and relax and let the friendly servers indulge you with great cocktails and yummy food while you unwind and watch whales and dolphins frolic in the blue ocean waters. If beaching is not for you, Puerto Vallarta offers many gay tours to fill your days. Bay cruises, horseback riding through the jungle, bike rides along the Rio Cuale and canopy tours are just a few of the many activities available.
Late afternoon the roof top bars of the gay hotels offer entertainment and a place to enjoy and view spectacular sunsets. These lively spots are crowded with beautiful men and women drinking, laughing and sharing their stories. After the sun sinks into the ocean, it’s time for dinner. From internationally recognized 5 star restaurants to small local eateries Puerto Vallarta is a foody’s delight. At last count, Puerto Vallarta boosted over 1100 restaurants of every description. Haute cuisine to meatloaf, the list of places to dine is extensive and wonderful.
Being a top gay destination, Puerto Vallarta offers more gay bars and dance clubs than most mid-sized American cities. Cantinas, martini bars, stripper and drag shows and fabulous dance clubs await you. As some of the clubs serve until 6am, most are not busy until 1am, so it is advisable to take that all important ¨Disco nap¨ before heading out.
While the vast majority of gay travelers are from Canada and the United States, Vallarta, recently has seen an increase in gay tourists from Europe and as far away as Australia. Gay men and women world wide are discovering and falling in love with the little spot of paradise that is Puerto Vallarta, making it Mexico’s and perhaps the world’s, gay mecca.
It’s good to be gay and it’s great to travel to such a gay friendly resort town. Puerto Vallarta beckons and embraces its gay tourists and it will be a spot you will return to often.
Agree that the skiing is absolutely terrific – the tram to the top of the mountain makes this resort absolutely awesome top to bottom. But I think there is one level of skier/rider who would have trouble – the advanced beginner or beginning intermediate. There isn't as much terrain to select for this group. But it's a resort that you definitely have to experience at least once – and you might get hooked and never want to go anywhere else!
It's important to start 'em young! Of all the family vacations you can pick that can last through the decades, skiing is the very best. When the kids are little you get a break because they're having fun in ski school. When they're older and more accomplished you can ski together. When they're teens and are whizzing past you, you can still ride up the chairlift with them and have them to yourself in the condo. Then when they're in college, you get to spend quality time with them on the slopes and in the condo because you're buying your lift ticket. It's a family vacation that can continue on as a tradition until you're too old to strap on a pair of skis…
i think many accidents occur when new teen or young men (and sometimes women) who are not very experienced are out with their much-more experienced pals. They get talked into trying a part of the mountain that is too much for them and then they try to keep up. They get themselves into trouble that way and often are injured.
If you are looking into hostels and you are a family, call the hostel to get a sense of the character of the place. We went to a hostel once with our elementary age kids(not in a ski area) and it was filled with young 20 somethings and teens having lots of fun – smoking pot in the parking lot, partying, etc. Even though some hostels have family rooms, if the place is full of kids it can be uncomfortable. Some hostels do have older visitors and more families, so it pays to ask.
Don't forget to plan some time to see some of the other attractions in Monterey, like the aquarium, which has an amazing sea horse exhibition coming up and take a drive to Point Lobos to hike around and Big Sur to see some of California's most spectacular coastline. Have lunch at Nepenthe in Big Sur.
Great advice and some fun ideas for new places to try. thanks for sharing your family secrets!
All of Wyoming is a great destination with kids, but my family especially loved this place because it is really a unique bit of the Old West. Definitely worth a detour!
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The 25-year-old tour company Wildland Tours has a family vacation package for 2009. It will be a great multi-generational adventure for folks who like whales, puffins, comfortable hotels, and the many wonders of Newfoundland.
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Great article- I am a resident of oregon and my family and I enjoy the coast and central oregon. Oregon has some of the best fishing in the northwest and such a diverse climate to choose from year round. The weather is very tempermental and almost impossible to plan around so bring a rain coat and sunglasses. I think this article gave a pretty good overview of everything that Oregon has to offer.
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Just wanted to add that we're on Central Daylight Time and now open at 9:30 am (Holiday World) and 10:30 am (Splashin' Safari). In 2009, we're introducing the World's Tallest Water Ride, Pilgrims Plunge, plus the new (free) HoliWatch program which will help separated family members find each other during their visit.