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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“We could change our clothes less often and the world more often.”
Wow. Just… wow.
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Thanks for writing. I hear you and respect your view point. I guess it's all in the attitude and approach. Just concerned that the spas may promote a self-centered attitude, but you don't think so and that's cool.
Best
I love holidays and weekend breaks. Recently we stay at an authentic Castle in France.
It would be good to have more chains like Premier Inn, especially in Europe
Inn
Give Kids the world
Dreams for some, Nightmears for others
Everyone that visits Give Kids the World comes out very please, that's because of the great treatment and better yet for its facilities, well thats what people see from the outside what goes on inside is a different story. The worse this that could ever happend to any one trying to provide for their home, I am a ex-employee and I want the world to know while you may see all of us with a smile in our face, thats not what we truly feel. In this company there is what's called competition for power, also hatred between employees and most of all ethnic racism there is no such thing as employee relationship due to the bad administration that depends on what people can say there for approving of those they like and getting rid of those that they don't that many not occure with all hispanics only with those thats are not liked.The sad part about all of this is that every conversation White American has with their Group is no simpler then how they are going to get rid of the next guy without even investigate anything about that person as has happend in the past few months all put together but a group whos leader is Richard Bortula (profecional racist) and has use people like Jhon Bushko to put together stories about all the hispanic which get carried out to the person in charge of executing their employees no matter how profecional or respectful they are whith out any respect the person I am talking about is Neal McCord Acompanied by the person in charge of human resorces Taberi Scott(another racist). She is in charge of dismising inocent hispanic for no operant reason yet the other American who have been know for several offences and untocheble for these two people. The last thing is when Richard Bortula uses two other latins to accuse another latin of racism that leading to his dissmisal and not giving him any explanation not even the benefit of the doubt. Ladies and Gentelments unfortunately this is an institute were the main goal is to provide well being and happy relationships but all of this happenings is due to the administration once again. All I have to say is, what kind of dreams is a kiss going to have when his or her dad cant buy them a chritsmas present, This is not a dream this is a Nightmear.
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Fecka (2009) has isolated tannins and polyphenols from Rosa Canina. Polyphenols act as antioxidants. They protect cells and body chemicals against damage caused by free radicals, reactive atoms that contribute to tissue damage in the body. In addition, polyphenols also activate the key enzyme (AMP kinase) that can exert an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the activation of inducible inflammatory proteins that normally occurs once the innate immune system has been activated.
A study done by Roschek et al (2009) has shown that Sambucus Nigra (Black Elder) has flavonoids which bind to and prevent H1N1 infection.
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I don't get why Brian Head is up there – it does have a lovely ski school for kids but it can't even come close to the other areas you mention or many other western US resorts for a family experience. It's really a day trip for people who live in Las Vegas!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful story. You make some great points and I hope to have the experience you did one day.
I especially like that you wish that kind of eye-opening experience for the people you care about too.
Can anyone tell me where I can buy golden russet apples.
Thanks
I did my essay on Honduras too! How refreshing 🙂
Vanessa, great article! Another great source of both domestic and international vacation condos/resorts/villas/homes is http://www.VacationValuesClub.com With over 2 Million weeks in 200 countries, there are a lot of choices at prices that are really affordable- especially for a family. Check it out
I love Europe!
We get many questions from parents about their kids traveling within the US, over state lines, with guardians other than their parents.
It is illegal to cross U.S. state lines with a minor without custodial parents' consent, and the age of "minors" varies across the states. However, the families within this travel community have never complained about having a problem when inviting friends of their children along on a trip, for example, so we have little experience with this issue.
Therefore, this article is for travel outside the United States, where there are clear international laws in place to prevent international child abduction.
Within the US, temporary guardians should use the same permission to travel letter as well as medical treatment authorization letter noted at the end of the article, when possible.
Keep in mind that these laws are in place to allow authorities to investigate a traveling party if they notice suspicious activity (such as children who resist going with adults). Of course, the majority of travelers will never be stopped and questioned. For most of you, if the birth parents are easily available by phone, then making a daytrip should not be a problem.
nice to know 😀
What a great article! We went to Tulum a few years back, before we had kids, and loved staying in the $15 cabanas on the beach but always wondered how to go back with the little ones … you have given us an option!
I would like to know if a permission letter from my son and Daughter inlaw and my grand Daughters birth certificate is enough to take my 10 yr old grand daughter
on a day trip in to the U.S.A
I agree that these ski trips are expensive, and although I enjoy going with the family I don't ski, and have no urge to learn at my age. I love going with the family however, but spend all my time at the spa and the lounge in front of the fire.
In this article the author comes across as the typical 'progressive' who feels apologetic about their country.
I found online trip planning tools to be a great resource when i wsa planning our reunion. Nice sites for planning are http://www.triporama.com and tripit.com. We planned out our hotels through http://www.groople.com and once through http://www.hotelscouter.com All the resources can be found with simple searches online. It used to be much different when we were growing with actual maps and stopping for directions.
Planning an event, whether large or small, can be a challenge
Hi, a tutu is what we would call a taxi in Anerica. They get you from one place to another and they are mad so different. They don’t have doors on them, they can fit about 3-4 people in them. They don’t have a steering wheel what the driver drive with is made like a motorcyle steering wheel. They are so fun and amazing… If you would visit the website at the bottom of my article you will get a chance to see one… Thanks for your interest in my article…
We are off to the Whitsundays with our two girls for ten days and the article sounds great. We're provisioning ourselves though, as we save alot of money each time we sail from Shute Harbour. We've also practised man-overboard procedure in our pool and have increased the frequency of our girls swimming lessons and have stinger suits.
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Nice article. I have traveled Ireland many times and loved staying in Self Catering vacation rentals. It's like having a home form home and provides lots of space for the kids.
"parents …will find that the special infant fare is currently offered on all major domestic airlines;" Not all of them. "Delta does not offer discounted infant and child fares for travel within the domestic U.S." according to their website.
Made my mouth water. A great piece. Can't wait to return to discover the places you did and we didn't.
Great piece! Very insightful!
what a fascinating article
it certainly makes the cove palace come to life
seems like a great place to go
alison you brought it to life
We did a similar trip when our daughter was 6 at Club Med. However, that was much more costly and with fewer options.
This sounds great.
I loved reading your article. Our family tends to vacation your USUAL way (that is, no big all- inclusive resort package) yet reading your piece I realized how much our teenage kids would enjoy that type of experience- whoa! A teenage LOUNGE? Cool!! So if indeed such a holiday can be had as you say at an economic price- why not? Who knows, maybe next time we might just head down to Mexico ourselves- the easy way!
PS: We are interested in Eastern Europe and are considering a family holiday in Serbia or Croatia- Any suggestions? Maybe there are some good family deals over there?
Indy is a great place to visit … so many things to do, yet very walkable and convenient. And affordable.
"Chinggis" Tourist Camp is located in the Southern Part of Terelj National Park ( GPS: N47°49.893', E107° 31.339') in the beautiful natural Tuul river Nomad's Sacred Valley of streams, pine trees with mountains and steppes in the background , just 55km (25miles) from Ulaanbaatar city."Chinggis" Tourist Camp is Highly recommended by "Lonely Planet Mongolia", by the author Michael Kohn and Mongolian Tourism Board. "Chinggis" Tourist Camp, was inaugurated in July 2002 in memory of "Chinggis" Khaan's 840th Birthday Celebration!.This lovely traditional tourist camp owned by Samar Magic Tours LLC, lies on the bank of "Tuul" river between 107°31'29" Longitude and 47°49'32'' Latitude. The average altitude is 1446m (4338 feet) above sea level. "
-A 40 meter (~133,3 feet) Statue of "Chinggis" Khaan on a big horse on Tsonjin Boldog Hill is located just ~3kms (~1,5miles) to "Chinggis" Tourist Camp.
-Around 15km (~7.5miles) Southeast of the "Chinggis" Tourist Camp is an 8th-century Turkic Stele of Tonyukuk.
Hi Shamita,
What’s a tutu… it sounds pretty funny.
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Whew!*sigh of relief* Fathers are really amazing, they can comfort you whenever possible. This post made me realize that diffrent people has diffrent cultures, it just that, sometimes, we need to trust others, as one saying goes “If you’ll never learn to trust, how can you find the good guys?” 😉
Life’s really like that, sometimes, learnings come from unexpected places. Good for you atleast that experience made you a better person.:)
hi to all my family?
The author mentions 2 highly regarded companies, Nabila Tours and Sonesta, an American hotel chain that has boats on the Nile. Both companies have links in the story, and both can help with land arrangements as well.
Another author traveled with Oberoi Tours, an Indian hotel chain with Nile boats, and loved her trip. You can read about it on http://www.travelBIGO.com.
For more help, please fill out a Custom Trip Plan request form at this link: http://www.travelbigo.com/trip_plans/new and we'd be glad to help you.
Wish all the family have a nice time in China.
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RoomSaver's website says that they are available in all of the lower 48 states, so they are no longer limited to 33. I love using them myself, both for the discounts as well as the free maps! I even follow them on Facebook and Twitter!
Who can you recommend to book us an organized tour for a family of three. Travel would be between December 21, 2009 and January 1, 2010.
This is such a good story and you make a really good point about how people — often more than places — make up the travel experience. I hope I sit next to you on a plane some day.
hello, i would like to spend ma holidays in engaging in that forum, so i need an invitation letter. Hope to hear from u.
Ruth.
I'm goin to travel to another state to see my family, and my cousin wants me to take her 6month baby boy so the family can meet him. What kind of form would I need in order for me to travel with my cousin's baby?
Please e-mail me and I woild appreciate your help.
wonderful!!
Please send me a copy of letter of concent so that I may use it to travel with my children Thank you