Cebu is a province in the Philippines, consisting of Cebu Island and 167 surrounding islands. It is located to the east of Negros, to the west of Leyte and Bohol islands. Cebu is a long narrow island stretching 225 kilometers from north to south, surrounded by 167 neighbouring, smaller islands, which include Mactan, Bantayan, Malapascua, Olango and the Camotes Islands. Cebu has narrow coastlines, limestone plateaus and coastal plains. It is also has rolling hills and rugged mountain ranges traversing the northern and southern lengths of the island. Its capital is Cebu City, the oldest city in the Philippines, which forms part of the Cebu Metropolitan Area together with four neighbor cities which include Danao City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City and Talisay City and eight other municipalities. Mactan-Cebu International Airport, located in Mactan island, is the second busiest airport in the Philippines.
Cebu is one of the most developed provinces in the Philippines, with Cebu City as the main center of commerce, trade, education and industry in the Visayas. Cebu City is also known as the Queen City of the South and branded as one of the most livable city, with a population of more than 2 million (census of 2007 whole province of Cebu) , boasts of famed Cebuano hospitality and faith, reputable economic activity, competitive administration and renowned scenic spots. For foreign tourists, it is considered the best mix of modern city convenience with tropical lifestyle.
Festival
Sinulog Festival is one of the grandest and most colorful festivals in the Philippines with a very rich history. The main festival is annually held on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City, Philippines. The festival features some of the country's most colorful displays of pomp and pageantry: participants garbed in bright-colored costumes dance to the rhythm of drums, trumpets, and native gongs.
(Tribu Lingganay of Alangalang, Leyte - Grand Champion Free Interpretation Category, Sinulog Festival 2012)
Climate
Though Cebu has two official seasons, Dry and Wet, rainfall is usually not particularly high. The wet season usually comes from June to December, while the dry season comes from January until May. Rainfall is highest in June and July. Cebu's temperatures can reach a high of 36 degree celsius from March to May, to as low as 18 degrees at the mountains during the cooler season from October to January. The average temperature in Cebu is around 24 to 32 degree celsius, and does not fluctuate much except for the month of May, which is the highest month.
Landmarks/Tourist spots
* Basilica Minore del Santo Niño- the church was built by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Fr. Andres Urdaneta on the site where the image of Santo Niño was found in 1565.
* Fort San Pedro- the smallest and oldest tri-bastion fort in the country. Served as the hub of the Spanish settlement in the Philippines. Has total inner area of 2,025 sq. meters, with the walls being 20 feet high and 8 feet thick. The tower stands approx 30 feet high from the ground level.
* Magellan's Cross - when Magellan traveled from Spain to the Philippines in 1521, he brought with him a wooden cross. This cross was planted at a place called Sugbu, now Cebu, to symbolize the colonization of the country on behalf of King Philip II of Spain. To preserve the cross the original has been encased in an outer layer of tindalo wood, mounted on a concrete pedestal, and housed in a tile-roofed kiosk. The ceiling of the kiosk is adorned with a painting depicting the landing of Magellan in Cebu and the planting of the original cross on the shore.
* Lapu Lapu Shrine - inspired by his success in bringing Christianity to the people of Cebu, Ferdinand Magellan crossed the narrow channel to Mactan Island in an effort to spread the Catholic faith. Whilst still wading to the shore, he was killed by island chieftain Lapu Lapu leading his army of men during the battle for supremacy and freedom on April 27, 1521. Magellan's body was never recovered and in 1866 a marker was erected as a monument to this great explorer, marking the spot that Magellan was slain. However this is a nice place to visit, the grounds are very well kept and you can have a great seafood meal in one of the several fish restaurants next to the shrine.
* Cebu Taoist Temple- preserving the teaching of Lao-Tse, the 600 B.C. Chinese philosopher, the Temple offers a nice break from the hustle and bustle of down town Cebu.
* Tops - situated around 2,000 feet above sea level up in the cool hills of Busay is Tops. It is a very popular sight-seeing spot offering a stunning view of Metro Cebu, the island of Mactan and Olango & even Bohol. There are kiosks available for daytime picnics and instant evening parties.
* Beach resorts
-Malapascua Island is both a peaceful, remote tropical island with an awesome beach, and a diver's paradise destination. There are some fantastic dive sites near the island, the most famous being the Thresher Shark dive. The island is 3 kilometers long and 1 kilometer wide, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. A walk or tour of the whole island can be done within half a day. Malapascua Hotels and Resorts are mostly budget hotels, but the higher end hotels are of good value.
-Bantayan Island is located at the northernmost tip of Cebu mainland and is composed of three municipalities, namely Sta. Fe, Bantayan and Madridejos. Aside from having one of the oldest churches in the Visayas and Mindanao, it is also known for its massive white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Bantayan Hotels and Resorts dotting the island's shores offer a mix of local and international cuisines as well as vast arrays of fresh seafood to choose from. It would take you several days to completely explore the Bantayan Island.
-Moalboal is on the Cebu Island mainland; an easy 90km from Cebu City. It is famed for some of the best diving in the Philippines, and its white sandy beaches. The nightlife is generally calm and relaxed. During the day, there are waterfalls and caves and other beautiful sights to be explored.
Hotels
There is a wide range of Cebu Hotels and Resorts that cater to tourist and business travelers, and is usually the jumping off point to other Cebu Island hotel destinations.
Crown Regency Hotel Fuente - At the center of Cebu City, Philippines rises the Fuente Towers, hosting the prestigious Crown Regency Hotel & Towers. The tallest structure outside Metro Manila, the 23-storey, 22,000-square meter Fuente 1 and its equally arresting twin the 38-storey, 36,000-square meter Fuente Tower 2 majestically tower over the Queen City of the South. Its location on Fuente Osmeña and right in the pulse of Cebu City places Crown Regency Hotel and Towers in close proximity to the major points of commerce and recreation. Crown Regency Hotel & Tower is an emblematic marriage of monumental form and high technology.
Marriott Hotel - (5 stars) Located at Cardinal Rosales Avenue, Cebu City, features spacious air-conditioned rooms, fitness center, restaurants, and superb event facilities.
Marco Polo Plaza Cebu - (5 stars)Is located in the prestigious Nivel Hills district where it dominates the Cebu City skyline. The hotel is surrounded by 7.5 hectares of lush greenery, and is 25 minutes from Mactan International Airport and only 10 minutes from the business and commercial centers of Cebu City. The 329 well-appointed guest rooms and suites are equipped with wireless broadband internet.
Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu - Located on the intersection of Sergio Osmeña Boulevard and San Jose de la Montaña Avenue, the Radisson Blu Hotel is the perfect base for exploring the best Cebu City attractions, from white sand beaches and fantastic dive spots to historical sites, such as Magellan's Cross and Colon Street. With an in-house spa, fitness centre, business centre, 800-meter swimming pool and an exclusive Radisson Club Lounge, guarantees a relaxing stay in the Central Philippines.
Waterfront Cebu City Hotel -It has 562 well-appointed guestrooms with complete room amenities to include minibar, safety deposit box, and centralized air conditioning with individual thermostat control, non-smoking floors, and executive floor. Room components consist of 2 Presidential suites, 1 Chairman's suite, 1 Penthouse suite, 14 Executive suites, 39 Deluxe suites, 165 Deluxe rooms, 85 superior rooms, 232 standard rooms, 10 Ambassador Suite and 13 Ambassador rooms. The health club has a Fitness Advantage Gym, Swimming pool, and 24-hour Room service massage. Other facilities and services include a Business Center with full convention secretarial support, bank, limousine and car rental, tour and travel counter, shopping arcade, clinic, babysitting, laundry, barber/beauty salon, safety deposit boxes, extensive basement parking and 24-hour casinos.
How to travel to Cebu by Air
Air transportation to and from Cebu is possible nearby as well as internationally. Amongst the national carriers - Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, Air Philippines, and Zest Air - are the most common airplanes that land at Mactan International Airport. Amongst the international carriers, Silk Air arrives from Singapore. From Hongkong, the carriers landing in the airport are Cathay Pacific and Cebu Pacific. Qatar Airways has a direct connection to Mactan Airport from the Middle East countries. From Manila, direct flights to Cebu are made at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
By water - Super Ferry and Negros Navigation are some of the more comfortable means of transportation from Manila or Davao or Iloilo to Cebu. To go island hopping, bancas (local boats) are the best means of transportation.
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