With its city-meets-natural paradise vibes, Cebu doesn’t disappoint as a destination for your well-deserved breaks. Thanks to the new resort-themed terminal in the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) (read: a more pleasant and less congested airport!), the city is bound to be your next favorite tropical haven. Here are 18 reasons why:
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Kawasan Falls
Located in a little town called Alegria, Kawasan Falls is the ultimate destination for thrill-seekers. Don’t forget to tick canyoneering off your bucket list while you’re there!
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Dao Waterfalls
Take a bus and a habal-habal ride from the city proper, and you’ll get to see the enchanting Dao Waterfalls of Samboan.
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Tumalog Falls
This one is closer to the city, and the sight is a-m-a-z-i-n-g.
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Tan-Awan, Oslob
Here’s where you can go whale shark-watching. Tourists are allowed to go snorkeling and swim with the school of butanding that visit Oslob. Just make sure you listen to the orientation prior to the experience and follow all the rules for the sake of the endangered species!
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Pescador Island
If you want to swim with other marine creatures, check out Pescador Island. You can even spot dolphins if you’re lucky!
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Sumilon Island
Also in Oslob, the island of Sumilon is the perfect retreat if you just want to do a little exploring and a lot of chilling. Don’t forget to take snaps of the lovely white sandbar along the beach!
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Tingko Beach
Located in Alcoy, Tingko Beach can get crowded during the weekends since locals and tourists flock to the area, but who could resist that spectacular shoreline?
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Mactan Island
When you find yourself in Mactan, don’t hesitate to book an island-hopping tour! Go snorkeling or diving or relax on the pristine beaches in Mactan!
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Malapascua Island
Malapascua is a hub for divers. Aside from various corals and fish, you might be able spot thresher sharks and manta rays. There are several beaches to swim in: Bounty Beach, Kalanggaman Island, and Langob Beach.
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Bantayan Island
This isolated spot lets you enjoy peace and quiet plus amazing panoramic sunsets. Beyond the tranquil beach, you can explore cave spring pools and mangrove gardens.
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Cebu Taoist Temple
To feel like you’re in Taiwan or Hong Kong, head to the Taoist Temple in the Beverly Hills Subdivision of Cebu City. Remember that it’s a religious structure, so mind the rules (i.e. there’s a dress code, silence must be observed, and you can’t take photos everywhere you please).
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Temple of Leah
Built by Ellen Adarna’s grandfather in honor of her grandmother, the Temple of Leah lets you in on the family’s heritage and antique collections. Aside from the mythology-inspired structures, there’s a library, an art gallery, and a museum in this 24-chamber building.
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Terrazas de Flores
With well-manicured terraces and colorful flowers, this botanical garden in Busay, Cebu is begging to be Instagrammed. When the heat and the pagod get to you, you can retreat to one of the cabanas in the garden or take a break with snacks and drinks in their café.
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Sky Experience Adventure
Attention adrenaline junkies! Why not include the Crown Regency Hotel’s Sky Experience Adventure in your itinerary? Ride the Edge Coaster for a thrilling view while you’re 130 meters above the ground, or walk on the edge of the skyscraper through the Skywalk Extreme.
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The Tops Lookout
Whether you visit during the daytime or after the sun sets, the Tops Lookout treats you to a breathtaking view of the city.
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Adventure Parks
Check out Danasan Eco Adventure Park in Danao City for other exciting attractions. Try rappelling, ATV or “sky bike” rides, and the “Sky Drop” (a 130-feet swing). Alternatively, you can head to the JVR Island in the Sky Resort along the Cebu Transcentral Highway.
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CnT Lechon
You can’t visit the city without trying legit Cebu lechon, and CnT is one of the restaurants that offer the crispiest and best-tasting roasts. There are various locations in Cebu, including the ones in Guadalupe, North Reclamation Area, Ayala Center, and SM Seaside City.
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Lantaw Floating Restaurant in Cordova
This popular establishment drives crowds for their offering of local specialties. Try the seafood stews, spicy scallops, and the creatively prepared Cordova Express.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓Bonus: Right beside the Lantaw Floating Restaurant in Cordova is the famous 10,000 Roses Café & More. It’s a must-visit attraction in Cebu, especially if you’ve yet to see the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in South Korea.
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