Top Five Must-See Attractions In Cebu

Sun, sand and sea

Surrounded by 167 islands, Cebu is the seaside jewel in the crown of the Philippines' tourist industry. Scuba divers should make a beeline for the clear waters and underwater mountain of Kansatik Island, although all of the other islands offer fascinating submerged wonders like black coral, sea snakes and colorful fish. Connected directly to the main island of Cebu by bridge, Mactan Island is the most popular place to stay, and offers a wide range of facilities for most tastes.

No matter how wonderful that turquoise sea and silvery beach might be, most visitors will sometimes need to mix things up by abandoning the sun's rays for the day and seek out the interesting culture and history of the Filipinos. The most sought after Cebu hotel offerings provide beach access.

Magellan's Cross and Lapu Lapu Monument

Well, he probably would be [cross, that is] if he was able to talk, but Magellan was actually killed here while attempting to convert some of the islanders to Christianity. Having given his name to the treacherous straits around Cape Horn in South America, he first arrived in Cebu in 1521 and planted a cross on the beach when he landed. This has now been placed inside another cross in Cebu's Basilica Minor del Santo Nino; with the Philippines being an active Catholic country, the cross is a major symbol of Filipino history and their faith.

After initial success in converting Cebu to Christianity, Magellan crossed the narrow strait to Mactan Island with the same purpose but was killed on arrival. His opponent was the island's chieftain, Lapu Lapu, who also has some support today as a defender of the islands. Erected in memory of these events, the monument has been sited where Magellan met his end, and is now set in delightful gardens containing several good seafood restaurants.

Guitar factories

Tourism is undeniably important for the Cebu economy but they have retained at least one other industry: making guitars. Not surprising perhaps as this is historically a Spanish instrument rather than today's world icon of pop music. Visitors are usually welcomed at the factory gates, and can see how these instruments are made as well as taking the opportunity to buy one at a competitive price.

Fort San Pedro

Unsurprisingly, the arrival of Christianity did not stop conflict in these islands, so the diminutive but strategically important fort of San Pedro was built in 1565. Since then, it has housed a number of rulers until after the Japanese were evicted in WWII, when it became a garden and museum. Your Cebu resort can assist you with travel plans for getting to and from the major attractions.

Taoist Temple

Catholicism is certainly the main religion of the Philippines but other cultures have managed to enter these islands too. Islam has a strong and occasionally rebellious minority in the south, but around the sweeping arc of the Pacific rim you will inevitably find a local Chinese community, often preserving their own beliefs and culture. Downtown Cebu has a good example of a Taoist temple, containing 81 steps, one for each chapter of Taoist scripture, and is well worth a visit.

About the Author

Lek Boonlert is an editor and content reviewer at DirectRooms and is responsible for all Cebu Hotels content.