Bask iin Cebu's Treasures

Cebu, the country's fastest growing economy andeast towards the resort areas for beachside fun and
home to a thriving metropolis, is for most people asightseeing and then end your trek northwest at the
premier tourist destination. Its strategic location alsoLapu-lapu shrine at Punta Engaño, the spot
makes it the perfect gateway to more exotic andwhere the Battle of Mactan took place.
remote spots of the central and southern Philippines.When you had enough of the hustle and bustle of
But as any experienced tourist would say, Cebu-withthe city, the beaches offer a different kind of tourist
its physical beauty and cultural allure-will already eatfare. Cebu has dozens of international-standard
up so much of your time for you to even think ofresorts where you can swim, snorkel, windsurf or
going elsewhere.dive.
Even its geographical trait somehow contributes toMactan Island offers topnotch resort facilities and
Cebu's tourist-friendliness. A thin sliver of an island,some of the best diving spots in the country. It is a
many of the best beaches are not more than anhuge coral island that's only a short distance from the
hour's drive from the center. You can go snorkeling allmainland and is equally famous for rope and
day and still have ample time to go back to the cityguitar-making. At the eastern coast, a virtual paradise
and dress up for a cocktail at night.for residents and tourists, are some of the best
So where does a first-time tourist go to in Cebu?white beaches, many of which have been developed
Visiting its famous landmarks is a good starting pointas top-rate resorts. Best bets: Shangri-la's Mactan
as this is a great way to swing around the city andIsland Resort, Coral Reef, Tambuli, Maribago
meet Cebuanos who can offer you information onBluewaters, etc. All of them offer adequate facilities
other interesting places. A 3-hour tour within a 20-kmfor tourists.
radius will transport you through time where houses,Tucked away in Sogod in the north is the Cebu Club
churches and municipal buildings date back to the firstPacific, a resort far from the maddening crowd and
settlements established by the Spaniards in the 16thalready famous for its nude beach. Down south, try
century.the Tourist Seaside Hotel in Talisay, which is a short
You may start your trip at Fort San Pedro, the first15-km drive from the city. Badian Island Resort at
Spanish fort built on Philippine soil, which now housesBadian is a must-see, as well as Pescador Island
the regional office of the National Museum. CurrentlyResort off the town of Moalboal, a famous coastal
on exhibit is a miniature replica of the San Diego, atown along the southwest end of the island. Argao
16th century Spanish galleon which sunk 20 milesBeach Club on the southeastern coast is popular
south of Manila Bay in 1600. The sunken galleon,among divers and windsurfers.
recovered 5 years ago, yielded one of the richestFor those who want to rough it up, there are other
finds in history with vast amount of gold andbeach resorts near the city, including Duawon, Tongo,
silverware, ivories, stoneware, earthenware, porcelainAquarius, Beachline, etc., all on the Mactan east coast.
and many other artifacts.Good beaches can also be found in the coastal towns
From Fort San Pedro, you may walk over toof Liloan, Consolacion, Compostela, Danao and
Magallañes street where you will find Magellan'sCarmen in the north, and in the Talisay towns of
cross and the only Catholic Basilica in East Asia-theTanke, Pook and Dumlog.
Sto. Niño Basilica. It is the center of devotionAlready famous as the diving center of the
and religious pilgrimage throughout the Visayas andPhilippines, Cebu offers excellent dive sites of up to
home to the original statue of the Sto. Niño or150 feet deep, where the spectacular underwater
the infant Jesus. It was given by Magellan to Queenscenery never fails to leave divers enchanted. Sogod,
Juana, the wife of Cebu's King Humabon.near the northern tip of the island, is excellent for
Passing over the shadows of the old buildings alongcliff diving. So are Buyong in Mactan Island, where
Osmeña boulevard is Colon street-the oldestnight diving is the latest craze. Moalboal is the diving
street in the Philippines which is now a subject of acapital where coral formations and marine life are
major restoration effort by the Women'sbreathtaking.
International League. A side trip at the famed CarbonMore adventurous divers will proceed further south
Market is also highly suggested. This is where the richwhere Cebu juts out towards Bohol island. Here the
harvest of fresh fruits of Cebu and neighboringunderwater precipices of Panglao and Balicasag and
islands first go on sale. You may then proceed on athe Sumilon island marine sanctuary, off the town of
trek to the Beverly Hills where the Taoist TempleOslob on the southern tip of the island, offer great
rises to a commanding view of the city.views. Farther on, Pamilican Island offers a rare sight
Another 2-3 hour route brings you to significantof huge manta rays during mating rituals.
historical spots in Lapulapu City and Mactan. From theAfter all these tempting description of Cebu, are you
Mandaue-Mactan Bridge, turn right towards thestill not itching to pack up your stuff and fly en
market plaza and Opon Church, the center of localpronto? Why wait for the tourist rush? Now is a
commerce in Mactan Island. From there you maygood time. Any time is a good time because-and this
proceed towards Abuno, where many of Cebu'sis the best piece of information you can get-Cebu
famed guitar factories are located. You may continuehas fine weather all year long!