Fun Things to Do in Cebu

Asia’s slice of heaven wanders around in bits and pieces along the Philippine shoreline. Cebu is one lucky city that gets to be a part of a marine experience than none other. The ambrosial blue waters, the simmering sun that glitters on its waves and the most exciting marine creatures. Come home to a sand-filled castle on the beaches of Philippines . Several activities make you wander the vast blue oceans and dip your feet in the pristine waters that are home to some of the most magnificent marine wildlife. Some of these include -green turtles, anemonefishes, the blue rings octopus, the mighty whale shark, squabbling porcelain crabs, and so many varieties of native fish. Cebu is home to some of the richest wildlife ecosystems around its various islands. There is growing magnanimity in the picturesque locations around Cebu and its islands.The city hosts wonderful marine tours, which include island hopping to watching the calm waters. It is also famous for its whale watching excursions.These things to do in Cebu surely blow you away.

The most accessible island in the Philippines is the Cebu island that houses Philippine's second-largest city - the Cebu city and some of the world-class diving spots ever discovered. This Island of Visayas in the Philippines archipelago is home to diverse marine wildlife as well as enchanting water plants that set the canvas ablaze with their beauty. On the western coast of Cebu city lies Moalboal, which is predominantly famous for its Pescador island. With intense topography and abundant marine wildlife, this funnel-shaped island attracts a lot of tourists for its sardines storm. Around 1 million fish huddle up together to form one group and imagine seeing five such groups of Sardine fish. This intensity and the volume of each group beats the other, the flowing magnificence with which they swish through the water makes leaves you awestruck.Creating wonderful whirlpools with their movements in groups, sardines storm is one of the most sought-after natural views for tourists.An overwhelming experience, watching twirling sardines in abundance is a sight for sore eyes.

Watching marine life, especially the whale sharks, are among the popular things to do in Cebu. Catapulted to the eyes of the world, the small village of Tanawan in Oslob is famous for its gentle giants.It is home to more than eleven cetacean species and a variety of whales that differ in pattern as well as size. It is not uncommon to see the flapping tails of the whale shark and illusions of its movements submerged in the sea. The ferociously beautiful creature sports wonderful moves and is a sight that leaves you stunned. Apart from the whale, as mentioned above shark its other cousins can also be spotted in the Tañon Strait. Occasionally appearing, the pygmy killer whales and the dwarf sperm whales. Not a fan of deep-sea diving and snorkeling? Don’t worry, the whales come near the boats and provide you with an HD view of their magnificent movements. These spotted creatures make up for some of the most sought-after attractions in Cebu and all around the Philippine Islands. Submerge yourself in this wonderful whale shark watching experience.

With a deep and cultural life, the people of Cebu proudly hold their fort with great honor. A well-established trading hub in the past, a city that has shaped itself through the yes of different ethnicities and their vigorous energies, Cebu is a culturally vibrant city. There are a lot of fun things to din Cebu, which will be recreational but will also tend to the need for culturally exploring this magnificent and enthralling city. A staunch catholic city with over 80 percent of practitioners, Cebu still manages to mark itself as a unique cultural hub. A wealth of culture is derived from the Spanish, Malay and other influences in Cebu. The annual Sinulog festival kept in Cebu is the epitome of Santo Niño celebrations across the country. This is an emblem of the syncretic nature of Filipino Catholicism. Apart from this, the city observes a Eurocentric approach to art. There are several historic picturesque sights such as that of the quaint fort San Pedro, its neighboring heritage buildings as well as the Basilica del Minore Sto, Niño, and the site of the Magellan’s Cross pictured above. These and other such sites add to the history as well as decorative vibe of the city.

During the rule of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the first governor of Captaincy General of the Philippines, Fort San Pedro was erected as a military defense structure in Cebu. This triangular bastion fort was built in 1738, making it one of philippine’s oldest. A dual sea-facing wall and one curbed to land, the fort’s triangular shape entice curiosity among its visitors. There are three bastions in the fort, namely, La Concepcion in the southwest, Ignacio de Loyola in the southeast, and San Miguel in the northeast. Currently, the fort serves as a museum of Spanish artifacts from the time of their rule, and these include anecdotes, transcriptions, paintings, sculptures, etc. Open from 7 AM to 7 Pm, and the fort has a massive spread of green luscious gardens infant of it. With almost fourteen stationed cannons in the fort, the Fort San Pedro is a great adventure for tourists and locals alike, in Cebu city. A rich cultural and historical monument, this fort holds great importance in the history of Cebu as well as Philippines.

An emblem that marks the birth of Christianity in Cebu, the Magellan’s cross is an important development in the history of Cebu. The cross is believed to be stationed in Cebu where the Portuguese and Spanish explorers planted it; Ferdinand Magellan headed this group of explorers on March 15, 1521, making that a holy day in the calendars of the Cebuanos or the people of Cebu. An octagonal pavilion called, “The Kiosk” houses the Magellan’s Cross. An imperative part of the country’s history, the Magellan's cross garners attention of tourists from all over the world irrespective of their religious backgrounds. Surrounded by other important heritage buildings such as the Cebu city hall as well as the Basilica del Minore Sto, Niño. You can ride in a jeepney around the city while halting at these cultural sites of great importance. Magellan’s cross has been and will continue to be one of the favorite cultural spots for tourists visiting Cebu, Philippines. This site has great importance in the history of Cebu and is hence protected by the city government of Cebu itself.

A remarkable insight into the Jesuit architecture and culture of the 18th century in Cebu, this house has been converted into a museum for an experimental learning drive. Located in the heart of the Parian district in Cebu, 1730 Jesuit house sits comfortably among the concrete giants that surround it. The recent conversion of the house, which had earlier taken on many roles, such as that of a warehouse, a hardware store, etc, to a museum has catapulted this historically exciting house into the buzz among locals and tourists.

There is a portal in the house that connects this building to other architectural facades; however, what is noteworthy, is the depiction above the portal of a carved relief bearing the year 1730.Although it has contemporary interiors, one can spot the years of transformation the building has been through the depictions of wooden planks and their different colors or the original clay tile roof showing off a pagoda type design. The house is under restoration however you can easily book an appointment and visit this relic anytime between Monday to Saturday.

A cluster of islands which include a hundred and twenty-seven such small islands that makeup Cebu. You can disconnect from the hustle of the city life yet stay in touch with Cebu’s glowing natural vibe. These islands, each host, a variety of different picturesque locations with vantage points that are a sight for sore eyes. These islands are rich in marine wildlife and a diversity of aquatic plants. These islands have marked a place on the world, with their stunning natural views and abundance of sunshine receiving shorelines. Peaking the interest of backpackers, hiking buddies, and tourists alike, these islands serve as great tourist vacation spots as well as a great place to let loose and relax along the seemingly beautiful coasts. Diving, snorkeling, deep-sea explorations, and many other adventurous activities take place on these islands. These fun things to do in Cebu beat the materialistic pleasure of city life any day. A great adventure for you and your group; these islands are packed with hidden treasures that will leave you stunned.

About thirty minutes heading south to the island of Malapascua lies a diving spot most famously known as the Chocolate Island. Macro heaven for those who love marine life, these islands sports different types of fishes such as the infamous frogfish, the ornate ghost pipefish, the blue-ringed octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, squid, nudibranchs, seahorse and on and on goes the list. Diving spots such as the chocolate island is truly breathtaking. An experience of a lifetime, chocolate island has such diverse flora and fauna that it will leave your eyes sheltering with overwhelming emotions. You may never know for what awaits you at chocolate island, but it surely is an enthralling experience and will leave you stunned when its time to go back. An island such as this in Cebu showcases the diversity of the country and emphasizing on the fact that each corner of Cebu has something unique to offer. The island houses more marine life than other touristy attractions; once there you will realize that you can never have enough of Chocolate (island)!!

A protected marine sanctuary and a haven for both macro and big fishes, Gato Island is truly something out of a fairytale. You can experience and see everything from sea snakes to White-tip Sharks and Bamboo Sharks resting under the rocks. Filled with vibrant, colorful coral gardens, this sanctuary is truly magnificent. It houses some of the most common fishes in abundance to ones that you’ve never heard of or even seen on National Geographic. It showcases its amazing rock formations at the Cathedral, apart from this the island also has a Tunnel dive, that is among the most adventurous and equally terrorizing dives. It is said that whitecap and bamboo sharks await divers at the exit of this tunnel. Git the guts? This is the place to put that adrenaline of yours too work. You can witness schools of squids or frogfishes fluttering through the water. These sights truly feel surreal.

The island of Bantayan is another famous tourist spot in Cebu. Situated in the northernmost part of the province, the journey to Bantayan from Cebu is no less interesting. The three-hour-long bus ride followed by a one-hour long boat ride from Cebu city makes it an adventurous journey. The soothing serene waters on the rich white sands are a treat for the tired traveler from the journey. It is a rejuvenating site, most famous for its caving and diving and beach bumming. Apart from this several other activities take place on the island, making it a sensation among the tourists. The party scene of Bantayan Is exciting as well, giving the travelers and locals a taste of heaven. This out of the extraordinary island vows to leave you wanting for more. Bantayan’s picturesque beauty will leave you wanting for more. Visit this island with your friends or family, and you’re bound to have a great time.

The crystal clear waters of caohagan , make it one of the most attractive islands to visit. This island is a part of the Olango group of islands in Cebu, Philippines. With a great aesthetic that includes hammocks on the white sea beach along the rich blue waters. Caohagan Island is something that you can’t miss. You can spend an entire day relaxing on this island, or you can indulge in beach sports such as beach volley or basketball, etc. Apart from this it is observed that many tourists take out boat rentals during high tide for a great marine adventure. Caohagan Island is perfect if you’re looking for a lazy afternoon by the beach sipping Piña Coladas. A truly beautiful sight to see, this Island is one of the cleanest islands due to efforts of its locals to keep the island in good condition. With sprouting flowers and lush green grass, you’re bound to see more than just sand.

Situated in the east of the country, this beautifully dainty island is the new island crush for many travelers across the globe. A patch of land that resembles a tadpole, this island is a little bit of heaven on earth. From the hundreds of islands in Philippines, it manages to stand out because of its innate beauty, shape, and its ability to attract tourists for a good time. The kalangamman Island of Philippines is perfect if you’re looking for island-hopping excursions. There’s not much to do on the island except feel like you’re standing in the middle of the ocean and spend some leisurely hours here with your friends and family for an experience like never before. Also marked as a marine sanctuary, this island is truly magnificent with its waving palm trees on its white sandy beach surrounded by clear blue water. It will surely light up your Instagram.

Cebu is a place that makes you wonder why it inherited all of the beauty of Asia. The Philippines is a magnificent country with many such islands that will leave you stunned. Cebu is both culturally rich and adventurous making it a perfect tourist spot. Plan your next vacation to this cozy little island of Philippines. These were some of the fun things you could do while in Cebu.