'Makers of the worlds have all be wanderers. Nothing happens to and from people who warm one place for far too long., -Joseph Conrad (Nostromo).
Joseph Conrad, one of the best known English authors of the 19th and the 20th century, was a habitual wanderer and an experienced seafarer. His frequent visits to Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand have been instrumental in many of his acclaimed works, including 'Secret Sharer' and 'Nostromo'.
Philippines, in recent years, has struggled with a number of reasons that many countries have struggled with at one point in history or another. Flagging exports, dependence on other countries for food and spiralling population are just a few of these issues. But despite that being the case, tourism in Philippines has been as pink in health as ever. Now boasting the tag of one of the largest industrial sectors in the country, tourism and hospitality businesses have more than paid their dues towards bringing the economy of the country back on track and put it in speed towards prosperity.
Talking of tourism in Philippines, a mention of Cebu is utterly unavoidable. One of the more popular tourism hubs in the country, Cebu is chiefly famous for its enchanting shores and exotic food culture. Budding nightlife and a host of other nearby tourist hotbeds have further prompted many travelers to add Cebu in their South East Asian itinerary.
What strikes the most upon aerial inspection is the strange shape that is Cebu has been cast by nature in. It features and long and thin shape, much like the coast of Chile, only dotted with regular streaks of mountains and hills. Cebu City is the capital of the island. Now a bustling mini-metropolis of sorts, it is rightfully called as the Queen City.
Budget Hotels in Cebu
If you wish to avail of cheap prices and value for money from your hotel, there is no place in the world you should rather go to than the South East of Asia.
Countries in these parts of the worlds “ barring Singapore “ are very light on pocket and you can enjoy much more here, per dollar spent, than most places on earth. Cebu is no exception to this. That's exactly why, finding cheap hotels is never a labored exercise as there are too many options for you to exhaust.
Most of these cheap hotels are concentrated in Cebu City, while some dot the perimeters of the island. Hotel Pier Cuatro, located in Cebu City, is our top pick among various budget hotels in Cebu.
Quest Cebu comes up next in line. Flaunting a chic, modern look, it stands out against the backdrop of old buildings in the area, and can provide tourists with safe, comfortable and cheap lodging.
Lavish Lodging in Cebu
Being a cheap place brings a whole lot of other advantages to tourists. For example, you would find that staying at one of the luxury Cebu hotels will cost you much lesser than what you would expect. So, it's in your best interest to grab this chance by both hands and make the most of it!
Tourism popularity often attract big brands of hospitality to a place, and vice versa. In the same spirit, you will be able to find many bigwigs of global hoteling industry setting up their plush resorts in and around Cebu.
Radisson Blu, for example, is one of the premier luxury hotels in Cebu where comfort and lavish ambiance of the highest order is put up on display.
In Mactan (nearby Cebu City), Shangri-La's Mactan Resort is the best bet, famous for its posh interior decor, a highly acclaimed global kitchen and an overall feeling of aristocratic treatment that is showered upon its guests.
The Plantation Bay Resort & Spa as well as the Henry Hotel are notable mentions in this segment, too!
Top Sights and Activities in Cebu
In Lapu Lapu City, the Lapu Lapu Aquarium is a wonderful place to explore local marine creatures and learn a thing or two about marine life observation and conservation. If you are taking your kids along with you, this can be a great family time provider.
Pious of the heart can visit the Cebu Cathedral “ widely regarded as the first ever Catholic Cathedral in all of Asia.
Fort San Pedro is a fort located off the capital. It is famous for its neat and attractive construction, known to be first of its kind in the region. Fort San Pedro has special historical significance as it marks the beginning of Spanish influence in Philippines.
To explore beaches, you will have to take a ferry to Bantayan Islands. These islands are swarmed with tourists all year long, on account of their pure white beaches and deep green waters.
Hotels Near The Airport in Cebu
The only airport that you can use to get into Cebu (technically) is the Mactan Airport. It is serviced by domestic flights from mainland Philippines (chiefly, Manila). It is located on Mactan Island and you will need to travel from the airport to Cebu Island in order to actually reach Cebu City.
The drive may not take longer than half an hour, but you can never tell with the traffic that Philippines is ill-reputed for.
Finding some good Cebu hotels near Mactan Airport is, in that sense, rather pointless. You can still find good enough B&B Inns near the airport, should you feel the absolute need to do so.
Cebu Weather: Better Than The Best
Cebu manifests typical tropical weather that just doesn't like being predictable. It rains pretty much throughout the year, but the intensity of rain is higher during May to July period.
Otherwise, Cebu weather is quite agreeable all around the year, making it a perfect tourist retreat. Humidity may turn out to be unpleasant for those who are not used to it, and hence, good preparations in staying away from dehydration and cramps must be made.
Cyclones are known to be attracted to Cebu's shores once a few years, as well.