Cebu, known as the Queen City of the South, stands out because of its exotic locations, world-class beaches, scenic beauty, adventurous spots, unique historical sites, plush hotels, diverse flavors of sumptuous dishes, and much more.
There are umpteen places to visit here, which indeed is a treat to the eyes. The Temple of Leah, one of the most popular tourist attractions, must be mentioned. The other historical spots to add to your itinerary when visiting Cebu include Magellan’s Cross, Fort San Pedro, Cebu Heritage Monument, and Museo de Sugbo.
Cebu has been a trendy tourist spot, thronged by millions of domestic and international tourists worldwide. As per 2022 records, around 2.7 million visited Cebu the previous year. If you are wondering what makes this Philippines city a sought-after one, we’ll discuss it in this article. Let us consider why you should visit Cebu and add it relatively high on your bucket list.
Here are some reasons you should plan your next vacation in Cebu. Let’s get started:
Picturesque Beaches
When we mention Cebu, we cannot go without mentioning its ecstatic beaches. The city has a lot of beaches worth visiting. However, those topping the list include Paradise Beach on Bantayan Island, Bounty Beach on Malapascua Island, Bakhaw Beach on Camotes Island, Logon Beach on Malapascua Island, and much more.
You could take advantage of its clear blue waters and white sand and indulge in adventure sports like snorkelling, canyoneering, diving, beach volleyball, and much more. If diving fascinates you, make sure to head to the Malapascua.
The key attraction is the thresher shark dive, which starts quite early, at five in the morning; it’s a surreal experience. Whether you desire to break away from the daily monotony or indulge in adventurous sports, the islands and beaches of Cebu won’t disappoint you.
Source: Unsplash.
Affordability
While vacationing, we always look for an affordable place that won’t pinch hard on our pockets and would give us immense pleasure.
Cebu is a place to consider, especially if you have a fixed travel budget. You’ll find food at restaurants at a minimum cost of $2, while you could get street food for a cheaper price.
Transportation and accommodation costs in Cebu are also quite reasonable. If you have organized proper transportation, travelling between beaches and islands won’t be an uphill task.
Friendly People
The friendliness of the people makes your travel to the Philippines and Cebu memorable. It wouldn’t be an understatement to say that you will find some of the world’s kindest people in Cebu.
They aren’t just kind to tourists; they even have a great sense of understanding among themselves and are respectful towards their fellow people. The Cebuano people are known for their practicality and aren’t easy to please. But they never fail to appreciate one’s true worth.
You’ll mostly see them hanging in groups. So, when you have such friendly people, visiting the place would be a fulfilling experience.
Delicious Food
When mentioning Cebu, we must talk about the lip-smacking platter available there. The Cenu lechon, one of Cebu’s most popular foods, is a must-have.
It is a roasted pig and stands for its unique taste. It is crunchy and juicy, with the stuffing of onion, garlic, pepper, and spices taking its flavor to another level. Accompaniments like liver sauce and rice with Cebu make it all the more unique.
The next on the list is Balbacua, a beef stew mostly teamed with noodles or rice. There’s also the fish dish Linarang and Utan Bisaya, a veg soup for veggie lovers. If street foods fascinate you, you cannot miss those on the Cebu streets. The deep-fried items sold here, like fried chicken, fried pork, meatballs, etc.
If you have a sweet tooth, you ought not to leave out mouthwatering desserts like banana and nangka Turon, bibingka (coconut milk-ground rice mixture), biko, budbud, and much more.
Cebu won’t just impress you with its scenic locales; its magnificent platter will always compel you to visit the city time and again.
Shopping Haven
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If you are a shopaholic and wish to explore the markets of every place you visit, then Cebu won’t disappoint you at all. You have a host of places to explore and choose from, from shopping malls to local markets.
Ayala Center Cebu is one of the largest shopping complexes in Cebu. It is known for housing a scenic garden, plenty of restaurants, spas, coffee shops, and much more.
The Carbon market is another place to mention. You can get many things here, like clothing, handbags, food, souvenirs, etc.
SM City Cebu is famous for reasonable electronics and offers other things like recreational facilities, retail stores, restaurants, and much more. The Taboan Public Market is an ideal place for fish lovers. You will find dried fish in plenty here.
Conclusion
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The five facts mentioned here aren’t the only reason to visit Cebu. There are other reasons as well – more than you can imagine.
Cebu has a rich culture and traditions, as we have already discussed. But it's not just that, as there are so many things to do in Cebu – no matter what kind of traveler you are. In Cebu city, you can join this city tour that combines everything from food, history, and the beautiful nature in its surroundings.
If you enjoy underwater spots, visiting Cebu will be fulfilling. You cannot ignore the majestic mountains, stunning rocky formations, and splendid waterfalls embracing Cebu. Cebu is a perfect go-to for all travelers, from nature lovers to those looking for a city that offers everything under a single roof.
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