Your Cebu Bucket List
If
you’re traveling to Cebu or one of the surrounding islands, it can be
overwhelming to plan your itinerary. Which beaches are best, which resorts have
the best amenities and which restaurants are the most delectable? Don’t let the
sheer number of possibilities get in the way of a great trip. For a truly once
in a lifetime experience, there are a few musts to check off your Cebu bucket
list.
First,
make sure you visit the Mactan Shrine. You can do it while on a Mactan-centric island-hopping
cruise or as a destination in itself. It’s a shrine to LapuLapu, a historical
hero, and it’s surrounded by tourist shops and restaurants. It’s a great place
to pick up some souvenirs and a requisite photo opportunity.
Plan the First Days
To get a
genuine taste of the culture, head to Carbon Market. It’s the US equivalent of
a Saturday Market blended with a Farmer’s Market and a fantastic place to score
great deals on everything from a sliding table saw to jewelry. Check out the
food, people watch and discover handmade treasures that cost a sliver of what
you can find in the tourist shops. It’s also relatively tourist-free.
Casa
Gorordo is a historic home build in the 1860s and still boasts some furniture and
kitchenware from that era. Built in traditional colonial style, it’s a
perfectly preserved piece of history. There are rumors that the house may be
haunted, and guided tours are available for history buffs who want to know a
little more.
Off the Beaten Path
Alegre
Guitars is famous amongst musicians, but a must-stop for anyone. The factory
offers tours so you can see exactly how these beauties are made or even
purchase one for the ultimate keepsake. There are also small ukuleles to fit
into suitcases or guitar picks created from the same wood for those who are
traveling lightly. It’s a place few people see and makes for great photos.
Magellan
Cross is another must-see and located right in the capital city. It was built
in 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan and it’s the spot where the first Christian
Filipinos were baptized. The shrine was said to have magical powers hundreds of
years ago, and people began to chip away at it until a protective knot was
built to keep the shrine safe.
Not for the Faint of Heart
Bukilat
Cave in Tudela is fairly popular, which can be a good thing for travelers who
don’t want to get lost in an underground lair. There are plenty of “skylights”
and a shallow pool that’s safe and clean for swimming. It’s the perfect way to
escape the heat and to see the underground beauty of the province.
No
matter what you do in Cebu, plan well. It would take a lifetime to attempt to
see everything, so take it one day and one sight at a time. You can always come
back for more!
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