Located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, Cebu City is the port capital of the province of the same name. The province includes more than 150 smaller surrounding islands.
Basilica del Santo Nino
Located in the heart of Cebu City is the Basilica del Santo Nino. It is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. The church is considered as one of the most beautiful landmarks in the country. It is also a popular place of worship. People turn to the relic of the Santo Nino for guidance and inspiration.
The relic of the Sto Nino is a statue of Child Jesus. It was a gift from Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan to Queen Juana, wife of Rajah Humabon. The image is kept in a bulletproof glass box in the Santo Nino Chapel. It is said to be miraculous.
The church is a sacred site for the people of Cebu. It is especially beautiful during the Sinulog Festival. The image of the Child Jesus is the main centrepiece of the Sinulog celebration. It is also the focal point of a yearly fluvial parade. The church is also the main site for the Sinulog water sellers.
The Minor Basilica of the Holy Child of Cebu is the oldest Roman Catholic church in the Philippines. It was founded in 1565 by an Augustinian priest. The church was also designated by the Holy See as the mother and head of all the churches in the country. It was erected on the same site of the Sto Nino sculpture.
The Basilica del Santo Nino is a popular place of worship for locals and tourists. Visitors can choose to pay a visit to the museum, which displays relics of different saints, religious articles and antique church furniture.
Sirao Flower Garden
Known as the mini Amsterdam of the Philippines, Sirao Flower Garden is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cebu. It is located in a mountainous barangay in Cebu.
Aside from the usual flowers, the place also boasts of a golden hand sculpture. This is a symbol that is said to be able to lift guests to clear blue skies of the Cebuano island.
The place is also home to a miniature windmill and a house. It is said that the flower farm has over a thousand different kinds of flowers.
The park is not only fun to visit, it is also an excellent spot for a photo shoot. Aside from the flower farm, the area has also been a center for vendors who sell food and beverages.
The best time to visit this tourist attraction is during the months of January and February. The perfect angle for a picture is at the peak of the sun.
Getting to the place is not difficult. You can take a taxi, rent a motorbike, or opt to ride a habal-habal. For a round trip, most travelers pay around 300 to 500 PHP. You can negotiate for a lower price with the driver.
The entrance fee to the Sirao Flower Garden is 50 pesos. If you want to take a professional photo, you may have to spend 150 pesos. There are also some cottages for overnight guests.
Sumilon Island
Located at the southeastern tip of Cebu, Sumilon Island is a small coral island that is 24 hectares in size. It is known for its white sand beaches and its beautiful sandbar. It is also famous for its fecund marine life and its clear, clean waters.
The island was first declared as a marine reserve in 1974. It is one of the country's first marine protected areas. This is a great opportunity to explore the pristine white beaches of the island and its turquoise water.
The sandbar of Sumilon Island is a popular spot for snorkeling. The sandbar is constantly shifting due to the tides and weather conditions. This makes the area a perfect spot for a beginner to learn the basics of snorkeling.
Visitors to Sumilon Island can opt to book their stay at the Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort. This private beach resort overlooks the strait of Cebu. The resort offers a relaxing atmosphere and excellent amenities.
The resort also offers free Wi-Fi and shuttle services. There is also a restaurant that serves local and international dishes. The restaurant has a great view of the sea. It also has a romantic infinity pool. It provides a variety of activities such as hiking and windsurfing. The resort also offers massages and evening dinner parties.
Sumilon Island is a quaint and serene island with a great number of attractions. It is a great destination for families and couples. It is home to hundreds of marine species.
Magellan's Cross
Located in the city of Cebu, Philippines, Magellan's Cross is a famous historical landmark. Ferdinand Magellan, the first European to step foot in the country in 1521, planted the famous cross. In return, Rajah Humabon, a native chief of Cebu, welcomed him and baptized hundreds of the locals. He thereby established the foundation of Christianity in the Philippines.
Magellan's Cross is located on Magallanes Street, a major thoroughfare in the center of the city. It is next to the Basilica del Santo Nino. A small chapel containing the cross is also located in front of the city hall. The chapel is constructed of marble walls. The chapel features a mural depicting the events surrounding the planting of the cross and the baptizing of the first Filipino Christians.
In the present day, Magellan's Cross is encased in a wood cross, protected from souvenir theft by a tindalo wood enclosure. This chapel is a popular tourist destination. People flock to the site to light candles and say prayers.
The cross is considered to be one of the most significant religious symbols in the Philippines. It is believed to possess miraculous powers. It is also a cultural landmark. The National Museum of the Philippines has declared it a National Cultural Treasure.
The original crucifix was planted by Magellan and subsequently stolen or destroyed. However, another cross was erected by traditional sport in the place where it was supposed to be.
Pescador Island Dive
Whether you want to see a whale shark or an array of tropical fish, Pescador Island Dive in Cebu City has it all. Its waters are clear and pristine. The area is also home to some of the best underwater caves in the Philippines.
The island is named after the Spanish word "pescador," which means fisherman. It is located in the Tanon Strait, a body of water between Cebu and Negros. The island is a protected marine life sanctuary.
Pescador Island has over 2,500 species of fish. This makes it one of the most popular dive sites in the Philippines. It is also home to hammerhead sharks and whale sharks.
The island has a variety of hard and soft corals, as well as caverns, reef walls, and overhangs. The best way to explore the site is to go on a dive tour. The tour is usually done from the southern tip of the island. The tour includes snorkeling, swimming with the turtles, and spotting dolphins.
Aside from diving, the area is also known for its marine biodiversity. Divers can watch schools of fish swarming around. The area is a great place for spotting turtles, depending on the time of year. Depending on the weather, you may be able to spot dolphins as well.
The area is protected by the Moalboal Dive Center Association, which coordinates various conservation and education programs. The group also coordinates the rehabilitation of reef and mangrove habitats.
Insurance for travel on Cebu
Buying insurance for travel on Cebu City is a must if you are planning to visit this tropical island. Fortunately, it isn't as expensive as you might think.
The cost of travel insurance will depend on the length of your trip and the amount of travelers in your party. The price can vary from 5 to 10% of the total cost of your trip.
There are many insurance products available. Some include medical assistance and emergency flight assistance. Other features may include reimbursement for lost luggage or pre-paid tickets, additional accommodation, and lost travel documents.
Choosing an insurance plan with the features outlined above can help ensure that you have a stress-free vacation. If you are traveling in an unfamiliar location, an insurance plan can also provide you with coverage if you encounter a natural disaster or experience theft.
Aside from providing monetary compensation in the event of death, travel insurance also provides you with reimbursement for any unforeseen expenses such as medical costs, emergency dental care, and lost traveler's checks. If you have pre-existing conditions, you'll probably need to pay a higher premium.
A good travel insurance plan should also have a 24-hour hotline, which will provide you with assistance if you lose your passport, suffer a theft, or need urgent medical attention. Some plans even have a free mobile app, which can be handy if you're on the road and need to report an emergency.
