{"id":289212,"date":"2025-06-12T02:27:49","date_gmt":"2025-06-12T02:27:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/uncategorized\/16-things-so-far-to-experience-in-cebu\/"},"modified":"2025-06-12T02:27:49","modified_gmt":"2025-06-12T02:27:49","slug":"16-things-so-far-to-experience-in-cebu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=289212","title":{"rendered":"16 Things (so far!) to Experience in Cebu"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n

google.com, pub-5320905345872243, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Blog Updated on June 3, 2025 by Aldrick \u2018chiki\u2019 Agpaoa<\/a><\/p>\n

Cebu<\/b> is one of the most popular go-to destinations in the Philippines<\/a> and is considered to be the major gateway to the South. <\/span>Being the first province on my personal quest in my <\/span>#Project82PH<\/b>, \u201cSugbo\u201d is one of my favorite provinces to visit because it has an endless number of activities to do and experience! <\/span>Here are some of the places to see and experience in this thriving island province!<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Read more<\/i><\/b><\/span>: Things to do in Cebu (during a layover)!<\/a><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Get Heroic and see the majestic Mactan Shrine<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Mactan<\/span><\/p>\n

Also known as \u201cLapu-Lapu Monument\u201d in Punta Enga\u00f1o, the <\/span>Mactan Shrine<\/b> is the very place where Ferdinand Magellan first set his foot on Philippine soil. This is where the famous Battle of Mactan happened where he fought the Datu of Mactan in the person of <\/span>Lapu-Lapu<\/i><\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n

Business \/ Tour Hours<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Daily, 0800 \u2013 1700 H<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Go back in time by visiting Magellan\u2019s Cross<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Magellan's<\/span><\/p>\n

The famed <\/span>Magellan\u2019s Cross<\/b> is one of the founding artifacts of Christianity in the Philippines. Located near the Basilica Minore del Santo Ni\u00f1o de Cebu, Magellan\u2019s Cross is made in tindalo wood and was planted by the Spanish explorers during the first circumnavigation of the world.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n

Business \/ Tour Hours<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Daily, 0800 \u2013 1800 H<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Be mesmerized by Temple of Leah\u2019s Work of Art<\/b><\/span>\"Temple<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

Temple of Leah<\/b> is one of the modern tourist attractions found in the outskirts of Cebu City. Nicknamed \u201c<\/span>The Taj Mahal of Cebu<\/span><\/i>,\u201d Temple of Leah was built by Teodorico Adarna in honor of his wife Leah Albino-Adarna. The \u2018temple\u2019 features Leah Adarna\u2019s extensive art collection and has a large bronze statue of the lady in the main hall of the building. It also has a spacious balcony where you can see Metro Cebu on a clear day.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Entrance Fee<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\u20b1 120 (weekdays)<\/span><\/p>\n

\u20b1 150 (weekends)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Business \/ Tour Hours<\/span><\/td>\n\n

Daily, 0600 \u2013 2300 H<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Be on top by visiting Tops Cebu<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Tops<\/span><\/p>\n

Tops Cebu<\/b> is a modern panoramic park which shares a 180-degree view of Metro Cebu down below as seen in its spacious view deck. \u201c<\/span>The Circle<\/span><\/i>\u201d formerly known as \u201cTops Lookout\u201d is now a five-storey building featuring several restaurants and shops that give a cool view of the metro.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n

Business \/ Tour Hours<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Daily, open 24 hours<\/span><\/p>\n

Top of Cebu Restaurant: 1100 \u2013 2300 H<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Be close to Nature by basking along Sirao Gardens<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Sirao<\/p>\n

There are actually two <\/span>Sirao Gardens<\/b> in the northern part of Cebu City but they are actually near each other. The first is the <\/span>Sirao Garden<\/b> which features several flora and fauna that is manicured all over the park. It also features two giant hands where you can have a photo with the mountains as background. The other park, which is located just 130 meters away, is the <\/span>Sirao Garden-Little Amsterdam<\/b> features numerous windmills and tulips reminiscent of the windmills and tulip farms in the Netherlands. If you plan to visit the two parks at once, you have to pay individual entrance fees for each park. \ud83d\ude42<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Entrance Fee (each park)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\u20b1 100<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Business \/ Tour Hours (each park)<\/span><\/td>\n\n

Daily, 0800 \u2013 1730 H<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Discover a piece of history at the Basilica Minore del Santo Ni\u00f1o de Cebu<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Basilica<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>Basilica Minore del Santo Ni\u00f1o de Cebu<\/b> houses the oldest image of the Child Jesus (Santo Ni\u00f1o) in the Philippines. This church is also considered as the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the country and the location of the Basilica is believed to be the site where the Santo Ni\u00f1o was found. This is also the birthplace of the world-renowned <\/span>Sinulog Festival<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Experience a different kind of Mardi Gras during the Sinulog Festival<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Sinulog<\/p>\n

Held every 3rd weekend of January, <\/span>Sinulog Festival<\/b> is one of the most popular festivals in the Philippines \u2013 honoring the Child Jesus (Santo Ni\u00f1o). This is also one of the main highlight of the feast and also one of the oldest festivals in the country<\/span><\/p>\n

Do a different kind of thrill by passing through the Cebu \u2013 Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEx)<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Cebu-Cordova<\/span><\/p>\n

If you have the time to explore Cebu City and nearby Mactan island, why not try to visit the longest and tallest bridge in the Philippines! The <\/span>Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway<\/b> spans around 8.9 kilometers with a height of 145 meters and connects mainland Cebu to Mactan Island. This is also one of the most scenic bridges I have seen in the Philippines!<\/span><\/p>\n

Toll Prices<\/b> (<\/span>subject to change without prior notice<\/span><\/i>):<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Class 1M (motorcycles from 100 \u2013 399 cc)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\u20b1 60<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 1 (cars, motorcycles 400 cc and above, SUVs, jeepneys)<\/span><\/td>\n\n

\u20b1 90<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Class 1 (above 7 feet \/ 2.1 meters; vehicles with recreational equipment)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\u20b1 180<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class 2 (buses, light trucks)<\/span><\/td>\n\n

\u20b1 180<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Class 3 (heavy trucks and trailers)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\u20b1 270<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pedestrians \/ Bicycles<\/span><\/td>\n\n

Free<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Go canyoneering in Badian + Kawasan Falls<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Badian<\/p>\n

One of the most unique experiences you have to try when visiting Cebu is to go <\/span>Canyoneering in Badian<\/b>, ending your journey in Kawasan Falls. This half-day journey will treat you to some eye-candy canyons and the clear water will surely invite you to swim. At the end of the canyoneering and cliff-diving is the equally attractive <\/span>Kawasan Falls<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Experience a different kind of island life in Bantayan Island<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"The<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the most unforgettable experiences I had in Cebu was to go to <\/span>Bantayan Island<\/b>. The 4 hours land journey from Cebu City to Hagnaya Port in San Remigio is thrilling and the 2 hour vessel ride to Bantayan Island is scenic. The island features <\/span>white sand beaches<\/span><\/i>,<\/span> beautiful cliffs and caves<\/span><\/i>, and a <\/span>mangrove sanctuary<\/span><\/i> which I liked the most. This is also the site of a skydiving activity at the Bantayan airport.<\/span><\/p>\n

Best Lechon in Cebu? Try Apo ni Bebie\u2019s (Carcar City) and House of Lechon (Cebu City)<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Apo<\/span><\/p>\n

People say you have not experienced half of Cebu if you have not experienced eating <\/span>lechon Cebu<\/b>! One of the most celebrated foods on the island province (and one of the most delicious variants I have tried) is found here! I have tried the lechon served in <\/span>Apo ni Bebie\u2019s in Carcar City<\/b> (whose lead chef, Henry Cui, won the \u201cBest Lechonero Award\u201d in 2024) and the home staple <\/span>House of Lechon in downtown Cebu City<\/b>. Cebu lechon is really one of the dishes that you need to try when visiting!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n

Business \/ Tour Hours<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Apo Ni Bebie\u2019s (Carcar City)<\/strong><\/span>: Daily, 0500 \u2013 1700 H<\/span><\/p>\n

House of Lechon (Cebu City)<\/strong><\/span>: Daily, 1000 \u2013 2100 H<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Try the famous Binignit in Abaseria Deli & Cafe<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Abaseria<\/span><\/p>\n

Binignit<\/b> is one of the most beloved homegrown dishes of Cebuanos, especially during the Lenten season. Akin to Luzon\u2019s <\/span>ginataang bilo-bilo<\/span><\/i>, Binignit is a hearty <\/span>merienda<\/span><\/i> cooked in coconut milk mixed with local fruits and other ingredients to make a tasty snack, popular during the Holy week, specifically during Good Friday where Catholics fast on meat.<\/span><\/p>\n

When I visited Cebu for the 6th time (16-17 May 2025), I never missed the chance to try authentic Binignit in one of Cebu\u2019s loved restaurants \u2013 <\/span>Abaseria Deli & Cafe<\/b>. There are also several Filipino dishes served in Abaseria and I\u2019d love to try them all but my tummy is reserved for other delicious Cebuano food (I promise to come back here soon!)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n

Business \/ Tour Hours<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Monday to Saturday, 1000 \u2013 2000 H<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Hunt for local finds in Carbon Market<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Carbon Market<\/b> is considered to be the largest market in Cebu City. This place is famous for cheap finds, especially for tourists who are looking for souvenirs and other trinkets on the cheap. It is like a local department store where several items here are found and bought. The market also comes much livelier at night when the <\/span>Carbon Night Market<\/b> opens \u2013 where several food stalls and retail items are sold on the streets surrounding Carbon Market. \u201c<\/span>The Barracks<\/b>\u201d hawker center is also a spot to visit to have a taste of local Cebuano food and delicacy.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n

Business \/ Tour Hours<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Daily, 24\/7 (stall times differ)<\/span><\/p>\n

The Barracks: Daily, 1000 \u2013 2200 H<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Explore the smallest and oldest Fort in the Philippines that is Fort San Pedro<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Fort<\/span><\/p>\n

Considered to be the oldest triangular bastion fort in the Philippines, <\/span>Fort San Pedro<\/b> is one of the most popular structures in Cebu. Built in the early 18th century, this fort used to be a stronghold against Muslim raiders.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Entrance Fee<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\u20b1 30<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Business \/ Tour Hours<\/span><\/td>\n\n

Daily, 0800 \u2013 1700 H<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

See the amazing 10,000 Roses Caf\u00e9 in Cordova<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"10000<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are in for a different (and modern) treat, a place in Cordova would be a good choice. The \u201c<\/span>10,000 Roses Cafe and more<\/b>\u201d is a seaside cafe overlooking the Cebu City skyline with the CCLEx expressway on its foreground. This restaurant-slash-park is more beautiful when night falls as the roses are illuminated and swings to the cool breeze of the bay. It is also an experience when you come here and pass through the CCLEx expressway (you have to pay the toll fee though!)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Entrance Fee<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\u20b1 20<\/span><\/p>\n

Motorcycle Parking: \u20b1 20<\/span><\/p>\n

Car Parking: \u20b1 30<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Business \/ Tour Hours<\/span><\/td>\n\n

Daily, 1400 \u2013 2200 H<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Go on a little Pilgrimage in the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist (Simala Church)<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Monastery<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the most eye-opening experiences I had in Cebu was when I visited the <\/span>Monastery of the Holy Eucharist<\/b> aka the <\/span>Simala Church<\/b> in Sibonga. The whole church complex was just peaceful and carefully manicured catching everyone\u2019s attention. Upon entering the church, its frescoes and interiors are more striking in person. Luckily, I had heard the first mass before leaving the monastery.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n

Business \/ Tour Hours<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Daily, 0800 \u2013 1800 H<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Other things to try and experience in Cebu:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

\u2013 Whale shark watching in Oslob<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2013 Climbing the idyllic Osme\u00f1a Peak<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2013 Sardines Run in Moalboal<\/span><\/p>\n

Planning a trip to Cebu soon? Read my simple Cebu Travel Guide <\/span>HERE<\/b><\/a>!<\/span><\/p>\n