Destination: Cebu, Philippines

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Cebu The city of Cebu is located in the Central Visayas region. Affectionately called the "Queen City of the South," it is the oldest city in the Philippines and is rich in history. It was the site of many Spanish expeditions and became a thriving commercial city in the 19th Century. Today, it is the country's second-busiest city and the main gateway in central and southern Philippines. It is also one of the country's favorite tourist destinations and serves as a jump-off point for tourists who want to visit its world-class beaches and resorts. Cebu's Mactan International Airport stands as the best in the country. WHAT TO SEE : Carbon Market (Cebu City) A big and colorful market, crammed with stalls of fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and handicrafts. Taoist Temple(Cebu City) Offers a commanding view of the city. It is situated on Beverly Hills, the millionaires' quarter of Cebu City. Tops(Cebu City) A lavishly built viewpoint on Busay Hill, which provides the best panoramic view of Cebu City, with Mactan Island and Bohol in the background. Cebu Heavenly Temple of Charity(Cebu City) An attractive and colorful temple built on a hill. It has a natural spring flowing underneath the building. Mactan Island(Around Cebu) Has a row of beautiful beaches and exclusive beach hotels and resorts. You will also find here the Lapu-Lapu Monument on the beach at Puerto Engaño, Marigondon Beach, the guitar factories at Maribago, and Olango Island, a bird sanctuary. Tabunok Market(Talisay/South Coast) Offers some interesting sights. Naga Church(South Coast) Has an attractive exterior. Carcar(South Coast) This town has a lovely, quasi-baroque church, which was completed in 1876. Its plaza is lined with attractive, Spanish buildings, which were formerly mansions. It is specially known for its ampao (sweet puffed-rice) factories. Moalboal(South Coast) A popular town known for its several islands that offer good diving opportunities. Panagsama Beach(South Coast) A destination for low-budget travelers and divers; has a fabulous coral reef. Kawasan Falls(South Coast) A 12-meter waterfall, said to be the best in Cebu. Its natural pools are ideal for swimming. It is also a good starting point for mountain treks. Badian Island(South Coast) A peaceful island with a white sand beach. White Beach(South Coast) A sandy beach, which is a good base for diving and snorkeling. Fort San Pedro(Cebu City) The first Spanish fort in the Philippines, built to keep out marauding pirates. Much of the fort was destroyed during the second World War, but it was restored in the late 1960's. It is run by the National Museum. Magellan's Cross (Cebu City) This cross, erected by Ferdinand Magellan, marked the beginning of Christianity, after the first Catholic Mass was celebrated here on April 14, 1521. Basilica Minore Del Santo Niño (Cebu City) The only Catholic Basilica in East Asia that houses the image of Santo Niño, believed to have been left by Ferdinand Magellan. Casa Gordo Museum(Cebu City) Houses historic and cultural relics of old Cebu, a collection of photos, and contemporary art and paintings. University of San Carlos Museum (Cebu City) Houses a well-labeled collection of religious carvings, ethnic artifacts, preserved botanical and geological specimens, and archaeological finds. Pescador Island(South Coast) A good diving and snorkeling spot. Escala De Jacobe/Jacob's Ladder(Samboan/South Coast) A plight of store stairs built in 1878, which leads up to an old watchtower on a plateau about 65 meters above the town. From here, one can get a magnificent view of Tañon Strait. Sumilon Island(South Coast) A private destination for divers and snorkelers. Montalongon(South Coast) Called the "Little Baguio of Cebu." The market here is worth visiting, with its handicrafts and a wide range of local produce. Camotes Island(North Coast) Has four islands (Pacijan, Poro, Ponson, and Tulang) with attractive white sand, palm-lined beaches, and caves. Sogod(North Coast) You will find Bagatayam Falls, Labangon Caves, Libaong Hills (good for bird watching) nearby. Malapascua Island(North Coast) Has little fishing villages, deserted idyllic bays, and beaches ideal for swimming and snorkeling. It also has a lighthouse, which offers a panoramic view from the top. Bantayan Island(North Coast) Has beautiful sandy beaches and nice dive spots. You will find here Santa Fe, Maricaban, Sugar, and Paradise Beaches, and Ogtong Cave, with its freshwater spring. source: http://www.lakbay.net/destinations/viewdetails.asp?placeid=64