Cebu Island (Philippines): description, attractions, beaches and reviews

The island of Cebu (Philippines) is deservedly called the King of the South, as many tourists travel here to get acquainted with the stunning nature, as well as an interesting history. There are many resorts, nightclubs.

About the place

The picturesque point is in the center of the archipelago of the Philippines, it is referred to the group of islands Visayya. Nearby are Negros and Leyte, as well as Bohol - no less beautiful areas than the island of Cebu.

Also neighbors are Bantayan, Malapask, where they often go to sunbathe and dive with scuba diving. This area stretches for 225 kilometers, its width is 25 km. The total area is 4486 square meters. Km. Between the western and eastern coasts there is a range consisting of mountains.

The highest point is 1000 meters above sea level. Together with Matkan, this area forms a single province, which is part of the Philippines. The capital has the same name as the island of Cebu itself. This city is old enough and great, very significant for the history of the whole state. In 1521, F. Magellan, the world famous seaman, landed here. At that time fights broke out between the tribes, having got involved in which, the European was killed.

Unity of novelty and traditions

In 1886, at the site of the explorer's death, a monument was erected, although the neighbor was a pedestal depicting Lapu-Lapu, the leader of a local tribe, who, in fact, killed the Portuguese. Both of these persons are respected and revered. Magellan - as brought to these lands European knowledge and worldview of the Christian world, and Lapu-Lapu - as the strongest of the patriots who opposed the colonization of the Philippine land by Spain.

As a result, the island of Cebu in the Philippines was nevertheless colonized under the leadership of conquistador Legaspi, who founded the city in 1565 on the site of the death of his predecessor. A baptismal ceremony was performed, so that the Christian cradle of the East was born here.

Here is the oldest fortress, built by the Spaniards. Even when the capital was moved to Manila, this point dominated the whole region in the south. Here ships landed, trade was well developed, agricultural land. Cebu Island is famous, thanks to the large number of sugar cane produced here .

What's worth seeing

Arriving here, you can face a lot of attractions. To begin with, this is, of course, the grave of Magellan. Also there is a basilica built in honor of the baby Jesus, where there is a cross that the sailors built from Portugal when they reached these lands. Believing people claim that this shrine has magical qualities and can heal illnesses. There is the fortress of San Pedro, a fort considered to be the oldest of those built by the Spaniards. Formerly colonialists were located here, there was a post for review, with the help of which it was possible to resist the raids of southerners. Then the garrison of the army, the prison, even the zoo were located here. In a word, the building had a lot of functions. Today there is a department dealing with tourism, as well as an open-air theater.

Shrines and important items

Christianity had a great influence on the island of Cebu. Sights of ecclesiastical nature are numerous here. These include a church named after St. Augustine, as well as an ancient relic preserved in it - an icon depicting a small Jesus. It was she who was presented to Magellan by Queen Juan during the baptism of a woman. There is also a Chinese temple, which is also called Taoist. With his help, a community of China is represented in this territory. The building is located on a hill in the Beverly Hills area.

Local architecture is typical for Chinese culture, inside is a delightful beauty, which differs from the general style of local buildings. Cebu Island is also the place where the world's best guitars are produced. You can buy such a tool as a wonderful souvenir. There are products that are made from coconut. It is interesting to look at the cascade of waterfalls Kawasan, along which flows crystal water flowing from the mountains through the forest of the tropics.

Sand and underwater spaces

Paradise corner is the island of Cebu. Beaches in these places attract a huge number of tourists every year, they get extremely high marks for their purity and picturesqueness, they are placed on the leading positions in the ratings of the world resorts. If you are here, it is strongly recommended to do diving. You will discover stunning sea depths.

You can see the population of sharks, which, in general, is quite safe, but the adrenaline surge in the blood still occurs. The sand is very fine and clean, the water is wonderful and transparent. Here you can find profitable solutions even for people with a modest budget. So almost everyone can afford a pleasant trip to the island of Cebu. Reviews about him are approving. Especially good here from February to May.

Purity of nature

Tourism here has not yet reached the peak of its development, there is plenty of room for work, but, to some extent, it's even good. After all, the weaker the infrastructure, the better preserved untouched nature.

Hotels are few, there are dive centers, but there are not many of them either. Again, whatever is being done, everything is for the best. Immersed in the water, you can meet with many of the underwater inhabitants, typical of the tropics. Exclusive individuals are caught.

In Moalboal, a wonderful resort in the south-west, which can be reached from the city in three hours, there are many services for diving. To join this entertainment, you need to sit on one of the boats that go regularly, and get to a special center. Snorkelling is also available for tourists.

From the underwater flora and fauna here there are corals, manti, groupers, gorgonians, tuna. You can also look at the mysterious sea caves, the tunnel of sharks and rays.

Opinion of tourists

If you want to get vivid impressions and have a good rest, you can not hesitate to go to the island of Cebu (Philippines). Reviews, left by tourists, say that this holiday is very to their liking. Many people come here from Singapore, where they take a direct flight, and then get to Bohol by ferry, where they admire the beautiful hills and relax.

Whale sharks, which can be seen in the water, foment interest, easy fear and cause adrenaline to flow through the veins. It is worth noting that users praise the work of airlines, through which they get to this picturesque region. Regular flights. Upon arrival, tourists take a taxi, settle in a local hotel and follow new impressions.

An amusing detail is that there are beggars at the airport that can rush to carry your things to the car, and then demand money for it. It is better to avoid them. Taxi drivers also will not give up excess earnings and are unlikely to give change if necessary. Large cash is better to change in the store, and with such people pay a small change. There are many people on the streets even at night. Active life here always boils.

It is worthwhile to remain attentive

It is also worthwhile to warn an inexperienced tourist that people come across different, so it's better not to run into trouble again, and you do not know who you are talking to, because you never know where it starts with what you say. Just in case, of course, the situation in the streets is controlled by policemen.

When you find yourself a room, it will become easier, because one important issue will be resolved. You can find a chic option for a lot of money, and something simpler and cheaper, it all depends on your needs and opportunities.

On the first day, many examine the city's sights, and on the second - they go to Mactan. It is worth to prepare for the hot weather. Fortunately, a number of wonderful beaches. There are many interesting things in the city. There are suspicious things, but there are amazing sights. It is better to trust professionals who will take on the question of your entertainment, because you yourself can get lost in unfamiliar surroundings. Plan your vacation properly and have fun!