4 Days 3 Nights Itinerary in Cebu, Philippines
Here is all the information that you need to visit Cebu, including a 4 days 3 nights itinerary!
Content:
The easiest way to go around Cebu is via taxi. Inform the taxi driver to switch on the meter so as to prevent any bargaining of prices or scam. If you are to take the taxi, the taxi driver may bring you to the wrong places. When you finally reach the destination, the taxi driver may demand that you paid for the extra journey despite his fault. It happened to us. Grab is available in Cebu as well. Based on experience, it's better to use Grab due to language barrier. There will not be any miscommunication. You would also reach your destination safely with the agreed payment, as shown on the app.
The locals take jeepneys to travel around Cebu. It's very complicated. You can't notice the number on the jeepneys because there are all decorated to the nines. So, I would recommend that you take Grab. It's the safest and most straightforward option.
The temperature varies very little all year round. It's warm and humid most of the time, if not it's raining. This statement is coming from someone who lives in Singapore, where the weather is hot and humid also. The hottest months in Cebu are from April to June.
The busiest months in Cebu are January, May and September. Prices of air tickets and accommodation would surge during these few months. Cebu is well known for its beaches, so if you are a budget traveller, avoid these 3 months or book your accommodation in advance. Alternatively, go during the off-peak season. There are some luxury hotels near Mactan Island. I stayed at the Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu. It's an excellent resort with a small beach and beach club.
It's quite safe in Cebu. Be extra careful in crowded places. Pickpockets tend to happen in packed places too, where you can't see your belongings. Be mindful of your belongings, especially at the beach. Don’t leave your belongings unattended. Your items may get stolen when you are off playing in the water. If you are travelling solo, you can ask your friendly neighbour who is suntanning to look after your belongings or simply just bring the necessities and some cash. Exercise cautions regardless of where you are travelling.
Day 1
Upon arrival at the airport, you can go for lunch before checking in at the hotel.
Stop 1 - Lunch at Zubuchon Express, which is located near the airport.
Estimated time required: around 1.5 hours to 2 hours
Remember to order the Sisig and Pork Belly when you dined in Zubuchon. Have a good lunch here. There is no need to rush.
Stop 2 - Check-in at the Hotel
After lunch, you can proceed to check-in at your hotel and have a short break. Depending on your itinerary the next day, you may want to rest early or go to a beach club.
Stop 3 - Go to Ibiza Beach Club
Estimated time required: 1.5 hours onwards
Hop over to Ibiza Beach Club at Mactan Island. Over here, they served buffet dinner and drinks too. I would suggest that you make a reservation if you want to go to the beach club. On some occasions, they have parties going on also. At times, you can even see fireworks during the party.
Day 2
Option 1
Image by Matthew T Rader
Sign up for a one-day tour to swim with the whale sharks. Most agencies would provide a one day tour which includes swimming with the whale sharks at Oslo, visit a heritage site, island hopping or snorkelling at another nearby island. Moreover, these agencies would fetch you from the hotel and drop you at your preferred location or hotel.
Option 2
For those who don't like Option 1, you can always go for a land tour.
Stop 1 - Fort San Pedro
Estimated time required: 30 minutes
Fort San Pedro is a military defence structure with triangular structure, with two sides facing the sea and the far side facing the land. It's a good stop to look at the structure of the building.
Stop 2 - Magellan's Cross and Basilica del Santo Nino
Estimated time required: 30 minutes to an hour
If you are interested in religion, you can drop by the Magellan's Cross and Basilica del Santo Nino to visit the place. Be mindful of your belongings here as it can get packed on some days.
Stop 3 - Yap Sandiego Ancestral House
Estimated time required: 45 minutes
Yap Sandiego Ancestral House is a heritage place where it shows the Filipino way of life. It is a good photo stop. There are crews in the house to assist you with photography. They would know where are the best spots to take photos.
Stop 4 - Temple of Leah
Estimated time required: 45 minutes
Temple of Leah is Teodorico Soriano Adarna’s gesture of love to his late wife Leah Albino-Adarna, a life partner for 53 years. The family is also the owner of the Queensland motel chain in Cebu. The Temple of Leah is a beautiful place to stop by, and enjoy the scenery it has to offer.
Stop 5 - Top Lookout
Estimated time required: 45 minutes onwards
Top Lookout is Cebu's famous viewing deck. The spot is located 600 meters above Cebu City, and it's one of the best places to enjoy the sunset. You can also get a fantastic view of Cebu’s panoramic skyline. There are a few restaurants available around the Top Lookout which you can dine and take in the view too. I highly recommend that you visit this place.
Day 3
Stop 1 - Bum around on a beach in the morning
Estimated time required: around 1.5 hours to 2 hours
When in Cebu, one has to go to the beach to chill and tan a little while. Morning sun is always a good option. There is less crowd too.
Stop 2 - Shopping at Ayala Shopping Mall
Estimated time required: 4 hours
Go shopping at Ayala Shopping Mall and purchase some souvenirs for your family and friends. There is a massive supermarket in the Mall. The supermarket is a great place to buy local food for your family and friends to try.
Stop 3 - Visit and dine at Sugbo Mercado
Estimated time required: 2 hours onwards
Visit Cebu's night market, Sugbo Mercado, and try their local food. If not, pop by to the nearby restaurants or pubs and chill then night away with lived bands playing at the background.
Day 4
Stop 1 - Bum around on a beach in the morning
Estimated time required: around 1.5 hours to 2 hours
Go for an early breakfast and bum around at the beach. Listen to the sound of the wave and relax on your last day.
Stop 2 - Go for a massage
Estimated time required: around 1.5 hours to 2 hours
Now that your breakfast has somewhat digested, and you have finished your tanning session. Go to a nearby massage parlour, and enjoy a good aloe vera massage to relieve minor to major sunburnt.
Stop 3 - Have a quick lunch
Grab a quick lunch at the airport. Now, it's time to go home.
Here's a list of expenses for your reference.
Accommodation: Average of SGD 100 per night
Sim Card: SGD 5.50
Meal: 300 - 500 PHP per person for 1 meal
In total, I spend slightly less than SGD 600 for everything in Cebu. However, if you are going to swim with the whale sharks, you would need to add in another SGD 100.
I stayed at the Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu.
Here is the list of dining options that I tried:
Like I mentioned before, I am not a beach person, so I don't foresee myself visiting Cebu in the near future. So, if you don't like the beach and heat, Cebu is not the place for you. I decided to go there, mainly because I haven't been there before. However, if you are like me, and choose to give Cebu a chance, you can still do a land tour in Cebu and embrace the culture that it has to offers. Cebu is a good and affordable place to chill. It's a great place to feast on Lechon! Ya... that's pretty much summed up my experience.
x, Esther
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