The home of nature, surrounded by the emerald seas. The Pearl of the Orient, where the warm Pacific wind blows, and the tropical sea glistens with bright sunlight. Dive into Cebu, the heart of the Philippines, and explore the extravagance of nature with the Sungkyun Times (SKT).
Mabuhay, Welcome!
Cebu is a beautiful island located in Lapu-Lapu City, the Central Visayas Region. In 2023, after Incheon-Cebu and Busan-Cebu direct flights were established, more than 62% of the recorded visitors that Cebu International Airport welcomed were Koreans. Cebu’s tourism spots can be mainly divided into two: Mactan Island and Cebu City. Mactan Island is a leisure area with extravagant resorts and spas, not to mention the beaches and pools. However, Cebu City is where the real fun is. Also known as “The Queen City of the South,” Cebu City is the capital of the province, and is one of the more industrialized cities in the Philippines, packed with many activities and entertainment. Although the Philippines experiences summer all year round, there are mainly two seasons: the wet season, from June to November, composed of rainy days, and the dry season, from December to May, the hotter days. December to February are the best months to experience and enjoy Cebu at its fullest, as this is the time when it is less hot and not so rainy.
A Must in Cebu!
-Cebu. the Home of Nature
1. Oslob
Oslob, located at the southern end of Cebu, is a small coastal town famous for the whale sharks that roam its seas. Kingos who hope to enjoy Cebu’s nature a step further through the whale shark experience can make reservations beforehand on the official Oslob website. Oslob’s whale shark tour offers two services: whale shark watching and snorkeling with whale sharks. Through these activities, tourists are invited to watch and interact with the whale sharks alongside the crystal-clear Oslob waves. However, for a safe tour, some precautions must be followed: it is essential to note that touching the creatures is prohibited at all costs, and tourists are not allowed to put on any sort of sunscreen, as the chemicals are harmful to the whale sharks. With these guidelines, tourists are invited to marvel at Cebu’s beautiful, gentle giants. After the whale shark tour, the SKT recommends Kingos take a rest from the activity by tucking into some traditional Filipino dishes. The restaurant Triple B, will give you a fantastic view of the Oslob beach with a delicious meal. Visit Oslob and explore the unique experience of swimming beside nature’s beauty.
2. Kawasan Falls
Another unique activity in Cebu is the canyoneering experience at Kawasan Falls. Canyoneering is the sport of hiking, swimming, sliding, and cliffjumping through a particular course in a canyon. The canyoneering routes offered at Kawasan Falls are divided into full and half courses. The full course, composed of seven highlight cliffjumps, is recommended for people who enjoy challenging sports activities, while the half course, consisting of four cliffjumps, is recommended for those who prefer a more relaxed experience. Reservations can be made on the official website of the Kawasan Falls Tour. In the middle of the route, there are stalls set up where tourists can enjoy Filipino skewers, so be sure to bring some cash to take a bite whilst enjoying the stunning canyon. In Kawasan, Cebu, Kingos are invited to explore every inch of the canyon and feel the emerald water gush through their feet. At the end of the tour, there is a Filipino grill restaurant right under the canyon. Kingos can enjoy authentic Filipino barbeque meals here while taking a break from the breathtaking activity. Take a jump, dive into Cebu’s deep canyon, and make unforgettable memories with Kawasan!
-Cebu City, the Center of the Philippines
1. SM Seaside Mall
SM Seaside Mall, located in Cebu City, is the 14th biggest mall in the world and the 4th biggest mall in Asia, which is proof of Cebu City being one of the most urbanized cities in the Philippines. This mall proudly shows off its international-scaled structures, with more than enough shops and restaurants. The only ice rink in Cebu is located in this mall, offering tourists a unique experience only available at SM Seaside Mall. Try skating and brush away the tropical summer heat by gliding across SM Seaside Mall’s ice rink. As the name suggests, SM Seaside Mall is famous for its vast, breathtaking view of the Cebu Sea at the lookout on the top floor. Furthermore, the mall is also packed with restaurants where tourists can enjoy Filipino delicacies, so try not to miss the delicious Filipino cuisine. Lechon Haus is a franchise restaurant specializing in Lechon, a traditional Filipino pork dish usually served on special days such as national holidays or birthday celebrations. Make sure to leave some space for the delicious mango cakes made with the famous Filipino mangoes, which is a must when visiting the Philippines. Explore the city center of Cebu at SM Seaside Mall, the heart of Cebu City.
2. Tops Hill
Tops Hill is the highest lookout in Cebu, proudly called the “top of Cebu.” Tops Hill is famous for the beautiful view that it offers tourists and is especially more extravagant at night time. Entrance fees are ₱ 100 per person. There is a café where tourists can enjoy delicious t e a s a n d o t h e r fresh drinks while picturing a beautiful m e m o r y o f t h e Cebu City skyline. If Kingos visiting the area want a little more than just drinks, the bar and restaurant La Vie in the Sky would be a perfect choice; guests can enjoy fancy fusion French dishes while musing to the endless delightful music played live by a band. Tops Hill offers different moods and views depending on the time the tourists decide to visit the venue. In the early mornings, Tops Hill will welcome Kingos with fresh, clean Cebu air and a beautiful view of the sunrise. In the evenings, Kingos are invited to feel the warm sunlight enveloping the city and perhaps enjoy a cup of tea. One thing is for sure: no matter what time Kingos visit the place, Tops Hill will provide unforgettable, breathtaking memories Sunset in Tops Hill on top of Cebu.
It Takes Two to Cebu
1. Taxi
The SKT suggests Kingos use Local call taxi apps such as Hirna and Grab, as it is difficult to catch taxis on the road. Foreigners are vulnerable to overpricing with hailed taxis.
2. JPark
JPark Island Resort - Kingos in Cebu may visit JPark, where there are many Korean restaurants, such as sashimi places, where they serve freshly caught Filipino fish in a familiar style.
3. Cash
The Philippines is still a country where cash is preferred over credit cards. Therefore, Kingos must bring cash around the city. Furthermore, tourists are recommended to carry small bills, such as ₱ 20, 50, or 100, to avoid being unable to purchase goods due to the vendor not having change for larger bills.
Breathe in, breathe out. There’s nowhere like Cebu where nature is actually breathing right by your side. Exploring the enchanting allure of the Pearl of the Orient felt like witnessing a gift wrapped in emerald waves from Mother Earth. Come and explore the majestic beauty of the Philippines and, even more, the beauty of Cebu.