Cebu Vacations, Cebu Vacation Reviews, Tourism Guide

Cebu Vacation Guide

Like many Philippine cities, Cebu, nicknamed the Queen City of the South, has become something of an urban nightmare in recent decades, with jeepneys taking over the inadequate road network. There is history and architecture in here somewhere, but you have to look hard for it among the clutter, exhaust fumes and the malls. Good news is, it is not half as bad as Manila. Here you can get from one side of the city to the other in less than thirty minutes. The excellent airport and ferry connections might make you want to consider using Cebu as your base. Hotels are cheaper than in Manila, taxi drivers are less confrontational and more honest, and while gridlock is not unknown, it is much less common that in the capital. This place has everything in one place--food, beach, mountains, nightlife.

The big annual attraction in Cebu City is the Sinulog Festival, which culminates on the third Sunday of January with a wild Mardi Gras-style street parade and an outdoor concert at Fuente Osmeña. The local lifestyle is a major attraction for tourists. Cebuanos are warm and very hospitable, and with a flair for music and merry-making. Many nationally known singers hail from this island.

Cebu is best from December to May when the weather turns dry. It is coolest from December to February, hottest from March to May. Temperature can rise up to 37°C in the summer. The rainy season begins in July, often bringing torrential downpours that would sometimes inhibit movement.