With all the beautiful sights to see and visit, looking for the perfect place to stay in Cebu can be a bit difficult for a first-time visitor. This guide will give you an idea on the most famous places of interest in Cebu and help you decide on where to stay so you can get the most out of your vacation
Beach Lovers
If you haven’t heard of Mactan, then it’s about time you did! It’s a smaller island located just a short bridge away from the main city and is a haven for many of the best beach resorts in Cebu. Mactan is a booming place for luxurious 5-star resorts to even mid-sized 3-star hotels. It boasts of white-sand beaches and an ocean that makes some of the best dive spots in Cebu.
If you’ve got more time to spare and would prefer a more quiet and relaxing time, head on to the northern or southern ends of Cebu.
Drive up north to Daanbantayan and enjoy a luxurious stay at Kandaya Beach Resort. Or, take a boat to Bantayan Island to experience one of Cebu’s finest white sand beaches. Or, cross over to Malapascua Island for a dive that will guarantee to take your breath away!
If you’ve got more time and money to spare and are looking for some adventure, head south and stay at Sumilon Island. Take a plunge with the world’s largest fish species – the Butanding (or more commonly known as the whale shark).
If you’re looking for a more luxurious and romantic vacation, stay at Pulchra in San Fernando or sail down to Badian Island Resort and be pampered in the island’s exquisite natural setting.
City Bustlers
For those who enjoy the city, the shopping, the food tripping, and the bustling night life, stay at one of the hotels in Cebu City.
If you love to shop and enjoy good food, stay somewhere close to Ayala Center Cebu or the IT Park. Ayala Center Cebu is the second largest mall in Cebu and features over a hundred shops, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Immerse yourself in the best of Cebu’s nightly activities at the IT Park where restaurants, bars, and cafes come alive with foodies and night-lifers alike.
Take a drive even further to the Crossroads, another famous food strip located in Banilad, Cebu City.
If you prefer more shopping and a wider selection of shops, stay somewhere close to SM City Cebu. The over 200,000-square-meter largest mall in Cebu, houses over 700 different shops and services. Its sister mall SM Seaside is also a must place to visit for shopaholics!
If you think you can handle the busiest shopping district in Cebu, stay somewhere near Colon. Haggle your way through the oldest street in Cebu and enjoy huge bargains from the multitudes of shops lining up the busy sidewalks.
Traveling with Kids
When you’re traveling with your little ones, stay away from crowded places such as Colon. Yes you may have to shell out more money for accommodation staying in areas such as in Mactan or any of the business parks, but nothing can buy your children’s safety.
