Thing to See in Cebu

Cebu is known for the gate to spectacular islands in Visayas. Since I'm not looking to spend my time at a beach (I've seen too many stunning beaches in Indonesia), I spent only few days in Cebu wandering around the city and perhaps the famous Chocolate Hills (which actually didn't happen). Okay, so there are some interesting places to see in Cebu City. One day is definitely enough to explore the city.

1. Fort San Pedro

Fort San Pedro is one of the oldest Spanish Forts in Philippines. The fort was in triangular shape with two sides facing the sea and the third fronting the land. Total inside area is 2,025.6 meters square. 14 cannons were placed and some still can be seen today. Inside are filled with small historical item storage with information provided for tourists. Entrance fee is PHP 30.

2. Basilica Del Santo Nino

Inside Basilica Del Santo Nino

Built in 1566, Basilica Del Santo Nino has become the biggest church in Cebu. The devotion of Santo Nino had widely spread and gathered huge amount of devotees. The site undergone several reconstructions until it can withstood an earthquake. The church is completed with museum, library, even store. The popular Magellan Cross is just outside of the church.

3. Taoist Temple

Located a bit far from the town, precisely in Lahug, a temple for Taoism believers looks very "Chinese" (of course it look Chinese) with the red color all over the building. Taoist Temple can be accessed by jeepney 04C/04L bound to Lahug. Then you can take a motorbike u to the temple for only PHP 10. It was very quiet when I got there. The pray room is very clean. The entrance was designed like Great Wall China. Cebu City is visible from the top of the temple.

4. Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saint

Not far from Taoist Temple, a good-looking church caught my attention. It was all in white greyish brick block attaching in each side of the building. I tried to get inside the church, unfortunately the security guard did not let me in because I was wearing a short pant. I love the minimalist yet futuristic architecture from the church. Although I couldn't get inside, watching the church from outside was a fun thing to do.

Getting to Cebu City

The cheapest way to go downtown is by taking a jeepney outside the airport. You can ask the driver to drop you in Savemore (PHP 8) then take another jeepney to SM City Cebu (PHP 15). Another option to avoid traffic jam as well, and do what locals do is by taking ferry (PHP 15) which connects Mactan and Cebu. The ferry departs everyday from 6 a.m.-7 p.m, every minute. The ferry takes roughly 15 minutes. Getting around Cebu City is easy. Jeepney will cost you only PHP 8. The location within Fort San Pedro, Basilica Santo El Nino, and Cebu Cathedral can be accessed by foot.

Where to Stay in Cebu City

I stayed in dormitory room in Sugbutel Hotel for only PHP 250/night. The most affordable room in town. If you bring lots of stuff, or you are a "big" person, I don't think this place suits you. PHP 250 is without linen, so only a small cubical with mattress and pilow. Sugbutel has great location since it's very near to pier and SM Mall. There is also a dormitory room in JSU-PSU located very near to San Pedro. Price per night for dormitory room is PHP 250 I haven't try this and not much information about this place, but I read someone's blog and this place is quiet good and low-budget. If you're in pair, it's good to stay in a Travelbee Central Inn Cebu for around USD 15/room/night. You can find lots of hotel and guesthouse as cheap as USD 15 in Cebu.

Traveled in 18-21 February 2014

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