Cebu Island, is one of Philippines hot tourist spot and this guide will help you spend your vacation more fun and memorable. 

Always be Smart with your money. I know our USD will go far if converted to pesos. Today the exchange rate it $1 = 50 pesos. I suggest to not carry large amount of cash, better yet buy International Money order -there's a lot of international banks in Cebu - It's safer.

I know there's a lot to consider when you travel outside the country - there's so much to deal like finding good deals on Airline tickets, Booking a Hotel, etc.. etc.. When it comes to hotel, if you like to stay in a nice place that's in the City, I suggest Mariotte Hotel

MARIOTTE HOTEL

Or for water sport lovers there's windsurfing, parasailing, water-skiing, scuba diving, snorkling and fishing. Well, basically Shangrila Mactan Island Resort will definitely pamper you from head to toe. It's only 15 minutes away from the Airport and 30 minutes away from the City of Cebu.

SHANGRILA HOTEL

There's a lot of Hotels to consider which are absolutely beautiful and these are the ones I am able to stay. Here are some list of really nice 5 star Hotels & Resorts that you might consider:

• Alegre Beach Resort - 5 Star
• Badian Island Resort
• Cebu Beach Club
• Cebu White Sands
• Maribago Blue Waters
• Plantation Bay
• Tambuli Beach Club
• Waterfront Cebu City Hotel
• Waterfront Mactan Hotel

For Eating Out some good restaurants are located inside the Mall and some are fancier. If you like to try Filipino foods:

• CHIKAAN sa Cebu
• Golden Cowrie Restaurant
• Lantaw Gardens
• Lighthouse Restaurant
• Royal Concourse Gourmet Mall
• Seafood City Restaurant

For Chinese/ German/ Japanese

• Grand Majestic Convention City
• Harbor City
• Mikado Japanese Restaurant
• Sakura Japanese Restaurant
• Cafe Baden Baden
• Cebu Family Choice
• Golden Dragon Firepot Garden

Or if you like away from the city and up in the mountain top

• PARDS
• Cafe Tartanilia
• Chateau de Busay

And of course, all Fast food chains around the city. There's Mcdonald's, KFC, Pizza hut... but I guess you're tired of that - you might as well try something different - after all you're in vacation!

GETTING AROUND

If you have friends / relatives in Cebu that have car, then you're lucky. But if you're the adventurous kind, try riding in public "JEEPNEY" it's only 6.00 pesos from destination A to B. (that's only like 12cents US) If you prefer TAXI - you would try to find someone that you can negotiate (usually they do) The most you can pay is $10.00 which you can go around the whole city for a day. Do not pay over $10.00 unless you are really trying to be generous. For regular cab ride, you pay 30 pesos flag down and 2.50 pesos per succeeding KM. Beware of people overpricing you, some really take advantage especially when they know you're a tourist. If possible, try to find someone in the hotel that can tour you around - you're better off tiping that hotel personnel than getting rip off by someone.

FUENTE OSMENA CIRCLE

If you are not scared to explore, downtown area is also fun. Do's and Don'ts

• Do not wear any jewelries: Watches, Ring, Bracelets, Necklaces etc.. etc...
• Do not bring loads of Cash.
• Do put your wallet in FRONT pocket.
• Do take a map with you just incase.
• Don't entertain beggars, they are all over downtown, some are just scammers.
• Do wear Sneakers, it really helps you get around.
• Do speak English. Most Cebuanos learn english in school already, so no worries.
• Do wear light clothing, it's HOT & HUMID all year long.
• Do indulge in tropical Fruits, there are tons to choose from.
• Don't be overly generous, tips are OK. Limit yourself on TIPS -- Tip of $1 or 50 pesos is too much but acceptable of course.

I know these things are very obvious but again and again, people tend to forget. Like my cousins from Switzerland, they always bring Cash and end up being stolen! If you are not careful, no matter what country you are in, people will ROB you right before your eyes. - So please - take extra precautions.

SHOPPING

AYALA MALL

SM MALL

There's only 2 Huge Malls in Cebu City: AYALA CENTER and SM MEGA MALL. Choose one and do your shopping in that One Mall for a day - trust me, you'll be tired by the end of the day. With all that walking - you'll really need a tennis shoes. LOL. Well, You can always hit the theaters located at the very top floors of the Mall and go back shopping after. Malls usually closes at midnight. If you're in to Native Products, Mactan Island (30 minutes away from the city) There's a lot of handmade purses or native knives... lots and lots of sea shells stuff, Chandelliers , coasters, plate mats etc...

NIGHT LIFE

I use to love playing pool (billiards) and me and my friends usually go to JOINTS, 9 BALLS or EL GARAGE, KIOSK - those places are always packed cause it's also a bar - if you are a non-smoker, it's not the place for you. If you like ice skating - go to SM MEGA MALL at the ground floor or Roller skating go to the PLAZA park. If you like to disco bars I suggest PUMP, LA TEGOLA, GERBYS, CLUB ROYAL or if your into Live Bands -- RATSKI is your best bet (inside AYALA mall) or KOKAIS.

No matter where you stay - Beach is always 15-30 minutes away from you the most will be an hour, depending on traffic of course. Best to travel is at night, less traffic. If you like to go SOUTH of Cebu, there's this beautiful "KAWASAN FALLS" spend the night there it's really nice. (Picture shows only the first fall level there's like 4 or more) or if you like Golf "Cebu International Golf Course is just along the way...

KAWASAN FALLS

I spent the first half of my life growing up in Cebu City - so basically I know the ways around that small island. It's really a nice place to tour around - friendly people and lotsa good food and don't forget very CHEAP prices too. If you go there, you can just pack light and I guarantee you, you'll bring tons of things when you come back. 

Hope this helps and Have loads of Fun!