(Philippines) - Things to do in Cebu

Cebu is home to beautiful islands, historic monuments and churches, friendly people and sumptuous food. Tourists wanting to commune with nature, indulge in gastronomic delights, walk the streets of history, and spend quiet time in churches often flock to this warm province. If you are thinking about traveling to the home of the famous dried mango, stop thinking and start packing your sunscreen, sunglasses and swimming gear.

Here are the top 5 things to do in Cebu Philippines

Go Diving.

Cebu's warm climate, clear waters, white-sand beaches, and rich marine life have made it one of the countrys top diving destinations. Come face to face to with colorful fishes, corals and nudibranches as you explore Cebus lively underwater environment. The islands of Malapascua, Liloan, Moalboal, Olango and Mactan offer amazing diving options.

Go on an Eating Spree.

Indulge in delicious seafood and meat dishes. For a typical Cebuano breakfast, try the danggit, or dried fish fried until it is crispy. Danggit is usually served with fresh tomato slices, scrambled eggs and fried rice. Tourists love the famous kilawin, or raw fish or oysters marinated in vinegar and spices. Savor a serving of ginataang baboy, which is pork cooked in coconut milk and seasoned with shrimp paste. End your meals with fruits, like the world-famous Guadalupe mango, or sweets like turrones, rolled wafers filled with marzipan.

Cebu is home to different kinds of restaurants, so you can always go for oriental or continental cuisines if you want to take a break from the local delicacies.

Visit Monuments and Landmarks.

Get a healthy dose of Philippine history by touring the streets of Cebu. See the remains of the cross Magellan planted in 1521, which is located on the corner of Magallanes and Burgos streets. Have your photograph taken beside the Lapu-Lapu Monument in Punta Engano on Mactan Island. Enjoy a leisurely walk on Colon Street in downtown Cebu. This is the oldest street in the country and was created in the 16th century. Visit Fort San Pedro, the smallest and oldest fortress in the Philippines that was built in 1565.

Spend time in churches.

Cebus churches are cultural heritage sites, great places for meditation, and venues for appreciating art from different eras. These are reasons why spending time in churches is among the top 5 things to do in Cebu Philippines. Visit the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, the oldest church in the Philippines that enshrines the Santo Nino image, or the Naga Church, a church made of limestone and corals and decorated with angels and gargoyles.

Watch a festival.

Celebrations in Cebu, which range from very solemn rituals to noisy parades, are very colorful. The most popular festival is the Sinulog, a celebration in honor of the Santo Nino de Cebu that is held every third Sunday of January. The Sinulog is a lively event where merrymakers dance during the parade. Watching a festival wraps up the top 5 things to do in Cebu Philippines.

(Philippines Board)