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Cebu is in the Visayas group of islands. Sitting amid 166 islands, the sandy beaches and sapphire-clear waters are rich in marine life, making the place a perfect choice for diving and water sports. The “Queen City of the South” is the second largest city in the Philippines after Manila, and offers a range of accommodations, from luxurious resorts to affordable hotels. There is an abundance of shopping malls, entertainment venues, casinos, and golf courses for all types of travellers to enjoy.
Hop around the islands
Mactan is a popular diving spot rich in history. This is where Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan was killed in a battle with the locals. There are numerous hotels dotting the island with each coming with a private beachfront. One of the famous one is Coahagan, nicknamed as “Shiseido Island”, after a Shiseido commercial was filmed there. Another is the Bluewater Sumilon Resort, a private eco-luxury retreat sitting in a coral reef protection area.
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Whale Shark Encounters
Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world and are listed as a protected species. Adult whale sharks can grow more than 12m long and weigh in at 40 tonnes. Seeing them in their natural habitat is sure to be an unforgettable experience! The journey to Oslob, where sightings of these magnificent creatures regularly occur, is about a 3.5hours drive from Cebu.
See the Sardines Run
Moalboal is home to many excellent diving sights. One of the most famous one is the sardine run where thousands of sardines swim in the shape of a ball to feed on plankton. These unique occurrences are also documented in National Geographic. With the depth of about 50m, the waters are teeming with marine life and gorgeous coral reefs. Moalboal is 3-4 hours away from the Cebu airport.
Snorkel with Turtles
Apo Island is home to numerous sea turtles. Many visitors flock to the island, which is about an hour away from Dumaguete, the capital of Negros, to grab the chance to swim with the turtles. In addition to its wildlife, Dumaguete has been selected as the Top 7 Best Retirement Places in the world and is one of the Top 10 popular tourist destinations in the Philippines.
Island of Fire
Siquijor Island is known as the Island of Fire thanks to ancient links to the mysteries of witchcraft and sorcery. Today, the island is transformed into a tourist destination with various activities including the experience of a hot spring fish spa under century-old banyan trees, visiting the mysterious Cambugahay waterfall, or the ancient Lazi Church and Convent. The island is a quick 45minutes by boat from Dumaguete.
For more information, please visit: www.tpb.gov.ph
