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Near the center of the nation of the Philippines, in the heart of the Visayas Region, is the island of Cebu, a long string of land running from the northeast to the southwest. On the southeast side of the center of the island is its largest city, Cebu City, also the largest city for many miles around. Known as the Queen City of the South, Cebu City is a popular destination for tourists in the Philippines. The largest port in the Philippines is there as well as the second largest airport, Mactan-Cebu International. With an yearly growth rate of over 5 percent each year, Cebu is a bustling metropolis that offers a modern infrastructure and a fantastic range of natural resources. The area is popular for its innumerable beaches of fine white sand both, its wildlife sanctuaries, and the historical sites reflecting its role in the development of the Philippines. Europeans first arrived in the Philipines on Cebu, and the Spanish colonizers first brought Christianity and the Catholic Church to the country here. The area retains traces of ancient contacts with China and India, as well as the marks of the American territorial government during the first half of the 20th century.
As his fleet was on its way to being the first to circle the globe, the explorer Ferdinand Magellan stopped in the Philippines to claim the land for Spain. The local inhabitants killed him, but when Spanish conquistadors returned to the island, they erected monuments to him near Cebu. The colonizers also constructed Fort San Pedro, which now houses an excellent museum that you can visit today, and you can still see the old Latin architecture in the oldest street in the Philippines, Colon Street, in the heart of the city. The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño remains standing, a beautiful example of colonial construction.
The older influences of Asia can also be seen everywhere in Cebu. A serene Taoist Temple is situated downtown, and the food and culture all reflect the Southeast Asian world around the Philippines. If you arrive in the middle of January, try to enjoy the Sinulog Festival, a huge street party celelbrating the local dance of the same name, on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Cebu, like much of the Philippines, has become a scuba diver’s paradise, and you can enjoy the local diving sites throughout the year.
Nalusuan Island Cebu Resort and Marine Sanctuary
Offering diving, island hopping and beach fun in traditional stilted cottages, this resort is a quick boat ride away fro the Mactan Airport. There are not many rooms available, so book far in advance, and get air-conditioning in the summer months. You can enjoy the water all day long on jet skis, or go snorkeling in the nearby coral garden. The nearby Nalusan Marine Sanctuary is a great place to marvel at the beauty and variety of the Philippines’ aquatic life.
Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino Mactan
A high-rise wonder near the heart of downtown, The Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino is just 30 minutes away from Maactan International Airport. Offering 561 rooms, and elegant casino, and eight restaurants, and a true five-star experience, the Waterfront provides luxury and opulence, and a good base for exploring or doing business.
Cordova Reef Village Resort
The Cordova Reef Resort is another hotel specializing in diving. Surrounded by water and set off from Cebu in a private and isolated area, The Cordova offers golf and the Mar Bantayan Restaurant in between dives!
Crown Regency Hotel and Towers
One of the new large hotels promoting a five-star experience, the Crown Regency is composed of two towers and is located downtown. Offering the usual luxury amenities, the Crown also has a business center on the 19th floor with a spectacular view, and several restaurants in Tower 1. Some customers have not enjoyed the procedure that requires paying meals on separate floors.
Alegre Beach Resort
Alta Cebu Village Resort
Badian Island Resort and Spa
Cebu Beach Club Resort
Cebu Marine Beach Resort
Cebu Midtown Hotel
Cebu Parklane International Hotel
Cebu White Sands At Maribago Bay Hotel
Cordova Reef Village Resort
Costabella Tropical Beach Resort
Crown Regency Hotel Fuente
Crown Regency Residences
Crown Regency Suites
Days Hotel
Days Hotel Mactan
Golden Peak Hotel
Grand Hotel
Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa
Holiday Plaza Hotel
Island And Sun Hotel
Mango Park Hotel
Marco Polo Plaza Hotel
Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort
Masters Resort
Montebello Villa Hotel
Ocean Bay Beach Resort
Plantation Bay Resort
Pulchra Resort
Richmond Plaza Hotel
Tambuli Beach Club East Hotel
Tambuli Beach Club West
Tubod Flowing Water Resort
Vacation Hotel
Waterfront Airport Hotel
Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino
Waterfront Hotel