CEBU

Cebu is the second most famous and important metropolitan city in the Philippines after Manila. Known as the 'Queen City of the South', Cebu is a bustling metropolis with amazing skyscrapers, monuments, shopping malls, discotheques and more. Located close to the exotic white sand beaches and crystal blue waters, Cebu is often referred as the playground of the country. Cebu has some of the finest diving spots in the world, making it a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers. One of the most favorite tourist destinations in Philippines, Cebu is the gateway to central and southern Philippines.

Location

Cebu is located at about 500 km south of Manila, between the 9°25' N latitude and the 123° 25' E longitude, in the center of the archipelago. Cebu can easily be reached by air and water from Manila.

Prime Tourist Attractions

Magellan's Marker: After his successful mission of Christianizing the people of Cebu, Magellan crossed the channel to Mactan in the effort to spread the faith. On the way, he was encountered by Lapulapu, the chieftain of Mactan Island, and was killed in the battle. The Magellan marker was erected in 1866 to mark the spot where the great Spanish explorer died fighting the Mactan chieftain.

Chapel of the Last Supper: It's one of the most treasured relics in the Philippines, the only Christian majority nation in the Southeast Asia. Only one of its kinds in the country, it's a 250 years old life-sized carving of the Lord Jesus and his 12 apostles seated at a long table for the Last Supper.

Fort San Pedro: The 16th Century Fort San Pedro is a small but magnificent fort in the Philippines. The Fort served as the nucleus of the Spanish settlement in the Philippines and later as fortification for Japanese soldiers during World War II, from 1941 to 1945. It has 20 ft high and 8 ft thick walls and a 30 ft high tower. Now it houses the famous Fort San Pedro National Museum, which showcases the San Diego shipwreck and interesting collections of Fort San Pedro.

Olango Wildlife Sanctuary: Located on the scenic Olango Island, it's one of the most famous bird sanctuaries in Philippines. The sanctuary supports the largest concentration of migratory birds, which travel to the island from as far as Siberia and Northern China in search of nutritious fodder and also to escape harsh winters.

The Tops: Situated high on top of enchanting Busay Hills, it's an excellent spot for enjoying breathtaking views of Metro Cebu and the islands of Mactan and Olango.

Other not to be missed tourist attractions in Cebu include the famous Colon Street, Taoist Temple, Jumalon's Museum, Lapulapu Monument, Capitol Building, Julian Jumalon's Butterfly Sanctuary and Art Gallery. The enchanting Kawasan Falls and scenic Badian Island are the must visit attractions in Cebu.

Tourist Activities

Famous for its magnificent coral formations and crystal blue seawater, Cebu is popularly referred as the diving center of the Philippines. The city enjoys a pleasant climate all round the year, which makes Cebu a favorite for water sports. Cebu offers an exciting range of water sports activities to visitors. You would surely enjoy diving in the pristine crystal blue water. Swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, jet skiing, boat sailing and deep see fishing are other major activities for tourists visiting Cebu. Cebu also has a number of lovely beaches. Enjoy lazing, strolling, sunbathing on the beautiful beaches of Cebu.

MANILA

Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is a modern bustling metropolis and the premier gateway to enchanting Philippines. Located on the island of Luzon, Manila offers a breathtaking view of the scenic Manila Bay and its golden sunset. The historic cosmopolitan capital of Philippines, Manila has seen great ups and downs throughout its history, showcasing the Spanish, Japanese and American influences. Today, Manila represents a fine blend of old traditions and modernity. Known for its exceptional scenic beauty, Manila also has amazing skyscrapers, colonial structures, museums, shopping malls and discotheques, which never fail to fascinate its visitors. Manila also offers an exciting nightlife with its wide array of discotheques, bars, casinos and clubs.

Location

Manila is located on the island of Luzon, the largest island of Philippines. One of the largest metropolitans in the world, Manila is located between the 14.40N latitudes and 121.03E longitudes. The city is well connected by air with rest of the world.

Prime Tourist Attractions

Intramuros: The beautiful walled city 'Intramuros' was built by the Spaniards in 1571. A visit to the place provides a deep insight into Manila's rich heritage. The walled complex has a number of tourist attractions including Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church, and the 19th century mansion -Casa Manila, with its 16th to 19th century furniture and furnishings. The famous Rizal Park, just outside of Intramuros, is a favorite spot for relaxation and other leisure activities. The Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Metropolitan Museum of the Philippines are other attractions near the walled city.

Manila Bay: The finest harbor in the Far East, Manila Bay is world-renowned for its scenic beauty and its golden sunset.

Fort Santiago: Constructed in 1571, on the ashes of burnt wooden fort of a Muslim king, the Fort Santiago is the magnificent Spanish fortress with huge canons looking out on the sea, to ward off pirates and Muslim invaders.

China Town: Located outside the Intramuros, Chinatown symbolizes the long history of the Chinese influence o the Philippines. The place is famous for its exquisite shops, stalls and restaurants. San Agustin Church and Museum: The San Agustin Church is the oldest stone church in Manila dating back to 1571. Inside the old monastery of the Church is situated the Museum, displaying a rich collection of oil paintings.

Other major tourist attractions in Manila include the Manila Cathedral, Malacañang Palace, Ayala Museum in Makati, the American Cemetery and Coconut Palace among many others.

Tourist Activities

In Manila you can enjoy an exciting range of activities. The sunset view on the Manila Bay is simply unforgettable. Besides, Manila is a good base for excursions. Excursions to Tagaytay to see the famous Taal Volcano can be a rewarding experience. Laguna, minutes away from Manila, is famous for hot sulphur springs. A day trip to Pagsanjan Falls (63km) through an exciting canoe ride, down the river, promises to be an unforgettable experience.