Simply being from Cebu carries a certain cultural heft, and it’s not hard to see why. Cebu is the hub around which the Visayas revolve. It is the most densely populated island in the Philippines and is second only to Luzon in its strategic and economic importance to the country. The main attractions are its white-sand beaches and spectacular diving, namely off the northern tip of Cebu at Bantayan and Malapascua islands, as well as on the southwest coast at Moalboal. And don't ignore much-maligned Cebu City, which has lively bars, emerging eateries and great island-hopping opportunities.

 

Taxis are out-and-out the easiest way to get around the city. Drivers are mostly honest and their service is cheap and quick – streets are clogged during peak hour but rarely gridlocked. Unless a big ship has just docked, or it’s serious festival time, catching a taxi in Cebu City couldn’t be easier. Most drivers will stick to the metered price for anything other than the airport or out-of-town destinations. And before you suspect your driver of taking the long way around, remember there’s a huge number of one-way streets here, especially in the downtown area. For many out-of-town destinations, taxis will fix a price that may seem way above what the meter would give. This is to cover petrol and the return drive for which the driver may not get a fare.