The Province of Cebu, consisting of the Cebu mainland and a whopping 167 surrounding islands, has perennially been in Conde Nast Traveler's top 10 best island destinations in the Asia Pacific region. This distinction is due to the province's many natural wonders, historical landmarks and beautiful man-made structures. Here are some of the best places to experience these amazing Cebuano treasures:
1. Argao
From a quiet fishing and farming town to an emerging tourist destination, Argao is in the southeastern part of the province of Cebu. It prides itself with a heritage tracing back to Spanish and early American influences. Public stone buildings dating centuries back are well preserved. Its main attraction is the town’s richly endowed Rococo-Baroque church, the St. Michael Archangel. The Riverstone Castle, built entirely from the stones found in the nearby river, is another interesting sight to see.
2. Badian
Nature’s wealth welcomes visitors to Badian, a municipality in southwestern Cebu. A generally mountainous and hilly town, along its coast are lines of picturesque white sand beaches. Badian Island Resort and Spa, found on a small island on the Badian Gulf, is known for its powdery white beach and first class amenities. Another must-see in Badian is the famed Kawasan Falls. Tourists and locals alike are drawn to this place for its cool deep waters.
3. Bantayan Island
Sparkling blue waters and fine white sand beaches are found on Bantayan Island, northwest off the tip of mainland Cebu. Holy Week is the time that the island gets the most amount of arrivals, thus, being tagged as the Lenten Capital of the Visayas. It is also known for its mouth-watering dried fish and squid and other fresh seafoods.
4. Camotes group of islands
Relatively unspoiled, the group of islands consists of Pajican Island, Poro Island, Ponson Island and Tulang Island. One of its attractions is the 77-hectare Lake Danao in the town of San Francisco, once awarded as the cleanest inland lake in the region. A century-old church, meanwhile, is found in the town of Poro and the famous Bukilat Cave and Magagay-ay Beach are in the town of Tudela.
5. Carcar City
A city with immense heritage structures dating back to the Spanish Era, a trip down Carcar City is like a trip back to old Cebu, with well-preserved ancestral houses and buildings still lining its streets. Carcar City was also christened as Little Marikina of the Visayas because of its fast growing shoe industry. Known in Carcar are its native delicacies like ampao, made of sweetened rice crispies, and chicharon. The St. Catherine of Alexandria Church, Theotokos Shrine and Mainit-Mabugnaw National Park are the places of interest.
6. Dalaguete
Naturally gifted with white sand beaches and lengthy coastlines, crystal blue sea and marine sanctuaries, a trip to Dalaguete is one of a kind. The beach resorts along the coast offer amenities for different water-based activities. The atmosphere is also perfect for rest and relaxation. Different culinary preferences are also catered to by the numerous restaurants, be it international cuisines, seafoods or local delicacies. Known as the vegetable basket of Cebu, one could enjoy a trek on the mountains lined with farms full of all sorts of vegetables.
7. Malapascua Island
With a shoreline comparable to that of Boracay, Malapascua is blessed with numerous dive sites, namely, the Malapascua Island-North Point, Gato Island, Monad Shoal, the Calanggaman Island, Doña Marilyn Wreck, Don Macario Wreck, Chocolate Island, Tapilon Japanese Wreck and Pioneer Japanese Wreck. The place to get the best view of the horizon is the old lighthouse that served as watchtower during the colonial times. Inland, there are rock formations and a coconut forest.
8. Medellin
A dream town for retirees to settle, Medellin exudes living everyday life like a vacation. It has lush vegetation, cool sea breeze and a peaceful community. Set amidst its scenic sugarcane valleys are theme parks, golf clubs and other joyous treats for local guests and foreign tourists.
9. Moalboal
An ideal place for a getaway trip from the bustling city life, Moalboal boasts of great food, inviting accommodations, scenic beaches and world-class dive spots, like the Sunken Island. Included in a list of must-sees in Moalboal is the orchid farm famous for its variety if orchid species, the largest orchid farm in Southeast Asia.
10. Sumilon Island
A 24-hectare isle enveloped by crystal blue waters teeming with marine life, Sumilon could very well be Cebu’s best kept secret, located off the coasts of the southeastern tip of the mainland. The island is the country’s first marine protected area and has been proclaimed a fish sanctuary in 1974. Sumilon is recognized for its white sand beaches and shifting sandbar, which changes shape, depending on the season.
