Cebu Island

Cebu Province offers beautiful coastlines that provide scuba diving enthusiasts an unrivalled haven with a number of diving sites. Most jewellery, especially black coral, aquamarine and pink pearls, are available and cheaper in Cebu than in other cities. Cebu is a gateway to the other islands, as there are flights as well as ships out of the city to major towns or surrounding islands.

Liberty Shrine

Located in Punta Engano, Mactan Island, a good walking distance from the Resort, this monument stands to honour the spot where on April 27, 1521 the first Filipino hero, Lapu-Lapu, and his warriors killed Magellan in battle and drove his troops back to the sea.

Shopping highlights

Cebu offers a wide range of malls, boutiques, specialty shops and traditional markets. The shopping malls listed below have movie houses, children's entertainment centre, supermarkets and a wide variety of food and beverage outlets.

SM City Cebu

Part of the largest mall chain in the country and the largest in Cebu. Here, you'll find a multitude of shops ranging from retail to appliances. Imported clothing brands are also available.

Ayala Center Cebu

Mall with specialty retail shops, furnishings, and an entertainment center. It is conveniently located in the middle of Cebu City for an exciting day's shopping.

The Crossroads

A long strip of themed restaurants, bars, and health and wellbeing outlets, it is located in the busy road of Banilad, Cebu City. The best place to mingle and party with locals.

Asiatown I.T. Park

Formerly a local airport, this park houses several commercial I.T. buildings, with restaurants serving a wide range of international cuisine, along with cafes and a club.

Banilad Town Centre

A quaint two-level mall, it has specialty shops and is a constant night attraction for yuppies.

The University of San Carlos Museum

Here, you'll find a fascinating collection of indigenous artifacts dating to pre-Spanish times, which shows the rich culture and history of the Visayan people.

Aznar Museum

A newly established museum in Southwestern University, with a collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts, many of which were taken from an archaeological dig in Camotes Island that unearthed a complete pre-Hispanic village.

Fort San Pedro

Fort San Pedro is an enchanting sight to see in Cebu, as the place holds an enthralling history to it. The fort was used for a number of different things at various times in the past, but today stands as a museum and a historical park ideal for a family outing. Combining an awesome blend of history and modernism, the Fort San Pedro is the oldest bastion styled fort in Cebu. It is also the smallest fort in the region covering an area of 2,025 square meters.

Construction for the Fort San Pedro began in the year of 1565 by Miguel Lopez De Legazpi, a Spanish conqueror. However, it was actually built and completed in 1738 as a citadel against Muslim raiders. Triangular in its shape, the fort afterwards served as a refuge for Filipino revolutionaries. During the American time of rule, it became part of the American Warwick Barracks and later a place of education for the Cebuanos. It was also a hideout for Japanese revolutionaries during World War II. The Fort's history doesn't end there, as the site was also once home to the Cebu City Zoo, and the Department of Tourism and Philippine Tourism Authority.

Visitors to the site are still able to admire the rich history of the place which lies embedded within the lush gardens of Fort San Pedro. Made of stone, the Fort houses 3 towers and is a magnificent sight to behold and a wonderful spot to picnic in. Many old ruins and artefacts can be seen, including a cannon gun of ancient Spanish origin within the gun enclosure area at the Fort. A museum is also found onsite, where various Spanish items belonging to the Government like sculptures, paintings, dungeons, old coins and other relics are on display for public viewing.

This famous historical sight is well worth a visit for travellers holidaying in Cebu. Tourists looking to stay in a luxury resort near Fort San Pedro should look no further than Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa, Cebu. This elegant and classy hotel provides a relaxing oasis perfect for a peaceful and serene getaway.

Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary

The Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary is one of the most popular tourist spots to be visited in the paradisiacal island of Cebu. Regardless of age, the Sanctuary is a great place for the whole family to enjoy a fun outing. This unique and amazing butterfly haven is actually home to a nature reserve where the butterflies dwell, a museum and an art gallery. Crowds of tourists as well as locals stream into the Sanctuary each day to catch sight of these colourful creatures.

Founded by a passionate artist by the name of Julian Jumalon in 1974, the Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary provides a unique home to the butterflies as they are not contained within an enclosure, but are able to fly freely in the area. Comprising of approximately 50 different types of rare and exotic butterflies, on any given day, the average visitor is sure to spot at least 10 to 15 of these butterfly types. In the park area, there are also over 100 different types of plant species that serve as food for the butterflies, making it a nature lovers' paradise.

When visiting the Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary, don't forget to stop in at the onsite art gallery and museum. At the art gallery, visitors are able to see elaborate works of paintings and mosaic art done by Julian Jumalon, of which some incorporate butterfly wings. The Sanctuary's museum serves as a comprehensive source of education to visitors about different butterfly species and is frequented by many students doing thesis.

Tourists holidaying in Cebu should definitely visit the Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary as it is the only butterfly sanctuary in Cebu and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the island. Travellers looking for a luxurious hotel to stay while in the tranquil oasis of the island should look no further than Shangri La's Mactan Resort and Spa, Cebu. This hotel provides elegant and contemporary accommodation in a paradise like setting.

Casa Gorordo

The Casa Gorordo Museum is the perfect place for tourists to be able to grasp the heritage and tradition of the Filipino culture. The Museum was once the home to the Filipino man Juan Gorordo, who became Cebu's first bishop. Housing a large number of artefacts, antiques and relics, this unique museum was named a historic landmark of Philippines by the National Historical Institute Board. The site mainly focuses on the lifestyle and heritage of the Filipino people who lived between the periods of 1860 to 1920 and is an interesting place to visit.

The Casa Gorordo Museum lies within a beautiful Spanish styled colonial house that dates back to the 1860's. The house was turned into a museum when it was acquired by the Don Aboitz Foundation in 1980. The interior décor of the house still displays the personality and taste of Juan Gorordo. Some of the highlights of the museum include the breathtaking sight of the courtyard, the intricately carved antique furniture that was once used by the bishop and the beautiful paintings that adorn the house walls.

There are also plenty of artefacts and relics that can be seen at the Casa Gorordo Museum that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Cultivating tools like the plough lie within the house as a sign of the farming culture that was once the primary source of income for Cebu. Other household items like cooking utensils and clothe wringers and dryers of historic origin can be seen at the Casa Gorordo Museum.

Tourists interested in the history and culture of Filipinos should definitely stop in at the Casa Gorordo Museum which is one the top historic Cebu attractions. For those looking to stay at a luxurious and contemporary hotel in Cebu, look no further than Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa, Cebu, for a relaxing and unforgettable getaway.

Cebu Island

SM City Cebu

Ayala Center Cebu`

Asiatown I.T. Park

Banilad Town Centre

University of San Carlos Museum

Fort San Pedro

Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary

Casa Gorordo