Whale sharks, locally known as 'tuki' or 'butanding', are found off the coast of Tan-awan, in Oslob, about 10 kilometers away from the town center. Start your trip by meeting the gentle giants of the sea. Locally known as “tuki” or “Butanding”, the whale shark is the largest fish in the world. With its vast size it resembles the whales from which the common name is derived.
It can reach up to 12 meters (40 feet) in length and weigh an average of 5 tons. It uses mouth filters to feed on tiny plankton and small fish. Don't miss the opportunity to watch, snorkel or dive with the whale sharks and get fascinated by these friendly creatures. Return back to hotel in the evening.
Apart from its rich history, being the oldest city in the Philippines, Cebu is also one of the country's top tourist destination due to its climate, which is warm all year round, and accessibility. Complementing this is the coastline which is dotted with beaches and villages set in verdant tropical landscape. The island-hopping escapade offers a glimpse of some of these islands to admire its marine life at close quarters.
Your adventure begins when you guide escorts you to where you get aboard a motorized outrigger banca to discover the underwater jewels of Cebu's blue waters, In the course of the tour, we drop an anchor to give you an opportunity to swim and snorkel, and enjoy Cebu's underwater attractions before moving on to a nearby island for a sumptuous lunch. Before returning to the mainland, make a brief stop on another island to witness firsthand the simple lifestyle of fisher folks.
Get to grips with the History and Heritage on this diverse day. Due to its all-year-round warm climate and its close proximity to the airport, Cebu remains as popular as ever with the tourists. It just goes to show that you don’t really have to venture too far from where you landed in order to be immersed in all things Filipino. Bearing in mind that this is the oldest city in the Philippines, dating all the way back to 1565; you’ll be spoilt for choice with the copious cultural treats just waiting for you to delve into.
HIGHLIGHTS:
* Trek around the terrific Taoist Temple
* Explore the oldest triangular bastion fort in the country: Fort San Pedro
* Meander around The Casa Gorordo Museum
The city tour starts off with a visit to the tremendous Taoist Temple which is based just six kilometres from the centre of the city. The temple towers over everything within its reach as it stands at a mesmerising 300 metres high. Built back in 1972 by a predominantly Chinese community - its ornate structure makes it a must-see Taoist temple! It is open to both worshippers and non-worshippers which certainly works to your advantage as you’ll get the chance to do as the romans do.
On the way to the Basilica we’ll go past The Carbon Market which serves up everything from fresh meat to handicrafts and is loved by locals and tourists alike. We shall also pass by Cebu’s Provincial Capital which houses the provincial government of Cebu in the Philippines.
Stop off at the oldest Catholic Church in all of The Philippines: Basilica Minore de San Agustin where you’ll find a statue of the Infant Jesus. Just a stroll away is Magellan’s Cross which marks the spot where Christianity first made its way to The Philippines almost 500 years ago.
Not far away from there, you’ll stumble across Fort San Pedro which was the first ever built military stronghold in the country. Its walls have been recently renovated so that it could be restored to its former glory. Inside there’s a gorgeous garden in the inner courtyard; this provides a place of rest tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the harbour.
Last but not least, we head to Casa Gorordo. What started out as a mid-19th century house, has become a national historic landmark cherished by all who step foot inside. The museum which is located in The Pari-an district which is better known as today’s downtown area was the home of Cebu’s wealthy at the turn of the century. Of the four houses that still remain, the Gorordo was restored and furnished to best reflect the style of the period in which it was constructed. Asides from its furnishings, there are various porcelain and liturgical pieces, clothes, old photographs and other artefacts from a before now Cebu.
Teamed with its fair share of religious and colonial history, which still remains virtually untouched even until today and its vast collection of some the best beaches in the country; there’s definitely a lot to find out about on this day away to the idyllic island of Bohol.
HIGHLIGHTS:
* Be on the lookout for the World’s most minute monkeys at the Philippine Tarsier Foundation
* Get familiar with the geological wonder: The Chocolate Hills
* Have a bite on-board a river cruise up the lovely Loboc River
Get to see a different side to The Philippines on this divergent day. At just a 2 hour ferry ride from Cebu, you don’t have to go to the end of the earth to enjoy this out-of-this-world island. It is chock-full with other neighbouring islands as well, to be precise 75 of them! This means that there are plenty of places to dive and swim in. Its capital city: Tagbilaran is made up of tree-lined squares and stone buildings such as an 18th century Jesuit built church and much more.
When you reach Tagbilaran Pier, you will be welcomed by our Tour Representative who will only be too happy to show you around. The first stop is at the Philippine Tarsier Foundation which is based in the town of Corella. This sanctuary serves as a refuge for the smallest primate in the world which is native to the region: The tarsier. Gaze at these rare, nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat and be amazed by their swiftness as they seemingly swoop from one tree to the other. These agile little creatures are remarkably able to swivel their heads almost the whole way around.
We next head to Baclayon where we make a short stop at the historical Blood Compact site, where the ancient ritual used to take place. Most notably, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna sealed their friendship by performing the peculiar practice in this very place.
Just a hair’s breadth away is a stone church: Baclayon Church. Having lost its bell tower and portico in the 2013 earthquake, the church is primarily a museum now. It houses a vast collection of religious art pieces, ecclesiastical vestments, as well as animal skin Latin inscribed hymn books.
You will be enchanted by the masses of marvellous Mahogany trees that look like something out of a fairy-tale in the man-made forest that we drive through en route to the charming Chocolate Hills. Comprised of more than a thousand colour-changing hills, they are simply a geological spectacle. From above they look almost edible, like a ginormous bunch of chocolate truffles which is where the name was depicted from.
To finish off this excellent excursion, cruise up the luscious Loboc River as you sit inside a fabulous floating restaurant. What’s more, indulge yourself on a delectable dinner served on board. Once you are full up, you will go back to where you began in time to catch your ferry back to Cebu. After you get to Cebu, you shall be greeted once more and taken back to your accommodation.
Cebu's icon, Magellan's Cross, is the first stop on our journey. Proceeding to the Basilica Minore of the Christ Child, we will see the home of the image of Jesus as a child, Magellan´s baptismal gift to Queen Juana, the first Christian Filipina. Next we will travel to Fort San Pedro, a coral stone fortress originating from the original wooden structure built on the site in 1565. As protection to the city it became the first Spanish settlement in Asia. As we drive to Plaza Parian via the country´s oldest street (Colon Street) we will make a short stop at Casa Gorordo. This museum showcases the elegant lifestyle of the Spanish/Filipino elite of the 18th century. A visit to Museo sa Sugbu will completed this portion of the tour.
Cross over to Mactan Island through the industrial city of Mandaue, where many world class furniture factories are found. Our first stop in Mactan is the Church of our Lady of the Rule, a national shrine visited by many who attribute Mactan´s economic success to her devotion. Next we will visit a guitar factory to see how renowned Philippine guitars are made. Our final stop is the Liberty Shrine, erected on the battlefield where Magellan met his defeat at the hands of the chieftain of Mactan, Datu Lapu-Lapu. Today a larger-than-life statue of Lapu-Lapu towers over mangroves on the very shores of his triumphant battle.
History, culture and heritage. Cebu City’s reputation as one of the country’s top tourist destinations is due to its all year round warm climate and accessibility. Named as the country’s second international gateway, Cebu is rich in history, and is the oldest city (1565) in the Philippines.
The city tour starts with a visit to the majestic Taoist Temple. Situated six kilometres from the city centre is this impressive and highly ornate temple of the Taoist religious community. Its size and architecture are evidence that a considerable part of Cebu’s population is ethnically Chinese. On the way to the Basilica, pass by Cebu’s Provincial Capital and Carbon Market, where most of the city’s fresh produce is being sold. Stop by the Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino. A short walk away is Magellan’s Cross, the place where Christianity was first planted in Cebu.
You will also be able to see the Ya-Sna Diego Ancestral house and the Heritage of Cebu Monument. Included in the package is a complimentary running tour at Colon Street, Fuente Osmena Circle and Capitol Site. Then return back to the drop off point.