It’s been a while since I’ve been traveling, so this time I took my sweet time from my daily office job, and boarded a plane to the east… towards the region known as Central Visayas in the Philippines. This area in the middle of the archipelago, consists out of several provinces. Some big, some small. The most known provinces are without doubt Cebu and Bohol, but provinces like Negros and the tiny Siquijor also are part of this area.
Cebu city will be most likely the place of entry by airplane. This big city, some call it a mini-Manila because of the busy city life, is home of Mactan–Cebu International Airport, which is the second busiest airport in the Philippines. Cebu also has a big port, with many ferries to neighbouring islands, as well as further away ports, like Manila.
Because of this, Metro Cebu has grown from a simple fishing village to a multi million residents metropolis with everything anyone needs. From shops to restaurants, healthcare to universities. It is also an historical site, with several old buildings still preserved the humid tropical climate. On 7 April 1521, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived in Cebu. Magellan failed to successfully claim the Philippines for the crown of Spain as he was killed on Mactan island on 27 April 1521, by its leader, Datu Lapu-lapu. The Megallan Cross is one of the most well known sights in Cebu City.
Transport on and between the islands is mostly done by either a ferry or some kind of road transportation. In Cebu there is Grab and there are bus services running all over the province. Outside the big city, tricycles and tuktuks are available as well. At Siquijor it’s easy rent a small motor/scooter, which gives you plenty of freedom to roam around on the small island. At Bohol there was no Grab available, only cars for hire and tuk-tuks. For budget friendly traveling, a tuk-tuk is cheap and easy!
Activities
There are plenty of activities to do all over the Philippines. From snorkelling and scuba diving to canyoning and ziplining to cave exploring and pool hopping. Of course plenty of beautiful beaches to chill and enjoy the crystal clear water! Don’t miss out on daytrips to the natural wonders and sightseeing historical places all around.
At Cebu I did some diving at Moalboal. Close to the shore there is the famous Sardine Run. Millions of sardines gather together in immense big groups, moving in sync to anything around them. Truly magnificent to see! Close to Moalboal there are also other activities, like going up into the neighbouring mountains for some canyoning.
Canyoning is descending down the mountain by following a river, covered in rocks, cliffs and waterfalls. Making your way down in the tropical Philippines will make you soaking wet, and perhaps tests your fear of heights as well. The tour I did was actually not that hard, and everybody that is fit should be able to complete it without any problems.
Next stop was Dumaguete, which is on the neighbouring island Negros. This city is a hidden gem, because of the relaxed and nice atmosphere the city gives. The surroundings are truly beautiful. Mountains, waterfalls, hot springs, natural pools and not to forget the delicious food! Dumaguete has also an airport, so flying in would be an option as well.
In Siquijor it was time to drive around on a scooter. Cheap and easy, because this island province is not crowded at all. Traffic is easy going, and the scooter allows you to explore on your own pace. Some places worth visiting are obviously beaches to chill, but there is also a possibility to go exploring some caves. These caves are flooded, which means you need to swim to admire the cave system. Don’t be afraid: it’s easy and all you need to do is float in your life vest.
Bohol is known for some unique sceneries… the famous Chocolate Hills. These weird looking hills are naturally formed and covered by grasses. During the dry-season these grasses dry up and turn brown, and in turn giving them the name Chocolate Hills. There are many hills dotted all around. For the adventurous people, you can take an ATV tour to them and around them. Expect to get muddy in the process :-)
Another famous Bohol creature is the little tiny Tarsier. Tarsiers can be found in the whole southern Philippines, and on Bohol there are a few parks with those little aliens wondering around. Most likely you’ll see them sleeping, because they are nocturnal.
