Home to bustling city lights, fine white sand beaches, and jagged hills and mountain ranges is the island of Cebu.
Laid back, on the go, and full of life, there are endless ways to fall in love and rediscover the beauty of the island. Ironic as it may seem, at times, locals can also be tourists in their own land. Whether it’s a raving party in the city, relaxation on a hidden beach, or enjoying a breathtaking sunset atop a mountain, whatever adventures lie ahead, one can certainly rely on Cebu.
Planning an itinerary can be overwhelming, especially with the multitude of destinations Cebu has to offer. Hence, here’s a quick listicle on the places one must certainly visit while chasing sunsets in Cebu.
Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
(Pilgrim’s Center, Osmeña Blvd, Cebu City)
Standing tall and bold after withstanding numerous calamities is the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño which is the country’s oldest Roman Catholic Church.
Founded in 1565, the church keeps, perhaps, the most famous religious icon in the country, the Sto. Niño statue. This was gifted by the Portuguese explorer himself, Ferdinand Magellan, to Rajah Humabon and Queen Juana of Cebu.
A stone’s throw from the historical landmark is a kiosk-like structure which houses the cross that establishes Magellan’s order to imprint his arrival on the island. The Magellan’s Cross is also a reminder of Christianity’s birth within Cebu.
Although rumors say that the original cross was destroyed after Magellan’s death, what we do know is that the original cross is enclosed in tingalo wood for preservation and protection.
Cebu Taoist Temple
(Beverly Hills Subdivision, Lahug, Cebu.)
Although it was built for people who practice Taoism, the temple’s peculiar and artistic architecture, which is comparable to China’s, has indeed captivated both locals and tourists’ attention. To begin with, the entrance is reminiscent of China’s Great Wall.
With two temples named Phu Sian temple and the Main temple, a wishing well, library, and a souvenir shop, what truly makes it worth the visit is the overlooking view of the entire city and even Mactan island.
Osmeña Peak
(Municipality of Dalaguete, Southern Cebu)
Piercing through the sky with its jagged green outline all while hugging the shorelines of Badian is Cebu’s highest mountain, Osmeña Peak.
Approximately a thousand meters above sea level, Osmeña Peak gives adventurers a 360-degree view of the island’s southwestern coastline and even a sneak peek of Negros Oriental. The trail’s easy path makes it accessible even to non-experienced hikers.
Make sure not to skip taking a dip at Kawasan Falls when around the area as this is a must-visit destination after enjoying the peak’s majestic view.
Punta Engaño
(Punta Engaño, Mactan Island, Cebu)
On the tip of Mactan island is Punta Engaño; a beautiful beach destination with a long strip of resorts and hotels. In addition, it’s also becoming home to a premium residential area for vacation homes. Relish in scenic views, solemn time alone, and a chance to reconnect with nature as this destination is the last stretch of paradise. Take pleasure in enjoying the serenity of nature and flamboyant city life mesh in harmony. Most certainly, you can find all this at Aruga Resort and Residences Mactan.
Escape to a tropical lifestyle in residential and hotel towers that’s Rockwell Land’s first premier residential-resort development. Conveniently near the Mactan Cebu International Airport and an hour away from mainland city, Aruga Resort and Residences Mactan is a getaway that hasn’t lost touch with the vibrant city life.
Resting on Mactan, Aruga Resort and Residences-Mactan exclusively offers residents a bevy of amenities like a 200-meter beachfront which allows one to take long strolls by the beach or bask in the sunrise or sunset with feet buried underneath fine sand.
Aside from the premier residential-resort development’s exclusive amenities like the private white beach sea-facing swimming pools, pool deck and lounge, gym and yoga studio and a whole lot more, Aruga Resort and Residences-Mactan offers several unit cuts, from one-bedroom to four-bedroom units. One is assured to find the perfect piece of paradise that best suit one’s lifestyle.
Surrounded by approximately 167 islands and islets, it’s simply astonishing how Cebu could offer all these wonders and adventures in one tiny island. Traveling around Cebu and perhaps, even around the country is an important thing to fulfill in order to immerse oneself in the multitude of cultures, language, history, and even the best one yet, food.
If you’re a local in the country, travel and enjoy being a tourist in you own island. If you’re a tourist, by all means fall in love with the Philippines and let your heart become of a local’s. With so many islands surrounding the Philippine archipelago, sometimes you just need one to finally call home.
To know more about the property, visit www.arugaresortandresidences.com/mactan. SPONSORED CONTENT