Hello! I feel this intense need to blog about my trip to Cebu just a couple of days back. Not that it's an amazing trip! By the way I came back to Singapore a happy person! I couldn't wait to back to home ground actually. Anyway, while searching for things to do in Cebu, I couldn't find the details I wanted. So yes I'll be putting up some information for those who plan to head there!
Photos first, Information second ;)
Expectations
Cebu is essentially a very rural city as compared to Singapore (of course) Please set your expectations to ground zero. The first day when we got to the resort, there was no water and no air conditioned. It was crazy. Also, apparently the photos does not match up to the actual room. And the lady actually wanted to charge me extra for another adult above the stated price. Thank god for wifi. You can prove that "It says here it's just xxx price" Going anywhere requires you to take some kind of transport. From "tuktuk" to cars. Prepare small notes. They don't seem to have change all the time. One more thing, we realised that service was super slow in Cebu. We waited 20mins for our fast food at Jollibee. No kidding. And there was over 10 staff working!
Remember to leave 750php for airport tax when you depart Cebu.
Also, buy Jollibee before checking in!
Transport
Outside of the airport, there are booths to rent-a-car for a round trip transport in Cebu. It was 5,300 php for our round trip car ride from Airport to Oslob (3.5hrs one way) Do note that after we board, he said it was 6,000+ php since we are not coming back to airport the next day. What nonsense. So lesson learnt, convey your message properly first and settle on the price. I believe 5,300 php is possible!
We hired a driver for 3,000 php for 3 person for a day (7am-6pm) transport in a minibus over at Oslob. Very reasonable! Because we went to Moalboal from Oslob (2hrs one way)
Where to Stay
If you're going for diving and snorkeling, stay at Moalboal! There's food places near the dive shops and you can snorkel at Panagsama beach for free. The corals are just a stone throw away from the beach! The place we stayed at was at Oslob. There was literally nothing there except the whale shark snorkeling attraction. Getting food was tough.
Things to do
Firstly, you HAVE to go to the whale shark attraction where you get to swim with them for 30mins! Go as early as possible, 6am! Boatmen will help you take photos underwater. All these for 1,000 php (S$29) You can get your hotel/resort to arrange this for you. Just pay the transport to the area for whale shark snorkeling. We paid 900php for 3 of us to and fro.
Continue with a day tour to Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort for 1,500 php on weekdays. Your hotel/resort should be able to arrange for you too. Pretty straight forward. You can snorkel, kayak, chill, swim over there. Bring your own food and drinks if possible! There's only a restaurant there. Towels and lockers (100php) available. There's a schedule for the ferry to and fro the island. The last ferry departs the island at 5pm! Don't have to high expectations for the place. It's overcrowded to be honest. But I can't deny the gorgeous gradient colour of the sea!
Snorkeling at Moalboal. We booked a package with Seaquest for 2,950php (S$86) for 3 of us. Includes 3 snorkeling spots (Panagsama beach, Pescado island, Turtle point), mask and snorkels and life jacket rental. It last only 10am-2pm. I believe you can get cheaper price! Just ask your driver to stop you at Seaquest check the price and head outside and compare with other dive stores. We had no choice cause our driver led us there and everything happened so fast I had no time to think properly lol. Remember to bring your towels and stuff to shower after.
Had food at Veranda Kitchen n' Bar just beside Seaquest! We went there after our snorkeling trip and having food by the beach was just an amazing feeling. Food is reasonable and good too! Had the breakfast set and pancake you saw above.
Cost for 4D3N (SGD)
Resort - $73 / 3nights
Flight - $290 Tigerair + check in baggage
Food and Attractions - $325
Verdict
All in all, I'd say just go to Phuket/Boracay instead. You'll spend less time on the road and also less money! But one thing though, I believe their diving spots are probably more amazing than Phuket/Boracay.
