It’s time to dive into Southeast Asia’s hidden corners and immerse yourself in a mosaic of cultures, stories and experiences.

From the historical sites of Luang Prabang in Laos to the tranquil landscapes of Ninh Binh, Vietnam, here are five often overlooked tourist destinations in Southeast Asia to add to your 2024 travel bucket list. Whether you’re a first-time adventurer or a seasoned traveller, it’s time to embark on an adventure to these lesser-known, yet magnificent locales.

1. Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Often referred to as “Halong Bay on land”, Ninh Binh is one of Southeast Asia’s best, yet underrated scenic wonders. It offers an idyllic retreat with its towering limestone cliffs and serene rivers, as well as local homestays and motorcycle tours.

Take a traditional boat ride through the Trang An Grottoes or cycle around the peaceful rice fields. Just a two-hour drive from Hanoi, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and the majestic Bai Dinh Pagoda also showcase the region’s rich history and spirituality.

Established in the year 968 by King Dinh Bo Linh, Hoa Lu was the very first capital of what we now consider Vietnam. Originally surrounded by a citadel and the Yen Ngua limestone hills, the village today offers a rare glimpse into ancient Vietnamese history and traditional Vietnamese culture. Do visit landmarks like Dinh Tien Hoang Temple, Le Hoan Temple and Nhat Tru Pagoda, or plan a trek up the 200m-high Ma Yen Mountain.

If you time your visit to Hoa Lu right, you might even get a chance to witness traditional cultural festivals like the Truong Yen Festival. Held annually from the eighth to 10th of the third lunar month, it commemorates ancient kings Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh through dragon dances, traditional games and other activities.

2. Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, effortlessly marries natural beauty with spiritual depth. This enchanting town, nestled at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, is an epitome of tranquillity and cultural richness.

Start your day by witnessing the daily alms-giving ceremony, where monks clad in simple saffron robes walk silently through the streets to gather alms from locals. Visitors are encouraged to observe respectfully, or you can join a local early morning tour to partake in the alms offering as well.

Take a step deeper into Laotian culture and history by visiting any of the 30+ temples and cultural institutions throughout the town. With its sweeping roofs and intricate mosaics, Wat Xieng Thong showcases traditional craftsmanship, while the Royal Palace Museum, once the King’s residence, offers history buffs a window into Laos’ royal past.

No trip to Luang Prabang is complete without a visit to Kuang Si Waterfall. Located just a short drive from the town centre, the multi-tiered waterfall cascades into turquoise pools, creating a refreshing oasis. Hike up to the top of the waterfall for a panoramic view, swim in the inviting pools or simply relax by the water’s edge.

3. Rayong, Thailand

If you’ve been to the beach resorts of Phuket, Ko Samui, and Pattaya and loved them, you’ll have to add Rayong to your Southeast Asia travel bucket list. Characterised by unspoiled beaches, lush landscapes and a rich cultural fabric, Rayong offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.

A 2.5-hour drive from Bangkok, Rayong makes a great day trip destination especially for those who want a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Each of the pristine beaches along Rayong’s coastline offers its own unique charm. Mae Ramphueng Beach is a popular destination for its long sandy stretch and calm waters, ideal for sunbathing and swimming. For a more secluded experience, Sai Kaew Beach in Samed National Park is a hidden gem, thanks to its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life which is perfect for snorkelling.

You can also take a short boat ride from the mainland to Koh Samet, an island boasting white-sand beaches such as Ao Prao and Ao Noina. Indulge in water sports, explore the island’s natural beauty on a scooter or kick back on a deck chair and unwind by the sea. At night, the beach resorts come alive with fire shows and beach bars, offering a taste of Thailand’s vibrant nightlife.

Foodies are in for a treat as the province is famous for its fruit plantations that produce the sweet and juicy Rayong mango. Local markets such as Ban Phe Market offer a plethora of freshly caught seafood and Thai delicacies along with souvenirs which make great mementos of your trip.

4. Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Begin your adventure at Tinuy-an Falls, often hailed as the “Niagara Falls of the Philippines”. Each level of this multi-tiered waterfall offers a unique perspective and experience – from the grandeur of the main drop to the serene pools perfect for swimming. You can hire a bamboo raft to get even closer to the waterfall, relishing the refreshing mist of the water’s spray.

Another nature spot to explore is Britania Islands, a group of 24 serene, tropical islands and islets. Each island has its distinct character – from the powdery white sands of Hagonoy Island to the rocky outcrops of Boslon Island. Island-hopping is the best way to explore these islands which offer plenty of opportunities for snorkelling, swimming and picnicking on secluded, yet beautiful beaches.

End your island-hopping experience with a visit to the Enchanted River in Hinatuan, a deep spring river with stunningly clear, blue waters. The river is ideal for swimming and snorkelling, offering a surreal experience as you explore its depths. There are picnic spots, cafes and other facilities conveniently located around the river for chilling out.

5. Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia

Spanning over 4.4 million hectares, Cardamom Mountains is one of the largest rainforests in Southeast Asia. Teeming with wildlife, native flora and plenty of natural landmarks from waterfalls to swamps, the rainforest is an off-the-beaten-track escape for eco-conscious travellers and nature lovers who want to immerse themselves in a raw, unfiltered nature experience.

For an immersive back-to-nature experience, stay at Cardamom Tented Camp. Located in Botum Sakor National Park, the eco-lodge camp offers safari-style glamping tents in an environmentally conscious ecotourism setting amidst the dense forest.

Camp activities include guided trekking, self-guided hiking, zip lining, tubing and kayaking. But where the eco-lodge really stands out is its conservation-related activities for visitors such as cataloguing flora and fauna in conservation areas; learning sessions about poaching and logging; setting up camera traps to monitor local wildlife; and accompanying park rangers on their patrols.

For a genuine immersion into Cambodian rural life, a visit to Chi Phat is a must. This community-based ecotourism village offers homestays, allowing visitors to live and interact with local families. Activities in Chi Phat are diverse and range from trekking and ancient burial sites to bat caves, bird watching and night-time wildlife spotting. The village is also a starting point for mountain bike tours and jungle treks, offering a deeper exploration of Cardamom’s natural wonders.

*This article has been edited and adapted from Now Boarding by Changi Airport’s “Hidden gems await: 5 underrated Southeast Asian destination”

The post 5 Underrated Southeast Asian Destinations to Explore in 2024 appeared first on Southeast Asia.

1. Hike to the top of Osmena Peak

At 1,013m above sea level, Osmena Peak is the tallest point in Cebu. From this vantage point, you can see the rugged terrain of the Mantalongong mountain range, soaking up striking views of sharp lines of limestones cutting through the horizon, backlit by the glitter from the ocean behind.

Sunrise is particularly magical from the top of the mountain. Fortunately, it’s only a short 20- to 30-minute walk from the base to the peak, which means you don’t necessarily have to wake up in the middle of the night just to make it for sunrise.

If you’re not confident of your navigation ability, join a day tour. Not only does the tour include a pick up, drop off and transfers to the jump-off point, but Kawasan Waterfall is also included in the itinerary. That way, you get to enjoy two sights in one trip.

2. Swim or dive with thresher sharks on Malapascua Island

Located 6km off the northern coast of Cebu Island, Malapascua Island is synonymous with pelagic thresher shark diving as the majestic marine creatures visit the waters surrounding the island all year round.

There are no artificial attraction methods such as feeding to lure the sharks closer. It’s easy to spot them – they have a distinctive long tail fin and they often jump out of the water like a dolphin. They’re also most active in the early morning. Depending on the time of the year, you might also get to see other marine animals such as hammerhead sharks, manta rays, reef sharks and banded sea snakes.

While most of the dive spots are only open to those with diving certifications, there are spots that are suitable for novice divers like Whitetip Alley and Chocolate Island where sharks can also be seen. Just ask your dive centre (there are plenty on the south side of the island) to bring you to these specific dive spots.

3. Go cliff diving at Kabutongan Falls

Entrance fee: PHP 100

If you’re a fan of adventure dungeon-type games, you’ll enjoy an adventure at Kabutongan Falls. It’s one of Cebu’s hidden gems, and literally so as it’s hidden in the furthest section of Malabuyoc’s Barangay Looc’s forest.

The main feature of Kabutongan Falls is its hidden caves behind the waterfall as well as its multiple cliff jump points – one is around 5m tall, while another is roughly 8m to 9m tall. The water is a shimmery turquoise that looks almost unreal. Soaking in the blue waters, surrounded by the sounds of nature all around you, is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Getting there is half the fun too. The journey there involves hiking, trekking and even canyoneering to make it past the thickets and streams. There’s even a section that requires rope rappelling! Those who have gone through the journey say all that only takes half an hour. If you’re worried about your physical ability or safety, get the help of a local guide available for hire on-site.

4. Scuba dive into a sardine ball at Moalboal

While Malapascua has thresher sharks, Moalboal has sardines!

No one really knows for sure why such a huge school of silver sardines flock to Moalboal’s waters, but they’re here. Every day, they partake in a phenomenon called the sardine run. It’s literally millions of sardines swimming together and forming a giant ball!

Thanks to the close proximity of the sardine ball to shore, you don’t have to spend extra on renting a boat or a tour just to see them. All you need is a pair of goggles and the ability to swim out to view the sardine ball from above.

If you can scuba dive, the experience will be magical! The sight of millions of glittering sardines moving throughout the water below is beyond spectacular!

If you’re really lucky, you might even get the chance to swim alongside sea turtles and dolphins. The best time of the year to swim with the sardines is between November and May, when the weather is the clearest and the water is the calmest.

5. Meet wild animals at Cebu Safari & Adventure Park

Adult: PHP 1,200 weekends and holidays, PHP 1,000 weekdays (non-holidays)
Child (admission fee based on height): Above 3ft – regular rate, 2ft to 3ft – half price, below 2ft – free admission

To experience nature and see wildlife in a more controlled setting, head to Cebu Safari & Adventure Park. About an hour’s drive away from Cebu City, the 170ha safari park is home to over a thousand animals from 120 different species.

Main attractions include a White Lion Safari where you get to meet the king of the wild; an African Savanna where you can get up close and personal with zebras and African antelopes; a Petting Zoo for kids to pet baby farm animals like calves, kids, ducklings and kits; and a Bird Show starring friendly macaws, chattering lories, African crowned crane, Philippine sea eagle, Philippine owl and Philippine hawk.

For adventure seekers, the adventure park offers exhilarating rides and experiences including ATV ride, a 1.3km zip line, Sky Bike, Giant Swing and cave exploration.

6. Relax on the beach on Sumilon Island

If you’d like nothing more than to sit back and relax on the beach, head straight for Sumilon Island, a small sandbar island that’s just a 10- to 15-minute boat ride away from Oslob.

The surrounding waters are remarkably clear and the sand is pristine white, making it possibly the most picture-perfect, Insta-ready beach you’ll find on your Cebu trip. If you’re planning to spend the night on the island, check in to the only resort on the island – Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort.

Besides rooms and villas, the resort also offers glamping tents which provide campers  captivating sunrise views. The resort also offers day trips and activities such as snorkelling, fishing and paddling.


*This article has been edited and adapted from Now Boarding by Changi Airport’s “From mountain peaks to marine depths: Cebu’s best nature activities”

The post 6 Amazing Outdoor Adventures in Cebu to Add to Your Bucket List appeared first on Southeast Asia.

If you’re planning your next outdoor adventure, head to these five eco-friendly destinations that offer not only an adventure of a lifetime, but also the opportunity to commune with nature, engage in sustainable tourism activities and a chance to immerse with the locals.

Masungi Georeserve

Baras, Rizal

A popular destination for day tours and hikers, Masungi Georeserve is a conservation area and rustic rock garden tucked in the rainforest of Rizal. Its name is derived from the word “masungki”, which translates to “spiked”, an apt description for the sprawling limestone landscape found within it.

As the Philippines’ first-ever nature conservation project, Masungi Georeserve has been globally recognised for its efforts in protecting the forest from quarrying, land trafficking and timber poaching.

Explore its unique forest trails, and hike through karst terrain, hanging rope bridges and high peaks to soak up panoramic views of the Sierra Madre and Laguna de Bay.

Pamilacan Island

Baclayon, Bohol

Nestled in the heart of Bohol Sea, the small island of Pamilacan is known for its dolphin and whale watching tours, white sand beaches and magnificent dive sites.

A haven to a diverse species of marine life, the waters off Pamilacan used to be a prime fishing site for whale hunters. Thanks to marine preservation laws, community education and sustainable tourism activities, these majestic sea creatures were saved from commercial fishing.

From being whale hunters, the locals were trained to be the best whale guides who advocate marine conversation practices. They are ready to help you discover a myriad of sea creatures in the crystal-clear waters around Pamilacan.

Bojo River

Aloguinsan, Cebu

Embark on a motor-free boat ride adventure through the pristine waters of Bojo River and enjoy a scenic river experience. Locals who were former fishermen engaged in dynamite fishing were trained to provide educational tours of the river for environmental protection and sustainable livelihood.

A multi-award-wining model of sustainable tourism, the Bojo River Cruise made it to the list of UNWTO’s (World Tourism Organization) Best Tourism Villages and was recognised among the Top 100 Global Sustainable Destinations from 2016 to 2018.

Ulot River

Paranas, Samar

Navigate the wild waters of Samar’s Ulot River through a torpedo boat managed by the Tenani Boat Operators for River Protection and Environmental Development Organization (TORPEDO).

Get set for an exhilarating ride along the rapids of the Ulot River and the opportunity to see the raw and rugged beauty of Samar’s rainforests.

Let the local guardians of Ulot River, who were once illegal loggers and poachers, take you on a thrilling water adventure like no other!

Lake Sebu

South Cotabato

Perched in the highlands of South Cotabato, Lake Sebu is made for both laid-back and thrill-seeking activities including lake cruises, bird watching, spelunking and ziplining.

Must-visit attractions include T’daan Kini Spring Waters and Seven Falls, a magnificent network of seven interconnected waterfalls, each with a character of its own.

As Lake Sebu is home to the indigenous T’bolis and Ubo tribes who are renowned for their traditional skills in weaving and making handicrafts, you’ll get to bring home T’boli souvenirs like t’nalak textile, beadworks, headpieces, embroidered tops, woodcarvings and brassware.

Article edited and adapted from Tourism Promotions Board Philippines

The post 5 Best Eco-Friendly Sites In The Philippines For Your Next Outdoor Adventure appeared first on Southeast Asia.

Hailed as one of the Philippines’ most beautiful islands, Palawan has been featured in Hollywood blockbuster films and top-rated series such as The Bourne Legacy, The World is Not Enough, reality-competition show Survivor and HBO hit series Westworld.

Comprising 1,769 islands and islets, Palawan teems with powdery white sand beaches, towering limestone cliffs sprouting out of turquoise waters, enchanting lagoons and exotic wildlife.

To experience the ultimate island life in Palawan, a visit to these eight places are a must!

PUERTO PRINCESA

The capital of Palawan, and a bustling sea and land port, Puerto Princesa is a mere 1.5-hour flight from Manila. Most visitors pass through Puerto Princesa en route to other Palawan destinations but those who make plans to stay in the capital city will find a vibrant food scene, charming natural attractions and gorgeous resorts.

1. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

One of Palawan’s most popular tourist spots, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an 8.2 kilometre underground river and one of the longest navigable underground rivers in the world.

The Puerto Princesa Underground River has also been declared as one of the New 7 Wonders as it houses remarkable karst formations and intact complex mountain-to-sea ecosystems, considered to be one of the most important in Asia.

2. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 97,030-hectare marine and bird sanctuary in the Sulu Sea is home to 600 species of fish and 360 species of coral, nesting hawksbill and green sea turtles, and seven species of seabird.

One of the best diving spots in the Philippines, the Natural Park includes the North and South Atolls, as well as a the Jessie Beazley Reef which contains one of the highest biodiversities of marine flora and fauna.

3. Ugong Rock

Believed to be formed at least 23 million years ago, this 75 feet karst limestone is located in the far-off barangay of Tagabinet, an hour and a half north of Puerto Princesa.

Tourism in this area is manned locally, with farmers serving as tour guides during the farming off-season. Hike, trek, spelunk and climb your way to the top of the rock to enjoy pastoral views of the surrounding rice fields, or rappel or take a zip line down from Ugong Rock.

EL NIDO

More than five hours away from Puerto Princesa lies one of Palawan’s top tourist attractions. Named after the edible nests of swiftlets found in the area, El Nido boasts stunning islands, seascapes, luxe private resorts and exotic cuisine.

4. Bacuit Archipelago

One of the most visited places in Palawan, the Bacuit Archipelago is made up of 45 limestone islands and islets. Its sprawling beaches, alluring lagoons, karst formations shooting out of the sea and rich marine life makes it a popular island-hopping destination for many visitors.

5. El Nido Marine Reserve Park

A wildlife sanctuary, this marine park is stretched over an area of about 96,000 hectares of land and 54,000 hectares of water. Its lush forests and coral reefs support various ecosystems and are habitats to endangered and endemic wildlife.

CALAMIAN ISLANDS

With its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches and abundant marine life, Calamian Islands are the perfect destination for scuba divers and snorkelling enthusiasts.

Occupying almost 1,800 square kilometre of crystal waters northeast of Palawan, the Calamian Archipelago includes the islands of Busuanga, Coron, Culion, Calauit, Malcapuya, Banana, Pass and Calumbuyan, and several minor islets.

6. Coron Island

Coron is famous for its stunning geological features, beaches, lagoons and dive sites filled with wildlife and sunken shipwrecks, as well as its brackish lakes.

Kayangan Lake is considered to be the cleanest lake in the Philippines and can be accessed after a 10-minute climb. Another popular lake is Barracuda Lake, known for its layers of cold, warm and hot water, also known as thermocline. Cold fresh water greets you on the first 4 metres, then warm to hot saltwater as you go deeper into the lake.

7. Busuanga Island

Located on the southern coast of Busuanga Island and a 30-minute tricycle ride from Coron Town, Maquinit Hot Springs is the perfect spot to soothe your muscles and unwind after a day of island hopping and outdoor adventures. Maquinit is one of the few saltwater hot springs in the world and the only one in the Philippines.

8. Calauit Island

Get up close to wildlife at Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary, a 3,700-hectare nature reserve which houses endemic and foreign animals. Encounter South African animals such as giraffes, antelopes and zebras, along with local wildlife such as the Calamian deer, Palawan bearded pig, Philippine crocodile, Philippine porcupine, binturong (aka bearcat) and Philippine mousedeer.

Article adapted from Tourism Promotions Board Philippines

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We spotlight the top 5 things to do in Davao.

Go on water adventures and explore white sand beaches

Among Davao’s top tourist spots is the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCos), the largest resort city in the Philippines. Blessed with immaculate white sand beaches, diverse marine life and turquoise blue waters, Samal Island is perfect for water adventures such as snorkelling, scuba diving and island hopping.

With the Davao del Norte Sand and Beach Circuit, you can make Samal Island hopping possible while also witnessing the wonders of Angel’s Cove, Wishing Island, Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Malipano Island and Isla Reta for as low as Php 1,500. Fee includes the boat, boat entry fee, environmental fee, picnic lunch, tour guide and travel insurance.

Other adventures not to be missed include taking a dip at Hagimit Falls, spelunking and exploring Monfort Bat Cave, cliff diving at Talikud Island and climbing up Mt. Putting Bato.

Discover nature vibes in the city

Davao City offers a good mix of natural and man-made attractions. A popular attraction is the 12-hectare Malagos Garden Resort which houses Malagos Chocolate Museum, the first chocolate museum in the country. The museum offers a tree-to-bar experience where visitors can craft their own chocolate.

Visitors to the resort can also enjoy bird-watching, feed a variety of birds at the bird feeding dome, walk among butterflies at the butterfly sanctuary, befriend animals at the petting zoo and watch an interactive bird show.

Over at Eden Nature Park & Resort, one of the largest man-made forests ever created to combat illegal logging, nature and animal lovers can enjoy sky-high adventures such as Skyrider, Skycycle, Skywheel and Skyswing, along with horseback riding and playground activities. It also has hiking trails, a Butterfly Garden, a Bamboo Maze and a Flower Garden, as well as a cultural park which offers glimpses of the customs, traditions, beliefs and lifestyle of the indigenous people of Mindanao.

Unwind, meditate or commune with nature at the beautiful Tamayong Prayer Mountain located at the foothills of Mt. Apo. Also known as “The Garden of Eden Restored”, the European-inspired garden has walking paths, gazebos, mini fountains, man-made waterfalls and towering pine trees.

Learn about majestic eagles

Get up close to one of the largest eagles in the world at Philippine Eagle Center, located in a forest near Malagos, 36km north of Davao. The tropical rainforest environment not only provides shelter for the eagles, other birds, reptiles and mammals, it also serves as a conservation breeding facility for the critically endangered Philippines eagle.

Interact with the eagles and other birds of prey at the “Raptors in Flight” show and see them show off their skills and perform tricks. Learn more about the majestic birds at the Talon Alley and join special education programmes such as keeper talk, falconry and open classroom project.

Climb up the country’s highest peak

No visit to Davao is complete without a trek up to Mt. Apo (aka “Grandfather of Philippine Mountains”), the tallest mountain in the Philippine Archipelago.

Besides offering stunning panoramic views, Mt. Apo, towering at 2,954m above sea level, also serves as a source of electricity and water, and is inhabited by indigenous tribes. It comes as no surprise then that the mountain was designated as a protected area as well as an ASEAN Heritage Site.

Feast on the king of fruits

Blessed with rich fertile volcanic soil and relatively good weather, Davao produces some of the country’s best fruits, chief of which is durian, the king of fruits! Durian has become almost synonymous with Davao City so time your visit during durian season so you can indulge till your heart’s content!

Not a fan of durians? Fret not, because Davao is the Philippines’ fruit basket and one of the world’s biggest growers and exporters of exotic fruits, you’ll get to feast on fruits like pomelo, lanzones (langsat), papaya, banana and mangosteen.

Article adapted from Tourism Promotions Board Philippines

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Widely regarded as one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia, Cebu attracts millions of tourists who are allured by its pristine beaches. With its multiple islands, sandy beaches and rich history, it’s no wonder why the city has become a popular destination among holidaymakers, backpackers and island hoppers.

Not sure what to do in the city? Our first-time visitor’s guide will fill you in on the essential info.

1. Check out the old, the sacred, the natural

The most visited tourist attraction in Cebu City is the 16th century Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, a national landmark that contains a jewel-studded statue of the Santo Nino (Holy Child).

Love immersing yourself in the magic of museums? The nearby pint-sized Fort San Pedro marks the colonial outpost with a museum that includes the treasures from the San Diego galleon. While sightseeing around the area, enjoy the peaceful grounds and sea views.

A unique sight is the gleaming 20m-high Lapu-Lapu Shrine of the local chieftain who fatally wounded Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan during the Mactan Landing in 1521. Pay your respects to this early traveller by visiting Magellan’s Cross in the mural-covered building near the Basilica.

You’ll also find interesting Filipino history at Museo Sugbo, which is about 2km away from Fort San Pedro. It has four permanent galleries and special exhibits in a former jail. Just a 10-minute walk away from this Cebu Provincial Museum, you can also take in the Cebu Heritage Monument, which portrays local history in a series of brass, steel, bronze and concrete artworks.

For more fun activities, enjoy the best views of Cebu City while participating in adrenaline-pumping activities at Mountain View Nature’s Park.

2. Enjoy wet and wild fun in the sun

Free sandy beaches near Cebu City include the grey-sand beach at Talisay and the golden beach at Consolacion. For stunning white sand, venture to the nearby island of Mactan. One of the world’s most beautiful places, it is only a 30-minute taxi or bus ride away.

You can pay a daily rate to access private resort beaches such as the Shangri-La for parasailing, snorkelling and sunbathing. Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu offers sea sports activities that will take your family holiday to the next level.

For the perfect getaway, take a day trip to Nalusuan Island Resort and Marine Sanctuary, 15 minutes by boat from Cebu. Enjoy jet skis, banana boats, kayaking, snorkelling and diving on the Olango Reef, or chill with a beach massage. Alternatively, join a Mactan Island Hopping Shared Tour and indulge in some island-hopping adventures with other thrill-seekers.

3. Spend your pesos here

Sprawling Carbon Market is a jam-packed farmers’ market selling everything from baskets to beachwear. Over 100 years old, the market took its name from the coal and cinder heaps stored here by the Cebu Railroad.

Always on the hunt for red hot deals? Shop for perfumes, sportswear and books, or treat yourself to a pedicure at SM City Cebu Mall, a Filipino SuperMall (SM) in Cebu Port Centre. As one of the largest shopping malls in the Philippines, it comes as no surprise that it boasts over 700 retail, F&B and service stores. Some of mall’s food outlets include Hotdog on Sticks and Ayers Lechon.

If you’re homesick for Orchard Road, the upscale Ayala Center Cebu in Downtown Cebu is the perfect antidote. This premier mall averages over 85,000 visitors per day. It’s the perfect place to shop and relax, so take your time to explore all its offerings, housed within a masterfully-designed space.

4. Feast on Filipino specialities

No trip to Cebu would be complete without enjoying some lechon (roasted suckling pig), which many consider as the national dish of the Philippines. Dubbed “Lechon capital” of the Philippines, Cebu prides itself in having perfected the art of roasting pigs that boast crispy skins and deep flavours. Sink your teeth into melt-in-your-mouth lechon at hot favourites like Rico’s Lechon, House of Lechon, Zubuchon, Ayer’s Lechon and Eli’s Lechon Cebu.

For a sampling of dishes from the different regions of the Philippines, head for Café Laguna. Tuck into bestsellers like Kare-kare with Bagoong, Crispy Pata, Lumpiang Sariwa, Crispy Tadyang and Pandan Chicken.

5. Hunt down the best places for selfies

One of Cebu’s most photo-worthy spots is The Ruins in Talisay, the shell of a once-glorious Italianate mansion. Gutted by fire, the skeletal remains and fountains are a magnificent backdrop for a selfie on your smartphone.

Another Insta-worthy place is the romantic Temple of Leah which offers wonderful city views. Pose on the Impressive Angel Staircase before heading out to the terrace to soak up the panoramic city views.

Yet another popular selfie location is Tumalog Falls, well worth the 137km road trip to capture this gushing umbrella-shaped cascade tumbling through the tropical greenery.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Cebu is during the dry season, which runs from November to May. Summer months can be hot and humid, but that’s a good reason to head for the hotel pool, or the waterfalls and the turquoise waters bordering Cebu’s white sandy beaches. For a cultural treat, visit in the third week of January to attend the Sinulog celebrations at the Basilica.

Transportation

Getting around Cebu City using colourful local jeepneys (buses) is part of the fun. All the main historic attractions are within easy walking distance of the Basilica del Santo Nino. A horse-drawn carriage ride (tartanilla) is a traditional form of local transport operating in the downtown and market areas. Taxis and buses are cheap and plentiful, and a boat trip is a must-do.

Currency

Philippine peso (PHP). Malls and major hotels will accept credit cards, but you will need cash for smaller shops, admission to local attractions, street vendors and local transport. ATMs are available at the airport and banks. Tipping is not expected, but rounding up a taxi fare or restaurant bill is appreciated.

Photos courtesy of Changi Airport Group

This article is edited and adapted from Now Boarding by Changi Airport’s “The first-time visitor’s guide to experiencing Cebu”

The post 5 Must-Do’s In Cebu For First-Time Visitors appeared first on Southeast Asia.

Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary

Agusan del Sur

Angat Dam

San Lorenzo, Norzagaray, Bulacan

Ayala Greenfield Estates

Calamba, Laguna

Balsahan Trail

Palawan

Bangkong Kahoy Valley

Dolores, Quezon

Baras Bird Sanctuary

Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat

Candaba Wetlands & Bird Sanctuary

Candaba, Pampanga

Hill 394

Subic Bay

Kalbario-Patapat National Park

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

La Mesa Eco Park

Quezon City

Las Pinas-Paranaque Critical Habitat

Paranaque

Marinduque Wildlife Sanctuary

Boac, Marinduque

Minasawa Bird Sanctuary

Burdeos, Quezon

Mount Banahaw

Laguna/Quezon

Mount Kanlaon

Negros Island

Mount Kitanglad

Bukidnon, Mindanao

Mount Makiling

Laguna

Mount Palay-Palay

Ternate, Cavite

Mount Polis

Cordillera, Luzon

Nabasan Trail

Subic Bay Freeport Zone

Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Olango Island

Pasonanca Natural Park

Pasonanca, Zamboanga

Philippine Eagle Center

Davao

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Palawan

Rajah Sikatuna National Park

Logarita, Bilar, Bohol

Rasa Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Rasa Island, Narra

Samar Island Natural Park

Eastern & Northern Samar

St Paul’s Subterranean River National Park

Palawan

Tabunan Forest

Cebu City

Triboa Bay Mangrove Park

Subic Bay Freeport Zone

University of Philippines

Quezon City

Villa Escudero Plantations & Resort

Tiaong, Quezon

Wawa Dam

Montalban Gorge, Rodriguez, Rizal

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Bangui Beach

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Blue Lagoon

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Bulabog Beach

East beach, Boracay

Coron

The Calamian/Calamianes Islands

Cuyo Island

Sulu Sea, Palawan

Kingfisher Beach

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Seco Island

Tibiao, Antique

Union Beach

Malay, Aklan

White Beach

Boracay

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Balaan Bukid

Guimaras

Batad-Banaue rice terraces

Ifugao

Kibungan Circuit

Kibungan, Benguet

Masungi Georeserve

Rizal

Mount Amuyao Traverse

Barlig, Mountain Province, Ifugao

Mount Apo

Davao & North Cotobato

Mount Arayat

Arayat, Pampanga

Mount Batulao

Nasugbu, Batangas

Mount Binacayan

Rodriguez, Rizal

Mount Bulusan

Sorsogon, Bicol

Mount Cinco Picos

Subic, Zambales

Mount Daraitan

Tanay, Rizal

Mount Dulang-Dulang

Lantapan, Bukidnon

Mount Guiting-Guiting

Sibuyan Island, Romblon

Mount Gulugod Baboy

Anilao, Batangas

Mount Kabunian

Bakun, Benguet

Mount Kalawitan

Sabangan, Mountain Province

Mount Kanlaon

Bacolod

Mount Kitanglad

Bukidnon, Mindanao

Mount Lubo

Tanay, Rizal

Mount Maculot

Cuenca, Batangas

Mount Makiling Traverse

Laguna

Mount Maynoba

Antipolo, Rizal

Mount Mayon

Bicol

Mount Nagsasa & Nagsasa Cove

Zambales

Mount Napulak

Iloilo

Mount Pinatubo

Tarlac

Mount Pamitinan

Montalban, Rizal

Mount Pulag

Kabayan, Benguet

Mount Sembrano

Pililla, Rizal

Mount Tagapo

Talim Island, Binangonan, Rizal

Mount Talamitam

Nasugbu, Batangas

Mount Tenglawan

Bakun, Benguet

Mount Ugo

Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet

Mount Ulap

Itogon, Benguet

Osmena Peak

Dalaguete, Cebu

Seven Lakes

San Pablo City, Laguna

Taal Volcano

Batangas

Tarak Ridge

Mariveles, Bataan

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Bangon Falls

Samar

Kanlaob River – Kawasan Falls

Cebu

Mapawa Nature Park

Malasag, Cagayan de Oro City

Mount Isarog National Park

Camarines Sur

Nalalata Falls

Bula, Camarines Sur

Sampao River – Ulan-Ulan Falls

Biliran

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