Travel Itinerary: Cebu City Trip Budget for 4 Days and 3 Nights

After the pandemic, we can finally travel again. I’ve created this travel guide and itinerary for your 4-day trip to Cebu. Personally, I’ve visited Cebu City many times to see my relatives, but this is only my second visit for leisure and enjoyment. Cebu City is the capital city, and the international airport is located 15 kilometers away (less than 30 minutes travel) on Mactan Island in Lapu-Lapu City (known as Mactan Cebu International Airport). The main language spoken in Cebu is Bisaya, also known as Visayan, but don’t worry—Cebuanos (the people living in Cebu) are proficient in English. Cebu offers a wide range of activities, from exploring the city to relaxing on beautiful beaches.

But some people might be confused about traveling to Cebu, which is located in the Central Philippines, specifically in the Visayas region. It’s important to note that Cebu province and Cebu city are not the same. The province is called Cebu, and within that province, there are many cities and municipalities. The 9 cities in Cebu are Mandaue city, Cebu city, Lapu-Lapu city, Danao city, Carcar city, Talisay city, Bogo city, Toledo city, and Naga city.

Airfare Prices going to Cebu City:

Roundtrip ticket prices from Davao/Manila to Cebu range from P2,200/USD 38 for the cheapest option to P4,000/USD 69 for the highest airfare price per person. These prices include fuel surcharge and admin taxes (Economy class). You can book with three major domestic carriers: Philippine Airlines (PAL), Cebu Pacific, and Air Asia airlines. **Pro Tip:** Use Google to search for flights and find the best deals.

Accommodation:

If you’re a solo traveler, the most affordable place to stay is in a dormitory room, which costs around P300+ / USD 5 per night. If you prefer privacy and are on a budget, you can find basic air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms for as low as P700/USD 12 per night (suitable for 2 people) where you can just sleep without breakfast or amenities typically offered in dormitories, lodge houses, or inns. On average, decent hotels and condo units range from P2,000 to P4,000 per night or USD 35-70 per night. Luxury hotels can cost between P5,000 and P10,000 per night or USD 85-180 per night for 2-4 people. For more options, I usually use the Booking app and Airbnb app to book accommodations online. I’d suggest you stay in Fuente, Colon, or Mactan area.

I decided to book with One Central Hotel & Suites in Cebu City. I found and booked them online for a 3-night stay in a private room that can actually accommodate 2 to 3 persons (with an additional charge for the third person). The hotel is located in the city center, so everything you need is nearby. For a budget price of P2,000/USD 35 per night for a Deluxe Twin Room, it offers great value for money. This rate already includes a daily buffet breakfast for 2 persons. In the Philippines, this price would typically be associated with a luxury hotel rather than a budget one. It’s also nice that this hotel has amenities such as: * Coffee maker/kettle * TV * Shower with heater * Telephone * Air-conditioning * Desk * Free toiletries * Private bathroom * Slippers * Towels * Elevator * Free use of swimming pool and gym The hotel is conveniently located beside the mall and commercial establishments, making it easily accessible to public transportation. This is the best option we could find. If you split the cost between 2 persons, the hotel room only costs USD 17.50 per night per person.

Additionally, if you plan to visit South Cebu, the bus terminal is conveniently located near this hotel, just a 400-meter walk away. South Cebu is famous for its adventure tourist attractions that showcase activities such as nature hiking, waterfalls, whale shark watching, diving, and canyoneering.

Mode of Transportation:

If you’ve been to Metro Manila, you know that trains are a form of public transportation there. In contrast, the main modes of transportation in Cebu City are jeepneys, taxis, and tricycles/pedicabs. The Grab ride-sharing app is also available in Cebu City and nearby developed cities like Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City. Habal-habal riders (single motorcycle transport) can be found in areas with limited access to jeepneys or taxis. However, if you’re traveling with a group of family and friends, you always have the option to rent a private vehicle. Additionally, travel agencies offer affordable package tours that you can take advantage of.

Places to visit in 4 days and 3 nights itinerary:

1.) Fuente

Fuente is short for Fuente Osmena Circle, a roundabout landmark in Cebu City with a fountain. Our flight arrived in Cebu in the afternoon, around 4 PM. After settling in at our hotel and taking a break, we decided to try a unique Cebuano food experience called Pungko-pungko.

We walked just 1.6 kilometers from our hotel, One Central Hotel, to reach Fuente and taste Pungko-pungko.

What is Pungko-pungko?

Pungko-pungko isn’t just one dish; it’s a collection of food stalls offering various fried foods. These typically include:

• Fried Shanghai lumpia/spring rolls
• Fried pork
• Fried chicken
• Fried chorizo/sausage
• Bola-bola (meatballs)
• Chicharron bulaklak (deep-fried pork ruffles)

These dishes are meant to be shared among customers. Since groups of people can enjoy their meal while squatting, “Pungko-pungko” literally translates to “Squat-squat.” Most local cheap food stalls lack standard chairs and tables for dining, so be prepared to either squat or sit on very low chairs. Pungko-pungko is a popular spot, especially in the evenings when local workers and travelers come to eat.

Every year on the third Sunday of January, the grand Sinulog festival in Cebu is held in Fuente Osmena. Sinulog is a huge festival where you can witness all kinds of cultural and entertainment activities such as cultural costumes and street dances, music, concerts, fireworks display, exhibits, pageants to celebrate the rich history and culture of Cebu where the colonization of Spaniards all began in 1500s.

2.) Simala church

Simala Church, also known as the Miraculous Mama Mary Church, is one of the most iconic and massive structures in Cebu. It attracts numerous faith believers who come to offer special prayers using specific candle colors for various intentions such as taking board exams (Green candle), health recovery (Gold candle), love relationships (Red candle), and other petitions or expressions of gratitude due to its reputation for miracles.

The church has been undergoing reconstruction in certain areas since last year (2021), but fortunately, it fully reopened in the third quarter of this year (2022). As expected, weekends are often crowded with people traveling from different parts of the Philippines, including international visitors.

Visiting Hours and Mass Schedule

• Simala Church is open to the public from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Daily holy mass is held at 12:00 noon.

Admission Fee

There is no entrance or admission fee required to visit Simala Church.

How to go to Simala church by commute:

Simala Church is located in the Sibonga municipality, just outside of Cebu City, in the southern part of Cebu province. Here’s how you can get there:

1. Go to South Cebu Bus Terminal: The terminal is conveniently located near our accommodation and is just a 5-minute walk (400 meters) from our hotel.
2. Take a Bus to Sibonga: From South Cebu Bus Terminal, board a bus that goes to Sibonga via Liloan or Oslob. The bus fare is P130 per person.
3. Get Off at Simala Crossing: Inform the driver to drop you off at Simala Crossing in Sibonga.
4. Hire a Motorcycle or Habal-Habal Driver: At Simala Crossing, you’ll need to hire either a motorcycle or a habal-habal driver to take you to Simala Church. The fare for the motorcycle is P50 per person.
5. Total Travel Time: The total travel time for each leg of the journey is approximately 2.5 hours.

Make sure to plan your trip accordingly and allow enough time for travel!

3.) Sirao Flower Garden

The most beautiful flower garden in the Philippines is Sirao Flower Garden. It became famous and is known as the little Amsterdam of Cebu because of its scenery that resembles Amsterdam, with a stunning mountain in the background.

Why Visit Sirao Flower Garden?

• Celosia Flowers: People come here to see the Celosia flowers, which are ornamental plants that look like they are on fire and are also edible.
• Fragrant Plants: You will love the sweet smell of the various plants and flowers in the garden.
• Relaxation Spot: This place is perfect for unwinding and enjoying fresh air.
• Sculptures: There are sculptures scattered around, including a giant hand where you can take pictures.

When to Go

The best time to visit Sirao Flower Garden is during the summer months of March and April when the flowers are in full bloom. It’s advisable to avoid going during typhoon season for safety reasons.

Entrance Fees and Opening Hours

The entrance fee for the garden is P70 per person. It is open every day from Monday to Sunday, from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM.

Additional Amenities

In addition to the garden, there is also a swimming pool available for day visitors. The fee for adults is P100 and for children, it is P75. There are private rooms with their own toilets and showers that can be reserved for dining during day tours. Please note that overnight stays are not permitted in Sirao Flower Garden.

Public transport to Sirao Flower Garden will be a struggle due to the infrastructure problems on the way to the venue. Road traffic is an option for a taxi or habal-habal motorbike ride paid according to your negotiation with the driver. Insist on a roundtrip with them only. Habal-habal motorcycles from the very near mall JY Square will charge you P500 for a maximum of 2 people least waiting time is P200 per hour. On the other hand taxi drivers prefer not to use the meter and tend to charge you based on the waiting time.

Transportation with minimal expenses for solo travelers may be public vans that are parked or belong to the Ayala Cebu PUV Terminal. If you request to be dropped off near Sirao Flower Garden, you will only be charged P50/person for a one-way trip. After that, you can find a habal-habal motorbike driver who will take you to the garden for a more or less P30/person one-way trip. The issue, however, is that you have to be very patient in waiting for the available motorbike as it will take time. Renting a car for yourself or joining a group tour is the preferred and convenient way to save you from the hassle. These are the agencies that you can obtain the information from trusted travel.

Distance from our hotel/city center: 21 kilometers

4.) Temple of Leah

This magnificent architecture that boasts a stunning view of the Cebu City is owned by Adarna family (for one of the heiresses is a celebrity model Ellen Adarna wife of a top male Filipino celebrity John Lloyd Cruz). The structure was constructed by Ellen’s grandfather his dedication to his late wife Leah that is why it is called Temple of Leah. You will also find on the property the statues of Leah, Roman gladiators, angels, and lions. A library, a bar, and a museum can be found in it. Its entrance fee is only P100/person and it is open to the public. The best time to come here is during the weekdays and from December to May. During weekends and holidays the crowd is really the most numerous.

How to get to Temple of Leah: 

Public transportation is accessible. You can ride a jeepney that goes to Busay from downtown Cebu city (Jeepney No. 04D, 04I, or 04H). Ask the driver to drop you off at the Temple of Leah. The ride is around 45 minutes and fare is more or less P30 per way. You have to walk within 5 minutes until you reach the property. 

Distance from our hotel/city center: 12 kilometers

5.) Taoist temple

The public is welcome to the temple for free from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (both local and international tourists). Constructed in the 1970s by the Chinese Taoism community, a Taoist temple. It has a panoramic view of Cebu city that overlooks and makes you relax with the open hillside gardens away from stress. Temples have vibrant places where worshippers of temperatures gather for their worship. The Taoist temple suddenly became an attraction to the public because of its amazing construction where one can find sculptures of religious nature, Chinese designs, a koi fish pond, green dragons, and paintings. Generally, when going to temples, keep silent, do not eat, dress appropriately, and show respect for the religion.

How do you get to Taoist Temple: 

Since it’s located in a private subdivision called Beverly Hills, public transportation are not allowed. 

From downtown Cebu city, you can reach to JY Square mall by riding a jeepney along Osmena Boulevard that goes to Lahug (fare is less than P50). From there, hire a habal-habal driver until you reach the subdivision entrance gate. Walk for 15 minutes to reach the temple. 

The best way is to get on a taxi (pay P300 more or less) or private car. Distance from our hotel/city center: 5.1 kilometers

6.) Heritage of Cebu Monument

Another free outdoor exhibition where you can take pictures, sculptures created by national Filipino artist Eduardo Castrillo, Heritage of Cebu Monument illustrates the art and significant historic events of Cebu, which were carved from stone, brass, concrete, steel, and bronze. The events depicted were during the 1500s when a Filipino warrior named Lapu-Lapu fought with Ferdinand Magellan, the Spaniard who was trying to invade the Philippines by entering Cebu. Another display will be the conversion of a Cebuano native leader named Rajah Humabon and his followers to Christianity as religion.

It is a monument that can be found in the Parian district, which is the oldest village (also called barangay which is a local term) in the Philippines. The place was named Parian because it used to be the place where the Chinese and Filipino merchants exchanged goods or bartered during the ancient times. It is open every day with weekends being the most crowded as local and international tourists flock to the place to get a closer look at the sculptures.

How to get to Heritage of Cebu Monument: 

it’s very convenient to come here as it is near to Colon street. From Colon street, you can only have a 950 meter walk from our hotel in One Central. 

Public transportation is always available. Take a jeepney that goes to SM and Pier / Port area and it will pass by the monument. You can also ride taxi or private car.

7.) 10,000 Roses 

The 10,000 Roses Cafe & More is located in the municipality of Cordova, 15 kilometers away from Cebu city center. It’s a popular instagrammable cafe with a 10,000 LED light powered roses attraction being visited by tourists which is open to public from 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM with P20 entrance fee.

How to get to 10,000 roses: 

It is a monument that can be found in the Parian district, which is the oldest village (also called barangay which is a local term) in the Philippines. The place was named Parian because it used to be the place where the Chinese and Filipino merchants exchanged goods or bartered during the ancient times. It is open every day with weekends being the most crowded as local and international tourists flock to the place to get a closer look at the sculptures.

While you are trying to save money, it’s kinda hassle and will your precious time for most part of the jeepney transfers that you need in order to get to the destination. The most convenient way would be riding a taxi or via private car.

8.) Sto Nino church (Basilica Minore del Santo Nino) 

Founded in the 15th century during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, the Sto. Niño Church is a prominent historical landmark in Cebu City. The church features stunning architecture and houses the oldest Catholic religious image in the Philippines, the Sto. Niño, which dates back to 1521 (the Child version of Jesus Christ). As the oldest Catholic church in Cebu, it has been a well-maintained cultural heritage site in the bustling district of Colon for centuries. I always visit the Sto. Niño Church whenever I go to Cebu City, and it never fails to amaze me. Whenever I have special petitions, I feel that praying there deepens my spirituality as a Catholic. There is no admission fee, and donations are welcome.

The area can be so crowded at most times so you must be very careful for your belongings.

How to get to Sto Nino: 

Located at the heart of Cebu city, you can easily reach the church by various public transportation coming from other places. From our hotel, it took a 10-minute walk for 800 meter distance. You can ride any that go around the downtown Cebu area.

9.) Magellan’s Cross

During the Spanish invasion of Cebu City, Philippines, Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer, led the Spanish expedition across the Pacific Ocean in 1519. He converted over 2,000 native Filipinos from Animism, the pre-colonial religion practiced by indigenous tribes, to Christianity. Magellan planted a cross at this site as a symbol of the first baptisms of Filipino Christians. The pavilion that houses Magellan’s Cross is located beside the Sto. Niño Church, and there is no entrance fee.

10.) Colon Street

Colon Street is a historical site located in downtown Cebu City, near the Sto Niño Church and Magellan’s Cross. It is the oldest street in the Philippines and is popular among shoppers seeking affordable items. Colon Street is always bustling with activity, day and night, filled with a variety of shops and stalls. You can find souvenirs, banks, markets, schools, hotels, restaurants, commercial outlets, and public transportation, as well as numerous alleys. However, it’s important to stay vigilant with your belongings. Always keep your bags in front of you and avoid displaying jewelry and gadgets, as Colon Street is known for theft and pickpocketing.

At night it becomes a lively night market with various of local street foods that you can enjoy eating for cheap and shop for “ukay-ukay” clothes (thrift clothing). Colon night market was closed during pandemic and just re-opened in 4th quarter of 2022. The night market is opened from 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Mondays-Sundays. No admission fee

11.) Yap-San Diego Ancestral House

Yap-San Diego Ancestral House is the oldest residential home in Cebu City. Don Juan Yap, one of the first Chinese merchants to settle in Cebu, had a daughter who married a Filipino chief named Don Mariano San Diego. Over the centuries, the house has evolved into a museum and an important historical attraction, allowing visitors to explore a structure built from coral stones and wood dating back to the 16th century. Its architecture features a blend of Spanish and Chinese styles and is the first of its kind constructed outside of China. Visitors are required to pay an entrance fee of ₱50 per person, which includes a guided tour. The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

12.) Lechon house – Rico’s Lechon

Rico’s Lechon is one of the oldest lechon houses established in Cebu and is recognized globally as an award-winning lechon brand in the Philippines. I have previously tried CNT Lechon during my travels in Cebu, but this time I sampled Rico’s Lechon, and I can confidently say that Cebu lechons are still the best. Rico’s Lechon has several branches outside Cebu, including locations in Metro Manila, making it easy and convenient to order their delicious lechon. In addition to roasted pig (lechon), they offer a variety of other dishes. You can order lechon in quantities ranging from half a kilo to one kilo, with prices between P300 and P500. There is no entrance fee, and you can choose to dine in or take away your food, as it operates as a restaurant.

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