scrubbedexpat141

Afternoon all,

I'm visiting from Dubai for two weeks with the mrs. We've been on lots of busy, travel packed holidays in the last few years so this is chill time.

We're flying into Manila, then straight down to Mactan. 5 nights PLantation Bay, 3 nights Waterfront Casino, 5 nights Shangri-La.

We're lucky enough to know a few folk from Cebu here who have helped us a bit. But questions always remain...so, my questions to you kind folk;

1. I'm pretty certain from googling that we just get a visa on arrival (both British passports)? Is there a fee?
2. Any suggestions for must see things? Or must do things? On our list so far; Chocolate Hills, any boat rides to islands we think look good, snorkelling.
3. Is there much to do / see in Cebu city? I'm hoping to have some fun in the casino but won't want to just stay there the whole time. We do like a bit of an explore.
4. Any good bars, restaurants that anyone can recommend?
5. Finally, anything to be wary of, consider, places to avoid etc etc?

Grateful for any help received and really looking forward to visiting!

Gazza-d

If you want to see the chocolate hills I'd make it a three day two night trip. On the middle day you could do one of the day tours from thre hotel. There are about half a dozen stops with lunch on the Lomboc river, definitely the highlight. Cebu city you have the fort, magelans cross and the toaist temple. I found the city centre a bit dodgy at night so best stay in.

tropicofcancer

You will get twenty-one days visa on arrival.
The Taoist temple in Lahug is a must, as is Magellan's Cross. The cross is outside of the church, where the statue of Snr. Sto. Niño is. There is a Post Office opposite the cross.
If your wife is into shopping, a visit to SM in NRA is a must.
For diving, many go to the Argao region.
If you do go North, visit "The Garden Of The Holy Rosary" just outside of Danao proper in Guinsay. There are busts of nearly all the popes. Sadly Adrian IV isn't there. Then small shelters with scenes from Stations of The Cross in them.
There is a statue of Lapu Lapu, at the most probable scene of "The Battle Of Mactan." Near to the airport.
There is A BPI ATM just outside the Exit of Mactan Airport. You can get P20,000 in two lots of P10,000. With UK charges P10,000 = £150.
Colon is the oldest street in Philippines, always busy. With many big stores, including three Gaisano's: Main, Metro and South. Lots of sidewalk vendors. Sadly pickpockets operate in this area.
The people are warm and friendly, just like the climate.
Nearly all the hotels on Bohol offer tours. There is a complex on one of the Chocolate Hills, a couple of kilometres from Carmen, Tagbilaran side. If you climb to the top, there is a sign put up by National Geographic, suggesting how the Chocolate Hills were formed, all one-thousand, two-hundred and sixty-eight of them. There is a good view from the top.
If you do the tour. Negotiate the price. There will always be extras! The boatman is at a funeral, but his neighbour will do the tour for you, only P100 extra each. Or something along those lines. This is normal.

Bealinehx

Immigration now give 30 days stay on arrival.

When at the Waterfront about a 5 minute taxi ride to Banilad there are two expat bars, Drifters in Country Mall and Badgers about five minutes walk away

quiltman

Don't forget the Emerald Isle in Banilad town Centre.
Agree with the other posters comments especially Bohol. you can do it in a day but it means catching the 6.30am fastcraft and a bit of a rush to fit everything in and getting the 6.00pm fastcraft back to Cebu. At least one overnight is recommended.The last time we went, there were 5 of us and it was cheaper to rent a car and driver , this way we could go at our own pace.

wanderlustruss

Cebu is a world-famous destination for great diving spots. Mactan is a breathtaking place, a definite must-see! Garden Cafe and Canvas are just two of the city's best restaurants. Very posh and their menu is impressive.

scrubbedexpat141

THanks all for the input so far.

Only a few days until we leave, can't bloody wait.