Korean Job Discussion Forums

[lokog]

Going to Cebu at the end of the month. Anyone have any recommendations of things to do and see there?

[ttompatz]

[lokog]

Staying at the maribago bluewater for 5 nights.

Going with my girlfriend. Looking to do whatever is interesting in Cebu.

[ttompatz]

[lokog]

You are a good man.

Thanks.

[ttompatz]

[lokog]

would it not make sense to get all my pesos in incheon?

Surely the hotel will have change?

[ttompatz]

[lokog]

I'm only there for 4 or 5 days. So I'll just bring 500k worth of pesos. For anything else I'll just ask Mastercard.

[Teachurrrr]

I didn't know we could buy Philippine Pesos in Korea at the airport. Thanks again Ttompatz!

I usually change won to dollars at the airport here in Korea (Incheon or Busan), as they usually offer a better rate than any I have found in Manila or Cebu. In my experience, rates for won to pesos are dreadfully low on the buyers end in the Philippines, and this was/is before the recent nosedive by the won since June. In Cebu, I usually exchange C-notes (US$100 dollar bills) at the exchange in Ayala Mall as Ttompatz mentioned. It's usually the best rate and hassle free. Inside Robinson Mall near Osmena Circle, there is a good money exchange too (In the basement between the grocery store and food court).

For me, cash and carry is usually best in the Philippines as plastic at hotels/department stores/restaurants sometimes earns you a special 5 to 10% charge not to mention unfavorable banking exchange rates from peso to dollar and then dollar to won. Most nicer hotels have a safe in the room, so bringing cash is not really a problem.

About Cebu, there is so much to do. It depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for beach resorts, bars, clubbing, shopping etc, go to the Kiwi Lodge for breakfast or lunch. The usually suspects (Brits, Aussies, and Kiwis, with a token North American or two) will be happy to fill you in on where to go for just about everything. It's a good place to meet other tourists or long-time "renting" tourists who can tell you about the city. It's worth a visit. Mr. Dick Dunlap's son, Ken, now runs the place.

Another good place to gather information while enjoying is the Sand Trap in Banilad. It is usually frequented by foreigners who are vested in Cebu (own homes, run businesses, married, families, etc.). They are friendly too. They have a great pool, tennis courts, and wonderful food. If I am not mistaken, a Canadian guy still runs the place. It's a good source for activities in Cebu not so well known to tourists.

If you want to go to a very nice 5-star restaurant and meet some of the more afluent locals and foreigners, i.e. the gentry, go to Gustavians right before Sand Trap in Banilad. You can spend US$100 to $200 easy, but you will meet people from well-to-do families you might tell you about the more historical places to visit or maybe even invite you along to see parts of Cebu most foreigners will never see.

It depends and what you are looking for. I would say go to Kiwi Lodge, Sand Trap, or Gustavians (the taxi drivers know where Kiwi Lodge and Sand trap are). An hour or two at one of these places on your first day may give you some idea of what to do and you might make a friend or two. I hope some of this may help. Have a great vacation.

[ttompatz]

Sounds like you are "vested" in Cebu as well?

[I-am-me]

I will be having about 4 hour layover in Cebu after leaving Boracay. I might try to see some of those downtown attractions. How long is taxi ride from Airport to downtown? Has anybody heard about the TESOL class in Cebu and if its any good?

[ttompatz]

[Teachurrrr]

Hi Ttompatz. Yes, I am somewhat vested in Cebu (family, business, and house pending). Great place apart from occasional headaches.

I am me, Ttompatz is right about trying to get to and from Cebu City from mactan Airport with only 4 hours. Yet if there's no problem getting through security and ducking out of the airport for a couple of hours (can't hurt to try), go across the street (literally) to Waterfront Hotel, Mactan (just across the street from the departures building if I'm not mistaken). Anyone in and around the airport can give you directions since it is right next to the airport and rather large!

At Waterfront, you can enjoy a killer buffet for 500-600 pesos (13,000 - 16,000 Won today's rates), you can relax in the spa, have a massage, go swimming, hang out in the lounge, read a book in their very nice lobby, and/or gamble (I think they have a casino in this hotel, but it may be the one in Cebu City???).

Anyway, there is lots do to at Waterfront. It's a bit pricey, but extremely nice. Have fun!

[Teachurrrr]

I am me, I just reread your post and realized you wanted to see attractions in Mactan. Those are sparse in Mactan, not withstanding the Lapu Lapu shrine mentioned by Ttompatz and the special Mother Mary statue at a church in Mactan which is brought over to the Santo Nino Basilica in Cebu City during the Sinulog Festival in February. Other than that, there are small beach resorts, bars, a few 4-5 star hotels, and local rural life on the island.

Also, though Mactan is a tiny island, it can take a very long time to get anywhere on that island and the taxi drivers (my past experience) will do their absolute best to part you from your money as much as humanly possible (goes with the territory). You are a walking ATM in their eyes no matter how humble or snazzy you dress.

It might be best just to hang at the airport or the Waterfront. If you are set on touring the island, go to Waterfront to find their parking lot. The security guard in their parking lot will get you a metered taxi instead of one of the rapist taxi drivers lurking just outside the doors of the terminal ready to overcharge you 1000%. I hope this helps. Have a good trip!