On tour packages, itineraries, accommodations and special interest activities like golfing, game-fishing, diving and aquasports, trekking, spelunking and safari trips may be obtained from the Philippine Department of Tourism accredited travel agents and operators.

There are more than 7,000 ways to discover the Philippines. We are located at the Heart of South-East Asia, stretching more than 1,840 kilometers.

Our unique location has made us the commercial, cultural and intellectual hub of Asia from the dawn of history.

Cebu is one of the key destinations to visit in the Philippines. With it’s strategic location, Cebu’s growth to progress is always on the rise.

How do I get there?

Cebu is one of the major gateway cities in the Philippines. Philippine Airlines the country’s flagship airline flies to many key cities across the globe. The Mactan Cebu International Airport services major international airlines with direct flights from Asia and Oceania.

Staying where

Where to stay is never a problem in this hospitable metropolis. Deluxe and first class hotels and other internationally affiliated establishments provide all the all the looked for luxuries and facilities.

Getting around

The ubiquitous jeepney is standard means of mass transportation with in the metropolis. Tricycles-a motorcycle mounted with a side-car, taxi cabs, air-conditioned busses and rent-a car facilities are also available for local and foreign tourist. Fast crafts are one of the most popular means of sea transportation, which gets you to neighboring regions like Bohol, Leyte Ormoc and Dumaguete in just few hours.

Communication and Mass Media

Major Hotel and Business establishments offer secretarial services, computer rentals, message and parcel handling, as well as facsimile, telegram and telex services.

With the rise of the telecommunication, cellular phones is a common sight. One can avail of a pre-paid cellular kit, a quick and easy way of acquiring a mobile phone subscription

Climate / Wear

Cebu Swelters in the hot summer sun from March to June, When temperatures reach as high as 34 degrees Celsius. November to February is relatively dry and cool, with temperatures raging from 23 to 28 degrees Celsius. Casual wear is always practical when touring around the metropolis. For evenings, dressy casuals are still acceptable, though a suit or local Barong Tagalog (the country’s national attire) for the gentlemen is highly recommended for special occasions.

Guides and Tourist Assistance

The department of Tourism offices provides information and assistance to visitors and tourist in the Philippines. It holds office in Amway Building in Cebu. Grand Holidays Travel & Tours, Inc. is one of Cebu’s most prominent travel agencies also provides the same assistance with personalize tour options.

Currency

The Peso (Php) is the unit of currency, with Php 1.00 = 100 centavos. Bank notes come in denominations of Php10.00, Php20.00, Php50.00, Php100.00, Php500.00 and Php1000.00. Coins come in 5c, 10c, 25c, P1.00, P5.00 and P10.00.

Currency Regulations

Visitors carrying more than US$ 3,000.00 are requested to declare the amount at the Central Bank of the Philippines counter situated at the customs area. Foreign currency taken out upon departure must not exceed the amount brought in. Keep all exchange receipts for record purposes. Departing passengers may not bring out more than Php 1,000.00 in local currency.

Foreign Exchange and Credit Card

Most major Hotels & restaurants accept dollar transactions and large department stores have foreign exchange centers with rates determined by the Central Bank of the Philippines.

International credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, Visa, Bankameri-card and Master Card are accepted in major establishments.

Dining Charges

A Government Tax ranging from 12-13.5% is charged by most hotels and restaurants. A 10% service charge is also normally included.

Tipping is traditional. The standard practice is 10% of the total cost.

Business and Banking Hours

Private and government offices are open either from 8 am to 5 pm or 9 am to 6 pm., Mondays to Fridays. Some private companies hold Saturday office from 9 am to 12 noon. Most Shopping Malls, department stores and supermarkets are open from 10 am to 8 pm daily. There are 24-hour convenience stores and drugstores. Banks are open from 8 am to 3 pm, with automated teller machines (ATM) operating 24 hours.

Daytime Pursuits

Magnificent churches of impressive architectural proportions with their interior chock-full of relics testify to the centuries-old religious traditional of the Filipinos.

Museums and art galleries acquaint visitors with the country’s rich cultural, historical & artistic heritage Cebu, the Queen City of the South, also offers a host of tourist destinations. Mactan Island’s luxurious beach resorts, known worldwide, offers marine sport facilities & scuba diving lessons.

An island skip trip is also a welcome diversion for those who love island hopping in the nearby islands such as Bohol and Negros.

You can also visit the dome-shaped Jumalon’s Butterfly Museum and Art Gallery built in 1960, or stroll along the country’s oldest street, Colon for a whiff of the city’s cultural history

Shopping

Huge shopping malls beckon shoppers to Cebu for a great bargain. The Metro Gaisano Chain of Stores spreads all over Cebu’s key districts.

A sprawling and crowded collection of flea market stalls and side walk vendors in Carbon Market’s congested streets produce at price haggling and bargain galore for such items like native fresh flowers, clothing and numerous house hold goods.

Various native decor are wide-spread and are varied. Items consist from hand woven mats, hats, baskets and products made out of seashells.

Evening Entertainment

In Cebu time never sleeps. For endless evening of dancing, music and entertainment, head for colorful lights at the H2O Disco(Cebu City Waterfront Hotel) and Bai Disco in Cebu Plaza. Or roll a dice & flip a card at the Casino Filipino both at the Waterfront Hotel-Cebu City & Mactan.

You can also unwind yourself and take easy, go bar-hopping with Cebu’s numerous Restobars. Vamonos for a Mexican ambiance, La Terreza for an Italian experience, The Tinder Box for the more exquisite crowd or have it as what the young and energetic would love to party at The Village Bars & Restaurant.

Every now and then major concerts of both famous local and international artist hold their number at the International Convention Center at the Cebu City Waterfront Hotel. Fully air-conditioned ballroom with up-to-date high-tech lights and sounds.

Dining

Bistros, pastries, diners, seafood grilles and noodle house vie patronage along the busy and dynamic streets of Cebu and Mactan.

A variety of Asian, Australian, Continental, Italian, Japanese and Filipino dishes are served in various restaurants and fast food stations all over the City, while the watering hole of Cebu’s “The Big Oval” (Fuente Osmeña Park) delights middle class barbecue aficionados an affordable meal.

Relaxation

After all the festive activities you have undergone it’s also time to relax and treat those tired aching nerves and muscles a rejuvenating massage, facial and spa treatment.

The Roman Spa at the Cebu City WaterFront Hotel and Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort Health Club.

People is our main concern in the tourism industry in the Philippines. Cebuanos are not far off when personalized service is concerned and Grand Holidays Travel & Tours, Inc. Pioneers the spirit of good hospitality.

Great hotels & resorts are almost everywhere , but only with us where you can find great service, value for money and personal satisfaction which brings out the smile in you.