From Peru to CEBU - Part 1
Let me sail, let me sail. How lucky we were to be able to explore some of the isles inspired by Enya’s classic song. This time out it was a homecoming visit to Cebu (albeit not from Peru but rather Kuala Lumpur but what rhymes with that, right?) With much family to help create them, we have many fond memories of our vacation to my birthplace.
Cebu is place of contrasts. Both posh and impoverished, you’ll find many mega malls such as SM seaside, Ayala Center, and Metro Gaisano along with streets lined up with shanty stores and street vendors pawning wares such as bottled water and tissue packets to the shop bound, air-conditioned vehicles lining the roads. Once inside the mall, you shut out the heat and the rest of the city as you browse through multi-levels of international and local brands. At SM Seaside, the boat shaped shopping haven, there is also a rooftop play space for kids with a harbour view.
Within the city limits is another great area for the kids to get wet and wild. A quick drive up the mountain and you’ll find Mountainview Park, a water park with a spectacular view of the city. For a nominal entrance fee and table and chair rental, you can sit under a canopy and enjoy the scenery while watching the kids swim, splash, and slide. Bring along a picnic lunch or order on site for a relaxing afternoon.
If you’re willing to travel 2-3 hours by car and/or ferry for a day trip, then you’ll discover some truly world renowned sites. One such place is Bohol, an island just off Cebu City. Hire a van and driver to meet you after the hour or so ferry ride and take a tour of the island with stops at famous Chocolate Hills (a geological wonder), have an audience with the cutest little primates, the tarsier (a marvel of nature), and take a lunch cruise on a riverboat along the emerald green Loboc River (a natural beauty). Buyer beware though, these were all certainly popular tourist destinations!
And those were just the first three days. Check the next post for the second half of our Cebu Islands homecoming getaway. In the meantime, click through below to see our highlights.
