Cebu Resorts
From all my Asian travels, people in the Philippines are the most friendly, welcoming, kind and respectful people I have met. They love to sing, to dance and to have fun all the time! During my years in Qatar, I have worked with a lot of them and I can say that the majority of them are happy people. In Addition Cebu resorts are the best!
The Philippines consists of around 7000 islands which are categorized from north to south: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. If you love sandy beaches and clear water this is the country for you. Moreover, compared to European standards and prices, the Philippines is an affordable place to include on your travels. One of my ex-colleagues and lovely friend - Ginyl - invited me to her town of Iligan city, so I did not miss the opportunity and I visit this beautiful country.
We traveled through Cebu area, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan city, Initao, Camiguin Island and White Island which is nearby the Camiguin.
Philippines Cebu, Iligan
My friend picks me up from the Cebu airport. We head to Cebu Resort Be resort which is around 1 hour away. The airport is modern, clean and easily accessible. We arrive at the resort which has a beach on the front, a dreamy infinity swimming pool, friendly staff, amazing views, and clean rooms.
Ayala
We unpack our things and we head to the Ayala mall for dinner. It's a very big mall with green, nice shops and restaurants. It is different from the typical malls as the restaurants and the cafe have sitting areas on balconies viewing the small gardens. You can have a look of the Mall here: Ayala Mall Cebu
Returning back to the hotel, just rooming around for some photos and lazy time.
The next day we have breakfast in the open area balcony with a lot of fruits, bread, cakes, and drinks. The majority of the tourists are Chinese, Japanese and Koreans.
Next, its relaxation time by the pool and the beach. The surroundings, (especially the infinity swimming pool) are really impressive. The pool has a great view of the beach area and its surroundings.
Cagayan de Oro
On the late afternoon, we fly to Cagayan de Oro where we take a bus ride to Iligan city. The journey is through green scenery, small cute houses and street grilled food restaurants which makes my stomach rumbling from the cravings. I ask my friend whether we will try these delicacies and to my disappointment, she answers negatively "Your stomach is not used to this kind of street food, you will end up to the hospital". So it's better to avoid it as it smells heavenly delicious though!
We arrive at my friend's city, where the air smells humidity, burned wood, grilled food, and flowers. They are friendly people and the city aura really makes me happy. We settle down on my friend's house where her family welcomes me with big smiles and kisses. The next days we room around the city, meet lots of relatives and friends, lots of food, local beers (I really love the San Miguel beer!), really cheap massages - and fun and more fun! The most impressive of these are the people who are always smiling, singing and are curious about a foreigner in their small city.
Initao city
We spent a picnic day in Initao city (1 hour away from Iligan city). The city has its own park which is a very big place with an entrance fee. The city has a picturesque beach in which we used our sea masks for snorkeling. On the way back we ride on an Auto rickshaw which is a common form of urban transport, in many countries around the world, especially those with tropical climates.
One thing that I did not like much about this beach is the big amount of seaweed. It makes me a bit uncomfortable and scared...
Camiguin Island
Our next destination is Camiguin Island, my favorite of all the places I visited in the Philippines. You can find my story here: Philippines (Part 2) - Camiguin Island.
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Blank Canvas Voyagee
This is pure paradise!! Thank you fro sharing 🙂
Pinelopi Kyriazi
Thanks for your message! 🙂
Classy Explorer
I have been only in Manila, but after reading this I def need to see at least Cebu...Good tips and photos, thanks! 🙂
Pinelopi Kyriazi
Thank you Classy!! Cebu is amazing indeed!! 🙂
France François
I loved seeing the natural beauty of the Philippines through your photos! They aren't places that you usually here mentioned when people talk about Asia so I'm glad you shared!
Pinelopi Kyriazi
Yeah lots of people think that Philippines is not worth a visit, but its one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen 🙂
The Common Wanderer
Wow this looks like a complete paradise! thanks for sharing
Pinelopi Kyriazi
Hey there! Oh yesss P A R A D I S E!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
abiteofculture
The people there sound absolutely lovely! I bet the culture is just so rich there! And I can't even begin to imagine how good the food is! 🙂 xx
Pinelopi Kyriazi
Hello, to be honest, I don't like the Philippino food...but the culture is just top notch!! 🙂
losttogether1234
Sounds like a great trip! I really want to get to the Phillipines soon. I just keep hearing that the food isn't as good.
Pinelopi Kyriazi
Yes, personally I don't like the food...
Meg
The Philippines is on my travel wish list! Posts like this make me more determined to go. I loved the beautiful photos of the crystal clear waters. Will save this to help with my travel planning!
Pinelopi Kyriazi
Thank you, Meg!! 🙂
curiouspidge
Wow I hope to get there one day! Initao looks gorgeous 🙂
Pinelopi Kyriazi
Initao is one of my favourites indeed! 🙂
Danielle
Wow it seems amazing!! I love all of the different stuff you did instead of just sitting on the beach. Great post!!
Pinelopi Kyriazi
Thank you, Danielle!! 🙂
Sonja
I'd love to go here! My brother was living in Cebu but I didn't get a chance to visit. All the photos just make me want to do it now!
Pinelopi Kyriazi
Thank you, Sonja!!
daphne
When talking about the Philippines, it is often about Manilla. Nice that you have seen another beautiful part of the Philippines. I can imagine your feeling of swimming at the beach of Initao city, I also don't like seaweed haha!
Pinelopi Kyriazi
haahah! I hate seaweed! makes me freak out! But the place is just a paradise! 🙂
Dannielle
Agreed - some of the happiest people in the world! Philippines is high on my list but I've always put it off because it's SO far away. One day!
Pinelopi Kyriazi
Thanks, Dannielle! Hope to make it soon 🙂
Danielle's Travels
I've always wanted to go to the Philippines! This hotel looks lovely, your pictures are great! The waters are so clear!
Pinelopi Kyriazi
Thank you, Danielle!!
Sarah
I found where most tourists came from to be quite interesting! Fantastic photos!!
Pinelopi Kyriazi
Thank you, Sarah!
Cherene Saradar
I was sad to miss Cebu when I went to the Philippines but will go back. It looks so beautiful with so much to do!!! And now I have a great guide:)
Pinelopi Kyriazi
Thank you Cherene! 🙂
Carmelatte
Ohh I love it! Such an amazing trip!
Carmelatte
Pinelopi Kyriazi
Thanks, Carmelatte!! 🙂
Cristina
Ugh you made me so jealous! I wanna be there too... but it's sooo far away! Must've been a dreamy holiday.
Beautiful pictures
Pinelopi Kyriazi
Hello Cristina, oh yes I really miss that place.... Hope you manage to visit it soon!
Katie
Love your photos & I've pinned this for when I plan my own visit!
Pinelopi Kyriazi
Thank you, Katie! 🙂
Steph
Wow what a beautiful place! Your photos are amazing 🙂 I particularly like the looks of Cagayan de Oro, I will have to remember for my future visit to Philippines
Pinelopi Kyriazi
Thank you, Steph!!
Carmelatte
Looks like an amazing place! Love it <3
Carmelatte