Medical Tourism Philippines

Also known as the “Queen of the South”, Cebu is the oldest and second most important city in the Philippines. It has been considered as a premier tourist destination because of its white sandy beaches as well as it historical sites. The most important historical event in Cebu happened in 1521 when Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, colonized the island, erected a large wooden cross on shores of Cebu and baptized over 700 islanders. When Datu Lapu-lapu heard of this, he challenged the Spanish coloners and in April 27, 1951 the legendary Battle of Mactan took place which consequently killed Magellan.

Presently, Cebu also has their own international and shipping port which helps the economy through its export processing zones, making it the center of growth and development in the Visayas region.

Where to go:

Basilica Minore del Santo Niño: The church is found in the heart of Cebu City. It enshrines the image of the Christ Child that Ferdinand Magellan gave to Rajah Humabon.

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Magellan's Cross: Is one of the Cebu landmarks. It encases the original cross which was planted by Ferdinand Magellan on the Philippine shores.

Fort San Pedro is the oldest fort in the country. It was built in the 16th century. Colon Street is the oldest street in the country. Fuente Osmeña is a favorite city promenade, while the Taoist Temple at Beverly Hills and Tops Lookout at Busay offers the spectacular views of the city.

Mactan Island is home to the Lapu-Lapu Monument and the much older Magellan Monument at Punta Engano, both near the traditional battle site between the two historical figures. The island's famed beach resorts are located at the island's eastern coast, just half an hour away from Mactan International Airport.

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On the west coast is Moalboal, one of the country's most popular dive sites; its top sites are Panagsama Beach and Pescador Island. Badian Island has white sand beaches. In Matutinao is Kawasan Falls with its natural pools. Samboan has Escala de Jacob, an impressive hilltop watchtower. 

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The road north leads to Danao, famous for its paltik or gun industry. Sogod has attractive beaches and a world-class resort. At the northern tip are the islands of Bantayan, with its sandy beaches, and Malapascua Island, which has powder-fine sand. Olango Island across Mactan is becoming popular as a bird-watching site due to its status as a sanctuary of migratory birds coming from as far as China and Siberia. 

How To Go There: 

By Plane:

Mactan-Cebu International Airport offer daily flight to tourist coming from Manila, Kalibo, Boracay, Clark, as well as international flights from Japan, Qatar, Taiwan, China and several charter flights from Russia and the United States. It is an alternative to the congested airports in NAIA.

By Boat:

Cebu City’s Domestic Port is the countries busiest port with carrying almost 80% of the passenger vessels. The country's largest shipping lines, namely WG&A, Sulpicio Lines, Trans-Asia, George & Peter Lines and Lorenzo Shipping Lines, are headquartered in Cebu.

Getting Around Cebu:

Various types of public transportation are available in Cebu. Jeepneys, buses, and taxis are available so you can go around the city.

If you want to visit the more distant towns, you can opt to rent a car or van.

Sources:

www.etravelpilipinas.com

www.cebucitytourism.com

wikitravel.org

www.seeyoulatte.com.ph