Cebu City is the capital of Cebu province in Central Visayas. Although famous abroad because of the tourist resorts that line the shores of nearby Mactan Island, Cebu City is rich in history—it was the site of the first Spanish settlement, the first capital of the Philippines, and the point from which Christianity spread throughout the country.
The main language in Cebu is Cebuano, more commonly known as Bisaya. However, being a strong center of commerce and tourism the general level of English is good, and you certainly won’t have any problems in the hotels.
Mactan-Cebu International Airport is the entrance point for the majority of visitors. This is actually located on Mactan Island in Lapu-Lapu City. While technically a separate jurisdiction, “Cebu” is broadly thought of as encompassing this area in the minds of travellers. The waterfront of Lapu-Lapu City is where you’ll find most of the resort-style hotels with private beaches and luxurious pools. In contrast, Cebu City is far more bustling, polluted, and congested—a sort of smaller version of Manila. Despite many tourists staying on Mactan Island, Cebu City still offers a good number of sightseeing spots and things to do.
