Dining at Larsian, a perfect barbecue spot in Cebu

Dining at Larsian, a perfect barbecue spot in Cebu

When you travel to different places, eating street food is something worth trying. Aside from its affordability, you get to experience the local food in a particular place.

In Cebu, barbecue is one of the most popular street food that you can easily find almost anywhere. But if you want to have as many options as possible, whether pork or chicken barbecue, Larsians Place is one popular spot for diners who are seeking for something quick and easy.

When you get to the place, several attendants will try to approach you and introduce you to their stall. There are plenty of barbecue vendors in here so you will have some great time choosing your table. For sure, all of them has almost the same in their menu.

Seafood is also available for those craving for some fresh fish or fresh 'lato' or fresh 'guso'. Seaweed is as well healthy if you want to keep yourself protected against goiter, at least.

Location

Larsians Place is located right next to Chong Hua Hospital. The nearest popular landmark is the Fuente Osmena Circle along Jones Avenue. Most Cebuanos just call it Fuente Osmena area.

Getting There

Jeepneys

Jeepneys ply along the avenue. From most parts of Cebu City, jeepneys can be found with routes plying along Jones Avenue. You can board from Ayala Center Cebu, SM City Cebu, or Colon Street (the oldest street in Cebu City).

Taxi

Taxis can be hailed to send you to the location. Taxi stands are available at malls and hotels.

The Little Amsterdam in Cebu

The Little Amsterdam in Cebu

Sirao, Little Amsterdam, Cebu. If you want to see a brief view of how Amsterdam would look like without having to fly to Amsterdam yourself, you can do that by just visiting this little farm in Cebu, Sirao.

This place which has driven more and more tourists lately due to the unique experience of seeing the beautiful flowers and sceneries while roaming around the area, is a cool place to be in considering that you'll also see the mountain areas of Cebu City while ascending to the higher elevations in this part of Cebu.

I was with my friend Scott from South Korea and we drove our way up to Sirao. A breath of fresh air indeed. You'll also get closer to nature and stopping by for some snack along the way will surely energize you for more adventurous journey up the mountains of Cebu.

Photo Credits: My friend Scott from Korea

I'm on top of Cebu City!

I'm on top of Cebu City!

For a different view of the Queen City, one can try exploring the mountain areas of Cebu. From the top, you can clearly see the grandeur of Cebu City's towering skyline.

More buildings and condominium developments are constructed as the real estate industry is at its robust growth. Investments and new locators are coming to Cebu being one of the favorite business destinations in Asia.

Diving, topping the to-do list in Cebu, Philippines!

Diving, topping the to-do list in Cebu, Philippines!

For those visiting the Province of Cebu in the Philippines, one  must try diving in South, Cebu. One of the popular places to go are the towns of Ronda, Moalboal, and Oslob (where you see big whales, too).

Cebu is best known for its rich marine life which makes diving a popular activity for tourists, both local and foreign. The Philippines has been noted as well to be one of the must-visit places in Asia for 2016 for the exciting and amazing places scattered all over the archipelago.

Check this site for some admirable comments and posts about the places to see in the Philippines from a popular travel writer:

http://www.travelersdigest.com/7367-top-ten-cheap-travel-destinations-in-asia/

Getting there

Buses

Once can take the CERES bus going to South Cebu from the Cebu South Bus Terminal. Ceres buses are usually yellow in color.

Plane

If you are arriving in the Philippines thru Manila, Philippines (the capital of the Philippines), you can board a plane from Manila to Cebu. The flight takes about an hour to reach the Queen City of the South.

Accomodation

Cheap hostels and guest houses can be found in the area. So one can also scout ahead of time to check the availability of the rooms.

Above: The beautiful corals you see when you dive in South Cebu, Philippines.

Boating in Aloguinsan, Cebu

Boating in Aloguinsan, Cebu

For tourists wanting to experience a different water activity in the South of Cebu, boating in Aloguinsan would be a good choice.

Aside from being educational experience as one will get to know different species of mangroves while well-trained tour guides discuss along the trip, you will have to see a spectacular view of Mt. Kanlaon as you approach the mouth of the river.

Getting there

Buses

Once can take the CERES bus going to South Cebu from the Cebu South Bus Terminal. Ceres buses are usually yellow in color.

Plane

If you are arriving in the Philippines thru Manila, Philippines (the capital of the Philippines), you can board a plane from Manila to Cebu. The flight takes about an hour to reach the Queen City of the South.

Accomodation

Cheap hostels and guest houses can be found in the area. So one can also scout ahead of time to check the availability of the rooms.

The Waterfalls in South Cebu, Philippines

The Waterfalls in South Cebu, Philippines

The South of Cebu is blessed with amazing waterfalls. For the outdoor lovers, one can visit the different natural wonders down South of the Province of Cebu.

Getting there

Buses

Once can take the CERES bus going to South Cebu from the Cebu South Bus Terminal. Ceres buses are usually yellow in color.

Plane

If you are arriving in the Philippines thru Manila, Philippines (the capital of the Philippines), you can board a plane from Manila to Cebu. The flight takes about an hour to reach the Queen City of the South.

Accomodation

Cheap hostels and guest houses can be found in the area. So one can also scout ahead of time to check the availability of the rooms.

Bird Watching in Olango Island Cebu

Bird Watching in Olango Island Cebu

Bird Watching is the most popular activity in the island of Olango in Cebu. Tourists visit the island to see the numerous species of birds found in the bird sanctuary. The area is maintained by the Protected Area and Wildlife Section of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Viewing Goggles can be rented at the Tourist Receiving Area. Tourists will also have to pay the entrance fee to the sanctuary.

Getting There

Passenger Banca

In order to get to Olango Island, one can take the pump boats or passenger bancas going to the island from the Hilton Wharf.

Hired bancas can also be taken from resorts like Shangri La Mactan and Cebu White Sands. Tour guides and Tour operators are found in Mactan Island for best tour assistance.

The boat ride is gonna take about 30 minutes to reach Olango Island from Mactan Island.

Tricycle

Upon reaching Olango Island, one has to take a tricycle (3 wheeled passenger motorcycle) to get you to the bird sanctuary. It will be about 15 minutes. Fare at Php 25.00. You can ask the driver to fetch you at a later time once you are done with the bird watching at the sanctuary as there are no available tricycle waiting outside the sanctuary. You may get there mobile number to easily contact the driver.

2Go Ferry Schedule from Cebu to Bohol

2Go Ferry Schedule from Cebu to Bohol

For those vacationing tourists in Cebu, they can also visit the beautiful island of Bohol. 2GoFerries ply from Cebu to Bohol. They have fewer trips though as compared to other ferries.

The passengers will have to board at Pier 1 in Cebu as there are six (6) piers at the Cebu Port. One must also check the traffic situation so as not to miss the boat schedules.

Tickets can be purchased at the pier. For advanced bookings, one can visit the ticketing outlets at the following centers:

Cebu Outlets
2Go Office Pier 1 Cebu
4th Floor in Ayala Center Cebu
SM Travellers Lounge

Bohol Outlets

If you are in Bohol, you can purchase the 2Go tickets here:

Tagbilaran City Port 2Go Office
Island City Mall (Ground Floor)
Bohol Quality Mall (Second Floor)

2Go Ticket Prices

The one way fare is Php 400.
For 2Go Libre Balik, the round trip fare is Php 700.
Business Class Oceanjet Tickets can also be purchased.

2Go Ticket Rebooking

Rebooking of tickets can only be done at the 2Go Ticket Office.

2Go Ticket Refund

For unused tickets, they may be refunded at the 2Go Ticket Offices. Please see the validity of your tickets.

Oceanjet Ferry Schedules from Cebu to Bohol

Oceanjet Ferry Schedules from Cebu to Bohol

For those vacationing tourists in Cebu, they can also visit the beautiful island of Bohol. Oceanjet Ferries ply from Cebu to Bohol with the most frequent trips as compared to other ferries.

Oceanjet Ferries to Bohol have mostly round the clock schedules from 6am to 635pm.

The passengers will have to board at Pier 1 in Cebu as there are six (6) piers at the Cebu Port. One must also check the traffic situation so as not to miss the boat schedules.

Tickets can be purchased at the pier. For advanced bookings, one can visit the ticketing outlets at the following centers:

Cebu Outlets
Oceanjet Office Pier 1 Cebu
4th Floor in Ayala Center Cebu
SM Travellers Lounge
Mail and More outlets

Bohol Outlets

If you are in Bohol, you can purchase the Oceanjet tickets here:

Tagbilaran City Port Oceanjet Office
Island City Mall (Ground Floor)
Bohol Quality Mall (Second Floor)

Oceanjet Ticket Prices

The one way fare is Php 500.
For Oceanjet Libre Balik, the round trip fare is Php 800.
Business Class Oceanjet Tickets can also be purchased.

Oceanjet Ticket Rebooking

Rebooking of tickets can only be done at the Oceanjet Offices in the Pier of Cebu and Bohol. Php 50 is the fee for rebooking of Oceanjet tickets if the ticket schedule has not yet departed while for departed ticket schedules, the fee is Php 100.00.

Oceanjet Ticket Refund

For unused tickets, they may be refunded at the Oceanjet Ticket Offices. Please see the validity of your tickets.

Cebu Island Hopping to Gilutungan

Cebu Island Hopping to Gilutungan

Gilutongan Island can be reached in 30minutes from the Municipality of Cordova in Mactan Island.

We get our steps to the island through a Boardwalk extending about 20m. You will surely enjoy partaking all the favorite seafoods you can name from Hans Restaurant but make sure you have P600 for every plate. There is no exception to the price whether you are a tourist or not. I believe this is the only restaurant in the island facing the Gilutongan Marine Sanctuary.

A number of boats were lined up catering to tourists and locales who are coming to the island for diving and snorkeling.The sanctuary is well known in the world with its abundant and diverse underwater substrate.

Some things you can see when you explore the island are Sari-sari Stores, a chapel, people having past times, and people bottling "tihi-tihi". One bottle costs only P20.00 when bought right from there.

These are the sights to see on the other side of the island. The sand is very nice and it is like a small Boracay. You can also see the "then Virgin Island" which you can reach in 20-30 minutes time.

This resort might seem simple but mind you, the room rate could even go up to P7,000 especially during peak season.

This is the boardwalk occupied by mostly Korean tourists for that particular moment. They just finished dining from Hans Restaurant. There are also entertainers when you eat and some tourists give P500 or P1000 bills after each song.

You will see above how people make a living in the island.

Dare to Seawalk in Mactan Island Cebu

Dare to Seawalk in Mactan Island Cebu

Mactan Island, Philippines. Mactan Island is part of Cebu Province where the Cebu International Airport is also located. Beautiful resorts like Shangri-La and Movenpick (previously Hilton Resort) are found here.

One of the exciting activities to do while in the island of Mactan is seawalking. Walking on the sea floor is made possible in Mactan Island which allows you to be close to different kinds of fishes. Finding Nemo and Dory is quite fun in here. Let us just remember that "Fish are friends, not food" - Finding Nemo.

Seawalking in Mactan Island was quite a good experience if you do not want to try the more adventurous one which is diving (as Cebu is best known for diving, too).

I was here with my Japanese cousins, Yuta and Daikichi, with Loloy. Thanks to Ate Evic, we became seawalkers for a moment. Airwalking will be next, maybe. Yay!

It looks simple yet a little difficult when you are already underwater. No worries though as there is a little training before diving. Even a little change in elevation will give some minor disturbances in the ears as pressure will change if elevation changes.

Above. You will be bringing some food for your fish friends. Some of them would actually think you are food. Hehe. At times, one of them would aim its mouth at your skin. There is no piranha here or else you will be all bones. :)

A bamboo handrail is also installed on the seafloor to guide you while seawalking.

Do you think it's fun to live like you are Nemo for a moment?

Dao Waterfalls in Samboan, Cebu

Dao Waterfalls in Samboan, Cebu

For the ones loving the outdoors, South of Cebu is a perfect destination. Dao Waterfalls is something to love if you want to experience long hiking adventure before seeing this magnificent waterfalls which is definitely one of Cebu's longest.

Getting there

Buses

One can take the CERES bus going to South Cebu from the Cebu South Bus Terminal. Ceres buses are usually yellow in color.

Plane

If you are arriving in the Philippines thru Manila, Philippines (the capital of the Philippines), you can board a plane from Manila to Cebu. The flight takes about an hour to reach the Queen City of the South.

Accomodation

Cheap hostels and guest houses can be found in the area. So one can also scout ahead of time to check the availability of the rooms.

Please check out our youtube channel: 'amontours' for more travel videos.

Imperial Palace is now JPark Island in Mactan, Cebu, Philippines

Imperial Palace is now JPark Island in Mactan, Cebu, Philippines

One thing you should not miss when you get to Imperial are the Slides. I believe there are 3 of them. The white slide which is just okay, the green slide (the first one I tried and it really set the mood, it was a damn good one, I am telling you. You should try it if you want to experience all the thrills you've expected). The slide with some red and white colors in it is the last one I tried. I was thinking it was under maintenance since I did not see people using it and when I got up there, there was like a rope in front of the slide entrance. It took me so many hours to actually ask if I can go and try. The attendant said yes so I gave it a Go. It was really, really nice. The slide is called something like a Space Bowl.. You get through the slide lightning fast and once you get out to the bowl, you will go around it like 5 times before you finally drop through the hole in the center of the bowl and splash yourself down to the water.

I happen to have started a conversation with this Korean fellow and he shared that they come all the way from Korea to Imperial Palace here in Cebu with his entire family. And take note, it is in time for their wedding anniversary. That is one very good reason to celebrate the occasion in a very nice place. When you get to the place, most of the guests are Koreans probably due to the fact that the hotel is owned by a Korean.

Having a day tour at Imperial could be pricey but it is really worth the experience. Giving such a treat to your family once in a while is really a good thing to cherish. That is P1,900 per person during weekdays and P2,300 during weekends. You may also want to bring your kids who are only 4 years old and below because they can get on board for free.

If you try to imagine going to any other tourist destination in the Philippines, that would cost you a lot starting off with the air fare. Of course busy people do not have the luxury of time to take the boat trip so going to your favorite place by plane would be the best option.

For me, having a relaxing day in the weekend at Imperial is a really good experience. If not because of my very good cousin, I would not be there at Imperial that day. So, I just enjoyed each moment I was there. Not all good things last for a lifetime and not 2 things happen exactly the same.

Seriously, everything you are looking for is here at Imperial Palace.

The day tour in Imperial would not be complete without the best buffet ever at Familia Buffet Restaurant. From the waterpark, we rode a cart going to the restaurant because it is some distance away. Or if you want to starve yourself first before partaking all the good food at the restaurant, going for a walk is a nice trick. I never actually thought of that until now that I wrote this. But no worries, by the time you get in, you will embrace all the kinds of food, desserts, and foreign cuisines. Most of them I could not name. It was the grandest buffet I have ever tried so far. I highly recommend for you to be very educated on how to free a lot of space in your stomach so you will not get full immediately.

I made sure I do not get full with the main courses so I can have enough rooms for the wide array of dessert selections. I tell you, there are a lot of them. For lunch, you can stay from 12nn until 2:30pm and for dinner, it starts as early as 6pm and ends at 9. By the way, the buffet is already part of the package. I think this is the best time to get even with the cost of the day tour.

The photos below are just desserts. Maybe I was really busy eating to miss taking pictures of the main courses.

I am pretty sure you will not leave the restaurant craving for more. Definitely, you will have yourself extremely satisfied.

I think this chair is made of rattan. You can see more of this when you get to the Familia Buffet restaurant.

You can relax yourself here while looking at the beach side.

The above photo is the lobby. You will have to meet the receptionist here and pay what you ought to pay. After that, you will be given something like a wrist band to signify that you are a guest for the day tour and that you paid. By the way, you do not need to bring towels because the resort provides one. You will surely feel at home because customer service is one of a kind. You will be treated like a VIP.

You can contact Imperial Palace Customer Service at (32) 494-5100.

Where is Imperial Palace in Mactan, Cebu? See map.

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