Cebu Top Attractions: During the “New Normal” - EXPLORETRAVELER

1. Cebu Top Attractions: During the “New Normal” Cebu Top 8 Attractions – Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic hit the whole world as well as the Philippines and travel was one of the most affected and limited. For someone who loves to travel, this pandemic may have caused frustration due to unfulfilled travel plans. But that was last year, now the world is slowly waking up and adapting to the new way called "New Normal" or new normal. What does the New Normal mean? This terminology became familiar and widely used in social media, on the internet, television, establishments, and almost everywhere in the world when everything started to rise to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This term only means a new way of living, a new way of working or going to school, a new way of doing our daily work, and a new way of travelling where precautions are taken to prevent the spread of the virus. COVID-19.

2. In the Philippines, the government has reopened tourism to local and foreign travellers, but it is important to first make sure that travel is permitted at your destination because there are still places in the Philippines where tourists may not be allowed. Since the necessary documents or travel requirements may vary, check the official latest policies or guidelines on restrictions and requirements that may affect your travel. General Travel Guidelines During the New Normal 1. Find out the latest restrictions on travellers in the area you are going to Visit the official web pages and websites such as the Department of Tourism, Department of Foreign Affairs, or the local websites of the province or municipality you are going to get correct and official information. You don't want to book your ticket and later cancel it. 2. Complete all required documents For tourists, documents such as travel or tourist pass, medical certificate or clearance, travel itinerary, round trip ticket, and hotel confirmation may be required. Be sure to carry and complete the necessary documents for your trip to avoid travel complications. 3. Don't forget to bring sanitizer in your backpack In almost every public place now that there is a pandemic, there are hand sanitizers to be seen because it is a government mandate to prevent the spread of germs, but just make sure to bring it so that you can use it if necessary. Make it a habit to wash your hands when you touch something that other people may touch, such as door knobs and railings. 4. Always wear protection against COVID-19 and keep your distance especially from many people. Wearing a face shield and face mask in public places is a law in the Philippines, these two are also required when going to Cebu. You may not be allowed into establishments if you are not wearing a face shield and mask. Medical grade or cotton or cloth masks can be worn except for masks with valves. 5. Don't travel if you don't feel well. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, do not travel at first, even if your ticket is already booked.

3. Destinations in Cebu During the New Normal Cebu is a group of islands located in the central part of the Philippines. It consists of the main island and is surrounded by 167 beautiful and natural islands and islets. Cebu City is the second metropolitan city in the Philippines, the oldest and the first capital of the Philippines. Due to its geological location, Cebu was one of the places where trades took place before the arrival of the Spanish. It also serves as the gateway to many tourist destinations in the Philippines such as Bohol where you can see the beautiful Chocolate Hills, Boracay Island, Puerto Princesa and many others. Rich culture, captivating history, beautiful and amazing sea and scuba diving sites, rich mountains, unique cuisines, and kind people are “Cebu's Best” for travellers.

4. Must-Visit Historic Destinations If you are fond of historical, cultural, or religious sightseeing, Cebu is rich in attractions that bring its history to life, and showcase its wide and colourful culture and religion. 1. Mactan Shrine The Mactan Shrine is located in Lapu-lapu City where the Mactan Airport is also located. The shrine is the believed location where the “Battle of Mactan” or “Victory in Mactan” took place. In this historic war, Lapu-Lapu, after which the place is named, one of the leaders in the area and an estimated 1,500 people in the area fought against the soldiers led by a Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, who went to Cebu and Mactan island in April 1521 to introduce and bring Catholicism to the area. Lapu-Lapu and his companions who disagreed with this won this battle and colonisation was prevented for 44 years. The shrine has two monuments, 2. Simala Shrine Located high up in Lindongon, Simala, Sibonga, Cebu, the Simala Shrine is really a church and a favourite among locals and tourists. This church is visited by many people especially during Holy Week and activities to celebrate the Virgin Mary. Like other churches and monasteries in the Philippines, the shrine was temporarily closed to the public during the height of the pandemic but reopened in December 2020. Due to its grandeur and castle-like aura, even people who are not very religious cannot stop it from visiting . Its unique structure, peaceful atmosphere, and breathtaking scenery are just some of the reasons why it should be experienced and visited by travellers. If you go to the shrine, 3. Taoist Temple The Cebu Taoist Temple is located in the subdivision of Beverly Hills in Lahug, Cebu City, and was built in 1972. Its location is in the high part of the city

5. which is estimated to be 360 feet and can only be reached by private vehicles. The place is opened for believers and unbelievers. The entrance to the temple is a replica of the “Great Wall of China” and it is amazing. It is necessary to climb approximately 120 steps to reach the main temple from where the city and the fertile mountains of Cebu can be seen from above. The feeling is relaxing and "worth it" while experiencing the fresh air and observing the pleasant architectural design of the area. 4. Sinulog Festival Held every third week in the month of January to celebrate and worship Santo Nino (Baby Jesus), this religious tradition is one of the most unique, colourful, lively, and biggest festivals in Cebu. This work is participated by people from different parts of the Philippines. In this festival, you can see colourful street dances with drums and trumpets by participants who come from different regions of the Philippines. Hundreds of small shops for face tattoos and gifts and memorabilia can be found along the way. But this 2021 Sinulog Festival was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope and pray to witness this celebration again next year. Must Visit Scuba Diving Sites The Philippines was honoured as the Best Overseas Diving Area (overseas category) in the Marine Diving Awards 2020 that took place in Tokyo. The Philippines also received nominations as Asia's Leading Dive Destination and World's Leading Dive Destination at the 27th World Travel Awards. Cebu is one of the places in the Philippines known for its amazing natural resources in the ocean. Scuba diving in Cebu will provide a wonderful experience to ocean explorers and scuba diving fanatics.

6. Although scuba diving was one of the activities restricted during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, in October 2020, it was recognized as a non-contact sport or activity and scuba diving was later allowed under new rules: 1. Scuba diving in areas under GCQ (General Community Quarantine) and MGCCQ (Modified General Community Quarantine) is allowed to open. But since it can change depending on the area, make it a habit to check the prohibitions of the local government where the diving site is. 2. Bring your own diving gears and equipment. Borrowing of equipment is prohibited. 3. Carry and use hand sanitizers or disinfectants as needed. 4. It is forbidden to spit to defog your gears. Use soap and shampoo as a defogger. 5. Wear a face shield and mask when talking to other people.

7. 1. Fisher Island The "Pescador Experience" is one of the things talked about by many divers who have visited Pescador. This is an exciting and captivating experience worth trying in Cebu. The island which is a marine park can be found in the province of Moalboal in Cebu and is recognized as the jewel of Moalboal. This island is famous because of the sardine run where thousands of sardines like a tornado are amazing to watch. Various types of marine life such as scorpionfish, stonefish, snappers, barracuda, frogfish, and others can also be seen here. Turtles are commonly seen on this island. In the western part of the island you can see the “Pescador Cathedral”, a cave that starts from 18 metres to 40+ metres. The current of the sea can be confusing at times but you will surely have an unforgettable experience of your life. 2. Mactan Island This island is one of the best diving spots not only in Cebu but in the entire Philippines. Many diving centres here were allowed to open during the height of the pandemic, but it is better to book before going here. This island is easy to get to because Cebu's international airport is also here, so if you only have a limited amount of time in your visit to Cebu but you want to experience and see the marine resources here, this island will not disappoint you. The island of Mactan and its surrounding small islands have diverse, colourful, and rich marine nature. Here you can find sea snakes, frogfish, barracuda, leaf fish, mandarin fish, groupers, scorpion fish, blue-ribbon eels, nudibranchs, rainbow runners, pufferfish, clownfish, sweet lips, moray eels, drummers, harlequin fish, butterfly fish, pipefish. and much more. In the larger sanctuary, there are many mackerel and jacks, turtles, stingrays, and sometimes big eye trevallies. Other dive spots are home to thresher sharks and hammerhead sharks. Diving sites such as Tambuli, Agus, Marigondon Cave, Talima Marine Sanctuary will also be visited from Mactan Island. Malapascua is a small island with a length of 2.5 kilometres and an area of one kilometre. It has white sand and is home to a small community. Located at the very northern tip of Cebu, it takes a four-hour drive to Daanbantayan and a five-minute boat ride to the island. This island is a very popular diving spot in Cebu and is good for novice divers. It will provide a wide and exciting experience for beginners because the dive here is easy to do but will inspire you to dive again. Malapascua is famous for thresher shark dives in Monad Shoal, here you can swim with thresher sharks as

8. long as you want and many more diving experiences where you can see untouched coral gardens, reefs, night diving, wall dives and much more. Cebu is truly rich in ocean and many diving spots. You can also visit the Olango group of islands that are close to Mactan Island, Nalusuan Island and the Hilutungan Island that should not be missed for island hopping and snorkelling. Capitancillo Island, where you can see the unique spot called Rendez-Vous, is a beautiful wall to the bottom with 180 feet to a variety of underwater natural resources. 3. Swim with Whale Sharks in Oslob Whale watching in Oslob was suspended for four months at the height of the pandemic but reopened in August 2020. This amazing and exciting swimming with whale sharks can be experienced in Oslob. Here, you have the opportunity to choose whether you will snorkel and see the whale sharks up close or watch them from the boat as they swim and are fed by the bankers. It's really exciting to swim with these gigantic animals but it's important to follow the rules to make sure you and the whale sharks are safe. 4. Falls area Kawasan waterfall is located in Badian and just near Moalboal. This natural eggplant has three parts of clear and turquoise water from a spring in the mountains of Mantalongon. The first part of the waterfall is the biggest and the part that more people visit, you have to climb for about 15 minutes to get to the second part and climb more to get to the third part. Canyoneering is the most popular in this area. It starts from the Canlaob river down to the Kawasan falls. Cebu Transcentral Highway Attractions (Mountain Tour) Cebu's Transcentral Highway is one of the most well-constructed or modified in the island in relation to transportation. This 33-kilometre highway snakes its way through the lush, verdant mountains that start in the eastern part of Cebu province and go west to Balamban. This road is popular with bikers or motorcycle riders because of the seemingly endless winding road, cold temperature, and the natural green environment. This place can be compared to the famous Kennon Road in Baguio. Camping sites, strawberry gardens, flower gardens such as the Sirao Flower Garden, extensive vegetable gardens, anything can be seen here and is open to

9. the public. Mountain adventures such as ziplining, sky biking, trekking or hiking, and horse riding can also be experienced here. 1. Temple of Leah One of the new attractions along the Cebu Transcentral Highway that is slowly becoming a hit with local and foreign visitors is the Temple of Leah, the so-called "Taj Mahal" of Cebu. This structure was built in 2021 in the upper part of Busay as an expression of the love of a rich businessman in Cebu for his late wife named Leah. The entire province of Cebu can be seen from this Greco-Roman style structure. Conclusion Tourism even though it was suddenly not allowed in Cebu due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the beautiful scenery and amazing tourist spots here have been reopened for travelers to see and experience. Just be sure to check the latest rules and travel requirements of your destination before you travel. Cebu is truly one of the places in the Philippines that a traveler should not miss because you will definitely regret it. Cebu is a rich, vibrant and unique island. From the interesting and fascinating historical sites, world famous ocean, scuba diving experience, to the exciting adventure in its natural mountains and much more.