Post Last Modified – April 05, 2025 ¦ gr8traveltips.com
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Taking A Private Cebu Twin City Discovery Day Tour
With only a couple of days to spend in {Cebu City} on our Philippine Islands vacation, my wife and I wanted to spend a day sightseeing. Taking in many of the popular attractions in and around the city during our visit. The …
Twin City Discovery Tour
with Explore Cebu Tours & Travel was a perfect choice!
This is a full day private guided tour, visiting the sites and attractions of the twin cities,
in Cebu.
The Twin City Discovery Tour
If you’re looking to see the main attractions and sites in and around the twin cities of Cebu, this tour is a perfect!
Twin cities refers to; Cebu City as well as Mactan Island, which is connected to the; mainland, with a couple of bridges.
Mactan Island is where Cebu’s International Airport is located.
(Mactan-Cebu International Airport).
In July 2018, a brand new terminal was completed at the airport. It’s a beautiful new terminal that has been noted internationally as;
“The World’s Friendliest Airport.”
It is located in {Lapu-Lapu City}, which is on Mactan Island.
We were very impressed with the design and layout of this new terminal, on our visit, a couple of seasons ago.
Trust me, after spending some time in the city, traffic is a nightmare!
You definitely do not want to drive yourself around or navigate in the city on your own. Taking a guided tour in a comfortable air conditioned vehicle, is the only way to go!
When you choose this tour, your guide and driver will pick you up and drop you off, at your hotel, and/or at the airport.
All at a designated and pre-arranged time.
Explore Cebu Tours – Twin City Discovery Tour Highlights
Below, I’ve listed some of the main highlights that are included in their Discovery Tour. Along with a brief description of what’s included, in your complete tour package.
I do recommend including lunch on your tour, as it is a long day and the buffet lunch included, was quite nice.
Description: CEBU City Tour with Lunch (5 hrs)
Your Tour Includes:
Air-conditioned service transportation
Licensed Tour Guide for the Tour
Buffet Lunch at Local Restaurant
Applicable Entrances & Fees
01 Bottled Water
Normal pickup time at your hotel for this tour is at; 8 am.
This is not a big bus tour which is great, and something that I’ve never liked. These are private or small group tours that are catered to you specifically.
Private guided tours are definitely worth paying the little bit extra, to that of a; traditional large, group bus excursion.
If you are a group of 4, you would be surprised at the small additional cost. In many cases, the difference you pay is very negligible.
The Heritage of Cebu Monument
The Heritage of Cebu Monument is a scene of sculptures constructed of; concrete, bronze, brass and steel depicting events and forms, depicting the history of Cebu.
The construction of this remembrance collaboration, started in 1997 and completed in 2000.
This enormous monument was built right over the original site of Plaza Parian, the heart of Old Town in Cebu City.
The Parian is said to be where wealthy Chinese merchants of years gone by, lived and held, their lavish events. A few of their homes still remain, including the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House, listed below and worth visiting.
Eduardo Castrillo who is a local 🧑 artist, constructed this beautiful work of art, now on display in the city. You can learn more about this heritage monument and its true meaning, in the website I’ve listed below.
Cebu Historical Sites
Lapu-Lapu Shrine
The Lapu-Lapu statue is a huge 20 meter bronze statue in Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
It was constructed and placed in honor of {Lapu-Lapu} himself. He was a native leader, who defeated the Spanish soldiers led by the famous Portuguese explorer; Ferdinand Magellan, in the historic; 1521 Battle of Mactan.
The Lapu-Lapu memorial statue sits on top of a pedestal, showing the Cebuano hero, in his native costume, carrying a sword on his right hand and shield on his left.
The Magellan shrine is a large memorial tower built in 1866, which honors Portuguese explorer;
Ferdinand Magellan.
The shrine is built in the proximity of where Magellan is believed to have been killed, in 1521.
There is also a covered structure in the park with a large painting on the wall depicting; The Battle of Mactan.
In front of the painting you will see a commemorative marker which reads;
“Here on April 27, 1521, Lapu-lapu and his men repulsed the Spanish invaders, killing their leader, Ferdinand Magellan. Thus Lapu-lapu became the first Filipino to have repelled European aggression.”
Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House
This amazing Ancestral House dates back to the Spanish colonial era, of the 1600’s.
The Yap Sandiego Ancestral House is now an official museum, that depicts the original; Chinese settlements that were once present in Cebu.
This heritage home is said to be the Oldest Chinese house still standing outside of China itself. Inside this museum, you will find beautiful hand-carved furniture, artwork and a small garden.
Locals call the home by the name of … “Balay nga Bato ug Kahoy.”
The house was constructed with coral stones and wood, and was originally owned by a Chinese merchant, named Don Juan Yap. He lived in this very home with his wife, Doña Maria Florido.
Basilica Minore del Santo Nino
The Basílica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebú, also referred to as the Santo Niño Basilica. This beautiful basilica was founded in the 1565, by;
Fray Andrés de Urdaneta, O.S.A. and Fray Diego de Herrera, O.S.A..
Inside, you will find the most famous religious icon in the Philippines.
The statue of the Santo Nino. This remarkable statue was given to; Queen Juana of Cebu, by Magellan himself.
Alegre Guitar Factory
The Alegre family is one of the pioneers in the guitar-manufacturing business, and in their third generation of business, in Cebu.
The families exceptional quality guitars are made of indigenous materials, from around the globe.
Along with imported woods used to make their guitars, they also make use of; indigenous woods and shells, with Philippine Mahogany.
It is also known to be one of their favorites!
Their world renowned guitars are exported, to numerous countries including;
Canada, Australia, Japan, and the United States.
Visitors and prospective buyers, who are interested in the different stages of guitar-making, can take a look at the workshop, to witness firsthand the skilled craftsmen in their; guitar-making process.
Alegre Guitar Factory is located on Mactan Island, in the neighborhood of;
Abuno, in Lapu Lapu City.
There are many guitar factories and stores here in Mactan.
It was so interesting to see these craftsmen at work, making these fine guitars by hand. Afterwards, it was amazing to see the finished products and demonstration of these; beautifully crafted instruments.
Cebu Taoist Temple
The Cebu Taoist Temple, is a Taoist temple located in the upscale;
Beverly Hills Subdivision, of Cebu City.
Yes, you heard that right, this area is referred to as; {Beverly Hills}, like that of the; posh district in Los Angeles, California!
This beautiful temple was constructed by Cebu’s substantial Chinese community back in 1972.
The Taoist temple is a shrine for those who are practicing the Taoism religion, which is based on the teachings of; Lao Tze, a Chinese philosopher.
Located on the grounds, include a smaller depicted version of the; Great Wall of China. As well, there’s a large dragon statue, as you make your way to the entrance.
The temple is beautiful, situated high on the hillside and with a commanding view of; Cebu City and the ocean beyond.
The view is worth the visit alone!
Twin City Discovery With Lunch Option
The tour also includes a nice break and stop for a pleasant buffet lunch along the way. All in all, this was a wonderful tour and great way to see the sites of the twin cities.
About Explore Cebu Tours & Travel
Explore Cebu Tours & Travel is a trusted & fully licensed travel agency, with more than 20 years of experience in the travel industry.
They offer efficient and professional services and are committed to; The Highest Quality of Service.
Our guide and driver were superb!
I highly recommend their service for all your travel needs. Below, I have listed their official website link for your convenience. You can access much more detailed information on all the tours they offer, booking and more.
Be sure to check out the {Google Map} box at the bottom, for Cebu City’s exact location.
Cebu Tours
Safe and Healthy Travels!
Although our tour was in collaboration with Explore Cebu Tours & Travel, rest assured, all content and opinions are mine and reflect my personal experience only.
All personal photographs on this post are the property of gr8traveltips.com and are copyright protected.
Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.
Did You Know …
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