Cebu City -- Sugbutel Bed & Bath

Sugbutel Bed & Bath is a new hostel in Cebu that is very famous for backpackers and budget travelers.  It is located along the Osmena Blvd., near SM Cebu City.

Accommodations are classified into Premium, First class and business class.  Double decked beds are the usual setting.  Each bed has a curtain for privacy, "safety box" (safety because it is located under the pillow wherein you can protect with your head while sleeping, but the "box" has no lock at all), and an electrical outlet.  The rooms which are further divided into cubicles has a centralized aircon unit, CCTV camera and piped in music.  It also has toilets and shower rooms which are quite elegant, considering the cost.

Cebu City -- Sto. Niño and Magellan's Cross

One of the places that makes Cebu City famous is the Basilica of Sto. Niño.  It is a very old church located at the center of the city.  Perhaps, even non-Catholics who have been to Cebu City are familiar of this place.  This church is always crowded anytime of the day.  Many tourists and devotees came here to attend mass, light candles and to pray to the said to be miraculous statue of the Sto. Ni&#241o.  

Cebu -- Sinulog Festival 2012

I have always wanted to witness the Sinulog Festival.  When I was in working in Cebu on 2005, I did not have the chance because I took advantage of the holiday and had a rest after a busy work week.  I didn’t even catch it on TV. 

Until last October, a friend invited me to visit Cebu.  And luckily, we got a plane ticket on promo just in time for Sinulog 2012.  But the agony came on booking for accommodation.  All cheap and affordable hotels seemed to be fully-booked on the Sinulog week.  I was getting discouraged.  Worst, on the last minute, my friend cancelled.  I am going to Cebu alone, without an itinerary and accommodation.  I searched the net for several nights stay and luckily, I found a decent backpacker’s hotel, Sugbutel Bed & Bath.  It is cheap and best of all, still has vacancy for Cebu City's famous festival.

Cebu City -- Crowne Garden Hotel

Cebu City is my most "exploited" travel destination.  I have gone to this place countless of times and still I haven't explored so much.  Finding an accommodation is Cebu City is not hard.  You can easily find a place to stay depending on your budget.  

In this short visit, I decided to go to Taoist Temple and some historical spots in the city proper.  I chose to stay at a convenient but not so expensive hotel.  I came across the mid-class hotel Crowne Garden.  It is located at Salinas Drive, near Waterfront Cebu.  What attracts me to this hotel is that they have early check-in (as long as it is after 4:30 AM) and they do not require reservation fee.  I booked the Standard room for Php 1300 pesos with breakfast for two (promo rate).  Tip:  If you're alone and stayed in accommodations for 2, you can always eat the two sets of breakfast :) I always do this ;)

Boracay Island -- Banana Boat Ride

I have been dying to try the Banana Boat ride for two years already!  I have been to so many beaches offering this adventure.  But then I was alone those times and being solo, you have to pay a higher price to try aqua adventures.  Good thing I came along my cousins during this vacation to Boracay.  We got to try several types of fun activities, and this time, it is riding the banana boat.

Boracay Island -- Helmet Diving

There are so many things to do in this magnificent island. Locals seem to know who are new on the island and offer them different types of activities. Sometimes they are annoying, but just say that you're done with the activities they are offering, and they won't bother you anymore.  

Boracay Island -- Taj Guesthouse

For many, Boracay Island is an expensive destination.  Most of the people I know thought that accommodations in the Big B are expensive and only for those who have money to spare.  But, this island is also for the ordinary people who want an extraordinary vacation.  In fact, there are many affordable accommodations in the island for backpackers, students and budget travelers.

Boracay Island -- Le Soleil de Boracay

For first time visitors to Boracay Islands, finding a hotel is a very tedious task.  We all want beachfront accommodations yet we are not willing to pay much for it.  Le Soleil de Boracay is my choice when I first went to Boracay on 2011.  I choose this because it is the cheapest hotel located in station 2, beachfront and with breakfast.  I found a very good deal for a deluxe room in Agoda.com: 2 nights + 1 night free for only USD 174.40 net.

Included in my booking are:  buffet breakfast, free use of swimming pool, free use of gym, complimentary wifi in designated areas and use of their computer for internet access!

Boracay Island -- Snorkeling and Island Hopping

I went to Boracay Island during the Habagat season. There are many perks when you go to the island on rainy season, most of all, everything is generally cheap.  I got the airline fare for about Php 500 round trip from Manila and the hotel I stayed on has a "stay 2 nights and get 1 night for free" promo.  

Cebu -- Bantayan Island

I have been hearing about Bantayan Island for years now.  About how it is like Boracay but still not that populated.  Bantayan Island is located at the northmost part of Cebu province.  It can be reached by bus, on a 3-hour travel from Cebu City to Hagnaya port and an additional 30-minute boat ride.  For those who are not on a tight budget, there is a plane from Mactan Airport too.