An Economic, Yet Fun Way to Spend a Vacation in Cebu

March 26, 2016December 23, 2016 Melvin 0 Comments

If you’re planning to spend your vacation in Cebu on a tight budget, then this guide is for you.

Cebu City is a nice tourist destination visited by many people from all around the globe. So it’s not surprising to see people coming from different countries who spend their vacation in Cebu once you get to the city. In fact, you will be seeing nationalities from the four corners of the world—Caucasians, Asians, Africans, etc.

Some come for business, some for vacation, and some for romance. But there’s always the case that you just want to visit the place for no special reason. That’s also one of the times that you don’t want to overspend on daily expenses and just keep your spending on a limited budget. Here you will find out on how you can enjoy more your stay here in Cebu while on a tight budget.

First is about transportation

Let’s talk about upon arrival at the airport. There’s only one public airport, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, here in Cebu and that’s located in Lapu-Lapu Airport Rd, Lapu-Lapu City. In case you’re wondering what a bizarre name for a city Lapu-lapu is, it’s actually the name of the guy who defeated Magellan—the first navigator to circle around the globe. So that’s why it’s not a bad idea to name the city after him, right? Now back to how to get to Cebu City from the airport, the first thing you will notice after you follow the crowd that went out the plane with you stops going in one direction is that it’s the time to go separate ways. At the lobby, you can ask any airport attendant which way to the taxi stand is and they will be happy to direct you.

There are 6 modes of transportation:

Jeepneys – are one of the most affordable public transportations for commuting here in Cebu but I don’t recommend you use this to get to the city from the airport. Ave. Total Fare Php7-10
Regular White Taxis – location is not very near to the lobby exit and is found on the next building. Ave. Total Fare Php180-270 (30 Base fee + meter) <- Recommended
Airport Yellow Taxis – location is very near to the lobby exit and more convenient if plenty of luggage. Ave. Total Fare Php300-500 (60 Base fee + meter)
Cars for Rent – location is at the lobby exit so you just need to ask the lobby attendants. Ave. Total Fare Php500-700 (inclusive of car & driver)
Mini-vans – location varies so just ask the lobby attendants. Ave. Total Fare Php600-1000 (inclusive of car & driver)
Vans – location varies so just ask the lobby attendants. Ave. Total Fare Php1000-1400 (inclusive of car & driver)

Second is about room accommodation

There are many hotels here in Cebu offering all types of accommodations—from luxurious and the not-so-luxurious. But since we’re trying to cut expenses and still make ends meet, we’ll talk about the one that offers the most affordable price. This one is not categorized much of a hotel but an Inn, and surprise it’s called Capitol Tourist Inn. Located in the heart of urban Cebu and very accessible to all relevant establishments, this is really a good place to stay in so that you can save a lot of travel time when you stroll around the city.

Capitol Tourist Inn <- Recommended

Address: 290 Don Gil Garcia St., Capitol Site
Phone: Area Code (32) 253.2850 & 412.4271

*They don’t accept phone reservations, only reservations by upfront payment at the front desk

Check-In : 2:00 PM
Check-Out : 12:00 PM

*They offer two rates: 24-hour and 10-hour stay

Room Rates (amount in Php):

Single Standard                            520.00 | 10 hours is 350.00
Single Executive                           580.00 | 10 hours is 380.00
Double Mat.Standard                  600.00 | 10 hours is 400.00
Double Mat. Executive                630.00 | 10 hours is 450.00
Double Twin Standard                650.00 | 10 hours is 500.00
Double Twin Executive               700.00 | 10 hours is 550.00
Family                                             800.00 | 10 hours is 600.00

—All prices can change without prior notice—

Amenities:

Hot/cold water (depends on room)
Cable TV
Air-con
With towel, toothbrush, and soap

No wi-fi
No swimming pool
No gym
No free breakfast

Services:

Room Service Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Facilities:

Coffee Shop Sports Bar

Room Amenities: some rooms hot/cold water others cold water only air con Cable TV Facilities: Coffee Shop Sports Bar

Third is about daily food consumption

I”m hungry, are you? Now let’s talk about our options for daily food consumption. There are so many options since you’re staying in the heart of Cebu. Once you go out of the Inn, you can find food vendors literally at every corner of the streets. But if you’re looking for fast-food chains like McDonalds, Jollibee, Pizza Hut, etc., just walk to Fuente Circle—like 40 meters distance—and you’ll find those establishments sitting next to each other. How nice is that? However, if you want to experience how locals get by for their day-to-day food trips, I suggest you read the article — 5 Must-try street foods in Cebu.

Conclusion:

Ride a regular white taxi after disembarking at the airport, tell the taxi driver to take you to Capitol Tourist Inn, and enjoy eating affordable tasty street foods recommended in this article here.