Sinulog Festival

Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your resort in Mactan. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

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Cebu City is a top tourist destination in the Philippines, known for its warm climate and accessibility as the country's second international gateway. Rich in history, Cebu is the oldest city in the Philippines, founded in 1565. The city tour includes visits to the majestic Taoist Temple, an ornate structure 6 km from the city centre, reflecting the significant Chinese community in Cebu.

On the way to the Basilica de San Agustin, which houses the statue of the Infant Jesus, you will pass by the Provincial Capital and Carbon Market. Nearby, you will visit Magellan's Cross, the site where Christianity was first established in Cebu, and Fort San Pedro, the country's first military stronghold. The tour concludes at Casa Gorordo in the Parian district, a restored period house showcasing furniture, porcelain, liturgical pieces, clothes, and old photographs of Cebu.

After exploring historical sites, the tour continues with a food tour at Carbon Market, where you can try local dishes such as Tuslob Buwa, barbecued atay, Chorizo de Cebu, balut, ginabot, chicharon, siomai, ngohiong, and Cebu's famous lechon. Before returning to your hotel, don’t forget to buy some dried mangoes. (B,L)

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Both the Fluvial and Foot Processions are integral to the Sinulog Festival, reflecting the deep devotion of the Filipino people to the Santo Niño and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Cebu. These events not only highlight religious fervour but also bring the community together in a grand celebration of faith and tradition.

The day starts early in the morning as you meet your guide and transfer to Ouano Wharf in Mandaue City, the starting point of the Fluvial Procession. This grand parade, which occurs on the Saturday before the main Sinulog Festival, features a decorated boat carrying the image of the Santo Niño along the Mactan Channel. Accompanied by numerous festively decorated smaller boats, the procession includes devotees, local officials, and religious leaders, all partaking in prayers and hymns in devotion as the procession makes its way towards the port of Cebu City.

Upon reaching the port, the Santo Niño image is welcomed with traditional dances and musical performances before being transferred to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in a solemn foot procession, where the rhythmic "two steps forward, one step backward" Sinulog dance is a prominent feature, symbolising the undulating movement of the water.

The rest of the day is free at leisure. (B,L)

• Hotel Description

The Sinulog Festival, Cebu Province’s largest celebration, honours the Sto. Niño de Cebu every third Sunday of January with a lively mardi-gras style parade. Participants don colourful costumes, expressing gratitude in a solemn procession while chanting "Pit Senyor!" (Long Live the Child Jesus!).

The grand parade commences around 9 AM, spanning several kilometres through Cebu City's major streets, starting and ending at the Cebu City Sports Complex. This vibrant spectacle showcases the devotion and spirit of the Cebuano people, offering locals and tourists alike an unforgettable experience of the Philippines' rich cultural and religious heritage.

After the parade, you have the option to either immerse yourself in the street parties happening across the city and mingle with the locals, or return to the hotel for a leisurely remainder of the day. (B)

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Start your adventure as your guide accompanies you to board a motorised outrigger banca, ready to explore the captivating underwater beauty of Cebu's pristine waters. During the excursion, we'll drop anchor at selected spots, allowing you to dive in and snorkel, experiencing firsthand the marine life of Cebu.

Afterwards, we'll head to the nearby island of Nilusuan for lunch. Before wrapping up the tour, we'll make a quick stop at another island, giving you a glimpse into the simple yet charming lifestyle of local fisherfolk. In the afternoon, return to your hotel and unwind at your own pace for the rest of the day. (B,L)

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Today is yours to enjoy at your leisure, or you can opt to enhance your experience with another excursion, such as additional island hopping, countryside exploration, sardines run, or even a thrilling mountaineering and falls adventure if you're feeling adventurous. Contact our travel specialist to explore your options further. (B)

• Hotel Description

After check-out, transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK. (B)