Going to Cebu Philippines for a week, suggestions?

[steve2112]

Actually, i'm only planning to stay in Cebu for a couple of days and then Pangloa for about 5 days.

 

thinking about a longer term future there, maybe half half TH and PH

 

where's a good place to hang in Cebu, some kind of expat bar? what else to do besides the obvious.

 

thx

[brokenbone]

in case anyone comes here with experience of living in cebu,

i'd like an up to date info on frequency of power-outs

[Puchaiyank]

If you have time...check out Lapu Lapu Island...known also as Mactan Island...short ferryboat ride to the island...beaches

[ExpatPH]

I been living in Cebu since 2012, with frequent holidays to Thailand. Expat hang out in Cebu is mostly Ayala Center, morning and daytime at Bo's coffee shop, afternoon and evenings at The Social located on top floor of Ayala, or Tgi Fridays at ground level, near the Ayala center park.

Other hang out places, Time Out bar at Ramos street, Marshalls Irish Pub near previous infamous Mango square, All stars sports bar located at Gen Maxillom Ave next to bikini bars, and El Gecko in same area. The former Mango square used to be Cebu's walking street. Officials closed down all that was unwanted. Since then all kind of restaurants has moved in and taken over mango square. Cebu is not a place anymore, for anyone seeking temporary company. Cebu expat community are mostly older gents age 60 up, who meet daytime, in the malls. A very few younger expats, who normally work in Cebu It Park, or online.

 

What to do in Cebu as expat? Good question. No answer. Still wondering about that. Not much.

 

Traffic is Cebu is horrible, equal to Manila. I walk faster across the city, than travel with a car. 10km might take 2-3 hours with car in rush hour in Cebu city, time 07-11 + 15-21.

 

Be aware that air quality is very poor, so if one is sensitive to breathing problems, consider another location.

 

Bohol, Panglao, Alona beach is beautiful and clean, last time I was there. Some hotel room only 30 feet from the water line. Bohol is for peace and quiet, no action of any kind, just a romantic place for couples and good friends. If you plan to be there for a week, bring a friend from Cebu, unless you prefer alone. Bring a few books and recharge, in a pitoresque place.

 

For those seeking beaches more like Phuket or Pattaya and nightlife, Boracay is the closest one get. Since the reopening after Boracays clean up,  things are said to be more under control, also there.

Angeles city is sin city and only for those who drink 24/7 and chase skirts. 1 week is enough, says the grapewine.

 

Dumaguete City has a larger expat community, lots of Americans (veterans) and Brits, and many other nationalities.

Better air quality than Cebu, and less traffic, although rush hours has increased in that small city as well.

If you older than 50+ and might need a good hospital, only Cebu and Manila are acceptable. Not same quality as Thailand.

Internet speed are usually horrible in Cebu 0.2 - 3 Mbps, (except new condos with Fiber) rent is those condos are usually from 400$ up, and fiber internet speed 5-10 Mbps. Other islands, only Boracay and Manila have good and faster internet speed.

 

Internet and brown out / black out, are frequent any place. Most have landline or wifi, plus mobile internet as back up. Those who need reliable good internet speed, rent a chair in a call center for 200+$ a month. 

To be continued.

[ExpatPH]

Continued part 2.

 

frequency of power-outs?

 

Depends of location and if they have power back up generator or not.

In Cebu city, 1-4 times a month, in the province, weekly or semi weekly. All who can afford it, buy a diesel generator for 1000$++.

Most hotels have back up, but even they must close generator after 8 hours use, for 2-3 hours cool down.

 

Advantage in the Philippines:

Exchange rate to the Usd. Todays exchange rates:

Thailand buying rates 1$ = 30,99

Philippines buying rate 1$ = 51,75

Philippines buying rate 1GBP = 66,77 !

 

Visa can be extended for 1, 2, or 6 months, maximum 36 months stay before a quick visa run out/in is required.

1 year stay visa cost aprox 500$.

 

Lease apartment condo. Cebu don't have much new build in lower price range.

Up to 250$ mostly older apartment with old or without furniture.

From 300$ one can get a 5 year or newer place, but mostly 15-18 sqm small.

From 400$ one get 24-28 sqm in a newer building. The norm is 1 year or 6 months lease. Shorter lease than that, takes time and serious searching to find. 

Hotels monthly rate start at 600$ a month.

 

Smokers beware, Philippines has a law against smoking in public, and citation / fine starts at 20$ and increasing up to 100$ when jail or deportation is possible. Absolutely no smoking in public, unless one find a small smoking area.

 

To OP or other that are curious for more info, can send me a PM, or search 2 Philippines general forums, dedicated for Cebu.

 

For now I really enjoy a short holiday in Thailand, minus the horrible exchange rate here, returning to Cebu early April.