The Central Visayas region is a contradiction. This is a place where hip, cosmopolitan avenues are as well-loved as solemn, centuries-old landmarks. Where you can stay at a posh hotel while exploring rural villages and rugged shores. Where religious devotion exists alongside folk superstition. Where a place can be well known for its history as well as its viral video stars.
The region is made up of the provinces of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor, and the cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue. Cebu City is the economic center for Region VII and for the whole Visayas.
The Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Lapu-Lapu City is the second-busiest airport in the Philippines, offering internationalflights to other key Asian cities. The local climate is fairly consistent — it is wet year-round, except for a brief dry season from March to May.
A majority of the locals are Cebuano. Cebuanos are descendants of Austronesian migrants who settled around 30,000 years ago and now comprise the second-biggest ethno-linguistic group in the Philippines. Although Cebuano is the primary language spoken, many also speak Boholano, Siquijodnon, English and Tagalog. Famous Cebuanos include former Philippine president Sergio Osmeña, Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales and former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr.
Given its accessibility and wide array of activities, you can travel the region however you want. Go for the bustling atmosphere of Cebu or the sedate and scholarly airs of Dumaguete. Lounge in the sun-kissed shores of Mactan and Panglao, or swim the secluded waters of the Bantayan, Malapascua and Camotes islands.
Fall for the world-famous attractions of Bohol or the mysterious allure of Siquijor. For all its contradictions — maybe even because of them — the Central Visayas region has something for everyone.
The region is made up of the provinces of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor, and the cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue. Cebu City is the economic center for Region VII and for the whole Visayas.
The Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Lapu-Lapu City is the second-busiest airport in the Philippines, offering internationalflights to other key Asian cities. The local climate is fairly consistent — it is wet year-round, except for a brief dry season from March to May.
A majority of the locals are Cebuano. Cebuanos are descendants of Austronesian migrants who settled around 30,000 years ago and now comprise the second-biggest ethno-linguistic group in the Philippines. Although Cebuano is the primary language spoken, many also speak Boholano, Siquijodnon, English and Tagalog. Famous Cebuanos include former Philippine president Sergio Osmeña, Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales and former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr.
Given its accessibility and wide array of activities, you can travel the region however you want. Go for the bustling atmosphere of Cebu or the sedate and scholarly airs of Dumaguete. Lounge in the sun-kissed shores of Mactan and Panglao, or swim the secluded waters of the Bantayan, Malapascua and Camotes islands.
Fall for the world-famous attractions of Bohol or the mysterious allure of Siquijor. For all its contradictions — maybe even because of them — the Central Visayas region has something for everyone.