The name Cebu is attached to a province, an island and the Philippines' second-largest metropolis, Cebu City. The whole area is rich in colonial history. It was on Cebu Island that the explorer Ferdinand Magellan first landed in 1521, claiming the territory for Spain (soon afterward he was killed). Punta Engano is the precise location of Magellan's death -- a monument marks the spot. Every year, on the anniversary of the event (27 April), the battle is re-created.

The region's main attraction is its many well-developed seaside resorts, especially on Mactan Island, just across the causeway from Cebu City (and the airport). In Cebu City itself, you'll find Fort San Pedro (dating from 1565) and Santo Nino Church (rebuilt in 1740), as well as Magellan's Cross, erected by the explorer's crew in 1521. Other sights in town include a Taoist temple, the Casa Gorodo Museum (a restored mansion with colonial artifacts) and the Carbon Market (be sure to try the local yellow mangos). Cebu City is also the jumping-off point to the Chocolate Hills of Bohol Island -- perfectly rounded hills that look like giant chocolate drops during the dry summer months. Other islands in the area are Panglao Island (resorts and good beaches), Bantayan Island (remote escape with untouched beaches) and Sumilon Island (excellent diving). Allow at least three nights on Cebu Island. Cebu City lies 350 mi/565 km southeast of Manila.

Cebu is the traveler's fantasy of a tropical island come true - balmy weather, pristine beaches, crystalline waters, and luxurious resorts with all the frills of modern living.The island-province of Cebu was where the Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan planted the Cross of Christianity in the name of Spain in 1521. But even before Cebu became the Occidental gateway to the Orient, it was already a popular entry point among Asian merchants.

Cebu has since blossomed into a choice tourist destination, with many leisure establishments taking full advantage of its sea-valley-and-mountain location. Metropolitan Cebu, the country's second biggest metropolis, is the political, economic, educational and cultural center of the Visayas. Hotels, shopping malls, entertainment halls, casinos and golf fairways are ever present in the metro to cater to every tourist's whim.The rest of Cebu's 166 islands and islets are fringed with sandy beaches and sapphire-clear waters teeming with marine life, perfect for divers.