9 Useful Tips in Visiting Sinulog in Cebu Philippines
Want to experience a cultural one in Philippines? Want to be able to know the famous worshipped figure in Cebu?
Cebu is one of the best places to stay in the Philippines. Not only that it has so many beaches to play with, so many mountains to trek with and so many islands to hop with but it has a vast and rich culture that one might say “damn! this capital is absolutely faithful”.
Not only Cebuanos celebrated this famous festival but other neighboring regions visit the place as well.
So if you are planning to visit Cebu during the Sinulog Festival at January, then this 9 Useful tips will help you.
1.ACCOMMODATION
Be sure to book your hotel or hostel in advance. Sinulog Festival in Cebu, Philippines is not the type of place you show up and walk in – unless you want to be charged triple the prices on booking.com.
It is better to book hotels or hostel near the event of the area.
2.TICKET FOR THE FESTIVAL
Some people take advantage to travelers mostly foreign travelers in the form of surging the ticket prices. I personally do not want that to happen to anyone.
In order to avoid hassle and scams in buying the ticket, be sure to book online. Just visit the Sinulog page of Cebu here.
3.INTERNET OR PHONE SIGNAL
Internet speed and connectivity are truly devastating in third world countries, right?. Not to look down on my fellow citizens but it is clearly true. Here, you cannot find any cellular signal near the vicinity of the Sinulog Festival, but you can access WI-FI in certain cafes or restaurants that offers one. So, be ready to tell your special someone, family or even friends that you might not contact them.
4.LANGUAGE
How is overall English speaking level in Philippines? Cebu is an English-friendly city but if you travel outside Cebu, you may find it difficult to communicate. On above average, people in Cebu have a very good understanding and communication of English. So, do not worry! Be happy! Do not be afraid to communicate.
5.TRANSPORTATION
Cebu City have a poor orderly network of transportation and there are no signs to which you can turn to. Besides that, transportation during the Sinulog Festival is not present in the area of the festival. Your only mode in this area is to simply walk or ride motorcycle in a slow pace movement.
6.FOOD
Cebu has a variety of must eats food. One of the place where you can it some of the must eats foods are near the vicinity of the Festival. The name of the place is Pungko-Pungko sa Fuente. Do not forget to try some “Halo-Halo”.
7.CURRENCY
Cebu is not expensive for the first world travelers. Fortunately, it’s just one of those cities that is not pricey – but for locals like us, it does make someplace look expensive! Expect to pay around 1500.00php or US$28 a night for a decent private room, at least 100php or US$2 for a 330ml of beer, 1000.00php or US$19 for a lunch at a café for 2 persons and upwards of 1000.00php or US$19 per person for a lavish meal.
The Philippines use the Philippines Peso and very few shops accept anything other than the Peso or card payments. Money can be withdrawn from any ATM but to avoid transaction charges, head to an ATM outside a chain supermarket or a bank. Some hotels and larger stores in Cebu may accept the Euro.
It is also best to exchange currency in Alco Credit and Foreign Exchange at Raintree Mall because their exchange rate is very good. Plus, it is a walk-able distance towards the Sinulog Festival area.
8.CULTURE
A series of parade will totally greet you – a mix of solitude of prayer and loud bursts of sounds of parades. The first day consist of a parade for the Sto.Nino (the famous worshiped figure in Cebu). The last one is the parades for the dancers and their Floats. Rain or shine the parades will go on endlessly until the very last contestant or attendees goes to their destination.
9.GET WET AND WILD
Be ready to get wild. Some people will throw coloring water at you. Do not be angry (like me! haha they were throwing colored water at my favorite dress). It is very loud and the area are visited by sooooo many crowds.
Of course, medics are easily available in the area.
And that is 9 essential tips for visiting Sinulog in Cebu Philippines. We hope you have a great trip!
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Street parties in Cebu City are BANNED. If you have ever partied in Sinulog the previous years, it’s not going to be the same anymore. The City Government wants the people, especially the youth, to respect this religious festival and promote solemnity during this event.
WHEN IS THE SINULOG FESTIVAL CELEBRATED?
It is celebrated during the 3rd Sunday of January.
WHAT’S NEARBY?
✓ Celosia Flower Farm
✓ Cebu Taoist Temple
✓ La Vie Pariessiene
✓ Magellans Cross
✓ Pyramid
✓ West 35 Eco Mountain Resort
✓ Adventure Cafe
| Check Out :101 THINGS TO DO IN CEBU
PHOTO DIARY
MAP FOR SINULOG FESTIVAL AT CEBU TO HELP YOU GET AROUND THE CITY
Have you been to Cebu City? Did you experience our famous “Sinulog Festival” ? 😛
XOXO,
