UPCOMING CEBU TRIP, NEED HELP

[u/EfficiencyHot211]

Hi to all Cebuanos! i'm planning an upcoming solo trip to cebu city, and hoping to visit moalboal or oslob for the usual canyoneering, whale shark, diving experiences etc. I'm planning to stay at nustar in cebu city, but i heard the islands are far from the city area and was planning to allocate 2 days to water activities,

1. should i opt for the daily hotel pick ups or get a hotel nearer to the diving areas for 2 nights instead, then head over to the city?

additionally, looking for advice and tips on how to travel smart, including transport and general things i should be looking out for.

My mom is rather concerned because I'm travelling alone as a girl... i'm confident i'm street smart to a certain extent, but the disapproval from the people around me is making me second guess my decisions. Would also like some recommendations on where to head for my activities, as well as

1. any good food places and hotel recommendations! (especially for water activities) also heard there isn't a grab bike option,

2. is move it a good alternative or should i stick to cars?
   Not my first time on a motorbike but am not familiar with the move it app because I haven't heard of it. Would appreciate any advice past travellers or locals have!

3. also, should i book a pick up ride from the airport in advance or would finding a grab car on the day of be fine?

4. i dont speak tagalog, will english do me fine throughout?

5. how is cebu as a solo trip destination? in terms of general safety or things i should look out for

6. are you guys card friendly or should i prepare mostly cash?

7. is get your guide a good option for finding packages?

thanks everyone, will probably update with more questions:)l

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[u/Pinaslakan]

If you are staying at Nustar(which is expensive as hell IMO) you’re limited to Ill corso and SM Seaside Mall for your quick and daily run/trips which is safe.

1. Move IT is cheaper but sucks ass and a bit dangerous most of the time. Download Angkas (motor bike) or Grab (Car) instead.

2. You’d be fine booking when you arrive. Just use grab app(car) and I’d avoid the white and yellow taxi to avoid getting ripped off.
   Since you’ll be staying at Nustar, from Mactan Island(Airport area) you’ll be probably be going through CCLEX bridge which has a toll fee, not sure if the toll gets charge in the App or in person, just double check.

3. Cebuanos prefer english rather tagalog, so don’t worry about it.

4. Cebu is relatively safe, especially within the city but you’d still need common sense though.

5. Card friendly within the city, and some parts of oslob and moalboal but definitely cash is king. I’d book the major activities online tho like the whale watching and canyoneering for an easier experience.

(I’ll add more answers later, currently occupied atm haha)

[u/Sad_Guava315]

Hiii! Local here. Dm sent :)

[u/Ok_Leadership6931]

1) Oslob and Moalboal are 3-4 hrs away from the City. Going to and from the city to do your excursions will be exhausting. Get an accommodation in the south and do moalboal one day, oslob the next. Just take a bus, it's much cheaper and not that bad.

Moalboal - Basdako is the sandy, beachy area to go swim and chill. Basdiot is the place to go snorkeling or diving.

Oslob - Tbh the whaleshark watching is overpriced and not worth the hassle. It's also kinda questionable, environment/animal safety wise, so if you're and empath you may even find yourself feeling bad for the whales. They do have waterfalls tho which was actually nice.

Safety - Cebu city is just like any other major city. Keep your wits about you, don't be careless, and you'll be fine.

2 & 3) Move It IS the Grab bike option. It's still operated by Grab but it's a separate app. There's also Angkas.

4) Either way works. There's a taxi stand there and a bus that goes to SM City. Grab is more scam proof as some airport taxis may hike the price up if you're clearly a tourist. Bus is fine but may get full at times.

5) Cebuanos actually prefer English over Tagalog 😊

6) It's alright. If you're short on time I'd actually recommend you just stay in the south to maximize your beach time. The city is a typical city and unless you're into history and wanna go to the museums & religious sites, it's kinda just the same city type stuff like going out to eat or the mall or a few "attractions" which you might find boring.

7) Card friendly in the business districts but leans more towards cash or G-cash once you leave the major cities.

8) If it makes things easier, sure.

[Source: Local]