San Fernando Hotels

San Fernando may not have the white-sand beaches as promised by a typical seaside town. However, it does hold a promise of a relaxing, enjoyable weekend in isolation.

San Fernando is municipality located in Southern Cebu. Part of Metro Cebu, it is about 28 kilometers away from Cebu City, northeast of Bohol and just west of Negros Oriental. Just like many of the towns and provinces in Southern Cebu, offers a variety of resorts and resort amenities any local or foreigner tourist can enjoy.

How to Go

By plane

The best way to travel to San Fernando is a combination of air and land travel.  You can take a daily flight from Manila to Cebu. From Cebu airport, take a private car or taxi to Cebu South Bus Terminal in Cebu City. Take any bus that’s heading south. All bus routes going south pass by San Fernando.

By boat/ferry

There are two passenger ferry trips leaving from Manila to Cebu City. From there, take a bus or a taxi service to Cebu South Bus Terminal, where you can take a bus ride to San Fernando.

By land transportation

There are Roll-On, Roll-Off (RORO) services that offer trips to Cebu City. From Manila, go to the Southbound EDSA Cubao or the Araneta Center bus terminals and board the bus there. The RORO bus route is via South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), StarToll, Batangas Port, Masbate, then Cebu.

Getting Around

The tricycle (a closed sidecar attached to a motorcycle) is the town’s primary mode of transportation. You may take a ride for a minimum fare of P7 to any point in San Fernando. If you need directions, get dropped off at the heart of the town, which is the municipal hall or San Isidro Church near the marketplace. You can also ride on a habal-habal (motorcycle-for-hire).

Tourist Attractions

The San Isidro Labrador Church will be something you’ll marvel at. The church’s Gothic infrastructure can be comparable to any mostly visited 16th to 17th century-old churches.

San Fernando also hosts some excellent mountain resorts. Singli Mountain Resort may not be a cultural or a historical site, but staying at this resort located at Barangay Tonggo should be on your itinerary. Apart from the amazing viewpoints it offers, it has island and lap pools and proper rooms you can hole up away from the hustle and bustle of the city and town life.

Another attraction you should be definitely pay a visit to is Hidden Paradise Mountain Resort. This well-known tourist attraction draws travelers because of its recreation amenities and outdoor adventure activities.

Top Things to Do

If you’re planning a trip to San Fernando, schedule it during the town’s Sikoy-Sikoy Festival and celebrate it with them. The Sikoy-Sikoy Festival is celebrated every November 17-21 with petition prayers for bountiful farm and sea harvest, protection and guidance, and thanksgiving rituals. You can take part in a team building activity, if you’re with a group of friends, at any of the mountain resorts in town. Try Hidden Paradise’s zipline, monkey bridge and cobweb courses.

If you are looking to do something else, schedule for a spelunking expedition at Langob and Kweba Sayaw, two, newly-discovered caves that once served as hiding places by Japanese soldiers during World War II.

Where to Eat

San Fernando, Cebu is famous for its buko pie, so don’t forget to get a slice when you’re there. The pie has a smooth crust and a creamy, coconut filling that you’ll fall in love with.

Other than the buko pie, the town has yet to have a signature dish unique to them. Considering that this is a seaside town, it is best to head out to the town’s public market and buy fresh produce and seafood. Some of the accommodations allow you to bring and/or cook your food without any corkage fees.

Nightlife

Nightlife at towns like San Fernando are pretty much reserved. But if you like to have a few beers and unwind with live music and karaoke, head to El Kargador Music and Resto Bar. The bar is also popular for party celebrations, so they definitely have the same food and liquor fare offered at a typical bar.

If you do check in at any of the mountain resorts in the area, you can cap the night away by availing their spa services or by simply taking in the mountain view at night with a hot cup of mild tea.

Where to Stay

If money's no object, Pulchra Resorts San Fernando has luxurious villas and suites by the resort’s private, untouched beach. Paulo Luna Resort & Spa offers a similar experience with their modern accommodations at more affordable rates. To make the most out of your relaxing vacation, do consider booking a weekender at Singli, Hidden Paradise, or Tophills Recreational Park. Rooms at these mountain resorts start at P1,000 a night.

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