Cebu recommendation
 

Hi, plan to do a quick 3 days 2 nights trip to Cebu in early Sep with my gf. Will be staying in Shangri-la. Looking for recommendation on quick adventures to nice but not too touristy places. TIA!

stay at the hotel to be honest most of Cebu is very dirty and not at all nice. You will see lots of aging westerners with very young asain female companions. Its the new Bangkok

If you haven't already, see if you can get a room or suite in the Ocean View wing. That's sorta like the club/exec level...the lounge is stupendous and judicious application of $2-3 tips go a long way towards even greater levels of service. This also includes breakfast at Acqua which is much less crowded than the other place where the non-Ocean View people go.

A fun adventure is to rent one of those island hopping boats for snorkeling and sightseeing. $100 is for the entire day which includes an all you can eat seafood/bbq lunch at a floating restaurant.

Relax and enjoy the surroundings the rest of the time. And if your budget allows, definitely get a massage (or two) at the spa.

Thanks jrpaguia, the package I plan to get includes a free next room level upgrade if available so fingers crossed. I'm quite interested in that boat renting option you mentioned, can you give me more info? Like where to hire one and tips to be aware of.

The concierge will certainly hook you up but they might mark up the price (up to you to decide if the premium is excessive). A better bet is to chat up a waiter/waitress or the one of the doormen and see if they can get you in touch with a boat captain they know.

We rented a boat named "Dreamer" last year and the captain is the boyfriend of one of the bartenders at the Hilton (where we spent our second week). The boats themselves are stationed just past the Hilton...maybe a 10-15 minute walk from the Shangri-la.

One thing: we did not experience any issues but the snorkeling gear is not as good (and perhaps hygienic) as what you'd get from a boat in Maui. Might be more comfortable bringing your own or picking up a cheap set.

If you're adventurous with food, definitely go to Sutokil as well. Fresh seafood cooked to order, native style. ^

By the way, strictly in the FT spirit: I must disclose that I will be there in a couple of weeks but staying at the Hilton for the entire stay this time (all on points)...and flying CX in J, thanks to my gf's AA miles. :D

Am considering a Hilton stay, please share a report when you are back :)

I will be taking CX too from HKG, they have 2 sets of schedule in the week so I try to maximize my time by taking the one that lands around noon and leave in the evening with late check out option.
I've checked around the net and plan to hire a well known tourist driver call Danny, I'd imagine he'll have boating connections too. Doubt we'll get wet too often since my gf doesn't swim.