Cebu Airport

[alc16]

Hi folks!
I'm on the way to Malapascua in Apr and will be meeting my fellow dive party at Cebu Airport.

The problem is that I arrive a good 9hrs ahead of the party (we're coming in from different countries) so I was wondering:
a) is there somewhere I can store my luggage & dive big dive bag in Cebu airport? That is our designated meeting place.
b) what can I do near the airport for those 9hrs provided I can store my luggage - or what places should I visit etc?
Note i'm not familiar with the Philippines/travel times/traffic so any advice on this would be appreciated!

Cheers!

 

[shugar]

i seriously don't know if there's a storage area - it won't hurt to ask though...

the waterfront hotel/ casino is right across the street from the airport so if the airport won't help maybe the hotel can/ will... maybe in exchange for you dining or gambling there... it's not like they'll let you take your dive bag into the casino anyway so that's one technique

things to do...

you can take a cab to ayala or SM mall and watch a movie or 3... there'll be dining options there as well as shops and whatnots

you can head into the downtown area and tour Magellan's cross, Colon (oldest street in the country), fort san pedro among other things... you'll have to google them though because other than telling you to take a cab i wouldn't know what else to help you with

hope this helps

Jag

 

[Rogersea]

Yes, There is a place in the airport to leave your bags for the day, it is on the same floor that you exit with your bags. Just ask one of the porters or security guys and they should be able to direct you to it. Just make sure you specify "inside the airport"

If you dont fill comfortable leaving your stuff at the airport then you can always leave your luggage at the SM Travellers Lounge for a small fee. Like Jag said SM Pronounced "S M" is a nice place to spend some time catching up on Movies you may want to see. Also there is a good/safe/reliable internet cafe called Netopia at both malls. There is another Mall named Ayala and there are better food choices there but I have never seen a place to drop luggage. It is a 60P cab ride from SM to ayala pronounced "Eye Allah".

Unfortunately the Fort is closed for renovations, but everything else including STO Nino(Basillica), the Cebu Cathedral, Magellans Cross is open and very convenient, maybe a 150P ride from the Airport. There really is a lot to fill a day with, I would suggest picking up a copy of Lonely Planet. Under most conditions it takes less than 40 Minutes to get from the Basillica to the Air port.

Under most conditions it takes less than 30 Minutes to get from SM Shopping Mall to the Airport.

Cabs and cab drivers are very reliable and I very very very seldom ever have any problem with being over charged or with the driver taking a longer than normal route.
Enjoy your dives in Malapascua.

Cheers,
Roger

 

[alc16]

Jag & Roger
Thanks for both your responses - this gives me a lot more comfort knowing there is storage. The official airport website isn't so helpful!
Sounds like a few things to do in the City too so that's great. I'm actually also going to spend 2 nts in Cebu following the diving so I won't be rushing around upon arrival!

Cheers both.

 

[jigo]

actually 9 hours is enough to do two dives off mactan. i suggest hilutungan or nalusuan. great wall dives!

 

[flying fish]

i agree with jigo. since the airport is in mactan already, might as well do a couple of dives. hilutungan and nalusuan is doable during weekends if there's a big group. ohterwise, it might be too expensive for just 1 person. talima might be ok and just ask them where the sardines are at that time of year. enjoy.

dennis

 

[alc16]

actually 9 hours is enough to do two dives off mactan. i suggest hilutungan or nalusuan. great wall dives!

Hahaha well i'm keen but not that keen! But good advice nonetheless!