Hanging 38 floors above ground and swimming with sea turtles—3 “scream-worthy” hotels in Cebu

▲ The aerial cruise tram, situated 38 floors up, is one of the signature features of Crown Regency Hotel & Towers in Cebu. (Photo by reporter Chen Ruizhong, same below)

 By reporter Chen Ruizhong / Cebu

Located in the central Philippines, Cebu Province boasts bright scenery and a wealth of water activities. Compared to places like Boracay and Palawan, Cebu has less commercialization and more of an authentic, natural charm, making it a paradise for diving enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Its laid-back vibe and friendly locals also make it incredibly alluring to vacationers.

Among the many hotels in Cebu, each has its own strengths and characteristics, and the diverse options can cater to different types of travelers. Based on firsthand experience, the Crown Regency Hotel & Tower in the city center
, the newly opened Henann Resort Alona Beach, and the resort-style Atmosphere Resorts & Spa are definitely scream-worthy hotels that will leave travelers amazed.

▲ Stand on the 37-floor skywalk and test your nerve.

Crown Regency Hotel & Tower
The centrally located Crown Regency Hotel is a well-known hotel in Cebu, convenient for both shopping and entertainment. There’s even a chain coffee shop downstairs where you can buy a city-themed mug. The Crown Regency is also an integrated resort hotel featuring a casino, cinema, and various amusement facilities. At 40 floors high, it is the tallest hotel in Cebu. Among its most popular and scream-inducing attractions is the “High-Rise Entertainment Zone” located above the 37th floor.

On the 37th floor, there’s a skywalk made of iron plates and transparent glass. Unlike the common glass walkways with railings found at tourist spots, this one features an open iron walkway with a glass floor and no barriers. At first glance, it may not seem like much, but once you step on it, the entire city of Cebu unfolds before your eyes—it’s quite the thrill. If you’re feeling extra brave, you can even hang off the edge of the walkway and experience the surreal feeling of “walking on air.”

▲ The aerial cruise tram.

Not thrilling enough on the 37th floor? On the 38th floor, there’s the heart-pounding Edge Coaster. Ride a specially designed track vehicle that hugs the building’s facade, gradually tilting forward until it extends almost vertically into the air, flipping passengers out over Cebu. Not only do the riders let out screams of excitement, but even the onlookers watching from the sidelines can’t help but hold their breath in suspense.

In addition, the Crown Regency Hotel also offers amenities like a high-altitude zip line and climbing wall—perfect for thrill-seekers. One shaken Taiwanese visitor remarked, “I shouldn’t have come here after watching Final Destination!”

Crown Regency Hotel & Tower
Address: Osmena Boulevard, Fuente Tower 2, 6000
Price: 450 PHP per adult per attraction, 750 PHP for two attractions. (Approximately NT$351 and NT$585 respectively)

▲ Catch sight of Henann Resort’s enchanting atrium and you’ll just want to jump in and swim.

Henann Resort Alona Beach
Opened just this May, Henann Resort boasts 400 rooms, 8 room types, and 3 swimming pools. It’s the largest and newest resort hotel in Bohol, as well as the most popular new resort on the island. Many first-time guests, upon seeing the resort’s layout, can’t help but exclaim, “Now this is a real vacation!”

▲Henann Resort Alona Beach

Henann Resort has transformed its atrium into an aquatic wonderland surrounded by pools. The result is a luxurious scene of “pools within the building and islands within the pools,” enhanced by tropical elements like beach chairs and palm trees, along with bright, fresh architectural tones that give guests a strong sense of a southern paradise. Guests can swim from pool to pool, then relax on the shore for some sunbathing or enjoy a drink at the bar.

▲ Henann Resort has a strong resort-hotel style and plenty of fun.

If you think it’s just a simple swimming island, you’re underestimating Henann Resort. Strolling from the resort to Alona Beach, you’ll continue to see various types of pools, environments surrounded by tropical plants like palm and coconut trees, and romantic standalone villas for guests to stay in. Whether it’s the exotic bikini-clad women lounging on beach chairs or the fit young men in the pools, the air is filled with a strong vacation vibe.

Just outside the resort lies the powdery white sands of Alona Beach, where the azure waters, white sand, and the resort’s pools and buildings blend together beautifully. The resort has also placed beach chairs here, allowing guests to soak up the sun or take a dip in the cool waters of Bohol.

▲ With a total of 400 rooms, Henann Resort is currently the largest resort in Bohol.

Henann Resort Alona Beach
Address: Ester A. Lim Drive, Panglao, Bohol

Atmosphere Resorts & Spa
Compared to the previous two high-rise buildings, the nearby Atmosphere Resort in Dumaguete features a design of standalone cottages, making it perfect for couples and family vacations. Amidst lush greenery, the resort is dotted with cottages topped with thatched roofs, with soft hammocks and lounge chairs hanging at the entrances—every detail contributes to the resort’s lazy, laid-back coastal vibe. Occasionally, a waiter in shorts and a polo shirt walks by with a warm smile, instantly making you forget the hustle and bustle of the city.

▲ The 24-hour pool at Atmosphere Resort.

Aside from its relaxing resort life, Atmosphere also has skilled snorkeling guides and diving instructors who can take guests on exciting water adventures. One of the resort’s most iconic activities is taking a bangka boat (local outrigger canoe) to nearby Apo Island for a turtle-spotting island-hopping trip.

The Philippines is a world-renowned diving destination, with countless spots for both snorkeling and scuba diving. Apo Island is the most representative diving spot in Dumaguete and is hailed by many experts as one of the best dive sites in the Philippines. It takes about 40 minutes by bangka boat from Atmosphere Resort to reach this charming island.

▲ A sea turtle spotted on Apo Island.

Put on your goggles, bite down on your snorkel, and dive into the waters of Apo Island, and you’ll immediately be greeted by schools of tropical fish and colorful coral reefs. Not only will you see familiar creatures like “Nemo,” starfish, and snappers, but also marine life such as green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles, which inhabit and forage in the nearby waters. If you’re lucky, you might even spot three or four turtles swimming gracefully in the sea.

▲ The design of the standalone cottages adds to the vacation feel of Atmosphere Resort.

Since Apo Island is part of a marine protected area, the sea turtles here don’t shy away from humans. Instead, they casually munch on seagrass, swimming around with complete ease. Travelers who accidentally swim too close might even “bump into” these charming giants. This magical first-time experience of being up close to sea turtles often leads visitors to exclaim after getting back on shore, “I just swam with a turtle — so cute!”

Atmosphere Resorts & Spa
Address: Maayong Tubig, National Road, Dauin, 6217 Negros Oriental