December 30, 2009

We had to do more to welcome the New Year than you trip to Sumilon Island, so we decided to check out the new resort and water park that opened on Mactan Island.  There has been a great deal of hype about the first water park in Cebu, but I was not initially too interested because I assumed the water park would just be a couple of sides that kids could use instead of diving into a swimming pool.  Well, I have to tell you, the Imperial Palace is really fantastic.

The uniquely themed water park, the first in Cebu, is designed by Dream Park International, experts in water parks, themed-parks, and family entertainment. The water park features five different themed pools: Amazon River Pool- a flowing river pool that you can enjoy best in an inflatable tube; the Wave Rider- an artificial tide pool; Captain Hook’s Pool – featuring a pirate ship and slides; Beach Pool and Toddler Pool. It also features three exciting slides including the thrilling Space Bowl.

The one-day pass for Imperial Palace costs P2,000 on weekends and holidays and P1,500 ++ – and it’s a bargain.  From the moment you enter this place, you are treated like the most important person in the world.  The customer service is absolutely outstanding in every way.  There is a comfortable and clean place to change into your beach wear.  Next, you pick up your beach towel and you’re off to visit the many theme pools and ocean.  If you’re energetic, they even offer aerobics classes that you take while standing in one of the pools.  From time to time, the Imperial Palace offers dance troops who entertain you with various family-friendly dances and small skits.  If you have any questions about what to do at the Imperial Palace, you can ask any of the friendly and helpful staff who seemed to be everywhere just waiting to help you.

We noticed a wide range of adults and children from many countries, although there seemed to be a quite large contingent of Korean guests.  Everyone seemed to have a great time.  We were a bit concerned there would be gangs of screaming, out-of-control kids, but there was only lots of laughter as hundreds of people from all over the world enjoyed themselves.  Sure, a few of the pools had a preponderance of kids, but there were also quiet, peaceful places where you could relax and rest.

The Imperial Palace is beautiful, fun, and has one of the best luncheon buffets in the Philippines.  My friends and I were hard-pressed to decide if we enjoyed the great food or water slides the most.  All-in-all this place is about the best recreational value you can find in Cebu.  If you haven’t yet been to the Imperial Palace – you should go.

Guests are 70 percent Korean, 20 Filipinos and 10 other races.

VIEW ALL OF THE PICTURES HERE