Cebu, the Queen City of the South, is a province in the Philippines that not only boasts pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters but also carries with it a very rich history. Cebu is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. From waterfalls, scuba diving, and hiking, it’s impossible to run out of things to do in this amazing island.
In this blog post, go on a journey of discovery as we explore the 10 most exciting things to do in Cebu. With plenty of off the beaten path adventures and travel tips in between! So pack your bags, grab your camera (and a water-proof bag!), and get ready to experience the magic of Cebu.
How to Get to Cebu from Manila
From Manila, there are two ways to reach Cebu as it is an island:
- Plane: Cebu is most easily accessible from Manila via plane, with several airlines offering daily flights between the two cities. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Cost: Around 1,600 PHP (30 USD) on 12Go.
- Ferry: If you prefer to travel more leisurely by sea, you can also take a ferry. There are several ferry companies that offer daily trips between the two cities, including 2GO Travel and OceanJet.
Cost: 2,300 PHP – 3,000 PHP (42 USD – 56 USD), depending on the cabin
History of Cebu
The earliest records of Cebu date back to the 10th century, when it was part of the Srivijaya Empire. In the 16th century, Cebu was colonized by the Spanish, who established it as the first permanent settlement in the Philippines. The Spanish brought Christianity to the region and built several churches and forts, many of which still stand today as historical landmarks. So in essence, Cebu was the first contact between the Philippines and Christianity which perservered to this day. If you are interested in Filipino-Spanish history, you can head to Intramuros if you find yourself in Manila.
One of the most significant events in Cebu’s history was the Battle of Mactan in 1521, where the native warrior Lapu-Lapu defeated the famous Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who was attempting to colonize the Philippines on behalf of Spain. The battle is celebrated every year in Cebu with the Kadaugan sa Mactan festival.
Top Things to Do in Cebu
1. Snorkel with Whale Sharks in Oslob
Swimming with the whale sharks in Oslob is an absolute thrill and one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had in Cebu. Imagine gliding through the waters alongside these gentle giants – it’s an experience that will leave you in awe.
The whale sharks in Oslob are friendly and used to human presence, making it safe and easy for you to get close to them. The experience is truly unforgettable, as you get to witness firsthand the sheer size and beauty of these magnificent creatures.
The tourism industry has become the largest industry in Cebu, providing great alternatives to unsustainable fishing operations previously practiced in the area. Although concerns have been raised about the impact of feeding practices on the whale sharks, extensive research and tagging indicate that only the older sharks that can no longer breed stay in Oslob, while younger sharks continue their regular migration.
Just be mindful and respect the whale sharks and listen to the seminar (there’s one before you head out to the sea) properly beforehand.
You can book a tour to meet the whale sharks and head to the nearby Sumilon Island (number 4 on the list) through here!
2. Experience the Sardine Run in Moalboal
The Sardine Run in Moalboal is one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the world. Millions of sardines gather together to form a massive school that moves in unison, creating an awe-inspiring display of marine life.
The Sardine Run can be experienced by snorkeling or scuba diving in the waters off Moalboal. Though you’d be surprised at how close they actually are, we just asked some folks around the area and the sardines were swimming just a couple of meters away from the mainland!
The schools of sardines can be found in different areas of Moalboal, but the most popular spot is Pescador Island, a short boat ride from the coast.
Swimming through the school of sardines is a thrilling experience, as the fish move and twist in perfect unison, creating a mesmerizing dance. It’s also a great opportunity to see other marine life, such as sea turtles, reef sharks, and colorful corals.
A trip to Moalboal and Pescador Island is one of the must-do in Cebu, it’s a once in a lifetime experience and something I still can’t forget.
3. Hike Up Osmena Peak
Osmena Peak is the highest mountain peak in Cebu, standing at around 1,013 m (3,323 ft) above sea level. The peak is located in the town of Dalaguete, in the southern part of Cebu, and offers breathtaking views of the rolling hills of Cebu, the nearby islands of Bohol, and the shimmering blue waters of the Tañon Strait.
The trek to the summit takes around 30-45 minutes and involves a steep ascent, but the views from the top are well worth the effort. It can definitely give both Mt. Pinatubo and Taal Volcano (the smallest volcano in the world!) a run for their money.
You can find a combo package of Osmena Peak and a canyoneering adventure in Kawasan Falls (if you still have the energy!)
4. See the Sandbar of Sumilon Island
Don’t miss out on Sumilon Island’s Sandbar, a picturesque strip of white sand that stretches out into the ocean.
Sumilon Island is a stunning coral island located off the coast of southern Cebu. The island is known for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant marine life, making it a popular destination for snorkeling, diving, and beach activities.
5. Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls
For the adrenaline-junkies head on to Kawasan Falls, the canyoneering adventure here involves trekking, climbing, and jumping through a series of waterfalls and natural pools in the stunning Kawasan Canyon.
The adventure starts with a short trek through the forest, followed by a series of jumps, slides, and swims through the canyon’s waters. The jumps range from 3-15 meters in height, with the final jump being the highest and most thrilling. No previous experience is required to go canyoneering.
After the adventure, you can relax and unwind in the beautiful Kawasan Falls, which features a multi-tiered waterfall and turquoise blue pools.
As of June 2023, Kawasan Falls is still closed due to the damages sustained during Typhoon Odette, but it is set to open this summer.
6. Witness Undying Love at the Temple of Leah
Known as the “Taj Mahal of Cebu,” the Temple of Leah is a grand structure inspired by ancient Roman architecture and features a grand staircase, and marble floors.
The temple was built as a symbol of undying love by businessman Teodorico Soriano Adarna for his late wife, Leah Villa Albino-Adarna. It’s a bit out of place in the island but at the same time, it’s a touching and unique spot that’s getting popular amongst the locals lately.
7. Dive with Thresher Sharks in Malapascua Island
Malapascua Island is located in the northern part of Cebu and is famous for its thresher shark sightings. The thresher sharks, known for their long tails and distinctively large eyes, can be seen early in the morning at Monad Shoal, a sunken island about 30 minutes from the coast.
The dive involves descending to a depth of around 20-30 meters and waiting in the early morning darkness for the sharks to appear. When they do, it’s a breathtaking sight as they gracefully swim by, their long tails trailing behind them.
Aside from thresher shark diving, Malapascua Island also offers other diving spots with vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. You can also just enjoy the island’s white sandy beaches and laid-back atmosphere.
8. Visit the Magellan's Cross
Magellan’s Cross marks the spot where Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan planted a wooden cross when he arrived in Cebu in 1521, claiming the Philippines for Spain and spreading Christianity in the country.
The original cross that Magellan planted no longer exists, but a replica now stands in its place, enclosed in a small chapel. The chapel is located in Magellan’s Park, which is also home to several other historical landmarks, such as the Basilica del Santo Niño and the Cebu City Museum.
The cross is also a popular destination for pilgrims, who come to see and touch the cross for blessings.
9. Go Island-hopping in Mactan
If you want to do some island-hopping a la El Nido and Hundred Islands style. Look no further than Mactan, from here you can go to several stunning islands such as:
Caohagan Island, here, you can relax on the white sandy beaches, take a dip in the turquoise waters, or explore the island’s lush tropical forests.
Hilutungan Island, with plenty of marine life and excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. At Hilutungan Island, you can swim with a variety of tropical fish, sea turtles, and even spot some reef sharks.
Sulpa Island, with its beautiful coral gardens and abundant marine life.
Nalusuan Island is another gem with its stunning sandbar and marine sanctuary.
Pandanon Island has idyllic beaches where you can enjoy a scrumptious seafood feast.
Do note that Mactan’s island-hopping is a bit on the pricier side of things!
10. Have a Day Trip to Bohol
Bohol is a nearby island but offers plenty of unique experiences not normally found in Cebu. Take for example, Chocolate Hills, the unique geological formation consisting of over a thousand conical hills that turn brown during the dry season. Or the adorable Tarsier, the smallest primate in the world that you could fit right on the palm of your hand. From dolphin watching to white sandy beaches, Bohol is not an island to sleep on! You can find a day tour from Cebu to Bohol right here.
You can explore Bohol more on my Bohol travel guide blog post.
Best Beaches in Cebu
11. Lambug Beach
Lambug Beach is a stunning white-sand beach located in the town of Badian. What makes this beach unique is its long stretch of soft white sand that extends for over 3 km (1.8 mi), making it one of the longest beaches in Cebu.
12. White Beach
White Beach in Moalboal, is one of the best beaches in Cebu due to its accessibility to some of the best snorkeling and diving spots of the island, from the legendary sardine run to swimming with sea turtles, and even whale sharks. You can’t go wrong with any of the beaches in Moalboal. It’s also very close to Kawasan Falls if you’re up for canyoneering.
13. Santiago Bay
Santiago Bay is a picturesque beach located on the eastern coast of Camotes Island. With its crescent-shaped bay, it offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and rock formations.
Camotes Island is also known for its natural beauty, with several inland attractions such as Lake Danao and the Timubo Cave. Win-win!
14. Langub Beach
Langub Beach is a secluded beach located on the northern coast of Malapascua Island. With fewer crowds compared to other popular beaches of Cebu, it still checks off all the hallmarks that make a classic Philippine beach. It’s a great beach to experience a more tranquil setting, very similar to the hidden beach of Matuod in Batangas.
Best Sunset Spots in Cebu
15. 10,000 Roses Cafe
Nestled in the charming town of Cordova, 10,000 Roses Cafe offers one of the most picturesque sunset views in the province. You’ll find its enchanting display of artificial roses that transform into a sea of lights at nightfall, creating a magical and romantic ambiance as the sun sets over the nearby sea.
16. Camotes Island
The island’s secluded and peaceful atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to watch the sunset. You can witness the stunning view from the island’s beaches, cliffs, and other panoramic vantage points, such as Santiago Bay and Buho Rock. The island’s calm and clear waters create a mirror-like reflection of the colorful sky, adding to the beauty of the sunset view.
17. Osmena Peak
Being the highest point in Cebu, you can expect the sunset to be just as majestic. It’s a short hike to the peak so you can spend the time relaxing after burning some calories. The sunset with the surrounding hills and valleys create a beautiful backdrop of the entire island.
18. Moalboal
As you may have noticed, I love Moalboal. There’s just something so photogenic about seeing its boats out in the open waters, the sunsets here paint them with a beautiful silhouette that makes for excellent photography opportunities. Not to mention, just knowing the fact that you already share so many precious memories with the area especially if you’re diving with the whale sharks and sardines, why not add a sunset to seal the deal?
Where to Stay in Cebu
Cebu is an island paradise with plenty of options depending on what you’re looking for. Here are some places I recommend to stay in Cebu:
Best Hotels in Cebu
- Garden Village Resort – provides accommodations with garden views and complimentary WiFi. The resort features a terrace, and some units are air-conditioned and include a dining area and a seating area with a flat-screen TV. The resort serves breakfast every morning, including continental, à la carte, and American options.
- Pescador View Beach Resort – features a 24-hour front desk and a terrace. Free WiFi is available. Bed linen and towels are provided in each room. The resort serves breakfast every morning, including à la carte, continental, and American options.
- Down South 118 Beach Resort – offers a barbecue and sun terrace. The resort features an on-site restaurant, and free WiFi is available in the restaurant area. Free private parking is also available on site. All rooms have a private bathroom equipped with a bath.
Best Hostels in Cebu
- Nacho Hostel Cebu – is an ideal place for adventurers and travelers to stay and relax. The hostel features 46 spacious rooms that can accommodate a total of 220 guests. Each room comes with its own bathroom and air conditioning system, ensuring your comfort and privacy during the stay. The hostel’s pool, sourced from an underground well, is available for you to enjoy after check-in.
- Mad Monkey – offers an excellent opportunity to experience the best of the Queen City of the South. The hostel is located close to the best tourist spots in the city, making it an ideal accommodation option for budget-conscious travelers. The hostel features private rooms and dorms with friendly staff and a buzzing social atmosphere. You can relax by the rooftop pool and sun deck during the day, and party with the best DJs in town in the evenings.
- Hostel Seven Cebu – prioritizes your comfort and peace. The hostel is situated in a classic Filipino home from the 1940s, combined with custom design bunk beds, and a mix of vintage and up-cycling designs that will give you a unique experience while ensuring your comfort and privacy. The hostel bar has a DJ playing every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and on Thursdays, there is an acoustic session at the bar.
How to Get Around Cebu
Many of the tourist spots are scattered across the island and it takes several hours to reach one place so here are some ways to get around Cebu:
- Jeepneys: A symbol of Filipino culture, these are colorful vehicles that can carry up to 20 passengers at once. Jeepneys have designated routes and stops, and the fare is usually very cheap. You might have to familiarize yourself with the route or ask locals for help.
- Buses: They connect different towns within Cebu, and there are several bus companies that operate in the province. The fare is higher than jeepneys, but they are more comfortable and spacious and sometimes air-conditioned.
- Taxi: You can hail a cab either through companies, on the road side or via the ride-hailing app, Grab. For the first two, always be sure to agree on a price, there are plenty of tourist scams, unfortunately.
- Motorbike: If you want to explore the province’s countryside rent a motorbike. They can be rented from local shops. Just be careful when you’re driving as the roads on the island are not that developed.
- Car Rental: The most expensive and most comfortable option, you can rent cars in Cebu through RentalCars.
- Tricycles: Tricycles (similar to tuktuks) are a good option for short distances, usually if you’re taking public transportation, you might have to take an additional tricycle ride to reach your destination.
- Tours: Easy and convenient way to get around without planning any of the logistics but also pricier. You can find tours of your choosing at GetYourGuide.
How to Stay Safe in Cebu
Cebu is generally a very safe place, it’s a well-known island and tourism is very important so it’s rare for people to encounter any crime. That being said, petty crime such as theft and pickpocketing are always going to be there so it’s best not to let your guard down, especially if you’re a foreigner.
It also goes without saying to not drink tap water!
I also recommend getting travel insurance before heading out to have that peace of mind at SafetyWing.
Best Time to Visit Cebu
The dry season in Cebu runs from December to May, with the peak season from January to April. During this time, the weather is hot and dry, with clear skies and little to no rain.
On the other hand, the rainy season in Cebu runs from June to November. The rain especially during the monsoon season can be very heavy and unpredictable, but at the same time there will be lesser crowds for sure!
The temperature averages around 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 89°F) all year round.
What to Pack For Cebu
- Medications: Bring some medications for stomach issues, as the change in diet and environment can sometimes lead to digestive problems.
- Adapter: The power outlets in Cebu use a Type A, Type B, or Type C plug.
- Waterproof bag: For your valuables, those cellphone holders also do come in handy, I wish I had one when I accidentally dipped my phone in the water while in El Nido.
- Sunscreen: The hot season’s sun can be especially harsh on the skin, the humidity can also make the heat feel worse
- Insect repellent: Plenty of insects and mosquitos on the island so it’s always a good idea to protect yourself from the risk of dengue and malaria
- Snorkeling gear: You can rent gear on the island, but every day does add up so if you can fit them in your bag then you’ll be able to save some money.
Plan Your Trip to Cebu | Best Travel Resources
Book Your Accommodations
- Booking.com – the world’s leading online booking platform for accomodations around the world, they have an extensive amount of available listings with zero booking fees and best price guarantees.
- Hostelworld – a backpacker’s best friend, Hostelworld has the largest collection of hostels and guesthouses for affordable prices.
Don’t Forget Insurance
- SafetyWing – from Nomad Insurance, an insurance by nomads for nomads. They understand our lifestyle well and have really comprehensive and flexible plans that cater to any traveler.
Find Cheap Flights
- Kiwi.com – my go-to for booking and finding the cheapest flights and it’s helped me save tons of money. They do virtual interlining which is connecting flights from airlines that do not codeshare, so you can find routes that you wouldn’t be able to find normally.
Join Tours & Activities
- GetYourGuide – is one of the best places to find unique tours and activities. I found that it’s an excellent way to meet fellow travelers and create fond memories. They are not only limited to tours as they also offer niche services such as skip-the-line tickets or private transfers.
Catch a Ride
- Rentalcars.com – nothing beats the freedom of the road, Rentalcars.com is the world’s largest online car rental service. They operate across 160 countries so they’re the perfect partner to work with if you find yourself wanting a ride.
