A lot of travellers to the Philippines use Cebu as a delivery hub between Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao, however few of them take time to discover Cebu Island itself.
This can be a large mistake, as Cebu could be the most productive of the rustic’s 7,000+ islands in the case of range of sights. In different phrases, it has a little bit little bit of the entirety – jungle, diving, town existence, ancient villages, implausible meals… the listing is going on.
On this itinerary, I’ll lay out a 1-2 week itinerary for exploring Cebu Island. I’d counsel basically specializing in the southern a part of Cebu Island (7-10 days), which this publish spends essentially the most time on.
In case you’re keen on off-the-beaten-track exploration, the final section of the itinerary specializes in the northern a part of Cebu Island, which can upload 3-5 days to the itinerary. The Cebu itinerary pairs effectively with our information to Bohol, a smaller and extra provincial island simply an hour’s ferry trip from Cebu Town.
With a view to mirror slightly of the range that makes Cebu Island some of the underrated go back and forth locations, I’ve made positive to incorporate stops of all differing types, from awe-inspiring Christian church buildings to world-famous dive websites. One of the inclusions are based totally by myself travels in Cebu, and a few are suggestions from locals.
Arrival day
The Mactan-Cebu airport is beautiful nice. It’s blank and simple to navigate, the immigration process is lightning-fast so long as you’ve finished the Philippines eTravel registration inside of 72 hours previously, and it serves numerous direct world flights so that you gained’t need to switch in Manila.
If you depart the airport, regardless that, my recommendation is to hire a car and head south as briefly as conceivable – there’s no wish to ebook a resort in Cebu Town on night time one, except possibly you’re arriving overdue within the day. The congested city carries not one of the naturalistic, laid-back vibes that many love in regards to the Philippines.
Car condominium in Cebu Town
I extremely counsel renting a bike to discover Cebu Island and not using a window between you and its shocking herbal good looks.
I rented a bike at Saferide, which is a 30-minute taxi trip from the airport. The provider used to be nice and you’ll hire 125cc motorcycles for $7/day, regardless that I sprang for the Yamaha NMax 155 for $13/day. I additionally needed to pay a $35 deposit I were given again once I returned the motorcycle. Saferide throws in car insurance coverage and roadside help.
You’ll be able to additionally hire a automobile from Saferide; $21/day for a compact Toyota Wigo and $41 for a Toyota Innova that’s in a position to mild off-roading. Be aware that it’s important to be no less than 21 to hire a automobile.
Whether or not you hire a motorbike or automobile, you’ll legally power it so long as you’ve gotten a sound licence from any nation. A photograph is not going to paintings, regardless that; you wish to have the bodily licence. You’ll be able to hire an electrical motorcycle and not using a licence, however they’ve susceptible motors that gained’t have the ability to take on this itinerary.
This itinerary is in response to travelling thru Cebu via scooter. Want to not do a highway commute? Then you’ll nonetheless do maximum issues via public transportation via specializing in key go back and forth hubs like Moalboal and Oslob. Buses to those puts depart from Cebu South Bus Terminal. The principle actions will also be performed via the usage of an area excursion or arranging a taxi or tuk-tuk, however you will have to skip one of the most secondary stops discussed on this information.
Southern Cebu (7–10 days)
Carcar Town
Carcar Town is simplest 50 km south of the airport, however the the city is a lot more fascinating and laid-back than Cebu Town. It’s were given a old fashioned provincial really feel to it, particularly on the traditionally-styled public marketplace, the Baroque church, and the outdated the city, all of which ring with ancestral Cebuano structure and tradition whilst nonetheless presenting a bustling marketplace the city vibe.
Whilst in Carcar, be sure you cross to the central marketplace and get some lechon. Lechon is a fatty roast pig dish noted right through the Philippines, however Carcar lechon is understood everywhere as the most productive on Cebu.
I’d counsel you keep the night time in Carcar – check out the $30/night time Carcar Eco Farm Hotel.
Simala Parish Church
Simala Parish combines the ornate design of a church with the staggering scale of a Ecu fort to create a construction that’s really distinctive.
The immense church hugs a hill overlooking a number of greenery and a synthetic pond with gazebos on it. Large staircases, bridges, arches, spires, prayer halls, and stained-glass home windows beautify the implementing however chic white-grey construction, which felt very surreal.
Maximum of this itinerary will deal in herbal good looks, however this artifical construction (which used to be strangely constructed within the Nineties) is truthfully simply as majestic as the rest I noticed in Cebu.
Professional tip, regardless that: cross on a weekday. I went throughout low vacationer season and had no factor, however I heard where will get unspeakably crowded on weekends throughout top season.
Climbing at Boljoon
Boljoon is some other old fashioned heritage the city, however it’s slower-paced and quieter than Carcar.
It’s additionally an improbable primer on Cebu’s spiritual historical past – Cebu used to be house to the primary Spanish agreement within the Philippines, so it has the inner most Christian Heritage of any island. The massive church advanced in Boljoon is a brilliant position to be told about it.
My favorite a part of Boljoon, regardless that, have been the hikes. The 3 perfect ones are:
| Hike identify | Get started/finish level | Distance | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mangrove Boardwalk | Boljoon coastal barangay close to the boardwalk front → Go back loop to similar level | 1km/.6mi | Simple stroll alongside raised wood paths thru mangrove woodland, excellent for flora and fauna sightings and coastal perspectives. Excellent for households. |
| Heritage Stroll | Patrocinio de Maria Church plaza → Loop thru ancestral properties & the city centre | 2km/1.2mi | Mild walk previous the historical church, convent, and preserved colonial properties, highlights Boljoon’s cultural heritage. |
| Rice Terrace Stroll | Ilihan or within reach upland barangay → Viewpoints above the rice terraces | 4km/2.5mi | Scenic uphill stroll into Boljoon’s mountain slopes, with perspectives of rice terraces and the coast beneath. |
Spend the night time in Boljoon. Cebu Membership Feet. Med is $41/night time, blank, and in an ideal location.
Diving with whale sharks at Oslob
Swimming with whale sharks is set as impactful as flora and fauna stories get. The water in Oslob is crystal transparent and blue, and the swimming temperature used to be best possible. And the sharks themselves are merely superior – a phrase I generally hate as a result of overuse, however is totally justified on this case.
Diving into the inky, muffled silence of the sea and feeling the water shift as this easy skinned, dough-eyed, and innocuous mammoth of the deep drifts via is completely unforgettable.
Which excursion to ebook: I went with this Whale Shark Observing Revel in from Suroy Cebu Excursions. The toughest phase used to be being in a position for pick-up at 6 a.m., regardless that it could had been so much worse if I have been doing the excursion from Cebu Town and needed to be in a position at 3:00.
After the pickup, the entirety used to be nice: the motive force used to be great, the excursion guides spoke nice English, the snorkelling apparatus used to be in excellent form, and the welfare of the sharks used to be in fact taken into consideration (one thing I had fearful about previously).
After swimming with the whale sharks, I’d counsel staying on the town for an evening. I selected Sharky Hostel as it will get excellent evaluations (deserved, regardless that the rooms are cabana-style so convey malicious program spray) and the $15 worth for a non-public room made me really feel higher about spending so much on swimming with the whale sharks.
Waterfall hikes
After passing Hope Chapel in Oslob and turning proper, you’ll start a 25 km stretch of highway with 3 particularly notable waterfalls alongside it.
- Tumalog Falls, the tallest and most simply available of the 3 at 100 metres.
- Aguinid Falls: There are a couple of tiers you’ll climb, however they’re slippery; convey water footwear.
- Dao Falls, which can be deeper into the jungle (a 45-minute stroll) and feels extra secluded.
All 3 waterfalls are simply off the primary course and may have highway indicators resulting in them. Native guides will also be employed on-site at each and every waterfall for a couple of greenbacks. It’s a a lot better deal than packaged excursions, and the guides talk nice English.
Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls
Kawasan Falls is referred to as one of the crucial global’s premier waterfall programs for canyoneering as it’s the very best convergence of three elements:
- Piercing blue water and deep inexperienced jungle surroundings are framed simply so via the rocks to make it extremely picturesque.
- It’s no longer only a unmarried waterfall, however as an alternative a protracted canyon device with lots of amusing options like tiered cliff-jumping spots and herbal slides down easy rock faces into crystalline swimming holes.
- It’s no longer arduous to climb or navigate. Even first-time climbers can do it with guides.
After a protracted day of exploring waterfalls, keep the night time on the $26/night time Cuestas Seaside Hotel.
For the overall canyoneering enjoy, you’ll wish to cross with a excursion that can supply protection tools and steerage. Kawasan Falls Canyoneering Excursion used to be beneficial via a fellow traveler.
It’s a high-adrenaline trek combining jungle trails, cliff jumps, waterfall rappels, and swimming in turquoise swimming pools, finishing on the three-tiered Kawasan Falls
Lambug Seaside
Even though one of the most seashores later on this itinerary are better-known than Lambug, my time there used to be no doubt essentially the most memorable seashore day I had on Cebu.
A part of that used to be as a result of Lambug used to be virtually empty, with just a few Filipino teams there enjoyable at the sand or within the bamboo huts for hire there. Huts value $10-20/day, relying at the facilities inside of, like loungers or karaoke machines.
The overhanging coconut bushes, large expanse of powdery white sand, and jet blue waters made Lambug Seaside really feel idyllic and unique – a pleasing smash from tourist-heavy locations.
Osmena Height and On line casino Height
At simply over 1,000 metres (3,300 toes), Osmena Height is Cebu’s best possible level. The hike up isn’t too strenuous (simplest 25 mins), and the rolling limestone hills you notice at the approach jogged my memory of tropical variations of the hobbit holes in Lord of the Rings.
I went in overdue afternoon throughout a transparent day and it used to be nonetheless strangely windy up there, so convey a jacket you probably have one. From the summit, I had a pleasing view of the sea and Bohol Island.
The hike from Osmena Height to On line casino Height takes about 40 mins and covers rocky terrain, nevertheless it’s very scenic. Guides to be had on the base of the mountain are affordable ($1-3) and will hyperlink the paths.
On line casino top isn’t as excessive up, so that you’ll really feel extra such as you’re status amongst the fantasy-like limestone mounds somewhat than having a look at them from above. It’s a distinct enjoy that’s cool in its personal proper.
Sardine swim and turtle watch at Moalboal
Panagsama Seaside in Moalboal is the most renowned snorkelling spot on Cebu for a excellent reason why: you’ll encompass your self with superb aquatic flora and fauna with out paying any front charge or swimming a long way clear of shore.
In all probability the most productive instance of this are the large silver partitions of sardine fish you’ll swim into only a few metres clear of shore. I don’t know whether or not I used to be extra inspired via the fish themselves or via the truth that they have been really easy to achieve regardless of the huge quantity of vacationer building at the seashore.
You’ll be able to additionally see sea turtles; I discovered a number of inexperienced and hawksbill turtles dozing on coral beds or feeding on algae within the shallow alcoves off much less populated sections of the seashore.
In contrast to different headline sights on Cebu Island like whale diving at Oslob or canyoneering at Kawasan Falls, the implausible snorkelling at Moalboal is loose and will simply be DIY-ed. Be mindful to hire excellent high quality snorkelling tools and water footwear, regardless that.
After snorkelling, keep the night time in Moalboal. I’d counsel Gerty’s Vacationer Inn for $25/night time.
Native wine (tuba) excursion from Ronda to Argao
This eastward course used to be beneficial to me upfront via Philippines go back and forth vlogger Robert Kennedy, who runs the channel Robert’s Island Residing Adventures, and it ended up being the most productive cultural immersion enjoy I had on Cebu.
On the the city of Ronda, head east on Ylaya Highway to chop around the island in opposition to town of Argao. Between the 2 cities, you’ll wind thru coconut groves dotted with stands promoting “tuba”, an area strong point sweet-tart coconut wine fermented on-site. It has a novel flavour profile: gentle and sugary to start with, however with a kick that warms the again of your throat. There’s additionally an elderly variant, bahalina, that has a richer, spicier style.
Alongside the street, stay a watch out for rustic huts with bamboo faucet programs or a “tuba” signal. You’ll frequently see locals lounging on benches and sipping rounds in entrance of the distributors. Many of the shopkeepers in this a part of the island don’t truly talk English, however most likely a lounging buyer can be amenable to dialog
Remember the fact that you’ll be using, so don’t drink an excessive amount of – simply sufficient to get a style of the native tradition. Additionally, take a excellent lengthy relaxation and devour some candy rice desserts or banana fritters at each and every forestall.
Again to Cebu Town
After attaining Argao, head again as much as Cebu Town. If you wish to proceed your travels, proceed to the northern Cebu itinerary (within the subsequent segment) or take a look at our information for the within reach Bohol Island.
Northern Cebu (not obligatory, 3–5 days)
Northern Cebu isn’t as in style because the southern a part of the island, however that may make for a greater enjoy since it isn’t as touristy. Touring round there no doubt has a extra “nation-state” really feel than the South, and I’d counsel visiting the next spots.
Breakfast at 21 Kilometers Espresso
21 Kilometers Espresso is a place beneficial via my native good friend, Carl Lambert, who runs a Cebu go back and forth channel known as Carl With a Digicam.
I made the 21 kilometre power to the cafe from the town shiny and early, and looking at the break of day as I personally rose upper and better throughout the mountains used to be some of the panoramic stories of my commute. The perspectives have been simply as stunning on the cafe’s patio, which had an ideal vista of Cebu’s upland jungle.
I were given a standard “barako” espresso, a sizzling chocolate made with actual cacao, and pancakes with eggs and bacon. The meals used to be reasonable, however each the espresso and sizzling chocolate have been outstanding. The cafe it appears roasts its personal beans on web site, and the cacao is locally-grown.
Cebu Safari Park
I’m an enormous fan of moral zoos, so I cherished this position. Many of the habitats are gigantic and the wide range of animals, together with white lions, tigers, crocodiles, and lots of colorful birds, gave the impression well-fed and satisfied.
Highlights integrated taking a go back and forth throughout the “African Savannah” zone, the place animals like zebras and wildebeest roam loose, visiting the on-site owl sanctuary, and feeding two giraffes lettuce via hand.
The park additionally has a 1.3 kilometre zipline and gardens of unique crops and butterflies.
Protip: Attempt to arrive at 8:00 when the park opens, since the animals are maximum energetic within the morning.
Cebu Safari and Journey Park in Carmen permits you to walk the cover path and discover 170 hectares of flora and fauna like tigers, Philippine deer, and llamas—all in an immersive nature atmosphere that’s very a lot very similar to the flora and fauna panorama of Africa.
Simply two hours from Cebu Town, it’s great to look such a lot of species in a single position — with large, herbal enclosures that make the talk over with really feel calm and unique.
Rest at Esoy Scorching Springs
At Esoy, I used to be met via 3 cascading sizzling spring swimming pools constructed right into a limestone canyon on 3 tiers. Every pool supplies a distinct enjoy:
- The highest pool incorporates water this is milky blue due to mineral deposits within the water. A kind of minerals is sulphur, so the water has a relatively eggy scent. That is the warmest pool, at round 35 Celsius (95 Fahrenheit)
- The ground pool incorporates transparent emerald-coloured water that’s about 30 Celsius (86 Fahrenheit)
- The center pool is halfway between the water color and temperature of the opposite two
Rustic cottages and stone bathtubs beside the steaming herbal swimming pools helped to offer where a sumptuous spa-like really feel, one thing my thoughts and muscle tissues have been yearning after per week of exploration.
Island hopping
The northernmost a part of Cebu Island is a long way from the town, nevertheless it nonetheless has a tight quantity of tourism since the island-hopping there may be mythical.
In particular, there are 3 beach cities you must attempt to hit that supply excursions taking you to very within reach islands with unforgettable seashores. Those are one of the most perfect islands to talk over with.
ebook your island-hopping excursion
| Island identify | Highlights/description | Very best for |
|---|---|---|
| Kalanggaman (Leyte) | A protracted, photogenic sandbar stretching into turquoise water. | Instagram posters |
| Virgin Island (Bantayan) | An enormous island with cottages, calm swimming space, cliff-jumping spots, rentable kayaks, and a seashore bar environment. Certainly essentially the most touristy in this listing. | Hotel-style seashore luxurious |
| Hilantagaan | Seafood grilled via locals, fishing village environment, a distinction to the lodge really feel of Bantayan. | Cultural immersion |
| Kinatarkan (Guintacan) | Seaside caves, rugged limestone cliffs, a lighthouse standpoint, and secluded coves. | Hidden coves and journey, feeling like a pirate |
| Malapascua | Dakit-Dakit Coral Gardens, Gato Island sea cave, an opportunity to look thresher sharks within reach, white sand seashores, and a full of life backpacker scene. | Snorkeling and diving |
3 Cities for northern Cebu
In case you’re in search of a base to discover or to achieve the islands discussed above, then those 3 puts are those to pin for your map:
- Bogo Town makes for a really perfect city stopover if you happen to’re using a loop throughout the north. From the acacia-shaded plaza and park at Bogo’s the city centre to its side road facet eateries promoting salted eggs and placing rice (each Bogo specialties) to the historical church and heritage structures, town has a slow-paced appeal that’s best possible for cultural immersion.
- San Remigio is the place you must head to if you wish to island hop to Bantayan and Hilantagaan. From Hagnaya Port close to San Remigio you’ll catch a ferry to Santa Fe, the primary agreement on Bantayan Island. Right here, you’ll wish to organize an area boat commute to discover Hilantagaan or Virgin Island.
- Daanbantayan is the primary waypoint in opposition to Malapascua Island, with ferry products and services departing from Maya Port. Malapascua island is well worth the great distance up most commonly if you happen to dive, since it’s the simplest position on this planet with assured day-to-day sightings of thresher sharks. This strangely long-finned shark species generally dwells at depths as much as 550m, however on the Monad Shoal they ascend as much as 30-20m the place it’s conceivable for any leisure diver with a sophisticated open water certification to look at them. In case you don’t dive, there also are some snorkelling tours and the seashores to experience.
Again to Cebu Town
While you’re performed island hopping, take the freeway south to Cebu. In case you’ve were given time, check out tackling the within reach island of Bohol the usage of our information.
I’ve marked down at the course map a excellent set of roads to take from one vacation spot to the following. As same old, regardless that, I beg you to forge your personal trail and discover at your personal tempo, preventing alongside the way in which to take a look at points of interest or sights that catch your fancy.
Immerse your self within the native backroads tradition, and understand that grime paths are all the time extra rewarding than highways.
So there you’ve gotten it — all my perfect pointers for Cebu. Excited to discover the remainder of Philippines? Then don’t leave out my backpacking information to the Philippines, Palawan go back and forth information, and Batanes, one of the crucial nation’s maximum far off provinces.
