Exploring Cebu Island: A Travel Guide

Cebu Island is a stunning destination in the Philippines, with idyllic white-sand beaches, gorgeous natural scenery and incredible diving. The island has a booming tourism industry, thanks to its natural charm, yet it remains a paradise for relaxation and adventure.

The main island is complemented by over 150 surrounding islands and islets. The regional language is Cebuano, and the climate is hot and humid.

Cebu City is the island's capital and major transport hub. It is also the oldest Spanish settlement in the Philippines, with historic sites such as Magellan's Cross, the Minor Basilica of the Holy Child, and Fort San Pedro.

The island's beaches offer various water sports, and Badian, Moalboal, and Oslob are popular destinations for whale shark swimming tours. Cebu is also known for its waterfalls, including Kawasan Falls, and mountain peaks such as Osmeña Peak, which offers panoramic views.

Cebu is easily accessible by flying into Mactan-Cebu International Airport and offers a range of accommodation options, including all-inclusive resorts, guesthouses, and luxury hotels.

How to get to Cebu Island

Cebu Island is a stunning island destination in the Philippines, with idyllic white-sand beaches, gorgeous natural scenery and incredible diving. It is made up of the main island and over 150 surrounding islands and islets.

Getting to Cebu Island by Air

The easiest way to get to Cebu Island is by flying into Mactan-Cebu International Airport, which has connections from major Asian cities. From there, you can get a taxi to Cebu City, which is about a 40-minute drive away.

Getting to Cebu Island by Boat

If you are already in the Philippines, you can also get to Cebu Island by boat. Ferries run from the capital, Manila, to Cebu, taking about 24 hours. There are also ferries from Bohol to Cebu.

Getting Around Cebu Island

Once you are on Cebu Island, you can get around by bus, taxi, or ferry.

Best places to stay in Cebu

Cebu is a large island with a lot to offer, so it's important to choose the right place to stay to suit your travel needs and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay in Cebu, Philippines:

• Cebu City is a great choice for first-time visitors. It's the largest city on the island and offers a combination of rich history, modern architecture, vibrant nightlife, delicious food, and diverse shopping options. The city has a range of accommodation, from budget hotels to luxury options, as well as Airbnbs and hostels. Mango Square, located in the heart of Cebu City, is the place to be for nightlife, with its array of bars, pubs, restaurants, clubs, and dance floors.
• Malapascua Island is an isolated and quiet island off the northern coast of Cebu, known for its golden-sand beaches, lush greenery, and turquoise waters. It's a popular destination for divers and snorkelers, offering the chance to see thresher sharks and manta rays. Malapascua has a selection of affordable hostels, budget hotels, beach resorts, homestays, and guesthouses.
• Moalboal is a cool neighbourhood on the southwestern coast of Cebu. It's a great place to meet other travellers and offers world-class diving and snorkelling spots, impressive jungles and waterfalls, and authentic Filipino culture. Moalboal has a variety of cool hostels, resorts, and Airbnbs to choose from.
• Lapu Lapu is a small island located east of Cebu City. It's a busy area with beautiful beaches and family-friendly attractions. Lapu Lapu offers a range of activities, including swimming, snorkelling, day trips, cultural shows, and Filipino food. It's also a convenient base for exploring other parts of the Philippines.
• Mactan Island is known for its luxurious beachfront hotels, such as the Shangri-La Mactan, which offers amenities like multiple restaurants, a diverse buffet, cultural shows, and an adventure zone for kids. Mactan Island is easily accessible from Cebu City and is home to several highly-rated hotels and resorts.
• Osmeña Peak in Alegria offers a beautiful sunrise hike with panoramic views of jagged cliff lines and the ocean. It's a challenging but rewarding trek, especially if you start before sunrise to catch the stunning views from the summit.
• Sumilon Island is known for its crystal-clear waters, shifting sandbar, and rich marine life. It offers snorkelling and diving opportunities, as well as a historic lighthouse and nature trails.
• Kawasan Falls is a popular tourist spot for canyoneering, where you can float, jump, and climb your way down the canyons to the falls. It's an immersive and relatively safe experience, with the option to finish with a big jump from the top of the waterfall.
• Inambakan Falls in Ginatilan is a 100-foot waterfall that plunges into a blue pool, surrounded by lush jungle greenery and limestone cliffs. There are multiple levels to explore, with caves, rocks to jump off, and a tranquil pool for swimming.
• Aguinid Falls in Samboan is a multi-level waterfall that requires a guide to access. The adventure includes walking through water, crossing bamboo bridges, and scaling the waterfall with the aid of a rope. The upper levels feature caves and a refreshing pool for swimming.

What to do in Cebu

Cebu is a popular tourist destination in the Philippines, offering a range of activities from beach relaxation to outdoor adventures. Here is a list of things to do when visiting Cebu:

Explore Nature and Wildlife

Cebu boasts a plethora of natural attractions, including stunning waterfalls, hot springs, and diverse marine life. Here are some ideas for nature lovers:

• Kawasan Falls is one of the most popular tourist spots in Cebu. You can go canyoneering through the blue waters, jumping, swimming, and trekking your way down to the falls.
• Inambakan Falls features a 100-foot waterfall that plunges into a blue pool, surrounded by lush jungle greenery. There are multiple levels to explore, each offering a unique experience.
• Mainit Hot Spring in Malabuyoc is a short bus ride from Alegria. Here, you'll find steaming hot springs surrounded by lush greenery and a waterfall.
• Moalboal is a great place to base yourself for nature adventures. It offers snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities, with the chance to see turtles and sardine balls (large schools of sardines).
• Osmeña Peak offers panoramic views of jagged cliff lines and the ocean. A sunrise hike to the peak is a popular choice.
• Tumalog Falls in Oslob is a stunning waterfall with a wide, moss-covered cliff. The cool and clear water offers a refreshing escape from the tropical heat.
• Sumilon Island is known for its shifting sandbar and crystal-clear waters. It offers snorkelling and diving opportunities in its rich marine ecosystem.
• Aguinid Falls is a popular waterfall trek that takes you through multiple levels, including bamboo bridges and rope climbs.
• Mantayupan Falls in Barili is the highest waterfall in Cebu, set inside a natural amphitheatre of trees and tropical plants.

Historical and Cultural Sites

Cebu also has a rich historical and cultural heritage, with several sites to explore:

• Basilica del Santo Niño is a famous church dating back to the early Spanish colonial era. It houses the miraculous image of Sto. Niño (Child Jesus).
• Casa Gorordo Museum is a house museum located in the historic Parian district of Cebu. It provides insights into the history of Cebu and the cultural heritage of Cebuanos.
• Magellan's Cross is a historic landmark in Cebu. It was planted by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 when he claimed the Philippines for Spain.
• Fort San Pedro is a fort built in the early 1700s to protect against Muslim raids.
• Taoist Temple offers a peaceful atmosphere and stunning architecture. Lighting incense and making wishes are meaningful experiences for visitors.
• Yap Sandiego Ancestral House is one of the oldest residential structures in the Philippines.
• Ayala Center Cebu is a modern, eco-friendly destination offering shopping and dining options.

Outdoor Activities and Adventures

For those seeking outdoor adventures and activities, Cebu has plenty to offer:

• Whale shark watching in Oslob is a popular activity. You can snorkel and observe these graceful creatures up close (note that there are ethical concerns about this activity).
• Island hopping to surrounding islands, such as Mactan Island and Moalboal Island, offers opportunities for kayaking, snorkelling, and diving.
• Canyoneering is a popular activity in Cebu, with tours available in various locations, including Badian and Oslob.
• Mountain biking and motorbike riding are great ways to explore the island and its scenic roads, such as the palm tree-lined roads near Ginatilan.
• Scuba diving is a popular activity in Moalboal, with the chance to see sardine balls and turtles.
• Freediving is also offered in Moalboal, with courses available for beginners.
• Hiking to various viewpoints, such as Casino Peak and Kandungaw Peak, offers breathtaking panoramic views.

Cebu offers a diverse range of activities to suit different interests and adventure levels. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or an outdoor enthusiast, you'll find plenty of exciting things to do on the island.

Where to eat in Cebu

Cebu is a foodie's paradise, with a wide range of cuisines and dining options to choose from. Here is a list of places to eat in Cebu, catering to various preferences and budgets:

Dimsum Break: A fast-food restaurant serving Chinese and Filipino dishes. It is known for its steamed rice with savoury meat sauce, siomai, and fried options like shrimp balls. Dimsum Break offers great value for money and is a popular choice among locals.

Sunburst: A longstanding restaurant known for its fried chicken. Sunburst is a family favourite, especially after Sunday mass. Their original chicken and chicken skin are must-tries.

Silogan ni Gian: A no-frills eatery serving silog meals, which are garlic rice meals with egg and a choice of meat. Their sisig silog is highly recommended.

Nonki: A Japanese restaurant that sets the standard for Japanese cuisine in Cebu. They offer classic dishes like udon and have a good price point.

Luy's Classic Teahouse: A Chinese restaurant that is a favourite among locals craving Chinese food. Their suahe, or live steamed shrimp, is a must-try. It is sweet, fresh, and has a great bite to it.

Cafe Laguna: A go-to place for Pinoy staples and home-cooked meals. Cafe Laguna has been around since 1991 and is known for its crispy pata, calamares, pinakbet, and maja mais for dessert.

Pearl Meat Shop: A no-frills Korean barbecue restaurant that offers high-quality, fresh cuts of meat. You can enjoy it at the restaurant or get it wrapped up to go and have a K-BBQ party at home.

Red House Taiwan Shabu Shabu: A Taiwanese hot pot restaurant owned by a Taiwanese expat. They offer a variety of meat, vegetable, and seafood options, as well as fresh seafood. Their cuttlefish liquid meal and pork fried rice are highly recommended.

The Kitchen at The Reef: A Southeast Asian fusion restaurant located in a boutique resort, The Reef, in Mactan. They serve unique dishes like the "Crying Tiger," an Asian take on steak served with lettuce leaves for wrapping.

Gorliz Tapas y Vinos: A Spanish tapas restaurant that serves traditional dishes from the Biscay region of Spain. Their pulpo (octopus with garlic), boquerones (fresh anchovy fillets in white vinegar and olive oil), and salpicao are must-tries.

Olio: A fine dining restaurant serving steak, pasta, risotto, and other Western dishes. It is a great option for those looking for a fancier dining experience.

Tinderbox: Cebu's go-to deli, serving classic international fare like pizzas, pastas, steak, and desserts like creme brûlée. Their open-faced baked seafood tortilla is a popular choice.

La Marea: A dessert place known for its warm brownie cup served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also offer other flavours like brownie cheesecake and peanut butter.

Leona's: A bakery and cafe known for its loaf cakes, warm breads, and pastries. Their butter loaf cake is a popular choice for those looking for pasalubong (souvenirs).

Rico's Lechon: A popular restaurant for lechon, or roast pig. They offer Carcar-style lechon, which is known for its juicy meat and crispy skin.

House of Lechon: Another well-known restaurant for lechon, serving it Carcar-style. They also offer a variety of Filipino cuisines, including grilled tuna, kinilaw, baked scallops, and sisig.

Lantaw Native Restaurant: A restaurant with three branches offering magnificent views. The Cordova branch is an open-air floating restaurant great for sunset drinks and grilled and seafood dishes. The Busay branch offers a stunning view of Cebu City at night.

AA BBQ: Cebu's iconic dining place for barbecue dishes like grilled pork belly, seafood, and chicken. They have eight branches across Cebu City.

STK Ta Bay!: A restaurant in an ancestral home turned into a dining space. They offer three types of local cooking: sugba (grilling), tula (clear fish soup), and kilaw (cooking seafood in vinegar and calamansi). Their specialty is the Tuna Panga (grilled tuna jaw).

Hukad: A restaurant serving native dishes in a relaxed and homey ambiance. They are known for their crispy pata, lechon belly, baked scallops, kare-kare, and other seafood specialties, along with unlimited rice.

Golden Cowrie Filipino Kitchen: A restaurant serving Filipino cuisine with a homey atmosphere. They are known for their crispy pata, sinigang baboy, Bicol Express, and Chicken Pandan. They also offer vegetarian dishes like pinakbet and meatless sisig.

Larsian's Sobragana: A barbecue square-type strip with numerous stalls offering grilled meat and seafood dishes, as well as chorizo longganisa. It is a great place for an affordable feast and an authentic Cebuano experience.

Top of Cebu: A restaurant offering tasty Filipino dishes with a modern twist and panoramic views of the city's skyline. It provides an unforgettable dining experience with its scrumptious menu and foggy weather during the day, and luminous views at night.

Chika-an sa Cebu: A restaurant serving Filipino cuisine in an old-style Filipino home setting. Their Utan Bisaya (native vegetable soup) is a common dish among locals and a standout dish at Chika-an.

Kan-anan at Parklane International Hotel: A restaurant offering an array of Cebuano specialty dishes, allowing diners to experience Cebuano cuisine without travelling across the island. Their house specialties include Lansyaw (stewed bull

How to get around Cebu

Cebu is one of the Philippines' largest provinces in terms of land area and population. It is also one of the busiest and most developed hubs in the country, with a variety of transport options available for locals and tourists.

By Land

Jeepney

The jeepney is the most popular means of transportation in the Philippines. These colourful vehicles, converted from old US military vehicles, follow scheduled routes and are available in different versions, including modernised versions with air conditioning and expanded seating capacity. Jeepneys are the cheapest and most convenient mode of transportation for short distances, and cost no more than 10 pesos for a ride within Cebu City.

Multi-Cab

Multi-cabs are vans or mini pick-up trucks that accommodate luggage better than jeepneys. They have the same minimum fare as jeepneys but take shorter trips that may require transfers.

Bus

Buses are a standard public transportation choice for both long and short trips. Within cities, bus fares are 0.12 pesos for the first five kilometres, with a 0.03 peso increase for every additional kilometre. For long trips, tourists must choose between the North and South Bus Terminals, depending on their destination. The fare usually ranges from 3 to 5 pesos.

Tricycle

Motorised tricycles are the Philippine version of the auto-rickshaw. They can accommodate up to 4 passengers but are best used for short distances as they are not especially comfortable or quick. The regular tricycle rate is 0.15 pesos, but passengers may request a private ride at a higher fee.

Taxi

Taxis can be found everywhere in Cebu City. It is best to use a metered taxi and ensure that the driver puts the meter on. The yellow metered taxis in Metro Cebu are licensed airport taxis and are slightly more expensive than the white cars. It is best to avoid private taxis as they usually charge exorbitant fares.

App-based taxi services such as Grab and Easy are also available, with fares negotiated before the driver picks up the passenger.

Motorcycle Taxi (Habal-Habal)

The Habal-Habal is an unregulated form of transportation and is not usually recommended for tourists. However, these motorcycle-scooter rides for hire are common in Cebu and can be found in common places such as markets, offices and schools. Fares are usually agreed on through an app but can also be arranged in person.

By Sea

Ferry

Ferries are a common mode of transportation for locals in Cebu, which is surrounded by the sea. For tourists, this can be a good alternative for lower transportation prices. Different ferries offer various travel times, and the shorter the travel time, the more expensive the ticket. Fares start from 25 to 400 pesos, based on the facilities and travel time chosen.

Boat

Boats offer a great way to travel around Cebu Province and get to other islands such as Bohol. Cebu City alone has five ferry terminals, from which you can get to a wide range of destinations.

Frequently asked questions