Welcome to Cebu Island – a little spot of paradise we proudly call home. The island is blessed with pristine sandy beaches, crystal-clear oceans and a plethora of waterfalls waiting to be explored. Whether you are drawn to hiking with breathtaking viewpoints or diving down to the depths, Cebu offers an array of activities tailored for both adrenaline seekers and nature enthusiasts.
While we have highlighted the island’s top tourist spots, we have also listed several secret places in Cebu, helping you to have an incredible off-the-beaten path adventure.
Cebu Island is easily accessible both domestically and internationally. With its international Airport in Lapu-Lapu (Mactan), the adjoining island, it is easy to book flights from abroad or from other islands in the Philippines.
Cebu also has various Ports, with daily ferries travelling all over the country. It is usually cheaper to use the ferries rather than flights. If you do choose to fly – Make sure you book in advance, otherwise the tickets get pretty pricey!
Top Tip: The easiest way to get to Cebu is to book a flight using Trip.com or book a ferry using 12Go.
Best Time To Visit Cebu
The best time to visit Cebu is during the dry season: December – May.
However, if you wish to visit off-peak season – it has its perks – fewer crowds, less waiting and cheaper accommodation! The downside of doing this is that you may have to battle with heavy rainfall and tropical storms.
Cebu Island Map
How to Get Around Cebu
- Tricycle
- Motorcycle Rentals:
- Public Transport:
Easily navigate around the island using jeepneys and busses. For longer journeys make sure to use a bus!
- Private Car Rental:
You can rent a car from Cebu airport and use it to create an unforgettable road trip around the island.
Secret Places In Cebu
1 - Mt Manunggal
Little known to most, Cebu has some outstanding camping spots. Perhaps you want to extend your hike up Osmena Peak and set up a tent. Or, head over to Mt Manunggal – Our favourite camping spot. Pitch your tent at the campsite, unwind, play a card game and enjoy some home-cooked food. There is a short 30-minute hike nearby, which will take you to a fabulous viewpoint overlooking the mountains. What makes this campsite unique, is its view deck which enables you to have an impressive panoramic view of both the sunrise and the sunset!
2 - Budlaan Falls
Unlike its South Cebu counterparts, Budlaan Falls is a serene and tranquil waterfall close to Cebu City. The scenic 20-minute hike from the drop-off point offers a refreshing escape from the bustling city life. While guides are available (often at extortionate rates), the falls are relatively straightforward to find independently.
3 - Binalayan Falls
Binalayan is a picturesque waterfall tucked away in the southern part of the island. Visitors typically start with a peaceful trek through the forest to reach these enchanting multi-tiered falls. Whilst not the most impressive in terms of height, its serene atmosphere and thrilling cliff-jumping opportunities make it a destination well worth exploring.
4 - Dalaguete's Turtle Watching
One of the best secret places in Cebu lies within Na Del Mar, a tranquil beach resort in Dalaguete. The resort features a swimming pool, water slide and superb cuisine at reasonable rates, whilst rooms offer balconies with stunning ocean views. The true magic unfolds at nightfall, when giant sea turtles often visit the neighbouring reef, venturing close to the shoreline. Though swimming is prohibited after dark (a welcome measure to protect these creatures), witnessing their evening visits creates an enchanting experience.
5 - Blue Hole Spring
Located in Northern Cebu, The Blue Hole Spring is an epic swimming spot, surrounded by luscious vegetation. Whilst it remains off the typical tourist trail, it’s best to visit on a weekday to avoid the local crowds.
Other Secret Places In Cebu:
- Marmol Cliff: Dramatic seaside cliffs offering stunning ocean views.
- Anapog Public Beach: Local beach spot with basic facilities.
- Maravilla Beach: Quiet beach area perfect for day trips.
- Agtugop Cold Spring: Natural spring pool ideal for cooling off on hot days.
- Papa Kit’s Marina: Adventure park offering various activities including zip-lining and fishing.
- Capitancillo Island: This small island is perfect for snorkelling and diving.
- Bojo River Cruise: A picturesque glass-bottomed boat ride through mangroves where you can spot turtles
- Casino Peak: A panoramic view point
Top Activities & Tourist Spots in Cebu
1 - Kawasan Canyoneering
An experience like no other and certainly a must-try is canyoneering in Cebu. Spanned across 4 hours, you will experience swimming, trekking, jumping, climbing and a Tarzan Swing. Throw yourself off of the canyon, into bright blue waters. With an optional zipline at the start, the adventure is bound to fuel your adrenaline rush. Most tours come with an amazing home-cooked Filipino lunch after your adventure.
2 - Chase waterfalls around Cebu
Cebu has over 40 impressive waterfalls, many of which are often overlooked by most backpackers. The most famous is Kawasan Falls (it is gorgeous but always extremely busy). We recommend the following alternative waterfalls: Dao, Inambakan, Aguinid, Cambais, Budlaan, and Binalayan Falls.
3 - Unwind On Cebu's Sandy Beaches
The Philippines is famous for its beaches – White and golden beaches lapping with crystal clear shorelines and gorgeous house reefs. It can often be overwhelming to decide on which ones to choose. A popular beach in Moalboal is White Sand Beach. A less-known but extremely aesthetic beach is Hermits Cove. This beach is often frequented by turtles and has a great place to snorkel just off the beach.
4 - Hike Osmena Peak
Strap on your trainers and head up high in the mountains. This is a relatively easy trek, that gives you a jaw-dropping view. From this viewpoint, you will get panoramic views across the island. See the ocean, mountains and city all from one spot!
5 - Dive with Thresher Sharks
Experience diving with an extremely impressive shark. For qualified divers, this activity is unmissable. With a 10m long tail, a thresher shark is something every diver should have on their bucket list. Although sightings aren’t guaranteed, sharks frequently visit this dive site, so it is worth diving here. For the friendliest guides, dive with Malapascua Thresher Shark Divers.
Looking for more unforgettable dive sites? Check out our top 10 Diving spots in the Philippines.
6 - Snorkel With Sardines
It is not every day you come across an ocean activity with a guaranteed outcome. Just a short distance off the coast of Moalboal lies a shoal of thousands of sardines. You can opt to dive here, but snorkelling is cheaper and often just as impressive. Head to Panagsama Beach, rent a snorkel and swim about 20 meters off the coastline to find the sardines. Watch as the sardines elegantly twist and turn together in a giant ball. It is a freediver’s paradise in Moalboal!
7 - Island Hop in Mactan
If you are staying in Cebu City or a resort in Mactan, book an island-hopping tour of the surrounding islands. Swim, snorkel or simply soak up the sun’s rays. Many nearby islands offer pristine seas and vibrant coral reefs. Don’t forget to bring your GoPro!
8 - Sumilion Island
Enjoy a boat ride out to this powdery white sandbar that is bound to impress. Surrounded by a tranquil clear sea, it is the perfect place to take a dip and marvel at the beauty the Philippines beholds.
9 - Explore Busay
Take a ride out of Cebu City and into the mountains of Busay. Busay provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, providing things to do both in the daytime and at night. If you are searching for a romantic restaurant, Check out Woods by Moana. For a fantastic laid-back vibe overlooking the city lights, explore La Parisienne Sky. Or Enjoy Japanese food and relax on the hanging nets at Liel’s Kitchen. You can relax with a coffee and a card game in the daytime at Charlie’s Cup or Maharlicup. There is a local waterfall (Budlaan) nearby Busay, which is worth a visit.
10 - Historical Sites - Fort San Pedro
If you are in Cebu City, head to Fort San Pedro to learn about the history of Cebu and the Philippines. This well-preserved fort is a tangible testament to Cebu’s colonial past. Wander through the ancient walls and marvel at the impressive Spanish architecture.
11 - Food Trip in The City
Filipino food is often looked down on by backpackers. Myself included. When I first arrived in the Philippines, I couldn’t quite put a finger on what exactly ‘Filipino Food’ was. Here are my top recommendations. Eat Lechon in the Cebu or Talisay. Enjoy Siomai and Puso (hanging rice) in Tisa. Visit a local BBQ stand and devour their skewers. Enjoy Chicken Adobo, Monggos or Bicol Express at a Calenderia (the food places at the side of the street with big silver pots and pans). If you are looking for a quick sweet snack, ask a local bakery if they have Pain De Coco (6php) – They are best eaten earlier in the day when they are freshly baked.
Top Tip: The key to choosing good Filipino food is to eat where the locals eat – If it is busy and crowded by locals, then it probably has a great reputation!
Are you looking to extend your trip? Explore the Visayas interactive map to see the best attractions, towns and bucket list activities found near Cebu.
Cebu Tours
Unlock the Best of Cebu: The Top Experiences to Book Right Now!
Engage yourself in 3-4 hours of jumping, swimming, climbing and Tarzan swings followed by an amazing Filipino lunch.
Experience the highlights of South Cebu with this ultimate 3-in-1 package deal.
Experience a private tour snorkelling with Sardines and if you are lucky – turtles!
Oslob Whale Shark Tourism
Is it Ethical or Unethical? Personal Opinion
Snorkelling with whale sharks has always been a bucket list experience for me, something I have dreamed of since I was a child. Despite living in Cebu, I have not, and will not, visit Oslob to see the Whale Sharks.
Why? The activity has faced huge criticism due to concerns for the environment. In Oslob, whale sharks are often fed by local fishermen to attract them to the area for tourists. This has majorly altered the migration patterns and behaviour of the whale sharks. The close proximity and unethical procedures of some tourists (i.e. touching/attempting to ride the whale sharks) can cause disease to spread to these majestic creatures.
The experience here is unethical and lacks authenticity, taking away the magic of seeing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
It is best to look for alternative snorkelling spots with ethical practices in Leyte or Donsol.
Cebu Travel Advice
- Cebu City is Noisy
Karaoke is pretty much the national sport in the Philippines. Whether it’s a Sunday at 7 am or Tuesday at 1 am, guaranteed someone nearby is belting out their favourite song. Bring headphones or earplugs with you.
- Begging
In the city, begging is very common. Although it seems like the best thing to give them money, often enough it is better to buy them a meal, especially if it is kids.
- Haggling
Don’t be afraid to haggle, but be reasonable. $1 for you might not be a lot, but for a local seller, that can make a big difference. On the other hand, always be wary of the ‘travel tax’ they add to foreigners, especially for transportation and guides. Tricycle, taxi and van drivers often overcharge foreigners. Ask the locals how much they paid.
- Money
Cash is king in the Philippines. Make sure you always have notes and small change on you. Often enough, the only place you can use your credit card is in malls and at the ATM. Be warned, the ATM charges a 250php fee per withdrawal. It is best to take out the limit (10,000php) for each withdrawal to prevent those fees from racking up.
- Taxis
Never, ever get in an unmetered taxi. That is exactly how you get scammed. Book a Grab (Asia’s version of Uber) instead to avoid the hassle of bargaining with the driver. If you do use a taxi, ensure it is metered and make sure the meter does not stop at any point during the trip.
Need help planning? Check out our guide to South Cebu and our North Cebu Itinerary.
More Things To Do & Secret Places In Cebu
- Explore South Cebu
- Chase waterfalls in Cebu
- Explore Samboan’s tourist spots
- Beach Bum In Bantayan
- Roadtrip North Cebu (Most of the secret places in Cebu are located in the North, as less tourists visit here).
Thank you for reading our blog!
We are Em & Yul – An English & Filipino Travel Couple. Now based in Cebu, we frequently explore the best destinations, hidden gems and cultural attractions across the Philippines.
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