Welcome To South Cebu – A haven for nature lovers, ocean enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Whether you are backpacking through the island, or a local Cebuano looking to escape the city, south Cebu promises an adventure packed with nature, tranquil oceans and a chance to escape busy city life.
The landmarks in south Cebu make us proud to call this island our home. With jaw-dropping waterfalls, white sand beaches and peaks with 360-degree views, Cebu beholds many pristine places rich with natural beauty.
This guide will explore the top South Cebu tourist spots and the best resorts, itineraries and logistics for a trip to Cebu.
Top 5 South Cebu Tourist Spots
- Kawasan Falls - Famous for canyoneering
- Moalboal Sardine Run - Year-round marine attraction
- Osmena Peak - Highest viewpoint in Cebu
- Sumilon Sandbar - Pristine white sandbar
- Pescador Island - Premier diving spot
Best South Cebu Beaches Ranked
- White Beach, Moalboal - Best for swimming
- Lambug Beach - Most pristine
- Hermits Cove - Best for snorkeling
- Panagsama Beach - Best for diving
- Sumilon Island Beach - Most exclusive
Most Epic South Cebu Tourist Spots & Activites
Kawasan canyoneering
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Waterfall hopping
- Dao
- Kawasan
- Inambakan
- Aguinid
- And many more
Snorkelling with sardines
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Hiking
- Osmena Peak
- Casino Peak
- Kandungaw Peak
Scuba diving Pescador Island
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Explore the best South Cebu beaches
- Hermits Cove
- Lambug Beach
- White Beach
- Panagsama
Bojo River Cruise
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Sumilion Sandbar
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Snorkel with whale sharks (we don’t recommend this)
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Explore nearby islands
- Negros Island
- Siquijor
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.
Check Out The Best South Cebu Waterfalls
Cebu has over 40 unique waterfalls, all with their unique charm. Some are easily accessible by the side of the road, and others require a hike to access the falls. Explore cascading falls with bright blue pools or discover quieter secluded waterfalls, where you will have the place all to yourself!
The most famous is Kawasan Falls, but with that label, comes crowds, and lots of it. If you are looking for a tall, easily accessible waterfall, explore Mantyupan or Inambakan Falls.
Perhaps you crave a less busy waterfall? Head to Cambais or Montpellier Falls in Alegria
For jaw-dropping falls with an incredible nature trek, head to Dao Falls.
If you are looking for somewhere more secluded, explore Binalayan Falls or for the adventurous souls, climb up the eight layers of Aguinid Falls!
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!
If you only have time to do one of these South Cebu tourist spots, make it this one!
Hike A Peak
When most people think of the Philippines, they associate the country with its beaches and island life. Most people don’t realise that the country has fabulous hiking and viewpoints.
One of the most famous South Cebu tourist spots is Osmena Peak. At approximately 1000m above sea level, this is the highest point on the island, allowing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the coastlines of Cebu and neighbouring islands.
As this is a well-established attraction, the hike is only 30 minutes long following the drop-off point. To make your trip even more magical, complete the hike in time for sunrise or sunset!
If you seek a longer, secluded hike, head to the nearby Casino Hiking Trail or Kandungaw Peak.
Go Scuba Diving
Scuba diving throughout the Philippines is gorgeous. Cebu has several accessible dive sites with healthy corals and diverse marine life!
In South Cebu, the best dive sites are located around Moalboal. Dive at one of the house reefs or take a boat trip to the nearby Pescador island. With vibrant corals, a chance to encounter turtles and captivating dive sites, diving here is a must!
Explore The Best South Cebu Beaches
South Cebu has some pretty impressive beaches. Explore white sand beaches, azure coastlines and fabulous spots to relax.
Our favourite? Hermits Cove! Nestled below the cliff face, the beach is often quiet and ambient. With a handful of local BBQ stalls here, you can enjoy freshly grilled fish on the beach. Or perhaps sit back and relax as the gentle waves lap against the golden sand beach. The highlight of this underrated South Cebu tourist spot is its small, but colourful reef nearby. Turtles regularly visit here to feed, making snorkelling a welcome and thrilling attraction.
A more famous beach is the White Beach in Moalboal. With its stunning sand, it is a great place to sunbathe. Feeling active? Take to the ocean for some fantastic kayaking, swimming or snorkelling.
Another gorgeous beach is Lambug. This beach, located a little off the beaten track, is less busy than those in nearby Moalboal. The only downside to this beach is the 45php entrance fee!
More South Cebu Tourist Spots
Bojo River Cruise
Enjoy a glass-bottomed boat ride along this jaw-dropping river. During the peaceful ride, sit back and enjoy the mangroves, spot turtles and absorb the peaceful nature! The mangroves attract a plethora of birds to the area. Feeling hot? Take a dip in the refreshing water and snorkel above the gorgeous coral reefs.
Sumilon Sandbar
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.
Oslob Whale Sharks Snorkeling
A popular activity in South Cebu is to snorkel with the whale sharks in Oslob. Witnessing these creatures is magical, however, the practices here are unethical and impact the marine environment. It is best to bypass this activity.
Explore Nearby Islands
South Cebu is near Negros Oriental and Siquijor. If you want to explore more of the Philippines, book a ferry and take a few days to explore another island!
Explore The Top South Cebu Tourist Spots Using This Itinerary
Day 1-3: Moalboal
- Kawasan Canyoneering
- Snorkel with Sardines
- Visit Panagasama and White Beach
- Explore Lambug Beach
- Scuba Dive at Pescador Island
- Visit Waterfalls: Cambais, Binalayan, Kawasan, Montpellier
Day 4-6: Dalaguete & Oslob
- Hike Osmena or Casino Peak
- Visit Tumalog FallsÂ
- Visit Sumilon Sandbar
Want to explore North Cebu as well? Check out this epic North Cebu itinerary
South Cebu Tour Packages
If you find planning tedious and prefer a hassle-free trip, why not opt for a prearranged tour? Experience the finest South Cebu tourist spots without the headache of organizing travel logistics.
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!
Are you looking for a different tour? Check out Tripadvisor or Viator for all the top tours in Cebu Island
How To Get To The South Cebu Tourist Spots
From Cebu City
- Public Bus: Head to the South Bus Terminal and catch an air-conditioned Ceres bus heading south. Buses run frequently from early morning until evening, with fares ranging from ₱150-300 depending on your destination (2-4 hours to Moalboal).
- Van: These private minivans depart from various terminals in Cebu City, offering a faster but slightly more expensive option (₱200-400 per person).
Private Transportation
- Rental Van with Driver: The most comfortable and convenient option, especially for groups. Expect to pay ₱3,500-5,000 per day, including driver and fuel. This gives you flexibility to personalise your itinerary and stop wherever you like. Most hotels can arrange this, or you can book your van rental here.
- Grab: Available for trips from Cebu City to nearby destinations, though prepare for higher fares for long-distance journeys.
Local Transportation
- Motorbike Rental: A popular option for exploring once you’re based in towns like Moalboal or Oslob. Daily rates range from ₱400-600, and most guesthouses can arrange rentals. Always check the bike’s condition and take photos before renting. Note that you’ll need an international driver’s license.
- Habal-habal (Motorcycle taxi): Available for short trips within towns or to nearby attractions. Negotiate the price before riding (typically ₱50-150 per trip).
- Tricycle: Good for short distances within towns, with fares from ₱20-50 per person depending on distance.
Staying Near The Popular South Cebu Tourist Spots
Which Town Should I Stay In?
Choosing the perfect base for your South Cebu adventure depends on your travel style and priorities. Here’s a breakdown of the best towns to stay in:
Moalboal
Perfect for social butterflies and diving enthusiasts, Moalboal offers the liveliest atmosphere among South Cebu’s coastal towns. The town boasts quality hostels ranging from budget-friendly dorms (₱500-800/night) to mid-range private rooms (₱1,500-3,000/night). It’s an ideal base for snorkelling, diving, and canyoneering tours, with plenty of tour operators in town. The energetic nightlife scene includes beachfront bars and restaurants where you can meet fellow travellers.
Alegria
If you prefer a more laid-back vibe surrounded by nature, Alegria makes an excellent choice. This charming town offers easy access to stunning waterfalls like Cambais and Cancalanog, and pristine beaches without Moalboal’s crowds. While accommodation options are more limited, you’ll find peaceful guesthouses and boutique resorts that put you right at nature’s doorstep.
Dalaguete and Oslob
These towns (located on the eastern coast) offer quality resorts and hotels for those seeking more comfort. Dalaguete provides convenient access to Osmeña Peak, while Oslob is famous for whale shark watching. Both towns feature well-appointed accommodations ranging from mid-range to luxury options.
Nadelmar Resort in Dalaguete is an affordable and peaceful option. They often have giant turtles appearing on the beach in the evenings!
While it’s possible to visit South Cebu’s highlights on an organised day trip from Cebu City, it involves spending many hours on the road and rushing through attractions. To truly experience the magic of these South Cebu tourist spots, spend at least one night in the southern region, allowing you to explore at a relaxed pace and fully immerse yourself in the local atmosphere of your chosen town.
Best South Cebu Resorts
Cebu has plentiful top-quality resorts featuring fabulous outdoor pools, 5* luxurious accommodations, and world-class amenities. From secluded boutique resorts to expansive beachfront properties, South Cebu has a resort for everyone.
Moalboal: The Blue Orchid Resort & Turtle Bay Diver Resort
Badian: Badian Island Wellness Resort & Cuestas Beach Resort
Dalaguete: Na Del Mar
South Cebu FAQ
While you could rush through the main highlights in 2-3 days, allocating 4-5 days allows you to properly experience the region’s best tourist spots without feeling rushed, including time for diving or snorkelling in Moalboal, chasing waterfalls, and visiting attractions like Kawasan Falls and Osmeña Peak.
While you could rush through the main highlights in 2-3 days, allocating 4-5 days allows you to properly experience the best South Cebu tourist spots without feeling rushed, including time for diving or snorkelling in Moalboal, chasing waterfalls, and visiting attractions like Kawasan Falls and Osmeña Peak.
A budget traveller can explore South Cebu on ₱800-3,000 per day including basic accommodation, local food, and transportation, while mid-range travellers should budget ₱5,000-8,000 daily for comfortable hotels, restaurant meals, and organized tours.
More Things To Do In Cebu
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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.Â
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