Discover Cebu

Explore world-class dive sites, chase waterfalls, hike scenic trails, and discover Cebu’s pristine islands.

Cebu Travel Guide

Located in the heart of the Philippine archipelago, Cebu city is a gateway to over 150 islands waiting to be explored. With a rich history and multifaceted culture, the city offers a glimpse into the country’s past through its preserved historic relics.

Cebu also boasts inviting natural attractions such as white sand beaches, pristine waters, rich marine life for diving and snorkeling, verdant mountains, mysterious caves, and challenging trails for outdoor sports activities.

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Cebu is easily accessible by air through Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), the second busiest airport in the Philippines.

It offers direct international flights from major cities like Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Dubai, as well as numerous daily domestic flights from Manila, Davao, Boracay, Palawan, and more.

Cebu is a major hub for ferry travel in the Visayas. Several shipping lines offer regular routes from nearby islands such as Bohol, Leyte, Negros, and Mindanao. Passenger ferries from Manila also operate on a scheduled basis. Popular options include OceanJet, 2GO and SuperCat.

Cebu offers a variety of transport options to suit every traveler:

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps: Taxis are readily available, especially in Cebu City and Mactan. For convenience and fixed rates, download Grab, the most popular ride-hailing app in the Philippines.

Motorbike Ride Services: For quicker and more affordable trips, especially during traffic, try Angkas or Move It. These motorbike ride-hailing apps are perfect for solo travelers on the go.

Private Vans and Car Rentals: Ideal for families or groups exploring destinations like Oslob, Moalboal, or Kawasan Falls.

Public Transport: Jeepneys and buses connect most towns and cities. While cheap, they can be confusing for first-timers.

Motorbike Rentals: In tourist spots like Moalboal and Oslob, renting a motorbike gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Top Attractions in Cebu

Best Time to Visit Cebu

Cebu is a stunning year-round destination, offering travelers a perfect blend of cultural experiences, pristine beaches, and thrilling outdoor activities. However, knowing the best time to visit Cebu can enhance your experience, ensuring ideal weather and fewer crowds for your adventure.

Cebu is a year-round destination that can be visited at any time of the year. Cebu is a tropical area where rainfall is quite common and occurs throughout the year. Typically, December and January are the rainiest months and March and April stand out as the driest months in Cebu.

High seasons

The holiday season and Easter break, from December to early June, are the busiest times of the year in Cebu. During this period, expect larger crowds and higher hotel rates. March and April are the driest months in Cebu.

Low Season

The low season in Cebu runs from June to November. During this period visitors can still enjoy Cebu’s attractions and activities, often with fewer crowds and more affordable prices for accommodations and tours.

Santo Niño Sinulog Festival

The Santo Niño Sinulog Festival in Cebu is celebrated every third Sunday of January, which is typically during the high season for tourism in the province. The festival is one of the most important and grandest celebrations in the Philippines, attracting millions of visitors from all over the country and around the world.

The festival is characterized by colorful and vibrant parades, processions, and street dancing, where participants wear traditional costumes and dance to the beat of the drums. The Sinulog dance, which is the highlight of the festival, is a two-steps-forward, one-step-backward movement that represents the flow of the current in the Pahina River, where the Santo Niño was found.

The festival attracts millions of visitors from all over the Philippines and around the world, making it one of the biggest and most popular festivals in the country. In addition to the religious and cultural activities, the festival also features a variety of food fairs, concerts, and other fun activities.

Typhoon Season

Cebu experiences typhoon season typically from June to December, with the highest chance of storms between August and October. While Cebu is less frequently hit compared to other parts of the Philippines, occasional heavy rains and strong winds can affect travel plans. It’s best to monitor weather updates and plan accordingly during these months.

Best time for diving

Diving in Cebu is possible year-round, but the best conditions are typically from March to June, when the seas are calm, visibility is excellent, and weather is mostly dry.

The rainy season (June to November) can still offer good diving, especially in protected areas, but occasional rough seas and reduced visibility are possible.

December to February brings cooler water temperatures and slightly choppier seas, yet it’s still a good time to dive, especially for spotting certain marine life.

Classic Cebu Tour Options:

Whale Shark Watching

Cebu Oslob Whale Shark Watching is a popular tourist activity in the municipality of Oslob, located in the southern part of Cebu province, Philippines. The activity involves observing whale sharks up close in their natural habitat.

During the whale shark watching, visitors can ride a small boat and observe the gentle giants swimming and feeding in the waters of Tan-awan, Oslob. The whale sharks, locally known as “butanding,” can grow up to 12 meters long and are considered the largest fish in the world. They are filter feeders, and visitors can witness them opening their wide mouths to filter the water and collect plankton.

Moalboal and Pescador island

The Moalboal and Pescador Island Day Trip is a popular activity in Cebu, Philippines. Visitors can snorkel or dive around Pescador Island, which is surrounded by colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life. Additionally, visitors can witness the famous sardine run, a natural phenomenon where millions of sardines swim together in large schools, creating a breathtaking sight.

Cebu sightseeing

A Cebu City Tour is a popular activity where visitors can explore historic sites such as Magellan’s Cross, Basilica del Santo Niño, and Fort San Pedro. The tour also includes visits to modern landmarks such as the Taoist Temple, Sirao Garden and Ocean Park. Overall, it’s a great way to experience the rich history and culture of one of the Philippines’ oldest cities.

Kawasan Falls Canyoneering

Kawasan Falls Canyoneering in Cebu, Philippines, is an adventurous activity that involves hiking, jumping, and swimming through a canyon leading to the stunning Kawasan Falls. Visitors can choose from different levels of difficulty and should be prepared for a physically demanding adventure. With experienced guides and safety equipment provided, it’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of Cebu’s landscape.

Discovering Cebu in 4 days:

Day 1: Arrival in Cebu City – City Tour

Upon arriving in Cebu City, embark on a city tour to explore its rich culture and history. Visit landmarks such as Magellan’s Cross, Fort San Pedro, and the Basilica del Santo Niño. Afterward, you can stroll around the bustling streets of Colon and indulge in some local street food.

Day 2: Oslob Whale Shark Watching – Moalboal

Start your day with an unforgettable experience – whale shark watching in Oslob. Then, head to Moalboal and explore its stunning beaches and marine life. Snorkeling and diving are highly recommended activities here.

Day 3: Moalboal Sardine Run – Pescador Island – Kawasan Falls Canyoneering

On day three, experience the famous sardine run in Moalboal and discover the vibrant underwater world. Afterward, take a boat ride to Pescador Island and witness its breathtaking beauty. Later, head to Kawasan Falls and try out the exciting canyoneering adventure, which involves jumping and swimming in natural pools and streams. In the late afternoon, return to Cebu City.

Day 4: Departure from Cebu

On your last day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and depart from the city with unforgettable memories of your trip.

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Our Favorite Places to Eat

Pig & Palm — A more sophisticated dining option in Cebu City, offering creative modern cuisine in a stylish setting. It is ideal for travellers looking for a refined dining experience.
House of Lechon — One of the best-known places to try Cebu’s iconic lechon. It has also been highlighted by the Michelin Guide as a recommended place to experience this famous Cebuano speciality.
Sugbo Mercado — A lively outdoor night food market at IT Park, similar to a large open-air food court. It offers a wide selection of local and international dishes, with music and a fun atmosphere making it popular with both locals and visitors.
Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant — a floating restaurant overlooking the sea, offering Filipino and international cuisine. The Cordova branch on Mactan Island serves grilled dishes and fresh seafood with spectacular sunset views.

Best Souvenirs & Pasalubong

Dried Mangoes — Cebu is famous for producing some of the Philippines’ sweetest mangoes. These juicy fruits are sliced and naturally dried, creating a delicious chewy snack. For an indulgent treat, try chocolate-dipped dried mangoes.
Otap — A traditional Cebuano pastry made from thin, flaky layers of dough, shaped into an oval and generously sprinkled with sugar. Light, crisp and slightly sweet, otap is a popular local snack and easy souvenir.
Rosquillos — These crunchy, ring-shaped butter biscuits originated in Liloan, Cebu. Lightly sweet and crisp, they are traditionally enjoyed with coffee or tea. Titay’s is the classic and most recognisable brand to look for.
Carcar Chicharon — Cebu’s famous crispy pork rinds are a must-try for savoury snack lovers. The best versions combine crunchy skin with seasoned meat, creating a rich and satisfying local delicacy associated with the town of Carcar.
Guitars & Ukuleles — Mactan Island is renowned for its skilled guitar makers, who produce beautiful handmade instruments using local woods such as mahogany, jackfruit and kamagong. They make unique souvenirs for music lovers.

Recommended Accommodations

There are many hotels in Cebu City and Mactan Island to suit different budgets and preferences.

In Cebu City, some popular hotel locations include the central business district, which is near shopping malls and entertainment areas, and the uptown area, which offers a quieter and more upscale experience.

In Mactan Island, the hotels are primarily located along the coastline, offering stunning ocean views and easy access to the beach.

The choice of which hotel is more convenient ultimately depends on your travel plans and preferences. If you want to be close to the airport and beach, Mactan Island may be a better option. If you prefer to be in the heart of the city, Cebu City may be a better fit.

Seda Ayala Center Cebu - 4★

Located in the heart of Cebu Business Park, Seda Ayala Center Cebu offers 301 well-appointed rooms and suites. The hotel features an outdoor pool, fitness center, and Misto restaurant, which serves a variety of local and international dishes. Guests appreciate its proximity to Ayala Center Cebu, making it convenient for shopping and dining.

Seda Central Block Cebu - 4★

Situated in Cebu I.T. Park, Seda Central Bloc Cebu is a 17-story hotel offering a mix of hotel rooms and serviced residences. Amenities include a rooftop pool, fitness center, and restaurant. The hotel provides direct access to Ayala Malls Central Bloc, catering to both business and leisure travelers.

Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan - 5★

Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan is one of the finest beachfront resorts in Mactan, combining tropical elegance with modern comfort. Surrounded by lush gardens and overlooking the sea, it offers stylish rooms and private villas, an infinity pool, a private beach and a relaxing spa. Family-friendly and packed with activities, the resort offers water sports, snorkelling excursions and a fun foam party every Saturday, making it an excellent choice for both couples and families.

Cebu Useful information

Planning a trip to Puerto Princesa? Here’s everything you need to know . Make your stay smooth and enjoyable with our quick guide.

Payment Options:

Cash is still widely used, especially in smaller shops, local eateries, and public transport. However, credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, malls, and major restaurants. Mobile payment apps like GCash and Maya are increasingly popular, especially in urban areas.

Internet Access:

Cebu City has good internet coverage. Most hotels, cafés, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi, though speeds may vary. For reliable and faster connection, especially when on the go, consider getting a local SIM card with a data plan.

Buying a SIM Card:

You can easily buy a local SIM card from major providers like Globe or Smart at the airport, convenience stores, or shopping malls. They offer affordable prepaid data plans ideal for tourists, and registration is usually quick with a valid ID or passport.

Cebu Scuba Diving

When it comes to scuba diving in Cebu, the island offers an incredible range of dive sites—from hidden gems to world-famous underwater experiences. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a beginner looking for vibrant marine life, Cebu has something for everyone.

Malapascua Island

Known as Cebu’s premier diving destination, Malapascua is one of the few places in the world where you can dive with thresher sharks year-round. This once-in-a-lifetime encounter makes it a bucket-list destination for divers.

Moalboal

A must-visit for anyone scuba diving in Cebu, Moalboal is famous for its phenomenal sardine run—millions of sardines swirling just a few meters from shore. It’s an unforgettable experience that draws divers from around the world.

Hilutongan Island

Hilutongan delivers some of the best scuba diving in Cebu with its dense fish population, resident turtles, and schools of trevally, snapper, and jacks. Its crystal-clear waters and colorful coral landscapes create a truly magical dive experience.

Oslob

Oslob is world-renowned for diving and snorkeling with whale sharks—the gentle giants of the sea. While controversial among purists due to the feeding practices, many divers still choose Oslob for a close and awe-inspiring shark encounter. Dive sites nearby also offer coral reefs and macro life worth exploring.

Talima, Olango Island

Just a short boat ride from Cebu City and Mactan, Talima offers colorful corals, diverse marine life, and excellent visibility. It’s a convenient and rewarding dive site for both beginners and experienced divers.

Nalusuan Island

Located within a marine protected area, Nalusuan is a man-made island offering stunning coral gardens, a vibrant shallow reef, and a dramatic slope. It’s a popular diving destination thanks to its rich biodiversity and easy access.

Bantayan Island

Often overlooked, Bantayan Island offers a peaceful escape and surprisingly healthy coral gardens waiting to be explored. Its tranquil waters and off-the-beaten-path charm make it a perfect choice for divers looking to avoid the crowds.