So, you’re going to visit Cebu, and you’re looking for the best Cebu Tourist Spots to check out.
Get ready for a real treat!
Cebu is one of the best travel destinations in the Philippines, packed with all kinds of adventures.
From swimming with whale sharks to jumping off Gatorade-blue waterfalls…
…diving with sharks to watching the sunset from the peak of luscious mountains…
…sunbathing on white sand beaches to exploring the ruins of old Spanish forts…
…Cebu has it all.
Let me tell you this.
Most people visit the island, do one or two activities, then leave for the next island.
DON’T DO THIS!
Stay in Cebu, explore the diversities to your heart’s content, and come away fulfilled, stunned with beauty, and rich with so many amazing memories.
So, ready to explore Cebu’s top tourist spots with me?
Let’s go!
Cebu Travel Zone #1: Cebu City
Here’s something I’ve learned from experience.
A ton of tourists land at Mactan Cebu International Airport, look around in confusion, and go…
“What’s going on?”
They don’t see the pristine white beaches and emerald waters they were promised.
No pina coladas and seaside lounges.
All they see is traffic.
Houses packed side-by-side.
People rushing to and from work.
You know, the regular city feels.
This is disappointing to many.
I guess they believed that during their 1-2 day stopover in Cebu, they could enjoy sightseeing, beaches, trekking, diving, and all that stuff.
But let me tell you this.
Most of Cebu’s wonders are located a few hours away from the city.
In Cebu City, well.
It’s a normal city, busy, crowded, traffic-jammed, bustling with people living their daily lives.
So if your plan includes only a day or two in Cebu, and you’re stuck in the city…
…what can you do but make the most out of it?
Don’t worry, though.
Being in the city isn’t necessarily bad.
There are a number of things to do and explore in your short time here.
So, ready to check them out?
Cebu City Tourist Spot #1: Tops
- Opening Hours: Open 24 Hours
- How to Get There: Dedicated Tops bus from IT Park, Habal-Habl (motorcycle taxi) from JY Square, or drive yourself in a car or motorcycle (30-45 minutes from the city)
I’ve had a number of nomad friends visit me in Cebu, and the one thing they’ve always wanted was to go somewhere “nice and quiet.”
No, no bustling city and lighted buildings for them.
“Take me somewhere with nature.”
So, I take them to Tops.
Tops is up in the mountains of Cebu, a 30-minute drive from the city.
Twisting through winding roads lined with trees.
The place has a long history, too.
I remember going there as a child, playing on the deck and looking down at the lights of the city.
Today, Tops is busier than it was before.
Yes, you can still look down from the viewing deck and see the entire city sprawled out in front of you.
But there are lots of restaurants and coffee shops now.
Pizza, steak, cafes, fusion food.
It’s like a restaurant strip with an awesome view of the city from a hilltop.
Your thing or not?
Go visit and see!
Cebu City Tourist Spot #2: IT Park
- Opening Hours: Open 24 Hours
- How to Get There: Taxi from wherever you’re staying
IT Park is the bustling center of Cebu City.
Tall buildings, restaurants, cafes, bars, karaoke lounges.
Even a mall!
If you want to see what city life really is, you’ve got to visit this place.
IT Park has everything you need.
A shopping mall called Ayala Central Bloc, with a big grocery, cinemas, and all kinds of restaurants.
Cafes galore…Starbucks, Bo’s, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, and others.
A food park (Sugbo Mercado), where you can find a wide selection of local and foreign dishes, and eat at tables picnic-style.
Bars that are open late into the night (or early the next morning).
Little strips of green parks where you can lounge and relax.
A sports center with basketball, badminton, and pickleball courts.
And much more!
This is also the center of the BPO industry, so expect to see busy call center agents with their IDs around their necks rushing about during their breaks.
Want to experience Cebu City as it really is?
This is the place to visit.
Cebu City Tourist Spot #3: Fort San Pedro
- Opening Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM
- How to Get There: Taxi from wherever you’re staying
Back in the day, when colonization was a thing…
…the Spanish ruled our country for over 300 years.
During their stay, they built homes, buildings, and of course, forts.
One of these is Fort San Pedro, situated near the sea.
The fort is old, dating back to 1565, when construction started.
It was built as a defence structure and prison camp by Miguel López de Legazpi, the first governor of the Captaincy General of the Philippines.
Today, it still stands, a little out of place in the bustling district of downtown Cebu.
Its walls are old now.
Stepping inside, you feel as though you’re being transported through time.
Silent corridors, ancient structures, unused canons, the quiet prison chambers.
There’s even a museum, where you can see photographs from the old days, along with an ancient Spanish flag that’s falling apart with age.
If you’re interested in history and want to imagine what Cebu was like back in the day…
…be sure to make time to see Fort San Pedro.
Cebu City Tourist Spot #4: Mactan Beaches
What makes Cebu City amazingly unique is that you don’t have to go far to experience nature’s beauty.
Drive 30 minutes out of the city, and you have the mountains.
Drive 30 minutes in the other direction, and you have the sea.
YES, you don’t have to go to famous Cebu beach sites like Moalboal to enjoy the pristine salt waters of the ocean.
Stuck in Cebu City and still want to go swimming in the waves?
Here are 5 beach resorts you can go to:
- Kontiki Marina. This is my favorite resort in the whole of Cebu. (That picture above? I took it there.) Kontiki is a chill, laid-back place where you can cook your own food, go swimming, and simply relax and watch the sea. Although it’s more of a dive resort without any sand (steps lead straight to the water, and it gets deep fast), non-divers can also enjoy swimming in the shallows. The entrance fee is PHP300 per person. If you don’t want to bring or cook your own food, you can enjoy Filipino and fusion food at the in-resort restaurant, Buko.
- E&Z Diving Center. Yes, E&Z is mainly a diving center. But that doesn’t stop non-divers from enjoying it. Unlike Kontiki, E&Z does have a patch of sand you can dig your toes in. If you want to try scuba diving or freediving for the first time, this is the perfect place to go. You can also sleep over if you want (rooms are PHP3,000 per night for 4-5 people).
- Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown. Looking for something a bit fancier? You’ll love Savoy. It offers the ultimate luxury relaxation experience – white sands, a pool, comfortable rooms, and good food. You can enjoy the resort and all its amenities for PHP600 a day. If you want to stay the night, rooms are PHP3,000-PHP3,500 for two people.
- Karancho Beach Resort. Karancho is a great place for families and big groups. They offer daytime cottages right in front of the sea, where you can cook food, sit, and relax before and after swimming. Day-use cottages range from PHP800 to PHP1,500 (10-15 people per cottage). If you want to stay the night, Karanch Beach House has rooms from PHP2,500-PHP5,000 (depending on the size you choose).
- Mar Beach. Looking for a free beach? Mar Beach is your place. It offers a long stretch of shallow sea, perfect for people who simply want to wade in and enjoy the cooling saltwater. Although Mar Beach is a pleasant place to hang out and swim, it’s a good idea to avoid weekends, as it can get packed with people from all over Mactan.
Looking for something more luxurious? Here are some high-end options to choose from:
- JPark Island Resort and Water Park
- Shangri-La Mactan
- Plantation Bay Resort and Spa
- Blue Waters Cebu
- Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort
- Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan
- Solea Mactan Resort
Good news: all these beaches and resorts are only a 20-30 minute drive from the Mactan Cebu International Airport.
Cebu City Tourist Spot #5: Magellan’s Cross
- Opening Hours: 8 AM to 6 PM
- How to Get There: Take a taxi to Plaza Sugbo beside Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. Magellan’s Cross is right next to the church. If you’re more adventurous, take a MyBus to SM City. Then, ride a “jeepney” with code 12L or 10M, and tell the driver to drop you off at the shrine.
On April 7, 1521, Ferdinand Magellan first landed in Cebu (then known as Zubu).
His arrival brought about the beginning of Spanish colonialism in the Philippines, which lasted over 300 years.
Go anywhere in downtown Cebu, and you’ll see hints of this period here and there.
One of these is Magellan’s Cross, a shrine erected in the heart of downtown to remember the ancient conqueror.
Although Magellan was killed by the chieftain Lapu-Lapu’s native army, he is still remembered in Cebu history in the tiny shrine.
Step inside the circular interior, and you will see a tall, thick wooden cross rising towards the ceiling.
The cross itself commemorates an event in which Magellan’s people baptized 800 people (along with the king and queen of Cebu) into the Christian faith.
Since this is one of Cebu’s oldest and most iconic historical markers, you certainly shouldn’t miss it if you’re staying in the city.
Cebu City Tourist Spot #6: Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 6 PM
- How to Get There: Take a taxi and tell the driver to drop you off at “Santo Niño Church.” If you’re more adventurous, take a MyBus to SM City. Then, ride a “jeepney” with code 12L or 10M, and tell the driver to drop you off at the church.
If you’re into old buildings with a lot of history, you need to visit the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño. (Also known as Sto. Niño Church.)
The church is the oldest catholic church in Cebu, with a long history dating back to 1565.
One thing that makes it interesting is its story:
Apparently, the church burned to the ground a couple of times, but the image of Sto. Niño (which was a gift from Ferdinand Magellan to Queen Juana of Cebu) always survived the fire.
People thought it to be a miracle, making the church a special and sacred place.
Another thing that makes it worth the visit is its stunning architecture.
Simply viewing it is like stepping back into a time hundreds of years ago.
The ancient stone walls, the silence, and the majestic adornments make it a spot worth seeing.
Note: Wearing shorts and slippers is forbidden in the church. Wear something that covers your legs and some shoes (if not, you can purchase or rent shawls at the entrance of the church).
Cebu City Tourist Spot #7: Little Amsterdam (Sirao)
- Opening Hours: 7 AM to 6 PM
- How to Get There: Go to JY Square, Lahug. From there, you can find a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) to take you to Sirao. You can also ride a taxi straight there (but you’ll have to charter one since this is out of taxi’s area).
Love botanical gardens?
You need a trip to the Little Amsterdam of Cebu (also known as Sirao).
The place is wedged peacefully in the low hills of Cebu, overlooking a horizon of bright green slopes populated with trees.
The gardens themselves are lush and colorful, blooming with celosia flowers.
(Celosia comes from a Greek word meaning “burning”, which is appropriate for these fiery and vibrant blooms.)
The botanical gardens also host a number of other local plants, along with beautiful floral walkways.
Love taking photos?
Great!
The gardens are decorated with little windmills, charming and romantic backdrops, and even a giant hand sculpture you can climb up on.
Snacks and drinks are available at the entrance.
Cebu City Tourist Spot #8: Temple of Leah
- Opening Hours: 6 AM to 11 PM
- How to Get There: Go to JY Square, Lahug. From there, you can find a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) to take you to the Temple of Leah. You can also ride a taxi straight there (but this will be more expensive).
The Temple of Leah is Cebu’s very own Taj Mahal.
Built by local businessman Teodorico Adarna for his late wife, Leah Albino-Adarna, the temple is a stunning mausoleum set in the scenic hills of Busay.
Featuring Greek and Roman-style architecture, it’s a wonder of pillars, a grand staircase leading to a gigantic bronze statue of Leah, and a fountain with glowing white sculptures.
Inside, you can find rooms where Leah’s lifetime collections (books, shoes, hats, knick-knacks) lie encrusted with memories.
There’s also a restaurant with delicious Filipino and fusion food.
If you’re a romantic who believes in the undying nature of love, a photographer, or simply someone who wants to view Cebu’s green rolling hills from a scenic location, don’t miss out on this place.
Cebu City Tourist Spots #9: Taoist Temple
- Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
- How to Get There: You can take a taxi straight there from any point in the city. If you want something cheaper and more adventurous, take a jeepney with the 04L code and tell the driver to drop you off at the Taoist Temple Road.
Cebu City is a diverse place with a long history of migration from other countries.
You’ll be surprised to know that it’s home not only to Spanish descendants from the colonial era…
…but a thriving community of Chinese families.
From ancient days, the Chinese brought Taoism into the country…
…and although it is not as widespread as the Catholicism the Spanish brought, you can still see signs of it dotting Cebu City.
One of these is the Taoist Temple, a stunningly beautiful complex rich with Chinese architecture.
Red pillars and green dragons, gardens wafting with incense, prayer and meditation rooms – the Taoist Temple is a place where the Chinese community keeps their heritage and religion alive.
You too can experience it, whether or not you’re Taoist.
Light a stick of incense, walk the shady green paths, or simply stand still and look down at the beautiful panoramic hills of Cebu, edged with the blue glow of the city, the sea, and Bohol Island on the horizon.
Cebu City Tourist Spot #10: Carbon Market
- Opening Hours: N/A
- How to Get There: Ride a taxi from anywhere in Cebu
If you want an authentic experience of Cebu, you need to visit Carbon Market.
Carbon is Cebu City’s biggest market, and its color and diversity are unmatched in the whole of the island.
No, it’s not your standard wet market.
Instead, it’s filled with everything your heart could wish for…
…dried fish and dried mangoes, fresh fruits and vegetables, unique (and super cheap!) souvenirs, ethnic clothes, and so much more.
Walking through the many streets of the market is also a cultural experience in itself.
Watch a wizzened elderly man push a wooden cart of fresh green coconuts along the street (you can buy a coconut and drink its sweet juice straight from the shell for only PHP20).
Buy sugar-coated fried bananas on a stick from a vendor sitting at the side of the road with her 3 kids playing and shrieking with joy around her.
Walk by ancient Spanish buildings surrounded by little stalls selling everything from old watches to ripe mangoes and green papaya.
Stay until night, and eat sweet barbecue from the stands that pop up as evening falls.
Want to experience the REAL Cebu?
Not the touristy stuff you see in every blog online.
I dare you to visit Carbon Market.
You won’t regret it!
Cebu Travel Zone #2: Moalboal
In Cebu for a longer period of time?
My suggestion is not to stay in the city more than a day or two (that’s enough to see all the Cebu tourist spots I mentioned above).
After that, head out to Moalboal.
It’s one of the best towns in the island, a quaint, charming, fun little place with stunning reefs, vibrant marine life, and so much adventure.
Here are 5 things to see and do in Moalboal:
Moalboal Cebu Tourist Spot #11: Sardine Run
Photo by John Cuyos (@_bad.jaw)
- Opening Hours: 6 AM to 5 PM
- How to Get There: Head to Panagsama Beach in Moalboal. (You can get there by tricycle or motorcycle taxi). Find a guide to take you to the sardine run, which is right in front of the beach. Guides are easy to find, as most of them hang out nearby, waiting to take visitors to the sardine run.
For ocean lovers, the Moalboal sardine run is one of the most beautiful, epic experiences in the whole of Cebu.
Imagine this:
Swimming out into a shallow reef filled with corals and fish of all colors.
Then, the drop.
Turquoise waters suddenly plunge into deep blue.
You can’t see the bottom from here.
But down below, you feel rather than hear a rustle.
You see glimmers of silver flash in the abyss at your feet.
Sardines!
Thousands of them, forming a black ball like a heavy swarm of bees.
If you’re a freediver, you can sink right into this ball and drift with them.
It’s a checkerboard of light and shadow, an epic drama in complete silence.
The experience is life-changing.
Trust me.
It literally changed my life.
(I went from curious snorkeller to freediving instructor because of this one mindblowing place).
Don’t miss it.
Moalboal Cebu Tourist Spot #12: White Beach
- Opening Hours: 6 AM to 5 PM
- How to Get There: From Moalboal town, take a tricycle or motorcycle taxi to Basdako. Tell the driver to drop you off at White Beach. (The fare varies, so prepare those haggling skills!)
Looking for a place to relax, swim, and watch the glorious tropical sunset?
You’ll love White Beach.
Unlike Panagsama, which is packed with adventure, this is a totally chill place.
The pristine white sandy beach stretches out as far as your eye can see.
The waters are a shallow crystal turquoise.
You can rent a paddle board or kayak, spread a blanket on the sand and catch up on reading, or buy local snacks from the row of sari-sari stores at the edge of the beach.
It’s the perfect place to slow down and unwind.
If you’re travelling with kids and elderly parents, this is also definitely the spot for them.
Moalboal Cebu Tourist Spot #13: Panagsama Strip
- Opening Hours: Open 24 Hours
- How to Get There: From Moalboal town, take a tricycle or motorcycle taxi to Panagsama Road. The strip is at the edge of the road, just before the beach. (The fare varies, so stash out those bargaining skills!)
Done exploring Moalboal’s fun, exciting ocean activities?
I’ll bet you’re starving and parched with thirst.
Don’t worry.
Panagsama Strip is open and waiting for you.
Walk down it, and you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.
Sashimi and sushi rolls on a wooden balcony hung with oriental lamps.
Steaming ribs smothered in sweet, tangy sauce, with a side of garlic rice or potato wedges.
Filipino barbecue and salted egg salad in an authentic bamboo kiosk.
Italian pizza with blue cheese.
Korean corndogs and fried eggplants on sticks.
You name it!
Yum.
When you’re done, enjoy the numerous dessert stalls where you can get fried ice cream, mango and pineapple shakes, fruity and savory waffles, gelato, and more.
Then, quench your thirst with a cocktail or two in one of the many bars lining the road. (Come at the right time, and enjoy Buy 1 Take 1 drinks!)
This Panagsama Strip is one of the most fun places of Moalboal, a crowded, buzzing place with flashing lights and music way into the early hours of the morning.
Whether nightlife is your thing, or if you’re simply looking for food that satisfies your cravings…
…make sure to check this place out.
Moalboal Cebu Tourist Spot #14: Kawasan Canyoneering
- Opening Hours: 7 AM to 6 PM
- How to Get There: Head to Badian town by bus. (It’s only a few minutes from Moalboal town.) Then, take a tricycle 10 minutes to Kawasaan Falls. Or join a tour from Moalboal.
Ok, thrill seekers!
This next adventure was made for you.
It’s a trek within Cebu’s southern hills, interspersed with a number of falls down which you must…
…jump!
Just imagine it.
The walk through the dense jungle.
The sound of water plunging down a ravine.
A waterfall comes into sight.
You wait your turn in a line of excitedly nervous people.
Then, your turn comes!
You don’t hesitate (you’re not that kind of person).
You fly off the precipice and come crashing down into cool, emerald-colored water.
The splash, the shock of cold, the fun, laughing ride downriver.
This happens several times during the hike.
If you’re a fan of adrenaline-spiked adventures, make sure not to miss this.
Moalboal Cebu Tourist Spot #15: Osmena Peak
- Opening Hours: Open 24 Hours
- How to Get There: Take a bus to Dalaguete Town in the South of Cebu. Then, take a motorcycle taxi to Osmena Peak. You can check with the driver and make a deal so he picks you up and takes you back to the town the next day.
Ok, so Osmena Peak isn’t exactly in Moalboal.
It’s in a nearby town, a few minutes’ drive away.
But if you’re in Moalboal and you feel like you’ve done everything you need to do there with time to spare…
…why not go camping in Osmena Peak?
Here’s what’s special about it: It’s the highest peak in Cebu.
It overlooks stunning viewpoints of lush green trees and mountains, the silver and rose glimmer of the sea, and, on the horizon, Negros Island.
You can do a day trip there, or rent a tent and stay overnight.
Not a hiker?
Don’t worry.
The walk up to the peak is short and easy, a quick 20-30 minutes if you’re reasonably fit.
And it’s worth it, especially if you stay the night.
Think a skyscape bursting with stars, a deep, mountain stillness, and a sunrise so fiery and vivid it takes your breath away.
Truly epic.
Cebu Travel Zone #3: Bantayan Island
Bantayan Island is one of my favorite places in the entire Cebu.
I know, I know!
Everything seems to be my favorite.
But it’s true – Cebu is so rich and diverse, you can have a favorite in each category.
And this is what Bantayan Island is like: Laid-back, chill, relaxed, sleepy, endlessly beautiful.
Let’s dive into what you can see and do there.
Bantayan Cebu Tourist Spot #16: Sugar Beach
- Opening Hours: Open 24 Hours
- How to Get There: Sugar Beach is located right next to the port in Bantayan. You can easily drive there on your rented motorcycle, or walk if that’s your kind of thing.
Sugar Beach is called that because its sands do justice to the name.
Soft, powdery, white, just like the confectionery sugar you used to steal from your mom’s jar in the kitchen (I did this as a kid).
And here’s great news.
Sugar Beach is a FREE beach.
No entrance fees, no pricey resorts.
Just a stretch of white sand that goes on as far as your eye can see…
…kissed by cerulean, turquoise, and emerald waters crested by gentle foamy waves.
Swim in the sea.
Sit on the sand and watch the intense, burning sunsets that Bantayan Island is famous for.
Take a walk or run and feel the salt air invigorate your lungs.
This is the perfect place for anyone who loves the ocean.
Bantayan Cebu Tourist Spot #17: Omagieca Obo-ob Mangrove Forest
- Opening Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM
- How to Get There: You can drive there on your rented motorcycle. Or you can take a motorcycle taxi. The forest is around 5 kilometers (10 minutes) from the town.
Bantayan’s Omagieca Obo-ob Mangrove Forest is huge.
Think 1,165.5 hectares of stunning, eerie mangroves with their dark, twisted roots falling into the ground from the treetops.
Bamboo bridges criss-cross through some parts of the forest, and you can walk through them to experience the lush, creepy beauty of the mangroves.
Below, you can see a wide assortment of creatures, from mudfish to strange, wriggling creatures to fish that you’re allowed to feed.
Beyond, the still, green brackish water meets the silver line of the sea.
There are benches, walkways, and little huts you can sit and relax in…
…even a mini tower with shaky steps, which gives you a wider view of the forest!
The scenic views are perfect for photography.
It’s a truly beautiful place, one that I recommend visiting – 100%.
Bantayan Cebu Tourist Spot #18: MJ Square
- Opening Hours: 11 AM to 1 AM (depending on separate establishments)
- How to Get There: You can easily get to MJ Square on your rented motorcycle. Or hire a motorcycle taxi from your hotel (you can request your hotel receptionist to call you a ride).
Hungry?
Head over to MJ Square, a lively, colorful area lined with diverse food stalls.
Sit down at Bantayan Burrito Company and feast on a Notorious Pig Chimichanga dripping with sumptuous homemade hot sauce.
Try local cuisine along with fresh shrimps and squid at Chef Panyang.
Satisfy your hunger with a sizzling steak covered in rich mushroom sauce at HR.
Or simply walk down the street, absorbing the mouthwatering smells, the bright lights, the laughter and conversations floating in the air.
There’s dessert too – gelato on popsicle sticks or fried ice cream.
And drinks – cocktails, beer, hard liquor – in the bars interspersed with the restaurants.
Also, if you’re looking for souvenirs, simply step into one of the cozily cluttered stalls and purchase a Bantayan t-shirt, a beaded necklace, or a bottle keychain filled with sand.
If you’re in Bantayan, don’t miss this fun, funky, lively place.
We eat almost every meal here when we’re on the island, and we’ve never been disappointed.
Bantayan Cebu Tourist Spot #19: Kota Park
- Opening Hours: 8 AM to 9 PM
- How to Get There: Kota Park is around 2 hours from Santa Fe. You can drive there on your motorcycle or hire a motorcycle taxi to take you there.
People think Bantayan is all about white sand beaches and turquoise blue waters.
But it’s not.
It’s so much more.
My advice to you?
Slow down, take your time, and look into the “non-touristic” parts of Bantayan too.
Like Kota Park.
Kota Park is in the northern part of the island, around 2 hours from the main attractions like Sugar Beach.
Another name for it is “Little Alaska,” because it’s known for its abundant fishing grounds.
Stroll around town, visit the park, and walk along the sea wall leading to an abandoned lighthouse.
Listen to the sea singing or hissing against the shore, or visit the mossy old fort right next to the park.
This place is cozy, interesting, and laid-back enough for backpackers who love to explore less crowded places.
Cebu Travel Zone #4: Malapascua Island
If you’re in Cebu longer, I recommend setting aside a few days to visit Malapascua Island.
This island is a tiny one, sitting 30 minutes from the northernmost tip of Cebu.
And it’s a treasure.
Sharks, white sands, brilliant coral reefs, blazing sunsets…
…you name it.
Here are spots you shouldn’t miss when you visit the island.
Malapascua Cebu Tourist Spot #20: Monad and Kimud Shoals
- Opening Hours: N/A
- How to Get There: Book a tour with a local scuba diving shop on Malapascua Island
Know what’s special about Malapascua Island?
You got it.
Thresher sharks.
Get this: Malapascua is the only spot in the world where you can dive with these stunning, elegant creatures.
So don’t miss it!
Book a dive tour with a scuba diving shop in the area.
There are a LOT of them, so this shouldn’t be hard.
Don’t have a scuba diving certificate?
Don’t worry!
You can always book a discovery diving tour.
Kimud Shoal is comparatively shallow (around 15 meters in depth), so even if you can’t dive deep, you can still catch a glimpse of the elegant, majestic sharks.
If you’re nervous about swimming with large sea creatures, don’t worry.
Thresher sharks are friendly and curious, and would never attack you unless provoked.
Malapascua Cebu Tourist Spot #21: Malapascua Coastline
- Opening Hours: N/A
- How to Get There: To tour the Malapascua coastline, you’ll need to rent a private boat. This costs approximately PHP2,000-5,000. Prices vary, so prepare those bargaining skills!
No, Malapascua isn’t only about diving with thresher sharks.
It’s not only about chilling with a cocktail in your hand, your feet buried in sugary soft white sand.
It’s also a treasure of an island surrounded by stunning coral reefs, vibrant marine life, interesting rock formations, and even a Japanese shipwreck!
So yes, don’t remain stranded on shore.
Book a private tour with one of the locals, and tell them you want to see these places:
- Dakit-Dakit Island. A beautiful rock formation a little way from the Malapascua shoreline. Snorkel within a garden of lively corals, or dive through a small tunnel while taking stunning photos and videos.
- Baby Shark Area. Right next to the shore, baby white and black tip sharks take refuge from the deep before growing up and going out to join their elders. You can swim, snorkel, or dive with them as part of the boat tour.
- Japanese Shipwreck. Who knew that Japanese ships found there way to the tip of Cebu and docked in the tiny island of Malapascua? Well, apparently they did. And you can explore one of the wrecks, an eerie, moss-covered collection of broken-down parts turning the waters a strange, creepy dark.
- Coral Gardens. Malapascua’s corals are huge and brimming with life. From rust red brain corals to stunning mustard yellow structures, you’ll see them all just a few meters from shore. If you love fish and sea creatures, this is also a place you won’t forget.
Whether or not you’re a diver, you can experience these beautiful spots with nothing but a mask and snorkel.
All the sites are quite shallow (3-5m depth), and you can see the beauty, color, and life down below even without diving.
Malapascua Cebu Tourist Spot #22: Bounty Beach
- Opening Hours: Depends on separate establishments
- How to Get There: Bounty Beach is right next to Malapascua’s port. You can easily get there by walking.
Bounty Beach is the tired, hungry tourist’s heaven.
A long strip of white sand beach kissed by turquoise waves.
Shady trees that throw patterns of sunlight and shadow on the quiet walkways.
And yes, a long row of shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, and resorts…
…everything your heart could wish for.
Think shabu-shabu by the beach, the smoke rising from the boiling water pierced with fresh herbs.
Or authentic brick oven pizza, oozing melted cheese, crisp prosciutto, and green bell peppers.
Or a strong, aromatic, nutty coffee.
Or a cocktail with a slice of lemon, ice-cold and sweating in your hand.
Or fresh watermelon shake, pink and frothy and oh-so-sweet.
Bounty Beach has it all.
Food, drinks, souvenirs, scuba shops, resorts.
You name it.
It’s the perfect place to relax and satisfy your cravings after a long, busy day exploring.
Malapascua Cebu Tourist Spot #23: North Beach
- Opening Hours: Daylight hours, since this is a public beach
- How to Get There: North Beach is located roughly 3 kilometers from the port and Bounty Beach. You can walk there (30 minutes to 1 hour), or you can hire a motorcycle taxi to take you there for PHP50.
Sunset chaser?
You’ll love North Beach.
It’s a wide, windy place with the surf crashing with white foam onto soft, powdery sands.
Grab your picnic blanket and a book, and spend the whole afternoon there, relaxing.
Or go for a swim in the lively waters.
Then, when the afternoon draws to a close, get ready for a stunning show.
The sunsets at North Beach are simply spectacular – shades of red, gold, and orange burning in the west and reflecting in the sea.
I can’t forget this place.
The wind in my salty hair, the blazing fire of sunset falling into the sea, the sand sinking beneath my bare feet with every step I took.
Time slowing down and the world disappearing.
It’s the perfect place to slow down, enjoy the soothing calm of nature, and just be in the moment.
Cebu Tourist Zone #5: Oslob
Oslob is located in the south of Cebu, around 4 hours by bus from the city.
It’s a widely diverse place, where you can go swimming, dive with whale sharks, and explore the natural wonders of beautiful waterfalls.
If you have a day or two to spare, make sure to visit this place!
Here are spots and activities you shouldn’t miss:
Oslob Cebu Tourist Spot #24: Whale Shark Watching
- Opening Hours: 6 AM to 12 noon (11 AM cutoff)
- How to Get There: Simply head over to the area indicated by Google Maps. The guides there will help you with registration.
The whale sharks of Oslob are like the thresher sharks of Malapascua.
People visit the small, unassuming town just to see them.
Because yes, the whale sharks are fed (somewhat controversial), guaranteeing tourists a sighting.
You can even swim right next to them (just be careful not to touch them).
If this is your first time swimming with large sea creatures, it can be a little scary.
But don’t worry.
Whale sharks are completely harmless.
And the experience is simply stunning.
You’ll never forget swimming beside these elegant creatures, getting close enough to see the ridges and speckles on their smooth skin.
Watching and feeling them as they move through the water, huge but soundless and serene.
Trust me, you’ll love it.
Oslob Cebu Tourist Spot #25: Tumalog Falls
- Opening Hours: 7 AM to 4 PM
- How to Get There: The waterfall is located in the mountains, roughly 4 kilometers from the whale shark watching area. You can hire a motorcycle taxi to take you there.
Tumalog Falls is beautiful, just like every other falls in the Philippines.
But here’s where it’s unique: it’s not strong or powerful, but wide and soft.
Like rain.
As the water makes its way down the steep rock, it catches on the many umbrella-like rock formations on the way.
This scatters it even more, sending droplets like rainwater onto the pool below.
Stand there, and you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of a downpour.
A stunning, memorable experience, if you ask me.
Oslob Cebu Tourist Spot #26: Sumilon Island
- Opening Hours: Most of Sumilon Island is owned by Blue Waters Resort. You can take a day trip or stay overnight if you prefer.
- How to Get There: The only way to get to Sumilon Island is by boat from Bangcogon, Oslob. The boat makes a trip every 2 hours from 8 AM to 4 PM.
Sumilon Island is a tiny island off the coast of Oslob.
It’s beautiful – think sparkling, soft white sands, crystal turquoise waters, and air so fresh and briny it instantly recharges you.
The thing is, most of the island is owned by a high-end resort called Blue Waters.
So the only way to enjoy the place itself is through booking a tour with them.
You can either do a day trip, which includes swimming, trekking, and a delicious buffet lunch for PHP1,500-2,500 (depending on how many people you go with).
Or you can book an overnight stay at one of their luxurious, comfortable villas.
If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing, beautiful place to stay and don’t mind paying a little extra…
…I recommend spending a day or two on Sumilon Island.
Oslob Cebu Tourist Spot #26: Monkey Watching Point
- Opening Hours: 8 AM to 12 PM
- How to Get There: The monkey watching point is right by the main road. You can drive there on your rented motorcycle, or hire a motorcycle taxi to take you there.
Love wild animals?
You’ll adore this place.
No, it’s not a zoo.
There are no cages and chains, and the monkeys are free to come and go as they please.
Every morning, they come down from their mountain homes for a bunch of bananas.
You can even join in the feeding if you like!
Around noon, they pack off and leave, scurrying back into their dense green jungle.
If you hate cages and love seeing animals moving freely in their own habitat, you’ll enjoy this sweet little spot.
Oslob Cebu Tourist Spot #27: Dao Falls
- Opening Hours: 7 AM to 4 PM
- How to Get There: Dao Falls isn’t exactly in Oslob. It’s in another town, around 50 minutes (23 kilometers) from the Oslob whale shark watching area. You can drive yourself there on your rented motorcycle, or hire a motorcycle taxi to take you there (this might be more expensive).
Dao Falls is a beautiful, refreshing falls with gatorade-blue waters and stunning vistas.
To get there, you need to go on a short trek (less than 1 km).
Let me tell you this: the trek itself is already amazing!
You’ll be surrounded by nature – towering canyons and a lovely blue-green river.
But when you get to the falls, you’ll be completely blown away.
The water cascades from a limestone cliff 120 meters above a turquoise pool, and its powerful, crashing sound fills the air.
If you’re hot from your trek, you’ll love the cool waters soothing your skin as you swim.
Cebu Travle Zone #6: Other Places to Visit in Cebu
Ok, so you’ve reached here.
Awesome!
Now you know of 27 unforgettable places to visit in Cebu.
But wait, there’s more.
Because Cebu isn’t just cut up and divided into beautiful spots, with dry, arid, uninteresting spaces in between.
Nope!
Rather, it’s sprinkled with wonders all around.
And I mean, all around.
So in this section, we’ll go over a few more spots in random places not included in the main tourist routes.
Think of it as a bonus.
Let’s go!
Cebu Tourist Spot #28: Tuburan 360
- Opening Hours: 8 AM to 8 PM (for day trip), 24 hours for overnight stay
- How to Get There: Tuburan 360 is not easy to get to if you don’t have a car or a rented motorcycle. But there’s still a way to get there, even if you don’t have one: ask the locals if someone is willing to take you there for an agreed fee. The road there is quite steep and winding – a real adventure but not for the faint of heart!
Tuburan is a lovely small town in the northwestern part of Cebu.
It’s laid back, quiet, and not at all a tourist hub.
But honestly, it’s one of my favorite places to go.
That’s because it’s unspoilt, stunningly beautiful, and sprinkled with interesting things to see and do.
For example, there’s Tuburn 360.
This spot is totally unexpected.
It’s a restaurant and sunset view deck set high up in the mountains.
It’s called 360 because from this peak, you can get 360-degree views of the soft curves and tree-lined slopes of Cebu’s northwestern hills.
The sky here is sharp and brilliant.
Stand under it, and you’ll feel as if it’s falling on you.
The air is fresh and bright, and the sunsets are simply breathtaking.
If you want to stay the night, there are lovely cabins that jut straight out into the mountainside.
The restaurant offers delicious fusion food, and there’s a snack bar where you can pick up bags of chips, bottles of soft drinks, and meat buns.
I really love this place.
When you’re here, don’t forget to go stargazing on the balcony on top of the trailer van cabins (only allowed if you’re spending the night).
Cebu Tourist Spot #29: Tuburan Horse Riding Club
- Opening Hours: Most rides are in the morning from 8 AM
- How to Get There: Search Tuburan Horse Riding Club on Instagram. The owner is super accommodating and can even pick you up anywhere in Tuburan and take you to the farm if you don’t have a rented motorcycle or car.
Ah, this adventure.
This is one of my absolute favorites in the whole of Cebu.
I know!
I keep saying “favorite.”
But this one is so unique, so much fun, and…
…I adore horses.
So I’m allowed to rave about this.
Think of it.
A hidden farm set within the rolling hills of Tuburan.
A friendly Japanese lady and her Filipino husband trailed by friendly dogs.
Horses.
A ride through dense woods where you can barely make out the trail.
Hooves splashing through a river of swirling water.
Or against sand and crashing waves.
The feel of your horse’s skin beneath your hand as you stretch out and say, “Hey, Girl. I’m here. Thanks for taking me on this lovely ride!”
Please do this, if you have time.
It’s an adventure you won’t forget.
Cebu Tourist Spot #30: Asturias Dive Sites
- Opening Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM (but go in the morning for better chances to dive)
- How to Get There: Asturias is the town next to Tuburan. If you’re already in Tuburan, simply drive yourself there and head to the Asturias Tourist Receiving Area. You can also catch a bus from Tuburan to Asturias.
Asturias is a practically unknown town.
Even locals give you a puzzled look if you say you want to go there.
“Asturias? What’ll you do there?”
But here’s the thing.
If you love diving, Asturias is filled to the brim with breathtaking sites.
An abandoned port with pillars crusted with corals and surrounded by colorful fish.
Marine sanctuaries full of nudibranchs and sea horses.
Stunning vistas and lively underwater gardens.
Asturias has it all buried beneath its seas.
And if you’re a fan of quiet local towns?
You’ll love this place.
Tiny roads, huge trees, stalls selling steaming rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves.
Sunsets that rage and flame over the horizon.
A soft, quiet, unspoilt air.
You’ll meet no one but locals here.
And you’ll absolutely love it.
Cebu Tourist Spot #31: Colase Marine Sanctuary
- Opening Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM
- How to Get There: Colase Marine Sanctuary is located right next to the highway. If you’re on a bus bound south (to Santander), simply ask the driver to let you off at the sanctuary. Or if you’re in a nearby town like Moalboal, you can drive yourself there on your motorcycle.
Colase Marine Sanctuary is one of the secret spots of freedivers.
And wow, is it stunning.
Think schools of jacks, black and white tip sharks, huge turtles, and schools of colorful fish.
Think large corals growing just 3 meters below the surface.
Honestly, this spot was unexpected.
That’s because it’s right next to the road, and you wouldn’t know it was there unless you got into the water.
(I found out about it through a friend who lives nearby.)
Know what?
The most hidden and unexpected places are usually the best.
And this spot took my breath away.
Cebu Tourist Spots: Ready to Try Them All Out?
Ok, so you’re in Cebu and you’re like:
“How am I going to see all these 31 spots?”
Honest answer: You probably can’t.
I mean, I live in Cebu, and I didn’t see all these places in a week or two.
So if you’re only here for a few days, be selective.
Start with places and adventures you enjoy.
Love a chill beach experience? Head to Bantayan Island.
Want to dive with sharks? Malapascua is your spot.
Enjoy thrill and adrenaline? Go to Kawasan Falls.
Love laidback towns and unexpected experiences? Tuburan and Asturias are for you.
Want to explore the city, go to museums, and see old Spanish architecture? Stay in the city.
If you have more time, you can then go and try your next favorite type of adventure.
But trust me, all of these spots are worth visiting.
Where you go first depends on your personal taste.
My advice to you?
ENJOY!