Cebu is the most popular destination to visit in the Philippines. This vibrant island offers a wealth of culture, adventure and history. Visitors can explore a wide variety of activities and sights. This Cebu guide is a result of our experience here. I hope it helps you plan your next trip.
The Best Things To Do
- Scuba Diving in Cebu
Many people travel from all over the world to Cebu in order to scuba dive or to obtain their PADI certification. The island has warm, clear waters and is home to an impressive marine ecosystem, including mantas, whalesharks, threshers sharks and other large species. Moalboal is the place to go for scuba-diving. Here is a list with the best places.
- Swim with Whale Sharks In Oslo
Oslob offers the chance to swim with local whale sharks every morning. Oslob hosts dozens local whale sharks every morning, and swimming with Cebu Island whales sharks is among the most popular activities. I thought I would include it in my Cebu guide to help you make an informed decision.
If you are staying in Oslob, then you’ll need to walk down to the whale shark area at around 6:30 am; pinned as ‘Oslob Whale Shark Watching‘ on Google maps. You will receive a short briefing before boarding your boat and swimming with the sharks who visit the shore each day.
- Sumilon Island is a popular island near Oslo
The Bluewater Sumilon island resort runs this island, which is only 15-20 minutes away from Oslob. You can visit it on a day-trip even if you are not staying there for a $1 USD entry fee.
Sumilon Island on the east side of Cebu is a small island with a sandbar. It is located near Oslob. The island is perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and just relaxing in the tropical island vibes. You can book this tour with a whale-shark swim that includes pick up at hotels in Cebu City or Mactan.
- Malapascua Island – Dive with Thresher Sharks
If you enjoy diving and are looking for something unique to do in Cebu that’ll get your heart racing then look no further. Divers flock to the Philippines in hopes of spotting the Thresher shark, despite the fact that the Philippines is home hundreds of different sharks species.
Thresher sharks are regular visitors to Malapascua Island. They are known for their unique tails and interesting hunting habits. Threshers sharks have been known to congregate on Malapascua Island for only ten years. It is no wonder that shark enthusiasts continue flocking here.
- Cebu island hopping
No Cebu guide is complete without mentioning Island-Hopping! Cebu is surrounded with many stunning islands and beautiful beaches. Island-hopping allows you to discover some of these serene and beautiful spots. You can either book this tour, or you can make your way to each island.
Mactan Island is one of the most visited islands. Caohagan Island is one of Cebu’s most popular islands. Olango Island is popular for its marine activities and inland activities. Gilutungan Island is also known as Hilutungan Island. It is a perfect island for island activities and diving. Gilutungan offers a vibrant marine environment, ideal for divers.
Mactan Island is one of the most visited islands. Caohagan Island is one of Cebu’s most popular islands. Olango Island is popular for its marine activities and inland activities. Gilutungan Island (also known as Hilutungan Island) is another island perfect for island activities, as well as diving. Gilutungan offers a vibrant marine environment, ideal for divers.
- Explore the Historical Cebu City
Cebu City is the heart of Cebu Island, and one of the biggest cities in the region. Visit the historic Magellan’s Cross, Basilica del Santo Niño, Taoist Cemetery and Fort San Pedro to immerse yourself in the island’s rich history and cultural heritage. Cebu’s heritage monument, Taboan Public Market and 1730 Jesuit House are other points of interest.
Cebu City, in all honesty is a very crowded city and not for everyone. I don’t personally enjoy tropical islands or cities. However, it may be your thing. So, there are local spots and historic sights worth adding to the Cebu itinerary.
- Visit Sirao Garden
Sirao Garden in Cebu City is also known as Little Amsterdam, or the Mini Holland of Cebu. It is a beautiful, Dutch-designed garden that captures the essence of Amsterdam.
- Kawasan Falls is a beautiful place to go canyoneering and explore
Kawasan Falls in Badian is a stunning three-tiered water fall that you should not miss. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters of Kawasan Falls or try Canyoneering Experience for an exciting adventure. In fact, this activity is one of the most booked tours on the island– and for good reason.
- Turtle Swimming in Moalboal
Cebu is home to a large population of sea turtles, which tend to congregate just outside Panagsama Beach at Moalboal. The turtles in Cebu are amazing! I recently swam in Playa del Carmen with sea turtles and it was an amazing experience.
- Chase Endless Tropical Waterfalls
Cebu is also known as the island with blue-water cascades. There are literally 1000s waterfalls in Cebu jungles. The majority of these waterfalls are easily accessible by motorbike, making them ideal for independent adventurers.
There are too numerous to list all, but the most popular (and secret) ones include:
- Kawasan Falls in Cebu is the most popular place to go canyoneering.
- Aguinid Falls is one of the most popular falls on the island Cebu. Aguinid Falls may not be as popular as Kawasan Falls, but it is still a great adventure for all levels of explorers.
- Inambakan Falls – known for having a beautiful 100-ft waterfall that plunges into a wide pool of blue water.
- Kabutongan Falls – the trek is one of the most magical adventures on the island of Cebu. The trail follows blue waters of a stream up the canyon, until you reach Kabutongan Waterfall. You will find a cave hidden behind the waterfall as well as several different cliff-jumps!
- Montpellier Falls isn’t Cebu’s most popular waterfall. This hidden gem is not well-known, and it’s a great place to cool off without much of an effort.
- Cambais Falls, a stunning waterhole in the hills near Alegria, Cebu. It’s only a short drive from Moalboal, and there are many other great waterfalls nearby.
- Mantayupan Falls, in Barili, is the highest and most beautiful waterfall in Cebu.
