Also known as the Queen of the South, Cebu is considered a wonderful gem in the center of the Visayas province of the Philippines, and it certainly deserves such a royal title. Cebu consists of 6 cities, 47 towns, and a number of islands such as Sumilan, Mactan, Olango Camotes, Malapascua, and Bantayan (several of the hundreds of islands surrounding Cebu are uninhabited). It is constantly updated with the progress that characterizes the rest of the country. Cebu has also gained great popularity as a tourist destination due to its white sand beaches that offer first-class hotels, ideal fishing villages, sites rich in coral reefs, especially for divers, as well as historical and religious sites. Cebu is also recognized as the oldest city in the country, and as such, it really strives to bring closer the rich history of the Spanish occupation of the country which can be seen through countless Catholic churches in the area, such as Magellan’s Cross and the Basilica Minor del Santo Niño or the Church of the Holy Child. Both of these never cease to attract the attention of visitors due to their religious-historical importance and attribution.
Transportation options:
Getting There – To reach Cebu, you can take a flight or a ferry. There are domestic flights available from cities like Manila, Davao, Puerto Princesa, Caticlan (Boracay), and Clark. If you prefer a more leisurely journey, there are several ferries arriving from Manila, Tagbilaran in Bohol, Leyte, Davao, Butuan, Dumaguete in Negros, and Cagayan de Oro.
Transportation within the City and Beyond: You can find local Jeepneys, tricycles (motorcycles with sidecars), and buses that operate around the city and nearby towns. Taxis that run on a meter system are also available if you prefer more comfortable transportation on the island. Additionally, private transfers are provided by us.
Attractions:
Bantayan Island – an absolute paradise for beach lovers among you, Bantayan Island is one of those serene places interwoven with panoramic viewpoints and warm, friendly people, so you’ll never get tired of them. The port town of Santa Fe, where the ferries from Hagnaya port dock and where the hotels are located, is a fishing village where you can find all kinds of seafood your heart desires, straight from the ocean. The community church of St. Peter and Paul is known as Bantayan Church and is also located in the town. You can rent a motorcycle or bicycles to explore the island at your leisure, go snorkeling, or simply walk along the beach, in the town, and around, or even rent a boat and hop between the smaller neighboring islands for fun. Bantayan Island has everything you could want for a sweet little getaway.
Malapascua – The literal meaning of the name is “Unlucky,” or “Bad Easter,” as it was called by the books abandoned on the island on Christmas Day in 1520. The locals call it Logon. Don’t let this name confuse you. It’s the kind of island where there’s no chance you’ll feel bad because you spent your vacation there. Only in the 1990s did Malapascua gain its reputation as a diving destination due to its unique dive sites and its magnificent and exotic coral gardens, including Monad Shoal, a submerged island where you can regularly spot manta rays. Before that, the island was primarily known for its stunning and famous white sand beach, known as Bounty Beach.
Osmena Peak is considered the highest point in Cebu, standing at an elevation of 1,013 meters above sea level. From Osmena Peak, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Cebu. This peak is part of the Mantalongon mountain range and is named after a local political leader in the province. It has also received several distinctions, including being called Cebu’s vegetable basket, the summer capital of Cebu, and the little Baguio. Its high altitude and favorable climate make it ideal for growing high-quality vegetables, and its climate is the coldest in all of Cebu.
Kawasan Falls: They say that each waterfall has its unique characteristics and a unique “voice” of its own. If that’s true, then you’ll definitely not go wrong when you listen to the majestic and wonderful voice of this nature wonder in Matutinao, Badian, about 100 kilometers from the city of Cebu. Cebu is, in fact, home to many waterfalls, but this waterfall, with its three levels fed by pure and refreshing spring waters, is definitely one of those waterfalls worth visiting. You can find cottages and cottages for accommodation, souvenir shops, and many restaurants. The entire area is perfect for family bonding moments or as a romantic getaway.
Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary. The various species of winged creatures are simply a must-see for every bird enthusiast. Some of these amazing feathered friends use the island’s area as a temporary refuge when migrating from/to Australia and other regions in Asia. This island was declared a bird sanctuary, and its 9,200-hectare area protects both the birds and the surrounding environment. You can find more than 90 bird species on the island, some of them migratory and some local, with many yet to be identified. You can also kayak or explore the mangrove jungle on Olango Island.
Magellan’s Cross: The most well-known symbol of the city is undoubtedly that ancient daily emblem of Christianity in the Philippines – the cross erected at the site by Ferdinand Magellan upon his arrival in the archipelago in 1521. It was only later that it was encased in hollow tindalo wood to prevent believers from chipping it into pieces, quite literally. Even members of other religions do not forgo a visit to the place where the cross stands due to its historical significance.
Church of The Holy Child – Minor Basilica del Santo Nino: Being known as the first church built in the archipelago, the Minor Basilica del Santo Nino, or the Entry of the Holy Child, was an Augustinian church that was elevated to basilica status in 1965 in commemoration of its 400th founding anniversary. As its main attraction, aside from the church itself, one can find within the church one of the most venerated and oldest relics, the statue of Santo Nino de Cebu, or the Holy Child of Cebu.
Recommended Activities:
- Visit or participate in the Sinulog Festival: The Sinulog Festival is held every year on the third Sunday of January and is the largest and most important festival in Cebu. Although the festival celebrates the birth of Santo Nino or the infant Jesus, the Sinulog dance itself is believed to have originated long before the arrival of the Spaniards and likely had indigenous roots. The festival lasts for 9 days and culminates in the grand Sinulog parade at the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, featuring hundreds of flowers and candles, where locals reenact the “Christianization” of Cebu (and ultimately the entire archipelago). It is said that you cannot truly say you’ve been to Cebu unless you’ve experienced the Sinulog Festival.
- Shopping at Carbon Market: Carbon Market is the oldest and largest farmer’s market in Cebu, and perhaps in the entire archipelago. It has remained a major landmark on the tourist circuit over the years. The market is located on MC Briones Street in downtown Cebu City and can be easily reached by bus or the colorful Philippine street jeeps known as “jeepneys.” This impressive market is well-known in Cebu, and tourists visiting the island should not miss a visit to this place whenever they are on the island. In the market, you can find local handicrafts, souvenir shops, as well as fresh everyday items such as fish, meat, and poultry.
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Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Cebu?
Plan three to four days for Cebu. One day covers Cebu City heritage such as Magellan's Cross and the Basilica del Santo Niño, one or two days go south to Moalboal and Kawasan Falls, and a beach day on Mactan, Bantayan or Malapascua rounds it out. Add Bohol for a longer Visayas trip.
Cebu or Bohol: which is better?
Neither is better; they work best together. Cebu offers city heritage, waterfalls, the Moalboal reef and outer islands like Bantayan. Bohol is quieter, with the Chocolate Hills, tarsiers and Panglao beaches. A ferry links them in about two hours, so many private trips spend a few nights on each.
Can we see whale sharks in Cebu?
Whale shark watching in Oslob, southern Cebu, is included in our itineraries only when clients ask for it. The interaction relies on feeding by local operators, and opinions differ among conservation groups, so we explain the format and let you decide. Alternatives nearby include the Moalboal sardine run and reef snorkelling.
What is the Moalboal sardine run?
The Moalboal sardine run is a huge shoal of sardines that lives close to the shore off Panagsama, on Cebu's southwest coast. Snorkellers and divers can often see it a short swim from the beach, along with turtles on the reef. It fits well on the same southern trip as Kawasan Falls.
Is Kawasan Falls canyoneering suitable for everyone?
Kawasan Falls canyoneering suits reasonably fit travellers who are comfortable jumping into water and swimming with a life vest, guided by local operators. Non-swimmers and families with small children often visit the main falls instead. Age limits are set by the operator, and we confirm them when booking.
Do you offer private Cebu tours?
Yes, as part of a private multi-day trip. Tourismo Filipino arranges private transfers, guides and hotels in Cebu, often combined with Bohol, Manila or Palawan. We do not sell joined tours or stand-alone day tours. Travel agencies can book Cebu programs at net rates. Email [email protected] or call +63-917-175-6678.
