Cebu
Trip Planning Hub
Welcome! This page is designed to be your one-stop resource for planning a trip to Cebu. Click any of the buttons below or scroll down to start creating your perfect getaway.
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Preparations
Let’s start with the basics for our trip: booking your flight to Cebu, grabbing a rental car to explore, finding a cozy home base, and getting travel insurance for total peace of mind.
Hotels
There are two main areas to consider staying in for your Cebu trip: Cebu City and Moalboal. I’ve explained why in my post that features a map of the best places to stay in South Cebu.
Top Hotels in Cebu City
Why choose Cebu City? It’s a central hub for food, history, and organized tours that head out to both the northern and southern parts of the island.
Click the names of the hotels to see exactly where they are, check out some photos, or book your room.
- Luxury: Fili Hotel Nustar. It is the first authentic Filipino 5-star hotel and is gaining a lot of popularity for its Las Vegas style setup which includes super modern rooms and an integrated casino.
- Midrange: Quest Hotel. Located directly across from Ayala Center, this hotel is a frequent recommendation for solo travelers and families looking for “bang for your buck” without sacrificing quality.
- Budget: Red Planet. A reliable “no-frills” option located near Ayala. It is favored for its focus on essentials like high-quality beds and powerful power showers at a low cost.
Top Hotels in Moalboal
Choose Moalboal if you want to be right near the adventure activities like the sardine run, canyoneering, and swimming with whale sharks.
Click the names of the hotels to see exactly where they are, check out some photos, or book your room.
- Luxury: Dolphin House Resort. Often ranked as the most upscale option in the area. It is a favorite for its “eco-luxe” villas, five-star PADI dive center, and highly praised on-site dining that many travelers call the best in Moalboal.
- Midrange: Pescadores Seaview Suites. A consistently top-rated mid-range hotel. Travelers often highlight its “Insta-worthy” modern design, sunset views, and central location that makes it easy to walk to the Sardine Run.
- Budget: Chief Mau Moalboal. Widely considered the best social hostel in town. Travelers recommend it for its legendary common area, clean dorms, and its location just a two-minute walk from the main beach action.
If you want to stay in a different town during your trip, you can look for hotels using the form below.
Car Hire
It is doable to tour the island using public transport like buses and tricycles, but we are so glad we had a private van because it let us make the most of every minute.
Find a great deal on a private ride using the search form below. Powered by Discover Cars.
You can also search for car rentals through our trusted travel partners. Click or tap an icon to get started.
Flights
Cebu is the second largest city in the Philippines and incredibly easy to reach. You can head straight there whether you are flying in from overseas or hopping over from any other big city across the country.
Find a great deal on a flight using the search form below. Powered by trip.com.
You can also search for flights through our trusted travel partners. Click or tap an icon to get started.
Insurance
Going on an adventure without peace of mind is never a good idea. Get covered so you are prepared for whatever happens while you are out exploring.
Get a free quote with Visitors Coverage and see your options in seconds.
Try other alternatives. Click or tap an icon to get started.
Top Experiences
Visiting Cebu is not complete without these three experiences. I personally tried them and guarantee you will have so much fun, feel completely awe-inspired, and end up craving even more!
1. Kawasan Falls Canyoneering
Book or check availability here:
This is the ultimate adventure in Cebu.
… and it is an experience that feels so refreshing and exhilarating!
That swing, the scramble on boulders, the jump into the water, and the split second you spend mid air in the heart of the jungle will stay with you forever.
Basically, your trip to Cebu isn’t even complete until you hit this up.
Click the button below to see all Kawasan Falls Canyoneering tours.
2. Moalboal Sardine Run
Book or check availability here:
I was mostly a mountain person until I saw for myself the incredible marine life in Moalboal.
The sardine run is just spectacular and I honestly could not stop soaking in all that magic that day.
There is no doubt that, much like canyoneering in Kawasan, the sardine run in Moalboal is a core memory waiting to happen.
You absolutely have to experience it while visiting Cebu.
Hit the button below to check out all the Moalboal Sardine Run tours.
3. Oslob Whale Shark Watching
Book or check availability here:
A remarkable encounter.
I felt thrilled, terrified, and completely awestruck seeing a whale shark up close underwater.
Seeing this marine giant gracefully move and breathe through its gills reminded me of the endless magic found in nature.
The experience lasted about 30 minutes, but that was plenty of time for a moment that stayed with me long after I left the water in Cebu.
Click the button below to explore all the Oslob whale shark watching tours.
More Attractions
Aside from what I’ve mentioned, there are more attractions or ways you can experience Cebu. Most are located in the south, but there are also some incredible ones worth exploring north. I’ll share some here.
Oslob
This is the home of the whale sharks in Cebu. But there is much more to discover, like the crystal waters of Sumilon Island and the curtain-like cascades of Tumalog Falls.
Check out these experiences:
Tap the icon of your favorite travel brand to explore more experiences in Oslob:
Badian
This is the town where you can find Kawasan Falls. But did you know you can also visit the highest peak in Cebu, Osmeña Peak, from here?
Check out these experiences:
Tap the icon of your favorite travel brand to explore more experiences in Badian:
Sibonga
Here you can find Simala Church, a beautiful pilgrimage site that you can visit as a dedicated trip from Cebu City or include as a stop during your day tour.
Check out these experiences:
Tap the icon of your favorite travel brand to explore more experiences in Sibonga:
Moalboal
The ultimate diving and snorkeling destination in Cebu. Come here to swim with sea turtles, witness the spectacular sardine run, and relax on the white beach!
Check out these experiences:
Tap the icon of your favorite travel brand to explore more experiences in Moalboal:
Bantayan
The go-to island for pristine shores and coastal adventures in Cebu. Travel here to wander through the mangrove eco-park, cliff jump at the German Ruin, and island hop to the stunning Virgin Island!
Check out these experiences:
Tap the icon of your favorite travel brand to explore more experiences in Bantayan:
Malapascua
A paradise for world-class diving in Cebu. See rare thresher sharks, explore colorful underwater reefs, and chill out on the peaceful sands of Bounty Beach!
Check out these experiences:
Tap the icon of your favorite travel brand to explore more experiences in Malapascua:
Explore Cebu City
Cebu City is a tourist destination in its own right.
As the oldest city in the Philippines, it features landmarks that are centuries old. Cebu also offers a food scene that adds a special touch to any adventurous trip like the one we had. What is more interesting is that there are attractions located up in the mountains with views of the cityscape. It is a fantastic place to visit, and you certainly will not regret stopping by.
When I go back to Cebu, here are the various ways I plan to spend my time. Click any link to learn more about each one.
Historic Landmarks
Cebu is where Christianity first began in the Philippines.
You can visit Magellan’s Cross and the Basilica of Santo Niño.
See how the faith has grown over the centuries from the place where it all started.
Taking a historical tour is a great way to have an enjoyable and educational experience.
Check out this tour:
History and Food
The night we arrived in Cebu, we had dinner at a local eatery and I was amazed by how they prepare their rice.
They call it “Puso.”
Yep, the food is as interesting as the history.
Join a food and history tour to make your visit even more memorable.
Check out this tour:
Cebu City Highlands
During our trip, we focused on visiting the highlands of Cebu City to see some popular sights.
I recommend going there if you want to breathe some fresh air. Enjoy a view that is not packed with traffic.
When the weather is clear, visit the Temple of Leah or Cebu Tops. The view is simply beautiful.
Check out this tour:
Go Beyond Cebu
From Cebu you can go on day trips to other islands and cities nearby. It is also a great place to start a longer trip to destinations like Bohol, Siquijor, and Dumaguete. You can look at my map of Central Visayas to see the various destinations or go through the activities listed below.
Bohol
People come to Bohol for the tarsier, which is the smallest primate you will ever find, and the Chocolate Hills, which are another wonder of the Central Visayas. But the reality is that there is more to discover and experience in Bohol besides these two attractions.
Check out these experiences:
Tap the icon of your favorite travel brand to explore more experiences in Bohol:
Siquijor
Siquijor is one of those mystical islands in the Philippines. But the real magic is in the beaches and cliffs that make you feel like you are in the Mediterranean. A motorbike ride around the island is already an adventure in itself.
Check out these experiences:
Tap the icon of your favorite travel brand to explore more experiences in Siquijor:
Dumaguete
Dumaguete… A gem of the Negros island; you should come to explore the American colonial heritage, taste Budbud, which is a unique local dish, and enjoy a laid-back experience visiting the mountain lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, and more.
Check out these experiences:
Tap the icon of your favorite travel brand to explore more experiences in Dumaguete:
Special Mention
Apart from the ones I shared above, there are plenty of other incredible places worth adding to your itinerary to make your trip truly unforgettable. The options range from pristine white sandbars and epic waterfall adventures to stunning mountaintop views of the island.
Sumilon Island
Sumilon Island Day Pass
Don’t count Sumilon Island out.
It’s only a small island in South Cebu, but it packs a ton of stuff to do. The famous sandbar is just the start of the fun.
With a day pass, you can snorkel around the reef, kayak, and hike out to Yamashita cave, the lighthouse, and the old watchtower. If we had more time, this would have been the perfect place to unwind before heading back home.
You can select whichever brand you prefer for more information.
Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort
Wanna try luxury island life?
Check out the resort on the island: Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort, a first-class accommodation with lots of perks.
You get so many great benefits here like ocean-view rooms and free buffet meals, plus free lagoon kayaking, cave trekking, and snorkeling with baby sharks.
Plan your next epic vacation now. Click any brand preference below to see more photos and explore this beautiful escape.
Sumilon Island Tour Packages
Thinking about how you can make the most of exploring South Cebu?
Score a vacation package to Sumilon Island plus any of the main destinations like the Moalboal Sardine Run, Kawasan Falls Canyoneering, or Oslob Whale Shark Watching.
Choose a tour that includes a vehicle pickup directly from your hotel so you can enjoy a hassle-free day of adventure.
Click the icons below to find the best deals for your schedule.
Osmena Peak
Cebu Day Tours + Osmena Peak
The golden hour at Osmena Peak, with its jagged hills rolling out in every direction, is truly a sight to behold.
Hiking the trail is easy, but getting to the trailhead can be a bit tricky unless you have your own car.
Don’t worry though, because you can always join a guided tour to make transportation a breeze. Best of all, you can maximize your trip by hitting up other local attractions.
You can find the best deals that fit your schedule by clicking the icons below.
Aguinid Falls
Cebu Day Tours + Aguinid Falls
I guarantee you, Aguinid Falls is the place to go if action and adventure are what you are looking for.
You will literally climb up waterfalls and rock walls, and the rock formations are incredibly cool too.
Out of all the places to visit in South Cebu, this one is a true hidden gem.
Below are the different ways you can maximize your day by visiting the Cebu highlights and Aguinid Falls, so feel free to check them out.
The Essentials
Every step of your journey, from home to sky to stay to the place you came to see, and safely back. Click any item below to get ready.
