Cebu
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Travel 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
For first timers, there are two main areas to consider staying in for your Cebu trip: Cebu City and Moalboal.
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.
Top Hotels in Cebu City
- 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.
Click the names of the hotels above to see exactly where they are, check out some photos, or book your room.
Choose Moalboal if you want to be right near the adventure activities like the sardine run, canyoneering, and swimming with whale sharks.
Top Hotels in Moalboal
- 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.
Click the names of the hotels above to see exactly where they are, check out some photos, or book your room.
If you want to stay in a different town during your trip, you can look for hotels using the form below.
Planning to spend more time in South Cebu? Check out my map of the best places to stay for some great alternatives to Cebu City and Moalboal.
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.
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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.
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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.
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Top Experiences
To me, 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.
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.
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.
More Attractions
Aside from what I’ve mentioned, there are more attractions or ways you can experience Cebu. Most are locaed 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.
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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?
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Hotels & Stays
Guide & Tours
Car Rentals
Public Transport
Flights
SIM & VPNs
Insurance
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