Cebu Island in the Philippines is a very popular tourist destination with beautiful beach resorts, but it has so much more to offer! Why not stay at a marine resort for a luxurious experience and go island hopping to explore stunning beaches and sandbars?
You can enjoy marine activities like snorkeling, diving, swimming with whale sharks, and playing in waterfalls. Cebu also boasts historical attractions such as churches that reflect the country's Christian history and forts that remain from the colonial era. There are also scenic night views, popular observation decks, markets, and hot springs.
This diverse island has something for everyone, and this article will introduce a carefully selected collection of recommended spots in Cebu.
What is Cebu Island? Checking out basic information and safety!
Cebu, a popular beach resort destination, is one of the Philippines' major cities centered around Cebu Island, located over 500km southeast of the capital, Manila. Cebu City is situated on the eastern coast of the long, narrow island.
Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the gateway to Cebu by air, is located on Mactan Island, connected to Cebu City by two bridges. It takes less than 30 minutes by car from the airport to Cebu City. The popular beach resorts in Cebu are concentrated on the eastern part of Mactan Island, where the airport is located.
A typical Cebu trip involves staying at a resort hotel on Mactan Island and enjoying the beautiful ocean and marine activities. You can also visit waterfalls in the southern part of Cebu Island, swim with whale sharks, and go island hopping to experience picture-perfect scenery. In Cebu City, you can explore historical buildings from the Spanish colonial era, enjoy markets, night views, and the nightlife.
Safety in Cebu Island
The security in Cebu Island is good compared to the capital Manila, and there is no need for excessive worry. However, be sure to take basic precautions as you would when traveling to any foreign country. For example, never let your belongings out of your sight, wear your shoulder bag across your body and hold it in front of you, and avoid dressing like a typical tourist. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy your trip to Cebu Island.
1. OSLOB
Have you ever wanted to swim with whale sharks, those gentle giants you've only seen in aquariums? Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world, with some reaching up to 20 meters in length. In the waters off Oslob and Sumilon Island in southern Cebu, you have a high chance of encountering wild whale sharks and seeing them up close. If you're going to Cebu, why not try snorkeling or diving and swim with them in the ocean?
Although you're asked to keep a distance of about 4 meters from the whale sharks, the enthusiastic staff will constantly feed them, causing them to approach you closely. They open their mouths so wide that you might worry about being swallowed whole!
You'll receive a lecture beforehand with instructions and safety precautions, so there's no need to worry. However, if you're afraid of entering the ocean, don't push yourself. The whale sharks will come right up to the boat.
Whale shark tours are conducted early in the morning. It takes about three and a half hours by car from Cebu City to Oslob, so you'll need to leave your hotel quite early. However, most whale shark tours include hotel pick-up and drop-off. You'll be picked up early in the morning, and many tours offer various services such as lunch, sightseeing, and underwater photography. Compare the conditions and prices, and book the tour that best suits your needs.
2. SUMILON ISLAND
While most of Cebu's beautiful beach resorts are concentrated in Mactan Island, there is also a recommended beach resort in the southern part of Cebu Island. About 15 minutes by boat from Oslob, you'll find Sumilon Island, a paradise boasting some of the best beaches in Cebu with its white sand and crystal-clear emerald green and blue waters. The shallow and calm waters make it safe for families with small children.
If you're looking for a convenient option, choose a day trip that combines a whale shark tour with a visit to Sumilon Island. If possible, stay at the Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort and enjoy the resort life. Even if you can't stay overnight, a day trip package provides round-trip boat transfers, restaurant access, activities, mask and snorkel rental, and more.
3. KAWASAN FALLS
Kawasan Falls, the largest waterfall in Cebu, is a magical place where the water basins resemble pools of paint. The crystal-clear water is an unbelievably deep blue and emerald green!
At Kawasan Falls, you can swim freely in the wide basins or even take a raft right under the cascading water. You can even try "waterfall training" by standing under the thundering falls! You might be surprised by the force of the water, but it's definitely an experience worth trying. Be prepared for an intense "training" session!
Kawasan Falls is a popular tourist spot, so there are facilities such as restaurants and coin lockers available. You'll need to walk along a mountain path to reach the falls, so wear comfortable sandals or walking shoes.
Kawasan Falls is located in the southwest of Cebu Island and can be difficult to access. Therefore, it's convenient to join a tour that combines a visit to the falls with other activities like whale shark watching or snorkeling.
4. MOALBOAL
Cebu has many beautiful beaches, but if you want to fully enjoy marine sports, Moalboal in the southwestern part of Cebu Island is the place to go. This area is popular with long-stay tourists from Europe and North America.
Panagsama Beach is known for its many diving shops, restaurants, and accommodations, and for the opportunity to encounter sea turtles while diving or snorkeling.
White Beach, located north of Panagsama Beach, lives up to its name with dazzling white sand and is perfect for swimming.
Access to Moalboal is about 3 hours one way by car or bus from Cebu City. It's closer than Kawasan Falls, but since you're going there, it's a tourist spot in Cebu where you'll want to relax and take it easy, just like the Europeans and Americans do.
5. TOPS LOOKOUT
After a full day of activities, why not enjoy a different side of Cebu at night? Tops Lookout is a famous nightscape viewing spot in Cebu, and a great place to experience the nightlife. As the name suggests, it's an observation deck located at the top of a mountain over 600 meters high, offering stunning views even during the day! On a clear day, you can see Cebu City, Mactan Island, and even Bohol Island. It's also a popular spot to watch the sunrise or sunset, and is frequented by locals gathering with friends and couples on dates.
The most affordable way to get to Tops is by taking the shared van service "GO TO TOPS". Vans to Tops run regularly from around 2:00 PM, and the last van departs from Tops at 11:30 PM, so you can relax and enjoy your time there. They also offer good value plans that include drinks. If you're in a larger group, taking a taxi there and back might be a good option.
6. OLANGO ISLAND
East of Mactan Island lies a small island called Olango Island. Although there are a few resort hotels on Olango, it's still relatively undeveloped as a tourist destination. That's precisely why it's attracting attention – fewer tourists mean a more relaxed and peaceful experience. A convenient way to visit Olango Island is by joining a tour that includes marine activities like snorkeling and diving, hotel transfers, and lunch.
Since Olango Island is close to Mactan Island, you can also visit independently to save on costs. To get there on your own, take a regular "bangka" boat departing from Hilton Port (Punta Engaño Port) on the northeastern side of Mactan Island. Bangka boats are not specifically for tourists; they are an essential mode of transportation for locals.
Olango Island is a wildlife sanctuary. It has a Ramsar-listed wetland and mangrove forest that are protected to conserve migratory birds. So, in addition to marine sports, you can also enjoy nature and bird watching.
7. CARBON MARKET
Carbon Market is a local market beloved as the kitchen of Cebu City. It's a recommended sightseeing and shopping spot for those who love the unique atmosphere of Asia, with excellent fruits like mangoes and reasonably priced miscellaneous goods.
However, be aware that there are many pickpockets, so avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Also, be careful about walking while using your smartphone and carrying bags with thin straps. It's easy to let your guard down in a resort area, but be sure to observe the usual precautions for overseas travel. Avoid standing out as a tourist, such as by hanging a camera around your neck. Visit during the daytime when it's busy and bright to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at Carbon Market during your Cebu trip.
8. NALUSUAN ISLAND
Island hopping tours are a quintessential Cebu activity where you rent a boat to visit multiple nearby islands, enjoy snorkeling, and have lunch. With expansive white sandbars, shallow waters that seem to stretch forever, coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, it's a must-do experience for those seeking the ultimate Cebu resort life. You might even encounter sea turtles at some spots!
One particularly recommended destination is the uninhabited island of Nalusuan. This scenic spot is known for its long pier stretching out into the sea. The waters around Nalusuan are teeming with colorful fish, making it perfect for snorkeling. With its shallow waters and extended sandbar, it's also ideal for families with young children. Most tours include a barbecue lunch on the beach.
9.STO. NIÑO CHURCH
The Philippines, the only predominantly Christian nation in ASEAN, has a population that is over 90% Christian. Let me introduce two places in Cebu City where you can experience this religious devotion firsthand.
The Basilica del Santo Niño, built in 1565 at the birthplace of Christianity in the Philippines, is the oldest church in the country. After being destroyed by fire twice, the current building was reconstructed in 1740. Even the bell tower, which collapsed in the earthquake of October 2013, has been restored.
In 1521, the first people to be baptized and become Christians in the Philippines were Rajah Humabon, the chieftain of Cebu, and his wife, Queen Juana. The Santo Niño statue was a gift to Queen Juana from the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who introduced Christianity to Cebu. Today, this Santo Niño statue is displayed in a glass case within the church, where devotees offer their prayers.
Replicas of the Santo Niño are sold at the church's shop, and believers often keep them in their homes or taxis as protective charms. It's a very familiar presence in Cebu, and you'll likely see it in many places.
10. MAGELLAN’S CROSS
South of the Basilica del Santo Niño, you'll find Magellan's Cross, a must-see attraction in Cebu. Ferdinand Magellan erected a wooden cross at the very spot where Rajah Humabon and Queen Juana were baptized. This is Magellan's Cross, a landmark that symbolizes the baptism of the Rajah and Queen, along with 400 of their subjects, making it a significant historical site in Cebu.
Today, Magellan's Cross is carefully preserved within an octagonal chapel. Devotees light red candles and offer prayers. When night falls, the cross is illuminated, creating a different atmosphere from the daytime.
Please note that the downtown area can be unsafe at night, so avoid walking alone and be mindful of your surroundings.
Fort San Pedro is one of the oldest Spanish forts in the Philippines. It was built on the coast as a stronghold to counter attacks from indigenous rebels who came by sea.
The fort is triangular in shape with a plaza in the center. It is surrounded by stone walls about 6 meters high and 2.4 meters thick. You can walk along the top of the walls and enjoy a panoramic view of Independence Park and the sea. Today, it houses a museum exhibiting the history of Fort San Pedro and artifacts recovered from shipwrecks, so be sure to visit.
12. HERITAGE OF CEBU MONUMENT
In Parian Square, you'll find a heritage monument called "The Heritage of Cebu," which impressively depicts the centuries-long history of Cebu Island. It features statues and structures representing significant landmarks and events, including San Juan Bautista Church, Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Basilica del Santo Niño, Fort San Pedro, Magellan's Cross, a Spanish galleon, Ferdinand Magellan, and scenes of battles. Created by Cebuano artists over a period of about three years, this monument is truly a sight to behold.
Although it's illuminated at night, the location is a little over 500 meters northeast of the Basilica del Santo Niño in an area with less-than-ideal security. It's best to visit during the daytime.
13. MACTAN SHRINE PARK (MAGELLAN MEMORIAL & LAPU-LAPU STATUE)
In Mactan Shrine Park in the northeastern part of Mactan Island, you'll find the Magellan Monument and the Lapu-Lapu Statue.
The Philippines became a Christian nation thanks to Magellan, so there is a magnificent monument to him in the park. However, on the other hand, Magellan, during his voyage around the world, stopped in the Philippines and demanded that the king and inhabitants convert to Christianity and submit to him. While Magellan is revered for spreading Christianity, he also has a negative side as a colonizer.
Lapu-Lapu (Lapulapu), the Muslim chieftain of Mactan Island at the time, fought against Magellan without submitting to him. It is said that he defeated Magellan's forces and killed Magellan. There are various theories about this, but in any case, Lapu-Lapu is an eternal national hero for Cebu.
When you visit Cebu and touch this history, you can discover a different side of Cebu. This place has a reputation for selling affordable T-shirts and miscellaneous goods, so let's take a look for souvenirs. By the way, when you get out of the car, there are kind people who will hold an umbrella over you without being asked... but be careful because they will demand money!
14. SIMALA SHRINE
The majestic Simala Parish Church is known as the "church where miracles come true." It's located about a 2-hour bus ride south from Cebu City. Pass through the gate inscribed with "AVE MARIA!" and proceed further to find a magnificent, palace-like church beyond the vast gardens. Climbing the long staircase not only gives you a panoramic view of the gardens but also allows you to see all the way to the sea.
Inside the church, colorful candles in gold, green, blue, violet, and other colors are lit in the candle stands. There are 13 colors of candles in total. Each color represents a different wish, so purchase a candle in the color that corresponds to your wish, place it in the candle stand, and pray.
Although many tourists visit here for sightseeing, it is a sacred church. It's easy to be exposed in resort areas, so be sure to dress modestly when visiting.
15. ESOY HOT SPRING (CATMON HOT SPRINGS)
About a 3-hour bus ride north from the center of Cebu, you'll find Esoy Hot Spring (Catmon Hot Spring) where you can soak in a natural hot spring surrounded by nature.
The hot water is lukewarm, colorless, and transparent. It's an authentic hidden hot spring with the smell of sulfur.
There are spots for playing in the river, waterfalls, and even a suspension bridge that looks like it could collapse at any moment... you can enjoy a real adventure here. Life jackets are available for rent.
It may be surprising to find a hot spring in Cebu, but it's good manners to "wear a swimsuit" when bathing. It's by reservation only, so it's convenient to use a tour. Refresh yourself in the hot spring filled with negative ions.