From vibrant culture, hospitable people, and beautiful attractions to pristine beaches, and bucket loads of indelible experiences your Cebu travel guide will leave you speechless. This province of the Philippines is one of those tourist attractions in Asia that you can find in every traveler’s bucket list. This tropical island is a dream destination for all travelers. For a fact, there is nothing as diverse as Cebu. What will entice you here the most is surely the set of gorgeous beaches that Cebu has in its fold. But that’s not all! It has much more to offer to you.
This Cebu travel guide covers all the best experiences and things to do that you should look to cover on your trip and Cebu travel tips for this enticing island.
But before that, let’s know about the best time to visit Cebu.
Table of Contents
How to travel from Manila to Cebu
Flying from Manila to CebuGetting from Manila to Cebu can be done in a couple of different ways. The easiest and fasted way is of course flying. We always use skyscanner.com when searching for flight initially. Searching on Skyscanner will give us the option to see all the days of the month and adjust depending on the price(ranges from $24-$143 USD). The flight normally takes no longer than 3 hours.
Bus and Ferry from Manila to Cebu
You can also take a bus and ferry but this can cost between $31 and $52 but takes over 30 hours and is not the most comfortable way to travel but generally the cheapest. If you are interested in going this route it all starts at the Claro M. Recto Ave / T. Mapua Intersection, Manila. You can find more about this journey here.
Cebu Island Guide With Bonus – Bohol + Siquijor
Best Time to Go Cebu
The best time for a Cebu city itinerary depends on your purpose of visiting. If you are planning to visit the island to mainly indulge in water sports, then its the months from January to April that are the best time to plan a trip to Cebu. During these months, the weather remains pleasant and the chances of rain are fewer during this time. Besides, the temperature is not too humid as well during this time. This is also the best time because, during this time, you can be a part of the famous Sinulog Festival which is organized on the third Sunday of January, every year.
If you want to visit Cebu but don’t want to do it in the peak season, then you can consider months from July to October to be the ideal time to visit. This is not a peak season, hence, you will get some cheap and amazing deals on flight tickets and accommodation.
The remaining months are also good to visit Cebu City. But during those months, you can expect to get a crowd of tourists visiting the city.
Is Cebu Safe to travel?
Cebu City lies in a group of pristine islands that includes the Visayas region. The city is located in the central Philippines. In recent times, the city of Cebu has started to flourish in terms of modernization because of the increasing foreign investments. The economic growth of the city can be seen in its modern urban skyline. As a result of that, tourism in this part of the country is also thriving. You can expect to spot tourists from every nook and corner of the world here in the city of Cebu.
But for first-time travelers, the concern always remains about safety. How safe is Cebu city in the Philippines? Well, the city is quite safe to travel to. The overall risk and danger are moderate here in the city of Cebu. You won’t fall into any sort of danger if you’ll just use common sense.
Taxis and Transportation Risk
The risk while traveling in public transport or taxi in Cebu City is medium. However, basic precautions are still advised. Be fully observant and scan your surroundings. Cover your pockets with your hands while traveling on the bus. Also, take care of your backpack or bags you are carrying. Taxi drivers also try to trick foreign tourists to get more money by giving them wrong information about the fare of a ride.
Natural Disaster Risk in Cebu
Well, this is one of those risks that are beyond human control. The city remains prone to many natural disasters. For a fact, the city witnesses around 20 tropical storms every year. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are also common in the city of Cebu. I would recommend you check the weather forecast and other things before planning a trip to Cebu.
Pickpockets Risk in Cebu
Like any other Asian country, pickpocket is one of the major dangers in the Philippines. Pickpocket and snatchers in Cebu are mostly young children. Hence, it is advisable to take certain precautions. Most importantly, do not keep all your cash with you. Leave some cash and valuables at home and always keep an eye for everything around you.
Scams and Risk in Cebu
Though the risk of the scams is medium in Cebu yet you have to be cautious about it. I suggest you keep small bills with you always. There is a common thing that vendors do in Cebu. They ask you to buy more things saying they don’t have change for large bills. Another scam that is pretty common in Cebu happens around ATMs. Scammers lurk around ATMs and other people come to distract you.
Women Travellers Risk
The best thing about traveling to Cebu is that the city has a low risk for women travelers. But that doesn’t mean, women should not take the necessary precautions. Also, avoid going out alone in the dark.
Mugging Risk
There are liberal gun laws in the city of Cebu. The mugging risk is moderate. As compared to Western standards, the city of Cebu is pretty safe in terms of mugging. However, the necessary precautions are still advisable.
How to get around Cebu City
Getting around in the city of Cebu is pretty easy – thanks to the wide options of transportation. In total there are 6 main options to travel within the city of Cebu. Let’s have a look at all the options.
Jeepney in Cebu
Just to let you know, Jeepney is the most iconic means of public transportation in Cebu. There are different routes for this transport option. This is the best option for short hops. You can identify the route of the Jeepney by seeing at the upper side of the vehicle’s front which includes a unique combination of both letters and numbers that symbolizes the route. The fare of the Jeepneys in Cebu is PHP 7.
Here are the Jeepney routes in Cebu city
- 01K – Parkmall to SM Cebu City to Colon to Urgello
- 07B – Banawa to Capitol to Jones Avenue to Colon
- 17B – IT Park, Lahug to Escario to Jones to Colon
- 04C – Lahug to Gorordo Avenue to Mango Avenue to Ramos to Colon
- 06B – Guadalupe to Capitol to Jones Avenue to Colon
- 14D – Ayala Mall to Escario to Ramos to Colon
Taxi in Cebu
Taxis are probably the most convenient means of transportation in the city of Cebu. You can find a taxi almost anywhere in the city. Standard city taxis are the cheapest taxi version in Cebu and they are easy to catch, unlike the app-based ones. However, as you board a taxi, the driver automatically turns the meter on. If they don’t, I suggest you insist on them. The initial charge of a taxi is PHP 40. Thereafter, you have to pay PHP 3.50 for each additional 500m. Besides, PHP 2 is also added after every two minutes.
Habal-Habal
If I talk about my personal experience, this is the most convenient and fun way to travel within the city of Cebu. Habal-Habal is basically the motorcycle. In the city, you can expect to find both types of drivers – the ones who will ask you to pay the high fare and the ones who ask normal fare. There is an app known as Angkas which is like Grab and Uber. You can book motorbikes from this app in the same as taxi-based apps. Besides, you can also rent a motorbike if you know how to ride. The price of motorbike rent starts at PHP 500 for a day.
V-Hire in Cebu
V-Hire or Van For Hire is an ideal option for all those traveling in a group. It is also a great option if you are looking to travel to nearby cities with your friends or family. There is a terminal for V-Hire outside the SM Cebu City. The Van includes 4 seating in a row which is quite good if you have a group of 8-10 people. With this option, you can visit the cities of Lapu-Lapu and Dano.
Ferry Boat In Cebu
Being a popular coastal country, traveling in the Philippines is incomplete with the ferry boats. The ferries in Cebu City sail in the Mactan Channel. This is the perfect option to get rid of the city’s traffic on roads and bridges that link Mandaue City on the mainland Cebu to Lapu-Lapu City. For foreign passengers living in the city of Lapu-Lapu who are working or studying in Cebu City, ferries serve as the major means to get to the city. Whether you are in a hurry, I recommend you to use ferries in Cebu City. Besides, you can also ride if you want to ride a ferry just out of curiosity. The departing duration between one to another ferry is 10-20 minutes from Pier 3. The fare of the ride is around PHP 14 and you will be also asked to pay a terminal fee of PHP 2.
By Bus
If we talk about a convenient and budget-friendly means of transportation in Cebu city, then My Bus should be the first choice. It operates from Mactan Cebu International Airport to Parkmall, to SM City Cebu. Not just this, it also goes to Seaside City and up to Talisay City. My Bus services in the Philippines are offered by Metro Rapid Transit Service. Don’t be amused when I tell you that these buses are built by Mercedes Benz, Daewoo, and Volvo. A single bus can accommodate as much as 90 passengers. My Bus service has a complete route on which it runs accordingly.
Bus Routes in Cebu City
- Route #1 – Talisay – Park Mall – Talisay
- Route #2 – Talisay – SM Seaside – Talisay
- Route #3 – Park Mall – SM Seaside – Park Mall
- Roure #4 – SM Seaside – Sanremo – SM Seaside
- Route #5 – SM City Cebu – Mactan Airport – SM City Cebu
- Route #6 – SM City Cebu – Port Area – SM City Cebu
- Route #7 – Fuente Osmena – SM Seaside City Cebu
Buy Rental Car
As I said, there are plenty of options to travel within the city of Cebu, so, here is another one. A major chunk of tourists also prefers to travel by a rental car. One of the main and strange reasons is heavy traffic. It is a convenient way to travel in a group with family or friends. With a rental car, you can even travel from the southern part of the city to the northern part or vice versa. I personally love this way as it gives you the freedom to be your own boss. So, if you know how to ride a car and have a license, just go for it.
Where to stay in Cebu City
Being one of the highly-developed cities in the Philippines, Cebu has plenty of staying options to choose from. The city has something for every type of traveler. Let’s have a look at all the accommodation options in Cebu City.
Booking.com
Cebu City – For First Time Travelers
If you are looking to book accommodation in Cebu, then Cebu city is the best option, especially for all the first time travelers in Cebu. Dotted with modern architecture, rich history, and ultimate nightlife, Cebu City has plenty to offer to its visitors. From hostels to hotels, the city has plenty of options for tourists. If you are looking for a hostel, then you can look to book accommodation in Mad Monkey Hostel. Whereas, Harolds Hotel and Zen Rooms Hamersons Cebu are the best hotel options in Cebu City.
Malapascua – For Budget Travelers
Off the northern coast of Cebu Island, there is Malapascua – a quaint island. The island is small yet offers some amazing experiences and natural beauty to travelers. With turquoise ocean waters, golden sand beaches, palm trees, Malapascua is a perfect destination to book a stay to stay away from the cacophony of city life. Besides, the island offers some best budget hotels to travelers. There are affordable hostels and hotels to offer you an amazing staying experience in Cebu Island. Along with that, there are also diver resorts to enjoy watersports.
The best budget hostel on this island is Malapascua Budget. Whereas, Celtis Resort and Blue Corals Beach Resort are some best budget hotel options in Malapascua Island.
Moalboal – For Hikers and Trekkers
Moalboal is a small town yet the coolest place to explore and enjoy a stay in Cebu. From Filipino culture to natural experiences, this small town has a lot to offer to its tourists. But this town is the place best to stay for hikers and trekkers. There are dense tropical rainforests and rivers that are waiting to be explored.
To book your stay in a hostel in Moalboal, you can consider Moalboal Backpacker Lodge. However, if you are looking for hotels, consider booking a stay in Dolphin House Resort and The Blue Orchid Resort. If you decide to stay in Moalboal we highly suggest you don’t miss diving with the sardines.
Mango Square – For Nightlife
Cebu is not just about natural beauty and the rich culture, the nightlife is also very much famous in this part of the Philippines. Mango Square is one of the best places in Cebu Island where you can explore the ultimate nightlife. If you are a nightcrawler, then you should look to book your stay in Mango Square. There are bars, clubs restaurants that together offer an ultimate night time to tourists and locals. Mango Square has both hostels and hotels. In hostel options, Bunks Hostel is the best option. On the other hand, St Mark Hotel Cebu City is the best hotel option for tourists to enjoy a pleasing and comfortable stay.
Booking.com
Things to Do in Cebu City
Cebu Heritage Monument
Cebu is the city which is a treasure trove of history, heritage, and culture. And from that history, Cebu Heritage Monument is one of the best places to visit in Cebu. The iconic heritage building was built with bricks and dark stones. It has an enticing architecture which includes sculptures like ships, crosses, churches, and several historical figures. Though you can explore this tourist site on your own, but hiring a travel guide would only give you a chance to learn about the history of this place. This is indeed a great place to start off your Cebu travel tour and is cheap so you can stay on that Cebu budget trip.
Address
Cebu Transcentral Hwy, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
Opening Hours
All throughout the day
Entry Fee
Approx 2 USD
1730 Jesuit House
Also known as the “Museo de Parian”, Jesuit House is the place where the Jesuit priest in the Philippines used to reside. Today, it serves as one of the most iconic tourist sites for all DIY Cebu tour that travelers love to include on their Cebu travel guide. If we talk about it, it is quite huge and the ceilings are also high along with the walls. To give your visit a real thrill, this house has included several ceramics that were spotted during the era of the Ming Dynasty. You would be amazed to know that this beautiful house survived many natural calamities like earthquakes, typhoons, foreign invasions, and still stands as a remarkable example of history.
Address
26 Zulueta St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM, and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee
Approx 1 USD
Carbon Market Cebu
Well, no vacation is ever completed a shopping tour! And if you are searching for what to do in Cebu City, then a shopping tour of Carbon Market is one of the perfect things to add on your Cebu travel guide. Just to let you know, Carbon Market is the oldest and the largest public market in Cebu. Here, you can find all types of products. Being such a renowned shopping site, it often remains crowded. Locals here come for meat products, seafood. Whereas, tourists can be found bargaining for handicraft products. The market is huge and is also known for its Filipino culture. If you are looking for a spot where you can head to for all your shopping-related needs even midnight, then Carbon Market is that one place.
Address
59 M. C. Briones St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
Opening Hours
All throughout the day
Entry Fee
No Entry Fee
Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral
Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks that tell tourists about the history of religion in the city. This attraction helps you learn about the history of Christianity in the Philippines. Here you can have some peaceful time and can even relish the beautiful architecture of the cathedral.
Address
6000 Mabini St, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
Operating Hours
Sunday to Saturday throughout the day
Entry Fee
No Entry Fee
Mountain View Nature Park
If you spend a fun time with friends and family in Cebu City, then make Mountain View Nature Park as their best option. There is a water playground, slides, stairs, and a lot more to have an ultimate fun time. Not just this, there is also a section which has a ‘jungle’ in the jungle gym and is engirdled by lush greenery. That’s not all! This place also offers pristine views of rolling hills with verdant greenery. The park also has a restaurant, washrooms, cafe, and hotel rooms.
Crown Regency Sky Experience
Though Crown Regency is a hotel, it is way more than that, especially for adventure seekers. On the 38th floor, there is the Ridge and Edge Coaster. This is a zip line experience that is 473 feet in the air. This will indeed be an experience of your lifetime.
Address
Osmeña Blvd, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
Operating Hours
Monday to Friday from 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Saturday and Saturday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Entry Fee
PHP 600 for both entrance and sky experience
Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary
The city of Cebu has something for everyone. Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary is one of the must-visit places in Cebu city, especially for wildlife buffs. Here in this sanctuary, you can walk through a mini rainforest dotted with tropical flowers and plants, But the key attraction here the beautiful butterflies that can be seen fluttering all around. There is a wide collection of butterfly species that you can expect to spot here in Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary.
Address
J.N, Jumalon St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
Opening Hours
Sunday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee
around PHP 50
Best Things to Eat in Cebu
Puso Rice
Ever heard that rice can be portable? Well, this is what Puso Rice is all about. Also known as the hanging rice, Puso Rice comes as boiled and in wrapped coconut leaves. These can be found hanging in batches like bananas in local eateries. This dish can be best eaten with Lechon, street food, or anything else.
Pochero
Pochero is basically a stew pot and one of the most popular dishes to have in the city of Cebu, especially during the rainy season. Just imagine, indulging in a hot bowl of beef soup while relishing the drizzling.
Ngohiong
Ngohiong is a staple dish in the city of Cebu. It is often compared to the famous spring rolls. Now, I assume you can imagine what this dish looks like. Ngohiong is made of bamboo shoots and ground pork. This dish can be best eaten with squid balls, chorizo, tempura, and more. You can even have it with rice.
Siomai
While in Cebu, you can find plenty of street food stalls selling the delicious dish of Siomai. Siomai is the steamed small balls of pork or beef. These balls are presented as a light flip-style pastry and are served on a plate with a choice of sauces like chili sauce, soy sauce, and light sauce.
Mango Pizza
Ever heard of or had mango pizza? Well, just because of this unique combination, this dish is on the list. Mango Pizza is a one-of-a-kind dish to have in the city of Cebu. Obviously, the pizza includes mango but it also includes green bell peppers, nuts, and yes, the cheese. Surprisingly, this odd combination will suit your taste buds.
Barbecued Everything
Do you know that people in Cebu love grilled food? Hence, there are plenty of barbecue restaurants in the city. From fish to chicken to pork, you can grill everything here in Cebu. Each barbecue restaurant serves its own blend of sauces which is the best thing. Yakski Barbecue, Byron’s Back Ribs, and Ned Nanay’s Grill are some top choices of restaurants to have a barbecue meal in Cebu.
Halo Halo
The shaved ice version of the Philippines is Halo-Halo. This is a dessert dish that is loved by both locals and tourists in the city of Cebu. It is made from various ingredients like banana, tapioca, gelatin, Ube, milk, Leche flan, beans, and much more. There are different versions of Halo Halo you will get to taste in different restaurants.
Things to do around Cebu City Like Bohol and Siquijor
Travelers also love to explore the cities of Bohol and Siquijor that are located close to Cebu City. Getting to both cities is quite easy.
Bohol
How to Get to Bohol From Cebu City
There are two major options to reach from Cebu City to Bohol. These are buses and ferries.
Cebu City to Bohol by Bus
Traveling to Bohol from Cebu City via bus is an ideal way to get there for many travelers. But it is also a rare option because of the fact that Bohol is an island. However, this is the cheapest way to reach Bohol as it costs somewhere around 330 pesos. But it takes the longest time to take tourists to the city of Bohol. There are two bus services that operate daily from Cebu South Bus Stop. Take the first one which leaves at 10:00 AM and the second one leaves at 3:00 PM.
Cebu City to Bohol by Ferry
There are both fast ferry and slow ferries options in Cebu City to reach Bohol. The fast ferry takes a maximum of 1 hour to complete the journey to Bohol from Cebu City. However, you have to book your ticket in advance which starts from PHP 1000. Whereas, the slow boast can take up to 2 hours to take you to Bohol city and their ticket price is half of the fast ferries. You can board both ferries from Tubigon Port in Cebu City.
Things to Do in Bohol
There are plenty of things to do in Bohol. Let’s have a look at some top things that you should look to do while vacationing in Cebu.
Visit the Chocolate Hills
This attraction sounds more like a fantasy movie, right? Well, it is nothing less than that! It is one of the most popular landmarks in Bohol. Such is the beauty of this place that houses hundreds of lush green mountainous hills. This pulchritudinous sight can go as far as you can see. The key highlight is the dry season. It is the time when the hills turn into a milk-chocolate color. Hence, the name derives ‘Chocolate Hills’. You can hire a motorbike and enjoy the beautiful natural views and winding roads along the way.
River Paddle Boarding
One of the most experiences in Bohol is paddle boarding. In the southwest corner of Bohol, passing through the winding jungle passageways, there will come waterfalls where you can enjoy this amazing activity. However, you need to book a tour in order to enjoy paddleboarding. Your tour operator will provide you with a paddleboard, a life jacket, and paddles. Some tours even include a traditional Filippino lunch.
Tarsier Conservatory
An ultimate wildlife experience that awaits to astound you with its treasures can be relished at Tarsier Conservatory. Tarsiers are an endangered species and hence, this conservatory is established with an aim to conserve this species. You can expect to spot these little frog-finger primates in this conservatory area. Besides, your visit to Tarsier Conservatory will help the authorities to continue running this place. It is a short tour which takes around 20 minutes to complete.
Loboc River Cruise
You cannot leave the island of Bohol without indulging in an indelible experience of Loboc River Cruise. The cruise is operated in a boathouse with a dining room and a thatched roof. The cruise takes you down the river and en route, you will get to savor the beautiful sights and a delicious lunch. There will even be a live band that is there to entertain international tourists.
Hinagdanan Cave
The island of Bohol has amazing concealed solitaires in its fold; one of them is Hinagdanan Cave. Swimming in the deep dark waters of this mysterious cave is indeed an experience in itself. There is nothing to fear in this cave. However, the cave might look creepy to you because of the bats hanging from the ceilings. Though the cave is all covered there are few holes through which the sunlight shines down in the cave.
Siquijor
How to Get to Siquijor From Cebu City
In total, there are three ways to get to Siquijor from Cebu City – ferry, bus, and flight.
Ferry from Cebu to Siquijor
From pier 1 of Cebu port, you can board a ferry to Tagbilaran. The journey takes around 2 hours to complete and it costs around PHP 500. From Tagbilaran, you have to board a ferry further to Siquijor. The journey will take around 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete. The fare from Tagbilaran to Siquijor is around PHP 700. However, you have to reach Tagbilaran before 10:20 AM. ON
Flight from Cebu to Siquijor
The fastest means to reach Siquijor from Cebu city is via a flight. You have to book a chartered seaplane flight with Air Juan to Siquijor. You can board the flight from Mactan-Cebu International Airport It just takes 40 minutes to reach Siquijor from Cebu City via a flight. The flight leaves Cebu City at 1:00 PM and the fare is PHP 4500.
Things to Do in Siquijor
Siquijor Butterfly Sanctuary
Siquijor Butterfly Sanctuary is one of the top landmarks in the Siquijor. Covering 200 sq km of land, the habitat serves as the home to more than 20 species of butterflies. Here in Siquijor Butterfly Sanctuary, you can see each stage of their life from caterpillar to pupa to butterfly. If you are traveling Siquijor with your kids, then visiting this place becomes a must thing to do as they will get to learn a lot here in Siquijor Butterfly Sanctuary.
Paliton Beach
Near the town of San Juan, there is Paliton Beach – a paradise for all the beach lovers. Dotted with bright white sand, the beach is far away from the cacophony of a tourist beach. Hence, you can expect to spend some peaceful time here at Paliton Beach.
Restaurant Saki
There are plenty of amazing restaurants in Siquijor, but no one can beat the compelling charm of Restaurant Saki. Wondering why? Well, because this restaurant not only offers food but gorgeous views as well. Yes, it is a rooftop restaurant. Visit here in the evening and you will be rewarded with some exceptional views of the sunset. Grab a beer and order your preferred dish from the menu, and just relish the surreal views.
Cantabon Cave
There are numerous caves in the Philippines and Cantabon Cave is one of the must-visit in the country. It is located 800 meters into the ground. In order to reach here, you will be harnessed in and asked to ascend deep into the earth. You will be provided with headlamps. The walls are quite scary but the cave is safe. However, cave exploration can only be done in the supervision of a guide. So, you have to book a tour.
Things to do in Southern Cebu
Carcar Church
Also referred to as the St. Catherine of Alexandria Church, Carcar Church was constructed between 1860 and 1875 by Augustinians. Despite being located on the land of the Philippines, the church has influences of Islamic and Graeco-Roman architectures. If you are an architecture lover, then this place is indeed a must-visit for you.
Location
Santa Catalina, Carcar City, Cebu, Philippines
Opening Hours
Sunday to Saturday, morning to evening
Eat Lechon and Chicharon in Carcar
In the city of Carcar in southern Cebu, there is a public market where you get to savor the taste of one of the best Lechon (the entire roasted pig) in the world. Along with that, also taste the Chicharon (pork cracklings). Carcar is famous for both dishes and people from every nook and corner of the city come here to relish both dishes.
Canyoneering
You are looking for some water adventure in this guide, right? So, here it is! Being a coastal destination, Cebu offers plenty of amazing things to do; canyoneering being one of them. Visit the southern part of Cebu and indulge in an ultimate canyoneering experience. For that, head to Matutinao and Badian. This is not an activity for the faint-hearted. Through this experience, you will travel through some hidden canyons with various techniques and outdoor activities like trekking, swimming, scrambling, climbing, and walking. The activity would cost you somewhere between PHP 1350 and PHP 1500.
Scuba Diving in Moalboal
You cannot afford to leave scuba diving from your Cebu itinerary. And if you are doing it, then there is no better place than Moalboal to indulge in this adventurous activity. A scuba diving experience will give you a chance to catch the sight of the sardine run along with the countless fishes and corals. If you are lucky enough, then you can also expect friendly sharks and turtles. The cost of this activity is between PHP 1100 and PHP 1500.
Learn About the History of Southern Cebu
If you are a history buff, then surely you would want to know about the rich and interesting history of the southern province of Cebu. If that sounds interesting to you, visit Carcar city. In this city, you will get to know more about Filipinoipino life during the Spanish era. For that, visit the Bahay Sa Tisa and visit its rotunda and Carcar Dispensary Museum. Boljoon is yet another popular hideout in southern Cebu for history lovers. Here, you can take a heritage walk and explore the exquisite architecture of the constructions.
Top waterfalls in Southern Cebu
Mantayupan Falls
One of the early discovered waterfalls in southern Cebu. This fall site is perfect for swimming and day relaxation. It has two levels; the first one has 3 water cascades that fall from a height of 14 meters whereas the second has a strong cascade which drops from the height of 98 meters. Despite being a popular waterfall site, Mantayupan Falls offers a pristine and unspoiled ambiance.
Address
Barangay Campangga, Barili, Cebu
Operating Hours
All days from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee
PHP 20 for adults and PHP 10 for children
Binalayan Falls
Binalayan Falls is one of the best hideouts for adventure seekers. Along with its pristine beauty and serene ambiance, the waterfall site is also known to offer the experience of jumping off the cliff to its visitors. You can climb on the wall and jump from a 50 meters high cavern into the pristine waters of the falls. Even if you are not an adventure seeker, this waterfall is still an amazing place to visit in terms of its beauty and tranquillity.
Address
Brgy. Bonbon, Samboan, Cebu
Operating Hours
All days from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee
PHP 30
Inambakan Falls
An off-beat hideout for all the nature lovers in southern Cebu is Inambakan Falls. The fall site is known for its pristine beauty and a charming pool of turquoise water. You can either sit ideally and relish the nature around this waterfall site or can choose to swim in the basin which is 8 feet deep. However, for swimming, you will need a life vest.
Location
Brgy. Calabawan, Ginatilan, Cebu
Operating Hours
All days from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee
PHP 50
Kampael Falls
Situated right above the Inambakan Falls, Kampel Falls includes a small basin at the bottom where you can take a dip into the crystal clear waters. If you don’t want to swim, then you can go for a picnic with your friends and family. Also, you can get to the top and relish the panoramic views of the surrounding.
Address
Ginatilan, Cebu, Philippines
Operating Hours
All days from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee
PHP 20
Bugnawan Falls
Not many know, but both Kampael and Bugnawan Waterfalls are located within a few meters of distance. Yet, this fall site is relatively unknown. The waterfall derives its name from Bugnawan which means cold in Cebuano. The waters are icy cold and hence, the names come. This waterfall site is surrounded by dense forest with a thick canopy of trees. There is a large basin at the bottom which is ideal for swimming. You can either plan a combined tour of both Kampael and Bugnawan waterfalls, or can also visit both with Inambakan Falls.
Address
Ginatilan, Cebu, Philippines
Operating Hours
All days from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee
PHP 20
Dao Falls
Also spelled as Dau, Dao Falls is nature’s hideout that tests your mental and physical endurance. In order to reach this waterfall site, you have to cross a trail of forest and a canyon. Once you have covered the distance, you will get the sights of the grand scale of limestone that supports Dao Falls.
Address
Brgy. Suba, Samboan, Cebu
Operating Hours
All days from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee
PHP 20
Aguinid Falls
For your adventurous spirit, Aguinid Falls brings a sort of challenge for you because of the mini canyoneering experience. This is a multi-tiered waterfall. Each of the tiers offers some sort of fun and excitement. There is a shallow pool between the formation of limestone. These limestones are non-slippery that makes trekking easy activity here.
Address
Brgy. Tangbo, Samboan, Cebu
Operating Hours
All days from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee
PHP 30
Tumalog Falls
A huge waterfall that lures tourists from every nook and corner of the world is Tumalog Falls is Tumalog Falls. Such is the imposing beauty of this waterfall site that it is hard to fit the entire fall in a single shot with a normal angle. The water cascades always drop on its walls and when its sprays come into the contact of sunlight, there creates a beautiful rainbow. The basin is shallow and the waters are perfect to swim.
Address
Cebu South Rd, Oslob, Cebu
Operating Hours
All days from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee
PHP 20
Kawasan Falls
When it is about the best waterfalls in Cebu, Kawasan Falls cannot be left ignored. It is the most popular waterfall site in Cebu, and hence, you can expect a huge crowd of tourists here. It has pristine ambiance, long stream, alluring natural beauty, and fantastic rock formation. Along with spending an amazing time here, you can also indulge in an adventurous experience of canyoneering here at Kawasan Falls.
Address
Badian, Cebu
Operating Hours
All days from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee
PHP 50
Binayan Hidden Waterfalls
As the name itself suggests, it is a lesser-known waterfall yet an interesting one for all the adventure seekers. It is a great place to indulge in cliff jumping experience. The trail that leads to this waterfall is short and well laid out. If compared to other nearby waterfalls, Binayan Hidden Waterfalls is the smallest of all yet it has plenty to please you.
Address
Brgy. Bonbon, Samboan, Cebu
Operating Hours
All days from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee
PHP 60
Where to stay in Southern Cebu?
If you are looking to book accommodation in Southern Cebu, well, there are plenty of options to choose from. There are Oslob, Badian, and Moalboal where you can look to book your stay. Moalboal and Oslob are the best options to enjoy a convenient and comfortable stay in southern Cebu.
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More things to do in Cebu
Enjoy a Dive With With Whale Sharks
One of the must things to do in Cebu for all the adventure seekers is to take a dive with whale sharks. Your south Cebu itinerary will be incredible with the fact that here in Cebu, you will a chance to swim with the biggest fish in the world. This activity is counted amongst one of the wildest things to do in Cebu and venturers often love to do it. Despite the fact that these water creatures are quite wild, but you would be amazed to know that they live around as fishermen in Cebu feed them. Hence, you can experience this dive anytime during a year.
Cebu Safari and Adventure Park
Some odd 30 minutes drive from Danao, there you reach the very famous Cebu Safari and Adventure Park. The park is a haven for all the wildlife buffs looking for an incredible Safari Park Experiences and something to do in Cebu. For a fact, Cebu Safari and Adventure Park are the largest of its kind in the city. Not just this, it also has the longest zipline in Asia, which is a total of 1.2 km. Now, that’s a place for both wildlife lovers and adventure aficionados, isn’t it? Certainly! In the territory of the zoo, there is an affluent flora and fauna of various kinds. But, the main attractions are the tigers. Since this zoo is one of the most popular international Cebu destinations, hence, it has brought the gorgeous natural beauty of Carmen mountains.
Address
Barangay Corte, Toril, Carmen, 6005 Cebu, Philippines
Opening Hours
Wednesday to Sunday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee
Approx 16 USD
Cebu is one of those destinations where you get a mix of everything, be it history, culture, heritage, adventure, nature, wildlife, and yes Cebu waterfalls. Do you know what that means? Well, it means, you cannot restrict the scope of such diverse travel destinations in a single guide or post. Hence, do not dare to think that Cebu tourism is just limited to these attractions. It’s more than that! And some of its best things are concealed and can only be relished when you’ll explore Cebu in a local way.