It's understandable why Cebu Island is often overshadowed by better publicized holiday destinations: Palawan Island and Boracay Island. The third option is Cebu Island of course, and our travel guide shows you what you can expect when you transfer from Manila City to Cebu City or fly in direct to Mactan–Cebu International Airport. An area of the Philippines with well over 100 small Islands, your holiday adventure will no doubt spring from Cebu City, rich in history and a vibrant culture.
The city is accessible to international flights, and also only 90 minutes from departure until arrival, and for less than US$50 return, per person. So, even though you had no plans originally to venture south, you could at a pinch ― and you should, because the city is very much a hive of festival activity:
Sinulog Festival may be the more famous of them all, held in the city every January of each year. But our firm favorite is Toslob Festival a week or so before Christmas. If you are ever in Manila during December, please jump on a plane, or a train, and visit early in the month for this event. Like most festivals in the Philippines, there is a religious undertone or twist to its origins, and that's great. Because a lot of the history and culture of the Philippines you accept, is centered around their religion.
What we like about this festival is that the religious celebrations side of the festival isn't full on, it's subtle. More to most foreigner's liking is the party atmosphere: the music and street dancing. If you love to be part of a crowd and outdoor entertainment, you'll really enjoy what this small town throws together.
Another activity when holidaying overseas, business or pleasure, is of course shopping. You are not in Manila City but all the same, Cebu City has excellent shopping experiences for tourists. Beaches too, but it's a sure bet you'll want the shops by early afternoon after feeling fully relaxed all morning.
Cebu is truly modern, "hip and happening" for every generation, young and old. If you've been elsewhere in Asia, such as India or South Korea you'll be well aware of how grandeur the shopping malls can be. They're amazing, so how does Cebu compare? Nicely, in fact. One of the smaller malls, Ayala hosts retail units with international brands you've no doubt heard of back home. The mall complex also has restaurants, beauty salons and cinemas. The experience is more up market and chic, compared to other malls in the city.
By the afternoon it can be really warm, so get yourself off the beaches and into the malls, and we've every reason to recommend you spend the rest of your day here. The malls are open until late, usually until 21:00 hours. It's common to move on, from one mall to another, before calling it a day. That being so, also visit Robinsons Galleria which is a larger shopping mall with 300 stores and miscellaneous such as cinema, close to the city port.
The Philippines is a top destination for Island hopping ― spending a day or two on one Island before moving onto the next, so what Islands are there local to Cebu? There are numerous and each one offers something a little different:
First on the list of must-see Islands is Malapascua island because we believe it's the most popular aside from Cebu itself. A stretch of ocean 7km wide comes between Malapascua Island and Cebu Island so a short 30-minute boat trip is involved. If you have not booked any tour itineraries then use a taxi to take you from your hotel to New Maya Port on the northern end of Cebu Island. The boat departs on the hour, early morning until late afternoon.
Which means you've all day more or less to enjoy Malapascua Island to return to your Cebu hotel in time for evening. What makes the Island desirable are the long beaches of soft white sands, calm shallow waters for swimming in and diving off the coast. Weaving in and out of the many shoals of fish are thresher sharks, they're a smaller shark and completely benevolent.
There are a few diving centers on Cebu Island where you can use their facilities to learn the basics about diving and diving safety before making your Island-hopping journey a reality. A full one-day course should suffice, allowing you to get started. Because being able to dive in any tropical water is a truly holiday changing experience, adding so much value you only appreciate afterwards, back home.
Mactan Island is just off the east coast of Cebu Island, is well known and popularized for its mangrove forests. Two bridges share the two Islands making it an easy one-hour road trip between either one. Mactan Island is also home to many widely accepted luxury hotels and resorts and when staying on the Island, there are excellent beaches and diving spots you must try out. For added convenience, to the east is Olango Island: much smaller, and more peaceful with fewer tourists.
Olango Island has natural beauty everywhere you look, the beaches are utterly gorgeous and like Mactan Island, there is opportunity to go snorkeling and diving with the marine life. Even with accommodation on Cebu Island all set up, it's rather difficult to really fit both into a one-day trip, especially if you want to go diving. That being the case, perhaps book a hotel room on Mactan Island for one night? The next day you have Olango Island on your doorstep (you do not have to travel so far).
There is a wildlife sanctuary on Olango Island too, which shouldn't be neglected. The mangroves and sandbanks are ideal for the migrating birds from Russia's Siberia, Japan and northern China. To reach the sanctuary you must first get to either Hilton Port or Movenpick Port, Mactan Island. From there, purchase a ticket (use local currency) and transfer to the port of Santa Rosa 20 minutes later. Coming off the boat you need to hire a taxi to take you to San Vicente, where the sanctuary is.
Our advice is to book (in advance, always) a guided tour of the sanctuary, because it's all inclusive: the tour operator arranges for you to be picked up and dropped off, at your hotel door. Do that at the same time as you are booking your one-night stay on Mactan Island.
A few kilometers off the coast of Moalboal, found towards the south of Cebu Island. It's a (very) small Island that is world famous for a rich diverse marine life, making it perfect for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Really, it's the only reason why you'd visit the Island, when included in a day trip to Moalboal. When you are enjoying your diving, you may be fortunate enough to see octopuses, turtles and barracudas. The waters around the Island are at their calmest and clearest in the months of March, April and May.
The micro sized Island has no sandy beaches, only rocky coral reef. Thankfully there is a beautiful, clean beach for you at Moalboal ― Panagsama Beach. What makes this beach special is the dense shoals of sardines found a short distance from the shore. Because the waters off the beach are shallow, it's safe for you to swim out to where the fish are.
Getting from Cebu City to Moalboal. Moalboal is several hours by bus from Cebu City (on the opposite end of the Island). You could take a taxi, to save some time but it's more sensible to go by bus. The buses leave every 30 minutes or so from the south bound bus terminal (CSBT) and a one-way ticket only costs a few US dollars. The bus terminal has dozens of platforms, which can be confusing despite each one stating a destination. You are looking for a destination to Bato, asking the driver to drop you off in Moalboal along the way.
With so many Islands, it definitely bewilders you as to know which Island is which, and where to go. Part of the larger Olango group of Islands ― situated off the coastline of Mactan Island ― Caohagan Island is a top destination for seafood lovers. Not only is the local cuisine reason enough to visit, but there is also a good excuse for the beaches, calm sea and marine sanctuary as well. Taking a tour package beginning from Mactan Island is our recommendation for visiting this quiet, peaceful Island.
Cebu is engulfed in remarkable landscapes and natural beauty. It would be a shame not to venture out of town and city to grasp any chance of fresh air and sights of the wildlife. For nature lovers, there are trails all around once leaving the outskirts of Cebu City and those trails are accessible to most people, not only those super fit. They lead you to some of the most popular and spectacular viewpoints possible:
Even if you are not an avid backpacker, camper or general outdoor person, those trails are easy to reach, traverse and climb to gain panoramic views. Mount Kapayas is our best choice to recommend if you've got rock climbing experience under your belt, otherwise Osmena Peak. It's by far the easiest of the lot and offers incredible sunsets: you'll want to come back.
With young children? Trek Mount Mago instead, which is superb for families, the paths are well maintained, clear and trouble free for small feet. The amazing views make it a great day out, pack a picnic for added fun and relaxation. As much as the pleasure of being outdoors, there are a few stunning waterfalls to seek out. Hire a local guide and spend a day with them as they take you to the best spots to swim in the cool, clear waters running off the mountains.
One of the best pieces of advice we can give you when holidaying in Cebu is to book a half-day tour to Kawasan Waterfall. And be sure the tour is the full package, inclusive of water sports and canoeing. Actually, it's why you'd want to spend a day or two in Cebu Province, when your holiday is to Manila City. Your Moalboal hotel may be able to help you out with the booking, a local operator, with knowledge of the area. Or you can book online.
There's a lot of excitement and thrills to be found on this stretch of water, and once at the waterfall itself. If you've any doubt coming to Cebu Island, those doubts will melt away once you explore the Island. So many things to see and do, boredom seldom enters your thoughts.
Getting to the falls is through a small, often tight gorge on a clear, cool turquoise colored water. In some places it can be fast flowing but nothing like a rapid, although it helps to have some kayaking or canoeing experience. Safety first, safety gear should be provided to you before you begin jumping from the heights to the deeper pools below. Which is why you go with a local guide as they know the safest spots to jump from, they keep you in check, so you don't jump in the wrong places (seriously injuring yourself).
Gladly you'll find there is a bus every hour from Cebu City south to Oslob, every day. Just no excuse at all for not visiting the southern town but not only for the waterfall. In fact, you may even neglect the waterfall altogether. Why? Read on, and below. When you are renting a scooter, a motorbike or car in Asia, always have adequate (comprehensive) travel insurance. Reaching the waterfalls is a short journey by road, it's more convenient to rent a scooter for a few hours, because it's not far from the town center.
You have the scooter for the day, so you are free to explore on your own, remember (for about US$6 a day). Whereas the Kawasan Waterfall is for adventurous souls who love action, Tumalog Waterfall is for those who want drama and beauty. Outside the monsoon season, the water trickles down, spraying those below. As a late morning warms up, it's refreshing and cooling, making you want to stay until late. The path down to the pool of the waterfall is rather steep in places but the walk is all but 10 minutes at most.
Yes, be reassured. The Island is best visited for a holiday from early December through to May when it's the dry season in the Philippines. That's when it is more comfortable to holiday in Cebu, because March, April and May are very hot and clammy. The city creates a great experience for celebrating Christmas, and leading up to the big day is unmissable for families. The celebrations are month long, finishing with a massive Christmas tree in Fuente Circle, a park close to the city center. Nighttime is blessed with sparkling jewels of multi-colored lights and decorations hanging from high above,
From early evening until late, each night is filled with family friendly entertainment. But do avoid holidaying in Cebu in June, July and August due to the monsoon and possible typhoons.
It figures you'll end up in Oslob City anyway, not purely because you're driven to visit its famous waterfall nearby. And when you are in the small city, you'll have planned ahead possibly and got yourself sorted to see the whale sharks? Have your tickets booked in advance because the attraction is always in high demand. The morning only event begins from 06:00 hours through to 12:00. After noon, you'll have to wait until the following day.
Whale watching happens in groups, so our advice is to have something booked in advance either before flying out on holiday, or before leaving Manila if that's your true destination. Leaving it until the last minute is precarious at best. You don't need previous diving experience per se but for maximum enjoyment, it helps if you've snorkeled before.
From being picked up at your hotel (and dropped off afterwards), the whole sightseeing package shouldn't cost you more than US$22 per person. The mammals are huge but so tame as well, it's really possible to swim up close to them and not be afraid. Where else can you experience that? The best ticket you'll purchase for something that'll be with you for life.
The nature found on the Island, its landscapes, is enough to persuade many to come and visit for a few days, or even a week-long break. Of course, your primary holiday may be one of those other Islands, Boracay perhaps? So be it, you'll have one amazing holiday in the tropics but the next time holidaying in the Philippines, give it up for Cebu and the many groups of Islands clumped together.
A whole different holiday experience awaits those coming to Cebu, the diving spots are teaming with marine life, turtles, small fish and big fish. What makes the Island such a pleasure, really, is the public transport system ― you can go anywhere on the Island, on a low budget by bus. They depart from Cebu City as if it's a regular service back in your home city, it's really convenient, clean inside and the locals are super friendly.
Rightly so, the Philippines is an increasingly popular holiday destination for holidaymakers, and you must come to find out why.
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Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.