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Fort San Pedro

A military defense structure built in 1565, under the command of Miguel López de Legazpi, Fort San Pedro is the oldest fort in the Philippines.

Bantayan Island

Located at the northernmost tip of Cebu Island, Bantayan is well-known for its powdery white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and laidback vibe, perfect for an ultimate relaxation getaway.

Osmeña Peak

Cebu's highest mountain, Osmena Peak is the perfect spot from which you can get ravishing 360-degree views of Cebu island.

Kawasan Falls

A picturesque multi-layered waterfall system, and one of Cebu's most visited tourist attractions.

Basilica del Santo Niño

The home of the original and oldest religious relic in the country in honor of the Holy Child Jesus, Basilica del Santo Nino is located in the downtown area of Cebu City, next to the Magellan Cross.

Oslob Whale Shark Experience

Whale Sharks are the world's largest fish, and swimming with these gentle giants of the ocean in Cebu is one of the main tourist attractions in the country.

Sumilon Island

One of the gems of Oslob in Cebu, Sumilon Island is a small sandbar with powdery white sand and turquoise waters, ideal for a relaxing and tranquil getaway.

Kalanggaman Island

Famous for its pristine sandbar, the bird-shaped Kalanggaman Island, is not only a phenomenal beach, but it is also secluded and unspoiled.

Malapascua Island

This idyllic island found on the northern coast of Cebu is a fantastic diving destination, particularly for divers aiming to have an encounter with the elusive Thresher Sharks.

Cebu Island Travel Tips | Queen City of the South

“Cebu offers unbelievable diversity in the Philippines.”

Are you looking for an extraordinary and paradisiacal destination? Then you should think about a trip to the Philippines and get inspired with our Cebu tips. There you can soak up the sun, discover unique natural spectacles, snorkel in crystal clear water, roam through the jungle or go hiking, and get to know a lively culture.

If you want to know what you can experience locally, you should definitely get more information about the island of Cebu. Different adventures and unique experiences await you in Cebu. Take your time and let yourself be enchanted.

General Information about Cebu Island

The Philippines consists of the three island groups Luzon, Mindanao, and the Visayas with over 7000 islands. The island of Cebu belongs to the latter group of islands. If you are planning a vacation on the island, you should know that Cebu is about 200 kilometers long and up to 40 kilometers wide. Because of the diverse landscape and mountains, you have the opportunity to experience a versatile vacation.

Furthermore, the island is an excellent starting point for island hopping in the Philippines, as it is surrounded by numerous other splendid destinations. Besides the predominant languages like Cebuano and Tagalog, you can expect the locals to speak English. This is because this language is considered the official and business language in the Philippines and is usually learned by the youngest from a very early age.


Arrival & Transfer to Cebu

Before your vacation in Cebu starts, you have to arrange a flight to the Philippines. From Germany, you have for example the possibility to get to Mactan-Cebu airport via Dubai, Singapore, or Hong Kong.

The international airport is located in Lapu-Lapu City, on the island of Mactan, in the east of the province Cebu. You can also fly to the capital Manila and choose a domestic flight from there.

Between the islands, you have the possibility to travel back and forth with numerous ferry connections. As soon as you arrive at the airport, you should look for a cab to take you to your first accommodation.

You can also book an airport shuttle in advance to take you to your vacation destination. Our tip: In order to be able to explore the island areas with their unique, tropical landscapes in a flexible way, you should consider renting a car or motorcycle.

Best Time to Visit Cebu

If you are planning your trip, you should of course also pay attention to the best time to travel Cebu. Overall, the Philippines has a tropical climate. Basically, the climate can be divided into a dry and a rainy season.

This means that you can expect warm temperatures all year round. In addition, you should always have rainproof clothes at hand, as there can be a lot of rain.

In the months from December to May, the country enjoys the dry season. And, from about the end of May to the end of November, the rainy season is waiting for you.

When traveling to Cebu, generally, the months from June to October, should be avoided. This is the time of year when typhoons occur more frequently in the country.

Vacation Regions on Cebu

North | East | South | West | Interior

The North on the Island Cebu

If you are traveling in the north of Cebu Island, you should definitely plan a trip to the enchanting island of Malapascua. You will have the chance to get to know the authentic life of the locals and discover their culture.

This small island offers you the opportunity to forget your everyday life for a moment and to relax on endless dream beaches like Langub Beach or Bounty Beach.

During your stay, you should use the time to explore the underwater world and admire the impressive thresher sharks at the dive site Monad Shoal.

If you have enough time, a trip to the uninhabited island of Kalanggaman must be at the top of your to-do list. This bird-shaped island will delight you with crystal clear water and snow-white sandy beaches.

This island paradise lets you dive into a completely different world far away from the hustle and bustle of the metro.

The East on the Island of Cebu

The cultural center is located in Cebu City, in the east of the island. After you have arrived in the Philippines, you should definitely use the time to take a closer look at the city.

In this vibrant and colorful city, you will find many impressions at every corner. One of the most important sights of the city is Fort San Pedro.

The former military fortress is one of the oldest buildings from the Spanish colonial period and gives today an incomparable insight into the past. Furthermore, you must not miss the Basilica del Santo Niño.

Do you want to experience the market hustle and bustle in the city up close? Then make your way to the Carbon Market.

If you're on vacation on the island in January, you can't miss the famous Sinulog Festival. Every year, on the third Sunday in January, this religious festival is celebrated in the city. On this day, besides various rituals, street parties are celebrated deep into the night.

Since you will probably land at the airport of the coral island Mactan anyway, you should include it in your travel plans.

If you want to dive into unique natural landscapes and watch birds in their natural environment, you should plan a visit to the Olango Wildlife Sanctuary. In this wetland, you have the chance to discover up to 97 different species.

The south on the island Cebu

Our guide will not be complete without mentioning the south of the island of Cebu. This part of the island has become famous mainly because of the municipality of Oslob.

Here, you can dive with fascinating whale sharks. However, you should make sure to distinguish between the different providers. The animals are partly attracted by food, sustainability is disregarded and therefore the behavior of the animals is influenced.

Meanwhile, a trip to the island of Sumilon about 2.5 kilometers off the coast is worthwhile. One of the best islands in Cebu South, this small, picturesque island is especially known for its pristine waters and enchanting coral reefs.

The west on the island of Cebu

A special highlight of the Cebu tips is the west of the island. Besides unique beaches, which you can find in all parts of the island, especially the city of Moalboal is an exciting snorkeling and diving hotspot.

The diverse marine world creates unique scenery and lets you experience an unforgettable stay. If you want to take a break, you will find numerous restaurants and bars in the city.

You should also visit the beaches that are a little bit away from the city center, White Beach, Basdaku Beach, or Panagsama Beach. If you go further south to the community of Badian, you will find the paradise beach Lambug Public Beach.

And one of the top Cebu tips, the Kawasan Falls, is located in this area. During your stay, you must drive along the beautiful coastal road from Moalboal to Badian and let the beautiful panoramic view of the area take your breath away.

If you want to visit the Kawasan Falls, you should definitely do so during the weekdays when there is less crowd. Aside from stunning landscapes and of course the stunning waterfalls, here you will experience a real adventure on the spot.

This unique natural spectacle is definitely worth a visit. The locals will take you on their rafts and bring you close to the waterfalls. In short: pure adrenalin and excitement!

Especially recommended is the Kawasan Canyoneering. Here, you need to be in good physical shape when you approach the waterfalls by rappelling, climbing, or jumping and roam the mystical jungle.

Our tip: During your exploration of the island you can admire numerous other waterfalls. The Tumalog Falls, Aguinid Falls, and the Cambais Falls are among the most popular Cebu tips.

The interior of the island Cebu

Through the plateaus and rough mountain ranges, you have the opportunity to get away from the beach and dive into fascinating nature on numerous hikes. The highest mountain on the island is Osmeña Peak with a height of 1013 meters. Once you reach the top, fascinating views await you, which compensate for the climb.

Our Tip: Since hiking in the Philippines is not yet very developed and not all hiking trails are marked, you should book a guide or join a tour. Furthermore, a visit to the three national parks of Cebu is worthwhile. On-site you will dive into a species-rich wilderness and experience the magic of the jungle with your own eyes.

In the largest of the three parks, the Central Cebu National Park, there is a fascinating variety of plants with numerous endemic species that you can discover. A paradise for all the nature lovers among you.

Other destinations from the island of Cebu

Island Bohol

During your vacation, you should plan a trip to the island of Bohol. There a unique natural spectacle awaits you. The so-called Chocolate Hills is one of the special landmarks of the island.

You can admire more than 1000 conical hills, which are covered with grass. Moreover, this area lives up to its name, especially during the dry season, when the lush green naturally changes into brown.

These unique and mystical formations give the region its own charm and will amaze you.

Bantayan Island

In addition, another island paradise awaits you in the northwest of the province of Cebu. If you have enough time, the island of Bantayan should be part of your itinerary.

From the port of Hagnaya, you can reach another world without problems, and within one and a half hours. As soon as you arrive on the island, the idyll and the charm will enchant you at once.

On the whole island, you will find numerous dream beaches with crystal clear water, white sand, and a unique underwater world. Here it often happens that you have the complete beach section to yourself and can relax in complete peace. Especially recommended is Paradise Beach on Bantayan.
Another highlight is the underwater cave Ogtong Cave. During a visit, you can swim in the freshwater and soak up special atmospheres.

If you want to discover Bantayan away from the beaches, you should take a tour through the impressive mangrove forests.

Cebu - The Best Gateway to the Country for First-Time Visitors

Featuring a unique combination of man-made and natural attractions, Cebu boasts a wide range of attractions and activities for all types of travelers. So, I am already sitting on packed suitcases. How is it going with you?

Photos of Cebu Island, Philippines

See Photos of the Best Destinations and Attractions in Cebu Island, Philippines.
  • Malapascua Island
  • Old Fort San Pedro in Cebu, Philippines
  • Kawasan Falls in Cebu, Philippines
  • Whale Sharks in the town of Oslob, Cebu, Philippines
  • Bantayan Island, Cebu, Philippines
  • Sumilon Island Beach, Cebu, Philippines
  • Santo Niño Church, Cebu, Philippines
  • Osmeña Peak, Cebu, Philippines
  • Bantayan Island, Cebu, Philippines
  • Bantayan Island, Cebu, Philippines

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