Cebu IslandTravel Tips | Queen City of the South
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
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.








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
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.
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.




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