Emman 
Cebu, one of the biggest islands of the Philippines, offers a vibrant experience for travelers both foreign and domestic. This 5,000 sq-meter island gives you a balance of island and city life. Thanks to its history, geography and location.
This vast island is also one of the major gateways of the country. If you look at the map, the neighboring islands in the Visayas region surrounded Cebu. It can serve as the jumpstart for your excursions on the neighboring-islands.
But let’s focus on this culturally rich, historically wonderful island at the center of the Philippines. The warmth of Cebu and its people can be astounding. Beautiful smiles and friendly people can help you get easily on the island.
Its richness in history starts way back 1500s when Cebu was the very first island the Spanish conquerors have stepped in. This is also where Christianity in the country was born.
I remember when my father told stories about Cebu having the many “oldest”. He’s been driving around Japanese tourists some 30 years ago and he can’t help but also learn from the local tourist guide sitting beside him.
He mentioned to us that Cebu was discovered 50 years earlier than Manila. So, naturally, Cebu has the oldest street, the oldest school, and Cebu City as the oldest city in the country. This led to the fact that there are many important historical and cultural diversities that’s been part of Cebu’s identity.
What you should like about Cebu is it’s for many travelers. Whether you’re into planning or start-traversing-where-your-feet-takes-you, Cebu welcomes you.
Table of Contents
Where to go and what to do
To start with, I can say that recommendations on where and what to vary wildly, depending on who you ask.
While I was planning to write this blog, I went to Facebook for the reason that I want to see what most people are talking about Cebu. This will also help people who never stepped on the island to kick-off their trip. And I found one Facebook user who listed 121 things to do in Cebu.
Yes, one hundred and twenty-one.
I can’t help but compare Cebu as a restaurant with 100-menu options. You can’t possibly eat all what’s on the menu in one diner, and so is your expedition in Cebu. You can easily get overwhelmed by the things you want to do and places you want to see. Depending on your taste and type, this island has it for you.
So, I listed the ultimate hottest spots that one should go and try if you’re in Cebu. I can’t include everything, but these places will help people know you’ve been on this wonderful island.
But fret not, based on your trip duration and your appetite for adventure, Cebu is always here to wait for your next expedition.
Mactan Island
If you arrive in Cebu by plane, this is where you’ll be landing. This island sits next to the main Cebu connected by 3 bridges- with CCLEX as the latest addition to it. It’s not a secret that this island is where tourists and locals go scuba diving and island hopping. With several dive sites to choose from, Mactan island can be a quick getaway for a scuba dive or you can do long stays in some number of luxury hotels around the island.
Cebu City
Cebu City, dubbed as the Philippine’s Queen City of the South, is one of the key economic drivers of the country. Since this is the oldest city in the Philippines, you can explore the most important cultural and historical sites in the city. This high-urban city is a point of comfort and recharge for travelers who come from their adventure and expedition from nearby towns. Not only that, the city also offers lively nightlife and various food options.
These are the prime attractions that you must go around the city:
Magellan’s Cross
Brought by the Portuguese conquistador Ferdinand Magellan, this symbolic cross made Cebu what it is today. 8 out of 10 people on the island come from Christian ethnicity, mostly from the Roman Catholic community. The original cross is enclosed in what you see, because locals think carving it can heal illnesses.
Fort San Pedro
Fort San Pedro holds both the oldest and smallest fort in the Philippines. This is located by a 10-min walk from Magellan’s Cross. This fort stood as a military defense for Spaniards against Muslim raiders. Today, it stands as a museum where artifacts and history pieces are stored and open for the public to see. You also need to see the paintings around the fort that tell the history of Cebu. You can’t believe how, for hundreds of years, this fort is still standing strong.
Cebu Taoist Temple
Built in 1972, this religious site is the temple for the Filipino Chinese Taoist Community. This silent temple screams with Chinese style and architecture- normal to its belief, the bits and pieces have, in other ways, meaning. For the worshippers, this is a place for prayer and meditation, but for tourists, this is a place to relax and be away from the city for a while. Nothing much on the entrance, but once you take the steps towards the temple, you can see the overlooking Cebu that extends towards the Mactan Channel.
Temple of Leah
Another spot where you can overlook the whole of Cebu is the Temple of Leah. How do you express your love? Well, one wealthy entrepreneur has built this temple at a mountain spot for his late wife. This Roman architecture-inspired temple compares to the Taj Mahal of India. Massive pillars, gold lions, and grand staircase represent the splendor of true love. The magnitude of building this means the serious commitment of a husband to his wife. The best part? Wait for the lights to go out at night and it feels like it has teleported you to some European country!
SM City Seaside Cebu
One of the biggest malls in Cebu, SM City Seaside, helps you get back to the urban society. The mall has hundreds of local and international stores, restaurants with both global and local food, cinemas with big screens, and a skating rink. The mall has a circular design that you can go full circle. Going to the mall is one of the favorite pastimes of locals, and the number one attraction is their Sky Park, where you can get a good view of the mountains of Cebu. Whether going for an errand, shop or dining out, SM really sticks to its motto of “We got it all for you!”.
Cebu Ocean Park
Just across SM City Seaside, this oceanarium brings the big blue sea to the surface. Cebu Ocean Park enthralls your eyes to all the marine life you can think of. Not only that, there are also options where you can scuba or free dive in their gigantic aquariums. Don’t assume you’ll only see sea creatures at this marine-themed park- there are also big reptiles like crocodiles and snakes. You can also have the chance to watch a bird show starring the clever birds that I can only imagine are the casts of “Rio”. Nothing you can hear from other park goers but “wow!” and “amazing!”.
Ayala Center Cebu
Another bigger mall in Cebu is the Ayala Center Cebu. In the middle of Cebu City, Ayala mall offers you tons of entertainment and premium options. Dining choices seem unlimited, with restaurants being at a multi-level. The design of the structure gives you the feeling of you’re not in a mall. Latest addition to the mall feature is the Terraces, where they created a garden in the middle of the mall. The stunning greenery of terraces and water features are unparalleled. With wide selection and accessibility, the Ayala Center is a haven for locals and travelers.
Casa Gorordo Museum
Experience history by visiting Casa Gorordo. This house turned museum warps you back to the Spanish colonial era with its walls made of coral stone, hardwood floors, and terra-cotta roof tiles. This museum gives you an idea of the historical and social cultures of Cebuanos hundreds of years ago. Today, it’s the house of hundreds of antique furniture, costumes, old paintings, kitchen and farming tools. These things help you picture out the Cebuano lifestyle. You can get a good look at the past with the help of their knowledgeable curators.
Heritage of Cebu Monument
You can’t leave without seeing the Heritage of Cebu Monument. This monument was built 23 years ago to remember the important historical contributions of Cebu province. The historical landmark displays Cebu’s significant societal struggle and religious events. If the history of Cebu is a movie, this monument is the plot summary. You’ll enjoy the intricate sculptures and fascinate yourself with the size of the monument’s characters. This work of art and history is one of the proudest architecture of the country. Historical junkies would surely love this mammoth structure.
Pungko-pungko
Pungko-pungko is a Cebuano street food worth visiting. Although not intended for tourists, it overtook the Cebuano food scene. Pungko means “sit” and you sit on a small bench to eat fried foods like pig’s intestine, spring roll, pork chop, crab meat, meatballs, and ngohiong. Pungko-pungko has become a tourist must-go because of its uniqueness. You can’t see this food style anywhere in the country. This might not offer the best ambiance, but many Cebuanos love this budget meal, and so they share this with outsiders.
Cebu I.T. Park
This 27-hectare business district offers the best nightlife in the city. Modern buildings and wider roads make IT Park look promising. It transports you into a first world city. The beginnings of this business park started as a hub for business process outsourcing (or BPO) and technology companies that have invested in the city. Today, it’s a destination of choice for friends and family gathering. Local and international restaurants with Instagrammable design have been around this district. Not only that, nights here are lively because of the bars that have also sprung up. This district has become a city itself.
Moal-Boal
Moal-boal is a small coastal town in the south-west part of Cebu. It made its way to the top list of must-go in Cebu because of its beautiful beaches and underwater treasures. Its major attraction is called the “Sardine Run” where there’s a wall of sardines that’s just right at the cliff of the reef. The wall-drop feature of the reef is home to thousands of colorful corals soft and hard. Also, sea turtles are on the shore with guaranteed attendance to welcome you. This town is perfect for scuba divers of all levels, and pro and amateur free divers. Not only that, there are also amazing restos, decent accommodations, and the nightlife scene is also vibrant.
Kawasan Canyoneering
Fire up your adrenaline for this river-trail adventure! Kawasan canyoneering is one of the newest doors that opened up to tourists. Prepare your physical bodies as it involves cliff jumps, swims, natural water slides, and river plunging. As you make your way, enjoy the tropical setting and serene blue waters of the river, then lead to Kawasan falls. Half-an hour ride from Moal-boal, this adventure takes 5-6 hours of your day. This star attraction is also a way to be with nature. Surely, this is one of the highlight trips you can do in the Philippines. Jump on brave hearts!
Osmeña Peak
The highest point of Cebu, Osmena peak stands at 1,013 meters above sea level. But don’t be intimidated by its title – although the highest – it’s not the hardest hike of your life. For 30 minutes (and even with flip-flops), you can reach the peak easily. At Mantalongon, Cebu, this trail is composed of green and jagged hills. Once at the top, you can see the 360-degree view of the whole southwestern part of Cebu. Once at the top, you can’t seem to get enough with the amazing view and the picturesque lands that’s down below.
Mantayupan Falls
The tallest waterfall in Cebu, standing at 98 meters, will give your eyes a magnificent view of nature. This fall is in Barili, a town south of Cebu. Locally known as the “Ambakan” falls, this majestic waterfall is one of the most famous waterfalls in Cebu. You can enjoy watching the waterfall from a 98-meter drop towards the basin filled with blue water. If watching this spectacular waterfall is not enough, you can enjoy swimming in the basin with a word of caution – it’s pretty chilly there! As a bonus, getting to the falls is not daunting.
Tumalog Falls
Chasing another waterfall, Tumalog falls is another spectacular fall that you want to visit. This another-gift-from-nature is found in Oslob. The way to the falls goes on a steep hill and on the way, you can take a peek at the falls across the greenery. Wide breadth of water trickles down into the huge limestone rocks, covered with moss, then down to the basin. In time, the mossy rocks turned into an umbrella-shaped that added to the beauty of Tumalog falls. The flow rate of the drop varies during the season. Come summer and you see that there’s not too much water fall. Best to come when rain is abundant.
Oslob Whale Shark Watching
Still in Oslob, this attraction is one of the most talked about around the Philippines tourism industry. Experience swimming with whale sharks, the gentle giants of the ocean, during whale shark watching. These giants will dwarf you as you swim along with them. Whale shark watching has exploded into popularity and the whale shark has become Cebu’s newest symbol of tourism. The attraction is open from 6 am to 12 noon and the activity lasts 30 minutes. Although popular, the feeding method used by operators in whale shark watching caused controversy.
Malapascua Island
At the northernmost part of Cebu, there’s a world-class diving spot. The island of Malapascua is home to the world’s most beautiful shark, the Threshers. Divers from all over the world come to this small island to see colorful coral and healthy marine life, including Thresher, Tiger, and White-tip sharks. You don’t dive? Don’t worry, this island is also a place for a relaxing beach vibe. On the surface, there are small, white patches of beaches, cliff jumping and snorkeling adventure! The famous Malapascua white-house is also a place to see.
Budget
Cebu is a pretty cheap place compared to other islands in the country. Cebu is also pretty accommodating for all types of travelers. Whether you’re on a budget or your pockets are deep, Cebu has it for you. Hotels and accommodations range from $14 to up to $150, while food can cost as low as $2 per meal, depending on your type. For the activities, entrance fees’ average costs are around $1. The activities itself cost around $10-20. Scuba diving in Cebu average cost is around $30-$60, depending on the dive site and the number of dives. Average spend for an average budget traveler in Cebu is at $40 per day.
How to go around
In Cebu City, the best way to get around is by taxi or the ride-hailing app, Grab. If you don’t bring too much, and want to beat the traffic, a motor-riding app like Angkas can help you get through. Going to places in Cebu province is pretty straightforward and easy. From Cebu, if you’re planning to go south, you can ride a bus at the Cebu South Terminal. If you’re going north, the bus terminal that you want to go to is SM City Cebu. Now, in the provinces, motorbikes are the best way to get to places. If you’re not keen or have no skill in motorbike riding, you can use habal-habal or tricycle.
Travel Tips
Waterproof bag. Having a waterproof bag protects your important belongings from sweat, mist and bad weather. Most destinations involve water activities, so make sure you have your waterproof bag ready.
Non-slip footwear. On waterfall excursions or on rocky beaches, things might slide unexpectedly. Besides, on a sure footing, non-slip footwears will help you have a safe adventure.
Cold cash. Cash is still king. Don’t expect that you can swipe your card on activity fees and destinations.
Extra clothing. You might unexpectedly get wet, or you might sweat heavily in the humid heat. Bringing extra clothes helps you freshen up.
Drinkable water. Not all water that you see is potable, so you end up buying bottled water. But buying bottled water every time can slowly eat up your budget, so, best to bring your own drinkable water. It also helps save the environment too.
Follow the pack. Tourism boards made a system to avoid confusion for tourists using activities. You won’t go astray or scratch your head on how to avail these activities mentioned above. Follow the pack on where they line up or what’s the next step.
Best time to go
The best time to go to the Philippines is during its dry season, December-June. Although it does not mean that you can’t come during the rainy season, be prepared for unexpected weather. In fact, if you hate to be under the heat of the sun, visiting Cebu in the wet season might be a good idea. Better plan your travel and make sure you’ll look at the weather forecast.