Philippines
Cebu is the front door to the central Philippines, an island of lively city streets, white-sand beaches and mountain waterfalls where the country's oldest Spanish-era sights sit within an hour of some of its best snorkelling.
In Cebu City, Magellan's Cross and the Basilica del Santo Niño anchor the heritage trail, while the hills above hold the Taoist Temple, the Temple of Leah and the flower terraces of Sirao Garden. Across the bridges on Mactan, resorts front calm water and island hopping boats run to marine sanctuaries. Head south and the island turns wild: the sardine run and sea turtles of Moalboal, the turquoise tiers of Kawasan Falls, the ridge views of Osmeña Peak and the whale shark coast near Oslob. A fast ferry carries you to Bohol for the Chocolate Hills and the tiny tarsiers. This guide shows you what to book ahead, how to move between the city, Mactan and the south, how many days you need, and where to stay, from a beach resort on Mactan to city hotels near Ayala and a relaxed base in Moalboal.
Magellan's Cross and Basilica del Santo Niño
The spiritual and historical heart of Cebu City: the cross planted in 1521, the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño beside it and the centuries-old devotion to the Holy Child that fills the square every day.
Kawasan Falls Canyoneering in Badian
Jump, slide and swim down turquoise canyon pools to the three-tier Kawasan Falls, Cebu's best-known adventure, with a guide, safety gear and lunch included in this popular tour from Moalboal.
Bohol Day Trip from Cebu: Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers and Loboc River
The classic Cebu-to-Bohol day trip: a fast ferry across the strait, then the Chocolate Hills, the tiny tarsiers, a Loboc River cruise lunch and Bohol's countryside in one long, easy day.
Cebu City Historical and Food Walking Tour
A guided walk through old Cebu: the cross, the basilica, the fort and the streets between, with local food tastings along the way that turn history into lunch.
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
FreeThe spiritual and historical heart of Cebu City: the cross planted in 1521, the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño beside it and the centuries-old devotion to the Holy Child that fills the square every day.
A guided walk through old Cebu: the cross, the basilica, the fort and the streets between, with local food tastings along the way that turn history into lunch.
A guided food tour through Cebu City's local flavours, from lechon and street snacks to market stops, with a guide to explain what you are eating and why Cebuanos are so proud of it.
The classic half-day escape into Cebu's cooler hills above the city: the Taoist Temple, the grand Temple of Leah, the flower terraces of Sirao Garden and the sweeping views from the lookouts.
A boat day out of Mactan to the small islands and marine sanctuaries just offshore, with snorkelling over coral gardens, white sand, a seafood lunch and an easy pace that suits every age.
A long, full day from Cebu to the south of the island for whale shark watching at Oslob, the curtain of Tumalog Falls, the Sumilon sandbar and a swim with sardines at Pescador Island.
Snorkel straight off the beach at Panagsama into a swirling, silver cloud of millions of sardines, with sea turtles often grazing nearby, in one of the most accessible wildlife encounters in the Philippines.
Jump, slide and swim down turquoise canyon pools to the three-tier Kawasan Falls, Cebu's best-known adventure, with a guide, safety gear and lunch included in this popular tour from Moalboal.
A private-transport day tour that links Osmeña Peak, the highest point on Cebu island with its jagged green ridge views, with Badian canyoneering and a swim at Kawasan Falls.
The classic Cebu-to-Bohol day trip: a fast ferry across the strait, then the Chocolate Hills, the tiny tarsiers, a Loboc River cruise lunch and Bohol's countryside in one long, easy day.
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
$$$$Punta Engano, Mactan Island
Cebu's flagship beach resort on Punta Engano, Mactan: a private beachfront with its own marine sanctuary, several restaurants, a spa and an easy drive from the airport.
Rates on Expedia →
$$$Serging Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City
A large, well-equipped city hotel on Serging Osmeña Boulevard with a covered walkway to SM City Cebu, a spa and gym, three dining outlets and easy access to downtown and the airport.
Rates on Expedia →Archbishop Reyes Avenue, Cebu City
A large city hotel on Archbishop Reyes Avenue directly across from Ayala Center Cebu, with a pool, restaurant, fitness centre and plenty of room options for mid-range stays.
Rates on Expedia →Cebu Business Park and Ayala, Cebu City
A modern city hotel in the Ayala and Cebu Business Park district on Cardinal Rosales Avenue, with contemporary rooms, good dining nearby and easy access to malls, restaurants and the highlands road.
Rates on Expedia →Basdiot, Moalboal
A remodelled, family-friendly resort near Panagsama Beach in Moalboal, a short walk from the sardine run, with a pool, spa, restaurant and rooms that suit couples and families at a gentle price.
Rates on Expedia →A practical primer for a first trip to Cebu: what to book ahead, how to get around Cebu City, Mactan and the south, how many days you need and how Bohol fits in.
Where to stay in Cebu: the Ayala and business district in Cebu City, the beach resorts of Mactan, or the dive-town strip at Moalboal, with a hotel pick for each.
