Cebu Travel Guide: The Queen City of the South
Cebu combines 500 years of Spanish colonial history with world-class diving, pristine beaches, and thrilling adventures. From canyoneering at turquoise Kawasan Falls to swimming with millions of sardines in Moalboal, Cebu offers the perfect blend of culture, nature, and adventure in the Philippines.
December to May (dry season)
Mactan-Cebu International (CEB)
Cebuano (Bisaya), English, Filipino
Philippine Peso (₱)
Top Things to Do in Cebu
Experience one of Cebu's most thrilling adventures - canyoneering to the stunning three-tiered Kawasan Falls. Jump off cliffs, swim through turquoise pools, and trek through jungle canyons to reach the iconic waterfall with its vibrant blue waters.
- 3-4 hour canyoneering adventure
- Multiple cliff jumps (optional)
- Swimming in turquoise pools
- Professional guides required
Adventure seekers, active travelers
₱1,500-2,500 per person
Book with reputable operators. Weekdays are less crowded. Wear water shoes and bring a dry bag.
Witness millions of sardines forming massive baitballs just meters from shore at Panagsama Beach. This year-round phenomenon is accessible to snorkelers and divers of all levels, with sea turtles frequently spotted in the same area.
- Accessible directly from shore
- Millions of sardines in swirling formations
- Frequent sea turtle sightings
- Year-round availability
Snorkelers, divers, photographers
₱500-1,500 (equipment rental if needed)
Early morning has best visibility. Bring underwater camera. Respect marine life - no touching.
Hike to Cebu's highest point (1,013 meters) for breathtaking sunrise views over jagged limestone hills resembling Chocolate Hills. The relatively easy trail makes it perfect for casual hikers seeking dramatic mountain scenery.
- Highest peak in Cebu at 1,013m
- Stunning jagged hill formations
- Perfect for sunrise viewing
- Easy 20-30 minute hike from jump-off
Hikers, photographers, sunrise chasers
₱30-50 registration fee
Start at 4am for sunrise. Bring jacket - it gets cold. Hire local guide at jump-off point.
Swim with gentle giant whale sharks in their natural habitat. While controversial due to feeding practices, it remains one of Cebu's most popular attractions offering close encounters with these magnificent creatures.
- Close encounters with whale sharks
- Snorkeling or diving options
- Early morning viewing
- Strict rules to protect animals
Marine life enthusiasts, bucket list experiences
₱1,000-1,500 snorkeling, ₱1,500-2,500 diving
Arrive by 6am to avoid crowds. No sunscreen allowed. Choose ethical operators who follow guidelines.
Explore Cebu City's Spanish colonial heritage starting with Magellan's Cross, planted in 1521. Visit the nearby Basilica del Santo Niño, Fort San Pedro, and walk through centuries of Philippine history in the oldest city.
- Magellan's Cross (1521)
- Basilica del Santo Niño
- Fort San Pedro fortress
- Colon Street - oldest street in Philippines
History buffs, culture enthusiasts
Free entry to most sites; donations welcome
Dress modestly for churches. Combine with nearby museums. Best explored on foot or by tricycle.
Convenient shore diving and boat dives from Mactan Island near the airport. Excellent macro photography sites, coral reefs, and easy access make it perfect for all dive levels including training dives.
- Easy shore diving access
- Macro photography paradise
- Multiple dive sites within 10-20 minutes
- Good for training and beginners
Divers, underwater photographers
₱1,800-2,800 per fun dive
Book dives in advance. Marigondon area has best sites. Combine with resort stays.
Best Beaches & Islands Near Cebu
Where to Stay in Cebu
Dive and snorkel hub right at the sardine run. Lively backpacker scene with restaurants and bars.
Divers, snorkelers, budget travelers
Pescadores Seaview Suites, Quo Vadis Dive Resort, Saved Beach Resort
Beachfront luxury resorts with world-class amenities, spas, and easy airport access.
Families, honeymoons, luxury travelers
Shangri-La Mactan, Crimson Resort & Spa, JPark Island Resort
Modern city hotels near malls, restaurants, and business districts. Great base for exploration.
City exploration, business travel, transit
Seda Ayala Center, Quest Hotel, Radisson Blu Cebu
Coastal resorts near Kawasan Falls. Quieter beaches with easy access to canyoneering.
Beach relaxation, canyoneering access
Badian Island Resort, Matutinao Beach Resort, Cuestas Beach Resort
Must-Try Cebu Food
World-famous roasted pig with crispy skin and flavorful meat - Cebu's signature dish
Zubuchon, CnT Lechon, Rico's Lechon
Rice wrapped and cooked in woven palm leaves - perfect accompaniment to any meal
Street vendors, local restaurants
Choose your seafood: Sugba (grill), Tula (soup), or Kilaw (ceviche)
Mactan seafood restaurants, Cebu City market
Dried and fried rabbitfish - popular breakfast with garlic rice
Local markets, hotel breakfasts
Planning Your Cebu Trip
Dry Season (December - May) ✨ Best Time
Perfect weather for all activities. Clear skies, calm seas ideal for diving and island hopping. Peak tourist season means higher prices and more crowds, especially December-January.
Wet Season (June - November)
Afternoon showers, occasional typhoons. Better for budget travelers with lower prices and fewer crowds. Kawasan Falls is more dramatic after rain. Diving still possible most days.
Festivals
Sinulog Festival (3rd Sunday of January) - massive street celebration honoring Santo Niño. Book hotels months in advance.
Suggested Cebu Itineraries
- Day 1: Cebu City
- Magellan's Cross, Basilica, Fort San Pedro, Tops Lookout
- Day 2: Moalboal
- Sardine run snorkeling, turtle watching, sunset
- Day 3: Kawasan Falls
- Canyoneering adventure or waterfall swimming
- Days 1-2: South Circuit
- Moalboal, Kawasan, Osmeña Peak, Oslob
- Day 3: Cebu City
- Heritage sites, shopping, lechon tasting
- Days 4-5: Island Hopping
- Bantayan or Malapascua Island, diving, beaches
- Days 1-2: Cebu City & Mactan
- Heritage tour, resort relaxation, diving
- Days 3-4: South Adventure
- Kawasan, Moalboal, Osmeña Peak, Oslob
- Days 5-7: Island Paradise
- Bantayan/Malapascua + Camotes/Sumilon
Related Destinations
Frequently Asked Questions About Cebu
3-5 days is ideal for first-time visitors to experience Cebu City, Moalboal sardine run, and Kawasan Falls canyoneering. For a comprehensive trip including island hopping and diving, plan 7-10 days.
Cebu offers more variety - Spanish colonial history, adventure activities, diving, and island hopping. Boracay is best for beach partying, while Palawan has more pristine nature. Choose Cebu if you want a diverse experience.
Cebu is famous for Lechon Cebu (roasted pig), Sinulog Festival, being the oldest city in the Philippines, Kawasan Falls canyoneering, Moalboal sardine run, and having some of the best diving sites in the country.
Yes, Cebu is generally safe for tourists. Exercise normal precautions: don't flash valuables, use official taxis/Grab, avoid dark alleys at night, and book reputable tour operators for activities.
Most nationalities get visa-free entry to the Philippines for 30 days. Check with Philippine embassy for your specific country. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.