We often visit the Philippines because Manila is where Mary grew up and it is always an uninterrupted party whenever we get there. But, so busy and so much travel, we didn’t have the chance to write too much. Although we wrote for the guide El Nido and ManilaAdmittedly, this is just a small part of what the country has to offer.
That's why we recruited the help of friends who own small travel agencies in Cebu. We asked them to give us a short list of the best attractions on the island. This saves us time and ensures you get good advice – after all, what better way to get tips from locals? Cebu is one of the most beautiful and diverse islands in the Philippines, so it is not easy to narrow it down to just 10 things.
Cebu is the largest and of course one of the most important ones in the Mishaya region in central Philippines. Its capital, Cebu City, is the second largest city in the country after Manila, and is nicknamed “The Queen's City to the South”. It is a major transportation hub and the only city in the Philippines with international airports, flying from most Asian countries. That's why Cebu City has become a huge tourist magnet and one of the most recommended resorts in the Philippines.
1. Join Cebu City Tour
Like many of the country’s old cities, Cebu shows a clear fusion between Chinese and Hispanic influences. This is most obvious through its architecture, but can also be witnessed by local art, food and history. That is, there is also a lot of respect for the indigenous Filipino tribes on the island, who bravely fought the Spanish conquerors on their first arrival.
You can get a real feeling by walking through the streets of the Old Town and visiting the various monuments you find there. The Cathedral of the Saint Children and the Metropolitan Cathedral are two of the most important Christian sites, while Taoist temples are a great place to witness China's influence on the region. To taste the local history, you should visit the nearby Lapu Lapu Island and then go to the Mactan Shrine.
2. Stay in one of McLand's all-inclusive resorts
Mactan is a small island connected to Cebu City through a long bridge. This is also where the airport is located, where you can find most beach resorts. We love staying in McLand because the resorts there are especially family-friendly! This is a great place to stay if you are traveling with your kids. All inclusive services mean you don’t have to raise your fingers, and the hotel will also provide you with daily activities and attractions to keep you busy.
While resorts like Shangri-La or Moven Pike are always a sure bet, we actually prefer smaller resorts in the heart of the island. Not only are they cheaper, but they also give a more comfortable and personal feeling. Of these people, we think the best is Bluewater Maribago, a truly all-inclusive resort that places great importance on the enjoyment of all family members. They are the only ones who provide babysitting and mentoring activities for kids of all ages, so you have the opportunity to prepare some time for yourself!
3. Swimming with Oslob's whale sharks
This is by far the most popular attraction for anyone visiting Cebu. Oslob is a small town on the south side of the island and it takes about 3 hours to get to it from the city. This means you can easily go there and come back on the same day, which just means you need to wake up very early. You can find plenty of information and hype about this trip online, so let's tell you why you shouldn't go there!
First, whales feeding is an ecological disaster that threatens the existence of this endangered species. Not only do whales stop migrating, but they also forget how to reconnaise food naturally and lose fear of ships and humans – which leads to serious injuries from ship propellers and others. If that's not enough to convince you, you should also consider this a super busy tourist destination. Not everyone likes to share coves with hundreds of others, all swimming in polluted waters. If you insist on going there, make sure you arrive before 7:00 a.m. so that you can beat the gangs and enjoy a relatively quiet experience.
4. Sardine Run in Moalboal
So we tell you what you shouldn't do, but what about those who want to experience Cebu's amazing marine life? Don't worry, there are many other amazing dive spots that we'll mention the best of them! Due to its extremely rich and diverse marine ecosystem, at the top of the list is Moalboal, but this is mainly due to the unique sardine shoals found on nearby Pescador Island.
Many of you may have heard of the sardine run in South Africa, one of the most recommended and exciting adventures for divers and nature lovers. While one of Moalboal is certainly not that impressive, the upside is that it is available year-round, not just a few short weeks. If you don't like diving, snorkeling is enough to witness this natural wonder. The large shallows attract a wide variety of marine mammals that they can feed it so you can expect to see many different animals there.
5. Shark diving in Malapaska
Malapascua is a small island on the northern shore of Cebu and it takes 4-5 hours to arrive. That's why it may not be the ideal place for families, but is more suitable for romantic holidays. You have to spend at least 1 night on the island, but that's actually a good thing because it's really a magical place!
Malapascua is also considered one of the best diving sites in the Philippines. The water is crystal blue and explodes with amazing corals and countless types of fish. If you wake up enough, you can also guarantee an exciting encounter with a threshing shark.
6. Visit Chuanshan Waterfall
This place is not far from Moalboal and is only a 2-hour drive from the city. It is absolutely possible to combine it with Moalboal's diving tour and do all the work on the same day.
The waterfall is the most impressive we've ever seen, the water is cool and clean. These are layered waterfalls, divided into 3 sections – so you can climb to the top and jump from there. This makes the waterfall an ideal place to relax with your family, or an exciting adventure – whatever your favorite!
7. A day trip to Boer
Bohol Island is close to Cebu and can only take an hour or so to get there by boat. The island is large with lots of nice resorts and many exciting adventure experiences. If you have the time, it's actually better to spend at least one night or 2 nights there, but you can also visit it from Cebu City on a day.
Bohol is known for providing the perfect balance between beautiful beaches, diving attractions and mainland tours. The most popular diving trip is swimming with dolphins in the wilderness of Pamalica. If you want to experience nature as a fuller, visit Chocolate Mountain and Tasir Shelter. Hills are a unique geological formation, and the best way to watch them is to participate in the ATV Tour. Tarsiers are the smallest primate in the world and an endangered species, so seeing them in their natural habitat is a wonderful way to end the day.
8. Turtle reserve in Apo Island
Apo is another small island not far from Cebu. This is a small island and one of the earliest marine reserves in the Philippines. The easiest thing to get to the world, but it's certainly worth it. Once you get there, you will have a 100% chance to see a turtle up close and individually, as this place is one of the largest turtle crowds in the world.
You don't even have to dive to see turtles, as they often swim in shallow water. However, Apo Island is a small island that may be bored with people who don't like diving – because that's the only reason tourists usually go there.
9. Relax in the Capet Islands
Camotes is a group of 4 islands not far from Cebu, providing the most beautiful scenery in the country. This hidden gem is just beginning to gain the recognition it deserves, comparing it to the best destinations in the country, such as El Nido or Coron.
The islands are quiet and far away, so they provide the ultimate vacation experience. There are some resorts there, and you are highly recommended to stay overnight. This is your real chance to enjoy the private beach and escape paradise.
10. Trek to the top of Mount Esmena
We know that most of you come to the Philippines and want to relax on the beach and do almost nothing. However, there are still some adventures worth working hard and climbing up to the top of Mount Ösmena is one of them. At about 1000 meters (3280 feet), this is the highest point on the island, which offers a stunning view overlooking the entire Mishaya district.
It takes 1 to 2 hours to reach the foot of the mountain, and then another 30 minutes to reach the top. From there, you can return the same way or you can cross the hill from the other side to the Chuanshan Falls. Arriving at the waterfall will take a tough walk of 4-5 hours, but it's a very meaningful trek with surrounding views and nature. Once you reach the waterfall, the feeling of the water is refreshing and cannot be compared with anything else.
