Nothing beats Cebu when it comes to diversity. It has beaches, islands, historical sites, lots of natural wonders, various activities – this place is definitely your gateway to a thousand adventures.
Cebu, the Queen City of the South, is the oldest city in the Philippines. It’s one of the most developed cities as well. But despite that, Cebu remains to be a beautiful destination with lots of interesting tourist spots to see.
Here are the 6 things that you need to include on your trip to Cebu.
Kawasan Falls
Kawasan Falls in Badian, Cebu is one of the best waterfalls in the Philippines. And we swear that staring at the pictures isn’t enough to appreciate its beauty!
One of Kawasan Falls’ most distinct attributes is the clear turquoise water. The color even looks like blue Gatorade!
And, surprisingly, it’s just as refreshing as the drink (not tastewise, okay?). The water at Kawasan Falls is cold, so swimming there is like a cool treat after canyoning your way to the falls.
Besides the dreamy waters, the multi-layer waterfall system is another amazing attribute of Kawasan Falls. And each level plunges into a natural pool where you can swim and relax.
You need to go on a 15-minute hike to see Kawasan Falls. But for us, canyoneering is the best way to enjoy the gorgeous lush scenery and towering limestone canyon walls.
If you choose the latter, be prepared to do stuff like climbing, trekking, cliff diving, and rappelling. Better book your adventure with a trusted canyoneering tour guide so you stay safe while having fun. Plus, the operators will provide you with the necessary gears for the activities.
Kawasan Falls is indeed a beautiful sight to see. That’s why it can attract hundreds of tourists in a day. So if you want to avoid the crowd, visit the falls early in the morning because the place tends to get busy by 9 AM.
Bantayan Island
Bantayan Island is an underrated destination in Cebu. This charming island has some of the most stunning and untouched beaches in the Philippines.
This island isn’t actually something that you can just casually squeeze into your itinerary. We recommend allotting 2-3 days on this island. Or maybe dedicating an entire vacation just on Bantayan Island!
There are a lot of things to do and sites to see in Bantayan Island. And at the top of your list must be Kota Beach.
This place will remind you of White Beach in Boracay, but minus the crowd and noise. Kota Beach has a long stretch of glistening fine white sand, a shoreline fringed with palm trees, and mesmerizing crystal-clear waters.
Besides Kota Beach, Sandira Beach (Paradise Beach) and Sugar Beach are other equally amazing beaches in Bantayan Island.
Meanwhile, other inland attractions you must see are Ogtong Cave, Obo-ob Mangrove Eco Park, and Balidbid Lagoon. You can also go island hopping to Virgin Island and Hilantagaan Island, which are just close to Bantayan.
Temple of Leah
Temple of Leah in Busay is one of Cebu’s best cultural and historical sites. It was dubbed as the “Taj Mahal” of Cebu not just because of the structure’s magnificence; but also because of its significance.
Leah Albino-Adarna adored her collection of books, antiques, fine china, and other objet d’arts. But when she was ill with cancer, she was worried where her prized possessions would go.
So Teodorico Soriano Adarna, her husband of over five decades, promised that he’ll build a place that will house her collection.
Hence, the Temple of Leah, an edifice made of marble and brass, and inspired by ancient Roman architecture. The entire complex has about 24 different chambers. There’s a museum, an art gallery, a library, and even a bar, just to name a few.
You’ll also notice statues of lions, angels, and Roman gladiators all over the place. There are wide stone steps leading to the portico and lobby. There, you’ll see a 10-foot high statue of Leah.
Sumilon Island
Sumilon Island in Cebu is like the epitome of ‘hidden gem.’ It’s one of the Philippines’ smallest islands, and not many people know about it. But Sumilon Island has stunning scenery and fun activities that’ll let you appreciate nature.
We guess it has become Cebu’s best-kept secret because Sumilon Island is actually a private island owned by Blue Water Sumilon Resort. The island welcomes day touring guests so you can spend a day here during your Cebu trip. And, yes, the resort accepts overnight stays as well.
Since the place is private, staying at Sumilon Island will make you feel like you have your own piece of paradise on earth. The white-sand beach and the Sumilon sandbar are the best parts of the island.
We recommend you stick a little longer on the island. The sandbar is the perfect spot to spend golden hour and witness the gorgeous sunset.
Snorkeling and diving are popular activities on the island. There’s plenty of fish in the pier area, a marine sanctuary near the sandbar, and four major diving spots around the island. You might even encounter some lionfish and black-tip sharks (be careful, though)!
Osmeña Peak
Osmeña Peak is famous for being Cebu’s highest point. But despite being known as such, it’s a great beginners level hike.
It only takes 15-20 minutes to reach the peak. The path is narrow and rocky, but it’s not that steep and you’ll hardly break a sweat during the hike (also because the climate is cool).
You’ll encounter vegetable farmers tending their crops, as well as villagers selling souvenirs and refreshments for hikers.
The view at the peak is incredible. You get a sweeping view of the greenery with pops of color from the houses. If you’ve been to Bohol, you might notice that Osmeña Peak looks like a “pointy” version of Chocolate Hills.
We recommend going to Osmeña Peak early in the morning. You’ll get to beat the crowd and be just in time to catch the sunrise.
Moalboal
Moalbaol’s best attraction is actually hidden beneath the waters – the teeming marine life.
Pescador island (which is uninhabited) is one of the Philippines’ best diving spots. It’s home to hard corals, frogfish, tuna, schools of jack, sea fans, parrotfish, and barracudas.
You might even catch turtles gliding around you! And, fortunately, you don’t need to go scuba diving to see these lovely creatures. You can spot them swimming around Panagsama’s shallow waters.
But above all, the world-famous sardine run keeps tourists flocking to Moalboal. This unique experience lets you swim among millions of sardines in clear blue waters.
The sardines have moved a bit closer to the shore compared to before. So even if you’re not a diver, you can just go snorkeling to see the sardines.
Those who’ve experienced the sardine run say that it feels so surreal and exciting. Something that only Moalboal can offer.
Nothing beats Cebu when it comes to diversity. It has beaches, islands, historical sites, lots of natural wonders, various activities – this place is definitely your gateway to a thousand adventures.
Cebu, the Queen City of the South, is the oldest city in the Philippines. It’s one of the most developed cities as well. But despite that, Cebu remains to be a beautiful destination with lots of interesting tourist spots to see.
Here are the 6 things that you need to include on your trip to Cebu.
