Central Visayas · Philippines
The oldest Spanish city in the Philippines, with sardine-filled reefs, canyoning waterfalls, lechon and a launching pad for the Visayas.
Photo: Shemlongakit · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cebu is a long, narrow island in the Visayas, and Cebu City on its east coast is the second-largest city in the Philippines and the country's oldest, founded by the Spanish in 1565. The city has key historical sites: Magellan's Cross, planted in 1521 to mark the arrival of Christianity, and the Basilica del Santo Niño, home to the oldest Christian relic in the country. It is also the transport hub of the Visayas, with an international airport and ferries to Bohol, Negros, Leyte and beyond.
Beyond the city, Cebu is a paradise for water lovers. In Moalboal on the south-west coast, millions of sardines form a shimmering ball just off the beach, reachable by snorkelling from the shore. Nearby, Kawasan Falls in Badian is a series of turquoise waterfalls where canyoneering tours descend gorges, and Oslob is known for whale shark feeding, which is controversial for its effects on the animals. Off the north tip, Malapascua is the best place in the world to dive with thresher sharks.
Cebuano food is famous, especially lechon, the whole roast pig, considered the country's best. Three days covers the city, Moalboal and Kawasan, and Cebu is the natural gateway to Bohol.
Why visit
Cebu is a hub with history, marine life and adventure.
Snorkel with millions of fish.
Turquoise pools and canyoneering.
Magellan's Cross and the Basilica.
The best roast pig.
Access to Bohol and beyond.
Main attractions
Cebu City is compact, and the marine sights are along the south-west coast.
A cross planted by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, housed in a small chapel with a painted ceiling.
Tip Free to visit.
The oldest church in the country, home to a statue of the Christ Child, given by Magellan in 1521.
Tip Dress modestly.
A gigantic school of sardines near the shore at Panagsama Beach, available to snorkellers and divers.
Tip Keep your distance and do not touch.
Multi-tier turquoise waterfalls in Badian, with canyoneering tours.
Tip Go early.
Whale shark encounters, which involve feeding and are criticised by conservationists.
Tip Consider skipping or choose ethical alternatives.
A small island north of Cebu, famous for thresher shark dives.
Tip Dive at dawn.
Things to do
Cebu combines the city and the sea.
From the shore.
Tip Go in the morning.
At Kawasan.
Tip Choose a good operator.
In Cebu City.
Tip Try Rico's or a local house.
Fort San Pedro.
Tip Go early.
At Malapascua.
Tip Book in advance.
Two hours.
Tip Book ahead.
Local food
Cebu is the food capital of the Visayas.
Roast pig with lemongrass.
Where to try it Lechon houses.
Rice cooked in woven coconut leaves.
Where to try it Grill stalls.
Dried fish.
Where to try it Markets.
A souvenir.
Where to try it Shops.
Snacks.
Where to try it Streets.
Accommodation
Stay in Cebu City or Moalboal.
Transport
Cebu is a major air hub.
Buses, taxis and hired cars.
When to go
Cebu is best in the dry season.
Cool and dry.
Hot.
Rain.
Typhoons possible.
Worth planning around: Typhoon season.
Itinerary
The city, then the south-west coast.
History and lechon.
Sardines.
Canyoneering.
Travel tips
A few tips help you plan.
FAQ
Three.
Feeding is debated, so consider alternatives.
About 3 hours.
In Cebu City.
December to May.
Yes, by ferry.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Cebu, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Central Visayas, Philippines
A central Philippine island with the Chocolate Hills, Philippine tarsiers, Loboc River cruises, Baclayon church and the beaches and reefs of Panglao Island.
Don't miss The Chocolate Hills stretching to the horizon in the dry season, when the grass turns brown.
Explore Destination — BoholAklan, Western Visayas, Philippines
A 7-km island with White Beach, Puka Shell Beach, sunset paraw sailing, kitesurfing, and restaurants and nightlife, after a 2018 environmental clean-up.
Don't miss Watching the sails of the paraw boats glide across the water at sunset off White Beach.
Explore Destination — BoracaySurigao del Norte, north-eastern Mindanao, Philippines
A laid-back island with the Cloud 9 surf break, the Sugba and Magpupungko lagoons and rock pools, Naked Island, Sohoton Cove and a growing café and yoga scene.
Don't miss Watching surfers ride the tubing waves of Cloud 9 from the boardwalk at sunrise.
Explore Destination — SiargaoRead next
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