Cebu is one of the most popular islands to visit in the Philippines, and if you’re heading to South Cebu, you can expect endless waterfalls, canyoneering through gatorade blue waters, swimming with whale sharks, and sardines. If you want to know the best places to stay while you’re in the area, I’ve got you covered. In this blog post, I’ll share the best hotels and beach resorts in South Cebu, and break them down by region.
QUICK PICKS: 3 BEST LUXURY RESORTS SOUTH IN CEBU
If you don’t have time to read the whole article, no worries. Here are the three best luxury beach resorts in South Cebu.
Which Region in South Cebu is Best for You?
There are two main regions for travelers to base in during a South Cebu holiday, Moalbaol on the westside of the island, and Oslob in the southeast. Both have their pros and cons, as well as proximity to different activities.
Moalboal
Having lived in Moalboal, I can confidently say it is an adventure traveler’s paradise. It’s a short drive away to some of the best waterfalls and hikes on the island, home to the famous Moalboal sardine run, and it even has a decent bar and restaurant scene. If you’d like to know what all there is to do in Moalboal, you can read my 20 Awesome Things to Do in Moalboal guide.
Oslob
Oslob is (in)famous for its Whale Shark tours, but there’s much more to this small coastal town. Oslob is an excellent base for diving or exploring the sandbar in Sumilon Island, the Philippines’ first marine sanctuary. You can also tour the old Spanish ruins, or visit Tumalog falls.
Best Beach Resorts in South Cebu
You’ll find all the best beach resorts in South Cebu in the table listed below. I’ll then provide an in-depth review of each property, including my top picks for budget and luxury beach resorts in each region.
Here is the comparison table of the Top Beach Resorts in South Cebu.
| ACCOMMODATION | REGION |
| Dolphin House Resort Moalboal | Moalboal |
| Badian Island Wellness Resort | Moalboal |
| The Blue Orchid Resort | Moalboal |
| Club Serena Resort | Moalboal |
| Turtle Bay Dive Resort | Moalboal |
| Parrot Resort Moalboal | Moalboal |
| Quo Vadis Dive Resort | Moalboal |
| Pescadores Seaview Suites | Moalboal |
| Kasai Village Dive Resort | Moalboal |
| Magic Island Dive Resort | Moalboal |
| Alegria Dive Resort | Alegria |
| Alegria Water Front Beach House | Alegria |
| Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort | Oslob |
| Granada Beach Resort | Oslob |
| Eden Resort | Oslob |
| Voda Krasna | Oslob |
| Down South 118 | Oslob |
| Seascape Beach Resort | Oslob |
Best Beach Resorts in Moalboal, Cebu
A few hours’ drive from the hustle and bustle of Cebu City, you’ll find the charming town of Moalboal. Perfectly situated for waterfall-chasing, diving, and jungle adventures, this should be your first stop in South Cebu. The following are the best beach resorts in this part of South Cebu.
Dolphin House
Dolphin House Resort Moalboal is a seaside boutique resort located near White Beach in Moalboal, and one of my top picks for Luxury Beach Resorts in South Cebu. This property boasts luxurious bungalows, an outdoor pool, panoramic ocean views, and an in-house dive center. The private beach is just the cherry on top. If you want a perfect slice of paradise in Moalboal, this is the beach resort for you.
BADIAN ISLAND WELLNESS RESORT
Badian Island Wellness Resort is another top pick for the best beach resorts in South Cebu. Located on Badian Island, or Zaragosa Island, this private resort is the perfect escape. The cascading saltwater pool, infinity-style spas, and well-appointed rooms all offer luxurious touches to this eco-friendly wellness resort.
The island is also surrounded by beautiful corals and a white sandy beach, with snorkeling and diving activities easily booked. For those seeking a quiet, luxurious getaway, Badian Island Wellness Resort fits the bill.
THE BLUE ORCHID RESORT
The Blue Orchid Resort is a great place to base yourself if you want to dive in South Cebu. It’s a PADI 5-Star Dive Resort and as such offers scuba diving certifications, freediving courses, and discovery dives. One of the best reefs in the area is directly in front of the resort, with dive sites like Pescador Island only 20 minutes away by boat.
This South Cebu beach resort is also located in the more quiet area of Moalboal, with an in-house restaurant if you don’t want to go into town. For those who enjoy diving, nature, and tranquility, The Blue Orchid Resort is your best bet in South Cebu.
Club Serena Resort
Club Serena Resort is another high-end resort in Moalboal, about 200m from White Beach. Club Serena Resort provides a variety of room types with a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and a bar, and free private parking. Certain rooms include a kitchen with a fridge, which can be useful as the resort is a bit far from other restaurants. There are also beach cabanas and sun chairs on the stretch of beach out front. This is one of the pricier beach resorts in South Cebu, but well worth the stay.
Turtle Bay Dive Resort
Turtle Bay Dive Resort is quite aptly named. You’ll find turtles swimming right in the reef in front of the resort. While a bit far from the center of town, you’ll have great snorkeling right at your fingertips. There’s also an outdoor swimming pool and private beach, as well as a game room, library, and spa.
The hotel’s Bay View Restaurant serves Asian Fusion and International cuisines, as well as a complimentary breakfast. For divers, this is one of the top beach resorts in South Cebu.
PARROT RESORT MOALBOAL
Parrot Resort Moalboal is quietly tucked away just 5 minutes from Panagsama beach. This small beach resort offers modern accommodations, an outdoor pool, table tennis, and billiards. There are plenty of areas to hang out in between dives and adventures out. It’s one of the best value beach resorts in South Cebu.
QUO VADIS DIVE RESORT
Quo Vadis Dive Resort provides a great atmosphere for travelers looking to scuba dive in Moalboal. The resort is perched right on Panagsama Beach, with accommodations ranging from economy to suite rooms with balconies overlooking the sunset. Being a PADI Dive Resort, the equipment is well-maintained, and the instructors are top-grade. The resort location is also convenient to many restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it a great choice for the active traveler.
PESCADORES SEAVIEW SUITES
Pescadores Seaview Suites is a great affordable beach resort in South Cebu. Inspired by the famous blue and white cliffs of Santorini, you’ll easily be able to imagine yourself in Greece here. Unlike in Santorini, you’ll have direct access to the water. Glass-bottom kayaking and snorkeling rentals are also included in the resort stay, with an infinity pool to unwind in between ocean activities.
The location is quite convenient, being close enough to Panagsama’s main strip to easily walk to bars and restaurants, but far enough for some peace and quiet. If you’re looking for the best value in Moalboal, this is a great choice.
Kasai Village Dive Resort
Kasai Village Dive Resort is another great beach resort for divers in South Cebu. While on the pricier end of resorts around Moalboal, this dive resort is well worth the stay.
The staff is extremely attentive and welcoming, and the divemasters and instructors will help you make the most of your dive trip to the Philippines. Even if you don’t scuba dive, and don’t intend to learn, there’s great snorkeling on the reef right in front of the hotel. When you’re not diving, you can enjoy amazing sunsets from the privacy of your sea-view room.
Magic Island Dive Resort
Magic Island Dive Resort is one of the top-rated beach resorts in South Cebu, and for good reason. Home to only 10 air-conditioned, sea-view cottages, Magic Island provides an intimate space to enjoy your time in Moalboal. The well-trained dive professionals and welcoming staff are highlights of this property and provide some of the best services in the region. For those who don’t want to dive, in-house massages and lounging by the outdoor pool are also great options.
That’s it for my roundup of the best beach resorts in Moalboal. If you’re interested in more affordable hotels in the area or just want a few more options, check out my Where to Stay in Moalboal article.
The following two resorts aren’t directly in Moalboal, but are a short 30-minute drive south in Alegria. They’re a bit off the beaten path, but both have a ton to offer.
Alegria Dive Resort
Alegria Dive Resort is only a short 7km away from Kawasan Falls, the most iconic waterfall in South Cebu, and probably the Philippines. If you want an early mission to have the falls to yourself, this is a great affordable beach resort in South Cebu for your stay. In addition to its proximity to the falls, Alegria also has some of the coolest diving in the region.
The in-house PADI dive center has placed several underwater statues in the surrounding reef, making for some great discoveries on your dives. Aside from the diving and waterfall chasing, this property also boasts a nightclub and karaoke should that be your thing.
Alegria Water Front Beach House
Alegria Water Front Beach House is a stunning beachfront hotel. It has one of the best infinity pools in South Cebu, with direct sunset views. For adventurous travelers, you’ll be only 5 minutes to Kawasan falls, and many less crowded waterfalls and hikes. Moalboal is a short 30-minute drive away, and you can enjoy the activities and dining there without sacrificing a private getaway.
Best Beach Resorts in Oslob, Cebu
This coastal fishing town, infamous for its Whale Shark tours, is actually a great base for exploring the protected waters of Sumilon Island, visiting one of the best sandbars in the Philippines, or just relaxing and unwinding away from the city. Located on the tip of South Cebu, it’s also home to a wide range of great hotels and resorts. I’ll start by sharing a few resorts close to, but not within Oslob itself, before reviewing resorts within Oslob proper.
SUMILON BLUEWATER ISLAND RESORT
Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort is one of my top picks for luxury beach resorts in South Cebu. Nestled on Sumilon Island, you’ll need to drive 40 minutes south of Oslob to catch the complimentary private transfer to the resort. Once there, you’ll be able to visit the famous Sumilon Island sandbar or snorkel in the marine sanctuary.
Oceanside massages and relaxing by the infinity pool are always options, and the front desk can arrange diving, cave tours, and excursions. Sunset cocktails and dining on the beach are also wonderful ways to enjoy your stay at one of the best luxury beach resorts in South Cebu.
Granada Beach Resort
If you’re not traveling with children, Granada Beach Resort might be your number one choice for beach resorts in South Cebu. This adults-only playground features a beautiful private beach, with great snorkeling just 10m from the beachfront.
An in-house guide is provided to accompany guests on waterfall or canyoneering adventures, as well as the Whale Shark tours. The grounds are immaculately maintained, with great service across the board, and the Bistro serves a diverse range of international cuisines at a reasonable price. Escape, explore, and experience the natural beauty of South Cebu at Granada Beach Resort.
Eden Resort
Eden Resort is a small slice of Paradise in South Cebu. One of the top boutique hotels in the area, it’s located on the very southwest tip of Cebu, some 35 minutes south of Oslob.
Guests can enjoy an infinity-edge pool with sweeping views of the coast, soak in the jacuzzi, or enjoy the ocean views from the privacy of their own terrace. Massages are also available on-property, and sunset drinks at the bar are another great way to unwind at Eden. Either way, you’ll enjoy your stay at this affordable beach resort in South Cebu.
Eden Resort
- Infinity Pool
- Ocean view Rooms
- Great Service
Voda Krasna Resort & Restaurant
Voda Krasna is a picture-perfect image of a tropical beach resort. Located right on Tingko Beach, about 35 minutes north of Oslob, guests have access to a beautiful stretch of white sand with turquoise waters. The native-style beach cabanas and cottages will make you feel like a castaway but in the best way possible. Enjoy your island escape on their immaculate grounds, outdoor pool, and stunning beach.
That’s it for great beach resorts in South Cebu near Oslob. The following resorts are situated in Oslob proper, and are a short walk or drive away from the main strip of this small coastal town.
Down South 118
Down South 118 is a beautiful boutique hotel with panoramic ocean views. The restaurant serves good food, the staff are noted for their excellent service, and the sunrises here are worth the early wake-up call. The rooms are well-appointed and comfortable, and the front desk is happy to arrange daily excursions and airport transfers. All in all, it’s a wonderful resort and my top pick within Oslob itself.
Seascape Beach Resort Oslob
Seascape Beach Resort is the final hotel in my Best Beach Resorts in South Cebu guide. This small, 12-room property makes it into the list for its attention to detail and great service. Their oceanview rooms and outdoor pool don’t hurt either.
If you’re looking for a great place to relax, unwind, and enjoy your time in South Cebu, this is a great resort that’s worth its value. Just make sure you wake up to watch the sunrise.
That’s it for my guide on the best beach resorts in South Cebu! I hope you were able to find the best hotel for your stay in this beautiful part of the Philippines, be it a luxury resort, or a more affordable option. Either way, enjoy your escape to South Cebu!