Cebu is one of the most popular destinations in the Philippines with so much to offer from amazing beaches to endless waterfalls. Cebu City is a giant metropolis but all of the best things to do in Cebu are by the coast or in the mountains. In this guide, I’ll share all of the best Cebu Tourist Spots and Best Things to do in Cebu. In one day you can swim with whale sharks, hike to a viewpoint and watch sunset at the beach. Cebu is a destination everyone loves, because it simply has it all.
26 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON CEBU
There are so many things to do in Cebu that unfortunately, most tourists do one or two activities and then head to another island in the Philippines. This is a BIG MISTAKE, because it’s possible to spend an entire in Cebu and enjoy amazing adventures every single day! In this blog, I will detail all of the best things to do in Cebu, which I have personally experienced. You can click the links throughout the article to visit the individual blog posts I’ve written about all of these top tourist spots in Cebu.
TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN MOALBOAL
Moalboal is the best place to base for all your Cebu adventures. It is central to most waterfalls, canyoneering, snorkeling, beaches and within driving distance of the Whale Sharks!
- My TOP Pick: Dolphin House Resort – Private Beach, Outdoor Pool, Great Location.
- Beachfront: Teobas Homestay – Native Style Bungalow, Ocean-front location.
- Best Resort: Oceanfront Paradise Resort – Oceanfront, beach access, beautiful pool
KAWASAN FALLS CANYONEERING
Canyoneering through the Gatorade blue waters all the way down the canyons into Kawasan Falls is one of the most popular tourist spots in Cebu.
In Badian/Alegria and even Moalboal there are many tour companies you can book with for your Kawasan Falls canyoneering adventure on Cebu. However, these are often big groups and can range in quality as it’s tough to see the ‘reviews’. I suggest booking in advance with the online tour that has 1000+ positive reviews. There are two main options that I recommened:
- Kawasan Falls Canyoneering Tour: (BEST PRICE): The classic tour including transfers. Number one most booked activity in Cebu, with 1000+ POSITIVE REVIEWS.
- Oslob Whale Sharks & Kawasan Falls Canyoneering – This combo-tour is a great way to enjoy a guided tour of the two most popular activities in Cebu.
The canyoneering starts in the jungle and you will wear a helmet and a life vest. Accompanied by a guide you will jump into the water and begin floating down the canyon. This goes on for the best part of 2 hours as you float, jump and climb your way down to Kawasan Falls.
The biggest jump was 50ft but it was optional. The biggest jump that was required to continue the journey downstream was only a few meters. Halfway through the floating and swimming comes to an end more or less and you begin to trek through the water and the jungle. It is quite an immersive experience but still quite safe.
Finally, you will end up at Kawasan Falls. Here you finish the experience with a big jump from the top of the waterfall. Note that you don’t have to jump you can walk down quite easily but it is the tradition to finish with the jump. Now you can enjoy Kawasan Falls and have a rest!
Read the full blog post: KAWASAN FALLS CEBU CANYONEERING
WHALE SHARK INTERACTION
Swimming with the whale sharks in Oslob, Cebu, is an experience unlike any other. From the moment you set off from the shores of Tan-awan, anticipation builds.
The local guides take you less than a kilometer out from the shore, to where the whale sharks gather. They come to feed on the small shrimp that fishermen distribute, a practice that has led to these friendly encounters. Here, the local guides let you out of the boat with your snorkel on and you hold onto the boat while the Whale Shark swims by.
Once in the water, it’s hard not to be awestruck. These enormous creatures move with a grace that seems impossible for their size. But remember, respect is paramount – keeping a safe distance is crucial, as is refraining from touching the animals or using flash photography.
- Oslob Whale Sharks & Kawasan Falls Canyoneering – This combo-tour is a great way to enjoy a guided tour of thw two most popular activites in Cebu.
- Oslob Whale Shark Tour: This is the MOST-BOOKED tour in Oslob with more than 10,000 reviews. Includes transfer to and from your hotel.
MY 5 FAVORITE CEBU TOURS
- Oslob Whale Sharks & Kawasan Canyoneering – This combo tour is the BEST VALUE way to enjoy a guided tour of the two most popular activities in Cebu.
- Moalboal Island Hopping & Kawasan Canyoneering: Swim with turtles and the sardine balls on an island-hopping boat trip from Moalboal aswell as Kawasan Canyoneering
- Bluewater Sumilon Island Day Tour – Visit the crystal clear water of Sumilon Island on this day tour.
- Kawasan Falls Canyoneering Tour (BEST PRICE): The classic tour. Number one most booked activity in Cebu!
- Bohol Day tour from Cebu: Want to visit Bohol but are short of time? See the top sights on this one-day adventure including transport.
Click the orange button below to view all of the top-rated tours on Klook
INAMBAKAN FALLS
Inambakan Falls is known for having a beautiful 100-ft waterfall that plunges into a wide pool of blue water. Surrounded by lush jungle greenery it is indeed an amazing scene. However, what makes Inambakan Falls such a memorable adventure is the multi-level trek to different pools and waterfalls.
Inambakan Falls is a solid four-hour journey from Cebu City. When I visited, I was based in Moalboal and the drive took less than an hour on the motorbike.
The main waterfall is a 100ft flow of water, which crashes down into the blue pool of water. I really love the limestone cliffs behind the waterfall. The orange tinge contrasts so vividly against the strong blue of the pool below.
We swam behind the waterfall into the cave and explored the rocks of the main pool before sending a couple of jumps into the pool below. You could adventure here for hours and it is an adventure in itself. However, there are five levels at Inambakan so this is just part of the experience.
The third level was such an incredible spot. A crystal clear pool, deep enough for cliff jumping, sits in front of a backdrop of idyllic palm trees. It is a slice of paradise right in the middle of the jungle. Inambakan Falls is a full-day adventure and is easily one of my favorite tourist spots on Cebu!
Read the full blog post: INAMBAKAN FALLS IN GINATILAN
SUNRISE HIKE TO OSMENA PEAK
From Alegria, we organized a motorbike to take both myself, a friend, and of course the driver to Osmena Peak. It was only $10 per person return and was a 1.5-hour journey each way. It was very uncomfortable but the budget option.
You could take a car here but it would be much more expensive. We had to leave before 4 am in order to make it to the summit before sunrise.
The Peak is known for having amazing panoramic views across jagged cliff lines and the ocean. We were told it would be best for sunrise and we were left speechless by the scene from the summit of the short 20-minute trek.
Book a tour: You can do it DIY like me but there is a really good tour you can book as well. The tour I recommend to you actually includes a visit to Kawasan Falls and Osmena Peak on the same day for just $30!
View the full blog post: OSMEÑA PEAK IN CEBU – A BEAUTIFUL SUNRISE HIKE
MAINIT HOT SPRING IN MALABUYOC
A 15-minute bus ride away from the small town of Alegria (costing less than $1) you will head to Mainit Hot Springs. A short walk through the jungle and you will arrive at some amazing hot springs, surrounded by lush greenery and a waterfall.
The Hot Springs were steaming. So hot we could hardly sit in some of the springs which ranged from 38-42 degrees Celsius. Set in a rainforest just beyond a local village we could feel this was just the beginning of an amazing trip
Read the full blog post: MAINIT HOT SPRINGS IN MALABUYOC
KABUTONGAN WATERFALL TREK
Kabutongan Falls trek is one of the most magical adventures on the island of Cebu. The trail follows the blue waters of a narrow stream up the canyon until you reach Kabutongan Waterfall. Here you will find a hidden cave behind the waterfall and several different cliff-jumps!
The trail is only a short 30-minutes but there are a few sections that require rope (it is installed). It is possible without a guide but the guide is vital to help protect natural areas like this and they will help keep you safe.
From the waterfall viewpoint, you can only see half of the waterfall as the rock wall wraps around, concealing the waterfall. Luckily you can get a closer like by swimming down in the pool below.
You can even enter the cave by swimming on the left side, directly underneath the flow of the waterfall. Inside the cave, the water has that beautiful blue tinge and the cave goes back about 20-meters. It was one of my favorite parts about the trek.
The cliff jumps at Kabutongan are pretty awesome. From the viewpoint, you have two levels. One if about 5-meters and the other is about 8-9 meters.
Read full blog post: KABUTONGAN WATERFALL TREK
VISIT SUMILON ISLAND
A trip to Sumilon Island is one of the highlights when visiting Oslob, Cebu. A short boat ride takes you to this small but stunning island known for its shifting sandbar, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine life.
The island’s sandbar is an incredible natural phenomenon. Depending on the season and the tide, the shape and size of the sandbar change, but its beauty remains constant. With the sea around it ranging from aqua to deep blue, it’s a perfect spot for sunbathing or a beach picnic.
The surrounding coral reefs teem with diverse marine life, making snorkeling and diving here a joy. From colorful coral formations to a variety of fish species, it’s like exploring a vibrant underwater world.
Finally, a hike up the island’s trails leads to a historic lighthouse and offers panoramic views of the sea and the nearby mainland. A trip to Sumilon Island provides a mix of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty, making it one of the top things to do in Cebu.
Bluewater Sumilon Island Day Tour – Visit the crystal clear water of Sumilon Island on this day tour.
DAO WATERFALL TREK
Dao Waterfall offers not only an epic waterfall finale but it is the trek in that is truly astounding. For thirty minutes you wade through those trademark Cebu blues, while ferns and palms cover the canyon walls on either side. The trek to Dao Falls itself isn’t hard but it does require you to walk through the water and navigate your way around boulders and rocks. It is a moderate adventure with incredible scenery, which is far away from the crowds of the top tourist spots in Cebu, such as Kawasan Falls.
Dao Waterfall is about 40-50m high and pours down into a large pool. You can swim safely in the pool and near the falls when the flow isn’t too crazy but of course be careful depending on the conditions. It was a great pool to refresh in after the short trail hike. I’ve heard that the falls used to be double the width but a landslide impacted the flow and it isn’t quite as impressive these days but it still impressed me!
Read the full blog post: DAO WATERFALL IN SAMBOAN
What are my favorite pieces of gear for waterfall adventures?
There are four pieces of gear that I simply never forget when I go on a waterfall adventure. These are four items that I using right now and this list gets updated every year! Here are my waterfall adventure essentials.
- North Face Rain Jacket: This is my go-to rain jacket. It’s super light, folds down into a tiny ball, and protects brilliantly in a storm. This one never leaves my backpack.
- Osprey Ultralight Dry Sack: Waterfalls get wet and wild so having this ultralight dry sack for cameras, phones and valuables means you don’t have to hold back!
- Quick-Dry Towel: A quick-dry towel is a must for travelers. It hardly takes up any room and dries in seconds.
- GoPro Hero 13: The best and easiest way to capture your underwater and snorkeling adventures.
PALM TREE ROADS NEAR GINATILAN
On the drive to Kabutongan are some of the coolest roads on all of Cebu. If you are looking for a scenic road to take some epic photos and enjoy the jungle atmosphere, keep your eyes open on the drive up to Kabutongan Falls. However, there are palms all over Cebu and you will get some great shots with palms on the way to Inambakan Falls, Dao Falls, and Montpellier Falls.
CAMBAIS FALLS
Cambais Falls is an amazing waterhole in the hills of Alegria, Cebu. It’s less than an hour drive from Moalboal and there are several other great waterfalls nearby to make an epic waterfall adventure day. There are several waterfalls and different cliff jumping levels at Cambais as well great spots for swimming.
Cambais Falls has two distinct levels. On the first level, a huge, milky blue pool is surrounded by ferns, boulders, and trees. The waterfall at this level pours over the limestone cliff wall without extreme force, more of a pour! It seems to drip off the limestone in lines, which creates a beautiful scene from below. There is a lot to explore on this level like a few small caves and plenty of rocks to jump off.
On this first level, there is a solid cliff jump. From about 7 meters and then 10 meters you can jump directly from the waterfall. The spot to land it is quite small as it isn’t too deep and you need to hit the right landing area. Make sure you check the depth before jumping.
Read the full blog post: CAMBAIS FALLS IN ALEGRIA
MONTPELLIER WATERFALL
Montpellier isn’t the most popular waterfall on Cebu amongst tourists. In fact, most probably don’t know about it. The locals are happy to share this one. They have painted a big mural and sign near the road, which marks the entrance. It is a great little watering hole without much of a hike and a great way to cool off after exploring Osmena Peak (on the same road).
Once you reach the waterfall you will have to crane your neck to take it in. It’s a tall one. A single flow of water plummets onto a giant boulder below before cascading into the emerald pool. It’s a great spot for swimming and hanging out with some of the local kids. I can’t imagine having something so epic in my backyard.. let alone my hometown! It’s one of the best waterfalls on Cebu for a relaxed afternoon.
Read the full blog post: MONTPELLIER WATERFALL IN ALEGRIA
CASINO PEAK TREK IN DALAGUETE
In the backyard of a friendly family near Lugsangan is one of the most amazing viewpoints on Cebu. Known as Casino Peak, this short trek to the top of a rocky ridge has a view I can guarantee you have never dreamed of in your wildest imagination.
The trek up Casino Peak from the information center is actually very short and hardly considered a trek in my opinion. The total trekking time to reach the summit is about ten minutes although it is quite steep. The track is clear the whole way but not marked.
At the summit, we could not believe our eyes as we saw the Chocolate Hills of Bohol. For me, this was the best mountain view I had ever seen in Cebu and It was a more impressive vista than Chocolate Hills on Bohol in my opinion.
Read the full blog post: CASINO PEAK VIEWPOINT HIKE IN DALAGUETE
BINALAYAN (HIDDEN) WATERFALL
Tucked away in Samboan is a beautiful waterfall at the end of a tranquil jungle trail. It is also the place of one of the most dangerous cliff jumps I’ve ever done in my life. It’s a beautiful but short little adventure, which you can combine with the other waterfalls in the Samboan region of Cebu.
Binalayan Waterfall is also known as ‘Hidden Falls’. Like many ‘hidden’ places around the world, it is not hidden at all. It is advertised with a road from the sign, which directs you to a parking lot and the ticket office. However, due to the nature of the waterfall, it is one of the most unique things to do in Cebu.
The trail only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish but provides a beautiful coconut palm-lined path and peaceful scenery. Most of the path is a steady dirt trail, which we traversed in flip-flops. Enormous palm trees cover the land. One of our guides showed off his rapid climbing skills and gathered some coconuts for us, which was super impressive.
Read the full blog post: BINALAYAN FALLS (HIDDEN FALLS)
AGUINID FALLS
Aguinid Falls has become one of the most popular waterfalls on the island of Cebu. While it may never surpass the popularity of Kawasan Falls down the road, the Aguinid Falls trek is a great, adventurous activity for explorers of all levels.
You can do a tour that lets you see Aguinid Falls and swim with the Whale Sharks all in one day! That is a great way to see one the best of south Cebu waterfalls and swim with the Whale Sharks on a tight schedule from Cebu City!
Aguinid Falls is split up into multiple levels. The adventure used to take you to eight levels. However, since there were a few accidents and fatalities on the higher levels, you are now required to take a guide and you will only reach level five. Don’t worry this is more than enough adventure!
The adventure to the waterfall is the attraction. You will walk through the water, along with bamboo bridges and at one point scale straight up the waterfall aided by a strong rope. Don’t worry it isn’t vertical. It is more of a 45-degree angle and not slippery at all.
After about half an hour we reached the level 5 waterfall, which pours down over the rounded waterfall. Caves inside can be explored and it is a great place for a refreshing dip. This is definitely one of the best waterfalls on Cebu if you want a big adventure!
Read the full blog post: AGUINID FALLS IN SAMBOAN
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FREEDIVING WITH SARDINE BALLS IN MOALBOAL
- Snorkeling: The big attraction at Moalboal is the sardine balls. A sardine ball is a collection of thousands of sardines that all swim together in unison. When you dive down they move as a collective this way and that way in what is an incredible dance. You can also just snorkel on the surface and still witness this natural phenomenon. The best part about the sardines is that they’re only 30-meters from the shore. This means you don’t need to pay for a tour or rent a boat. All you need is your goggles and mask. It’s one of the cheapest and most unique things to do in Cebu.
- Freediving: It is very popular to learn to free dive in Moalboal because of the drop-off and has become a bit of a hub for free-divers. The prices for courses and dives here are pretty cheap in relation to Asia and very cheap compared to western countries. If you are looking to do a basic course, it usually runs across 2-3 days and costs you around $200. By the end of the course, you know all the safety techniques and have the skills to dive down to 10-meters in order to pass your basic exam.
SWIM WITH THE RESIDENT TURTLES
Moalboal is home to hundreds of turtles. Every day swimming and snorkeling near the drop-off I would encounter sometimes up to five turtles! This is why Moalboal is one of the most popular tourist spots in Cebu.
The best place near Moalboal to look for turtles is in between Tongo Point and Main beach at Moalboal although they seem to be everywhere. You will also find turtles around other spots in the south of Cebu but I have only personally swum with them in Moalboal.
CANCALANOG FALLS
Cancalanog Falls is one of the most incredible spots on Cebu and it remains off the beaten path. While it isn’t a massive waterfall it boasts some incredibly transparent, fresh water in a stunning watering hole.
The location is before Cambais Falls and only 1 hour from Moalboal. I honestly couldn’t believe it when we arrived at this location and there was no-one else there it really topped it off. In fact, no-one else came to this spot for the entire afternoon in which we visited.
Read the full blog post: CANCALANOG FALLS IN ALEGRIA, CEBU
KANDUNGAW PEAK
Kandungaw Peak is an epic ridge in the mountain range of Dalaguete, Cebu. It is also commonly known as Candongao Peak but Kandungaw seems to be the more commonly used. This short hike of about 30-minutes takes you to some beautiful viewpoints with dramatic drop-offs. There are four viewpoints to see at this location and one additional cave to explore. Kandungaw Peak is one of the lesser-known things to do in Cebu for tourists who usually only know the Osmena Peak Hike.
Read the full blog post: KANDUNGAW PEAK VIEWPOINT IN DALAGUETE
BUDLAAN FALLS
Not all of the waterfalls on Cebu are in the south, although that famous blue water tends to be. However, if you find yourself near Cebu City there is a cool little waterfall trek up in the hills called Budlaan Falls. When I went, we did an Adventure Bag Adventure Day and had almost 100 people come too Budlaan Waterfall to clean up the trash. Hopefully, it is in good shape when you visit.
The waterfall itself is pretty big and you can get in behind the flow of the waterfall to the caves. You can also trek up on top of the waterfall and follow the canyon below. There’s lots of exploring to do at this waterfall trek that takes about 1-hour round trip.
Read the full blog post: ADVENTURE BAG ADVENTURE DAY AT BUDLAAN FALLS
MANTAYUPAN FALLS
Mantayupan Falls in Barili is the highest waterfall in Cebu and one of the most beautiful. Set inside a natural amphitheater of trees, vines, and tropical plants, this is truly one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Cebu. It can get quite busy on the weekends for the entire day but visit on a morning during the weekday and you might just enjoy this waterfall all to yourself like us.
Mantayupan Falls has two levels. On the small level is a 14-meter cascade that flows down into a circular pool. It’s the warm-up. On the top level, you will find Cebu’s highest waterfall at 98-meters, which flows down into a huge pool below.
Read the full blog post: MANTAYUPAN FALLS IN BARILI, CEBU
LUSNO FALLS
Lusno Falls is a bit of a hidden gem on Cebu as it isn’t located next to the main road and is a little bit more low key than some of the other waterfall hotspots on the island. Because of this, it has local charm and a relaxed atmosphere. There is no entrance fee, no cottages, no cement path. It’s just a tranquil waterfall amidst the palms halfway between Argao and Ronda in the middle of Cebu.
The falls are quite beautiful with rounded sandstone that the water flows down over like a vase water feature. With no crowds, it will be a relaxing, off-the-beaten-path adventure. If you’re wondering what to do in Cebu when you’re based in Cebu City, this one is a great day-trip.
Read the full blog post: LUSNO FALLS IN CEBU: HIDDEN WATERFALL
TINUBDAN FALLS IN CATMON
Tinubdan Falls is a beautiful waterfall in the province of Catmon, which is about 1.5 hours’ drive north from Cebu City. It’s a bit of a hidden gem because it is in the north and most tourists head south to visit popular waterfalls. However, Tinubdan Falls is truly incredible with multiple cascades flowing into a natural swimming pool in the middle of the jungle.
There are multiple waterfalls, which all stream into a big natural swimming pool that sits beneath them all. Throughout the are you can find lots of little places to soak in a fresh-water spa beneath one of the cascades.
View the full blog post: TINUBDAN FALLS IN CATMON CEBU: A HIDDEN GEM
ESOY HOT SPRING IN CATMON
The Esoy Hot Spring is one of only two thermal springs on Cebu and is an incredibly relaxing activity in the jungle of Catmon. The spring isn’t heated by volcanic activity but is a geothermal pool and has a slight sulfuric smell but nothing too strong. The pool wasn’t as hot as the Mainit Springs in the south of Cebu. However, there was one corner where the water poured directly out of the wall and this was really warm. It was so relaxing laying there at the hot water source on the rocks.
Throughout the last ten years, the temperature of the water has changed and some of the springs that were previously hot are no longer heated. This has been affected by earthquakes and natural changes.
View the full blog post: ESOY HOT SPRING AND KA-TINGGO FALLS IN CATMON, CEBU
KA-TINGGO WATERFALL
Ka-Tinggo Falls is an incredible waterfall located inside a canyon in the Catmon region. It is a 4-meter high cascade that flows down into a large chasm below. It reminded me a lot of another waterfall in the south of Cebu called Kabutongan Falls.
The canyon is incredible with how it has been smoothly shaped over time. There are lots of little crevasses to explore here and even a few caves throughout the pool.
There were two parts of the Ka-Tinggo Falls that I really loved. First was the optional cliff jump. If you are up for it, your guide will take you on a little climb up and around the side of the canyon. It wasn’t hard but I wouldn’t go on this little trek if you aren’t up for an adventure.
You will emerge at the top of the falls and then you can jump down into the pool below. You can see my jump below!
View the full blog post: ESOY HOT SPRING AND KA-TINGGO FALLS IN CATMON, CEBU
SCUBA-DIVING IN MOALBOAL
Scuba-diving is also a popular thing to do in Moalboal because of the incredible drop-off, sardine balls, and resident turtles. The water clarity is pretty epic on most days and it would be a great place for a fun dive or to do your entire scuba-dive course. There are also a number of scuba-dive sites out at Pescador Island, which is just a short boat trip from Panagsama Beach. If you are new to Scuba-diving, you should try the Beginner Scuba Dive with Thousands of Sardines!
HIMBABAWUD FALLS
The Himbabawud Falls is an incredible series of waterfalls in Busay, Cebu just a 40-minute drive from Cebu City. To reach the falls you first need to drive to Lava Mountain River Farm and then trek for 45-minutes through the river to reach the Himbabawud Falls.
This is one of the wildest waterfall treks on Cebu as you are often completely surrounded by a wall of green as you wade through the water of the river, following it all the way to the waterfall. I really loved this one and it’s super close to Cebu City.
View the full blog post: HIMBABAWUD FALLS IN BUSAY, CEBU: HIDDEN WATERFALL
WHERE TO STAY IN CEBU?
I really think that if you are going to be exploring Cebu, the best place to stay is in Moalboal. There are a few reasons why!
Cebu City might be where you land at the airport but if you are looking for adventure, you will need to head south as soon as possible. Most of the best waterfalls, whale sharks, snorkeling with sardines and turtles are all down in the south of Cebu. So where do you stay to do all of these adventures? Moalboal!
Moalboal is a cool town, which is the free-diving and scuba capital of Cebu. There are tons of hostels, hotels, and hostels here as well as being close to all the waterfalls and hikes in the region.
Here are my recommendations on where to stay in Moalboal depending on your budget.
- Teobas Homestay – Value: You need to click on that link just to see how rad this place is. It has a staircase down to the ocean into crystal clear water. I can tell you, I have snorkeled out the front of this place with turtles many times. For about $30 USD you get a private room with all of the facilities you need. There is not much better than having ocean access and a bit of a sunset view!
- Dolphin House Resort – Luxury: If you are looking for a nice resort, Dolphin House is a 5-star resort with a huge pool for less than $200 USD per night. It has ocean access, great restaurant, chilling areas and a beautiful garden throughout the property.
TRANSPORT OPTIONS FOR CEBU
There’s lots of different transport options to get around Cebu depending on the size of your group, travel style and length of your journey. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect.
Moped: The best way to get around Cebu Island is through moped/scooter rentals. A moped can be rented for about $8 a day but that price may come down if your rental is more than a week long. The roads aren’t always great to and from the waterfalls and hikes so drive safely. You will need your regular drivers license from your home country and a helmet to avoid any issues. Below are the other main transport options for Cebu.
- Tricycles: the most common means of private transportation in the Philippines, accommodating 2-4 passengers, more than a motorcycle. This allows you to hire a driver to transport you to various attractions and things to do in Cebu.
- The Habal Habal: essentially a “scooter taxi,” is an economical option for single passengers who don’t wish to rent their own vehicle.
- Jeepneys: vibrant buses used by locals for transportation in the Philippines. Operating on fixed routes, they provide a shared riding experience and offer a unique opportunity to interact with the local community. Expect to be crammed in like sardines but it’s the authentic transport mode for locals.
- Vans: available for transportation, typically offered by resorts, hotels, and private transportation companies. This option will be the most expensive, it can be a worthwhile choice during rainy weather or for larger groups.
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT CEBU
When considering the weather, the best time to visit Cebu, Philippines, is generally during the dry season which runs from December to May. During this period, the weather is more predictable, with less chance of rain disrupting outdoor activities. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- Dry Season (December – May): This period is characterized by less rainfall and more sunshine. Among these months, February to May are especially good as they tend to be hot and dry, making them perfect for beach-related activities.
- Cool Months (December – February): The months of December to February are part of the dry season but are slightly cooler compared to other months. This makes it a good time to visit if you prefer more moderate temperatures.
- Hot Months (March – May): These months can get quite hot, but if you’re planning on spending time at the beach or by the pool, this could be the ideal time for you.
- Rainy Season (June – November): These months have more rainfall, which can disrupt outdoor activities. However, the rain can also bring cooler temperatures and fewer tourists, which some visitors might prefer.
MORE CEBU TRAVEL GUIDES
- Ultimate Cebu Bucketlist: 26 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON CEBU
- Canyoneering Guide: KAWASAN FALLS CEBU CANYONEERING
- Ultimate Oslob Guide: WHAT TO DO IN OSLOB CEBU
- Digital Nomad Guide to Moalboal: THE DIGITAL NOMAD GUIDE TO MOALBOAL, CEBU
- Waterfall Chasing: 14 BEST WATERFALLS IN CEBU
- Moalboal Guide: 20 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MOALBOAL
- Alegria Guide: 13 BEST THINGS TO DO IN ALEGRIA
- Hiking Osmena Peak: OSMEÑA PEAK IN CEBU – A BEAUTIFUL SUNRISE HIKE
MORE OF MY PHILIPPINES GUIDES
- The Ultimate Philippines Itinerary: 3-4 WEEK PHILIPPINES ITINERARY
- Best Island Hopping Trip: BIG DREAM BOAT MAN IN CORON
- The Backpacker’s Guide to the Philippines: 1 MONTH FOR $800
- Ultimate Guide to Coron: 22 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN CORON
- Ultimate Guide to Siargao: 40 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIARGAO
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- Coron Accommodation: WHERE TO STAY IN CORON
Si
Wednesday 29th of January 2025
Hey, I really like all your articles so far and have been actively using them to plan my upcoming trip. One thing I wanted to point out is the inhumane practices of Oslob in hand feeding the whale sharks. This has been proven to be detrimental to the population as it alters their migration pattern and increases risk of boat injury. Their numbers are declining and while it is definitely a bucket list item for many to swim with whale sharks, it is irresponsible to recommend anything to do with Oslob.
There are other great alternatives! Leyte offers a great ethical alternative, as does Donsol. It may be a bit out of the way for the popular itineraries but definitely worth it to see these beautiful creatures in their natural environments in a responsible manner. Let's try to do our part to keep them safe!
Again, love your stuff and keep doing what you do. Just wanted to say my piece and let people what they can do!
Brian
Monday 5th of August 2024
Unbelievable info! Former journalist myself. Im not a big tour guy so i have a few questions:
Can most of these spots be reached by car and seen at my own pace without guides/tours? Is there an entry fee for every waterfall/nature area or can you just park wherever you like and go hiking/exploring/canyoneering on your own? If I base in Moalboal is there a locator map of all the different secret falls/pools/beaches so i can plan an itinerary for each day.
Thanks and keep up the great work!
Talina
Tuesday 26th of December 2023
Hi there, awesome blog, thank you. Wondering if it would be possible to also include a map and some info on how easy it was to hire a car and get around.
Barren Evans
Tuesday 11th of July 2023
Hello! Thanks for your kind words. I am so happy that you liked the blog. If you need to arrange transportation or guides in these locations, I suggest looking at local resources. Consult local tour operators and travel agencies that specialize in customized itineraries. They can help arrange transportation and guides for certain activities such as sunrise treks or waterfall visits. You can also contact local tourism boards, or conduct thorough research online to identify reputable providers that offer unique experiences. Plan ahead and reserve your desired activities in advance. Enjoy your travels.
Jenny
Sunday 5th of January 2020
I used your blog before my one month trip to Cebu to get ideas of where to go. I really liked the Cambais falls and another one you the Kangkalanog that I loved the most. I like less touristy places. Also, the Monkey Viewing area near Oslob was an experience in itself, you didn't have that here. Who needs the Chocolate Hills when you have the Casino Peak? Similar view and not that many tourists. Nice blog and it helped a lot! Thanks