Cebu Island Visitors Guide

This brief guide to Cebu Island will let you know how to get there, what to do, eat, and drink, where to stay, and must-see spots.

ABOUT SEE & DO EAT & DRINK STAY BUDGET ADVICE

ABOUT

Cebu Island, along with several other nearby islands and islets, comprises Cebu province.  It is the 9th largest island in the Philippines and where Cebu City, the oldest city in the Philippines, is located.

While it is known for its lechon, there is more to Cebu than just their delicious roasted pig.  Be it in the city proper or the outskirts, you will have something to look forward to when exploring the island.  It is teeming with modern-day necessities yet managed to preserve all those religious and historic attractions symbolizing the island’s role in the country’s history.

The city life is not the only thing that makes Cebu one of the most favorite tourist destinations in the country.  The island is also home to beautiful beaches, interesting waterfalls, cliffs and mountains offering panoramic views, and so much more.

Location

Best Time to Visit

It’s best to visit the Philippines during the dry season.  Dry season in the Philippines spans from November through April.  These are the summer months in this country.

Be aware that temperatures and humidity levels are particularly high in April and May.

The best time to be a beach bum and explore the islands is from March to May.

TIP:  Booking for summer trips should be done as early as possible, at least a month before your travel dates, since resorts get fully booked early.

The period from June to October is the rainy (wet) season and is best avoided due to the high possibility of typhoons. The typhoons can not only be destructive, but most tours and activities are cancelled under such circumstances.  Transportation via plane and boat is also seriously impacted as well.  This happens frequently so beware!

This guide recommends traveling to Cebu Island in April-May or in November-December, just before and just after the rainy season. This will likely bring fewer crowds, yet pleasant weather, and is also a great time to score a travel deal.

Fast Facts

Getting Here

There are many ways to get to this destination depending on your starting point.  This guide recommends using the following online tools to identify all the available options and cost for each while in Cebu Island: Rome2Rio and PHBUS.  The major ports of entry for this destination are provided below.

Getting Around

The following are the modes of transportation available on Cebu Island …

SEE & DO

The following is your guide to places to see and activities to enjoy while in Cebu Island.

1 | Heritage Tour

Cebu, particularly Cebu City, is home to several sites that are excellently-preserved up to this day.  Fort San Pedro, Magellan’s Cross, Sto. Niño Church, Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Rajah Humabon Monument, Heritage of Cebu Monument, Jesuit House of 1730, and Casa Gorordo Museum are some of the sites to visit.  Some of these sites are located near each other so it’s really not hard to locate and explore them.

2 | Luxury Experience

Look forward to a relaxing stay and enjoy amazing service in one of Cebu’s luxury hotels and resorts.  While most 5-star luxury resorts are located in the nearby Mactan Island which is also a part of Cebu, the main Cebu Island has something to offer to its discriminating visitors as well.  Radisson Blu and Marco Polo Plaza are some of the accommodations to add to your options. For fine dining, consider Anzani, Pig and Palm, Olio, and The Tinder Box.

3 | Waterfalls Tour

Cebu has close to 100 waterfalls and many of them are definitely worth your time.  Tumalog Falls, Inambakan Falls, Kampael Falls, Ginatilan Falls, Binalayan Falls, Aguinid Falls and Dau Falls are some of the most beautiful walls you should see in Cebu.  If you want more than just to watch the water falling from the top or dip into its refreshingly cool water, you may want to try canyoneering, jumping off the waterfall and rappelling in Kawasan Falls.

4 | Beach Bumming

Cebu has some of the stunning beaches in the country. Moalboal, Badian, and Tabuelan boast of white sand beaches with crystal clear water.  You can visit for a day tour but it would be more fun to spend a night or two there so you can fully explore the destination.

5 | Meet and Greet the Marine Life

Swimming with underwater creatures is definitely a one-of-a-kind experience.  You can swim with the whale sharks in Oslob or encounter the world-renowned sardine run in Moalboal. You can also spend a day at Cebu Ocean Park which has the largest oceanarium in the country.

6 | Market Tour

To complete your authentic Cebu experience, try to visit any of its public markets.  Carbon Market, the oldest and largest in the island offers affordable souvenir items and fresh food products.  Colon Street, the oldest street in the Philippines, is often flocked by locals and tourists alike for its goods with low price tags.  Dried fish lovers will love Taboan Public Market, the biggest market for dried seafood in the island.  Dried mangoes are also sold here at a more affordable price.

7 | Nightlife

Nightlife in Cebu is undeniably alive with so many clubs and bars particularly in Mango Square (Fuente Osmeña Circle) and Mango Avenue, which can get a bit seedy as the night falls.  For classier party venues, head to IT Park, Cyberpark, and City Time Square.

8 | Shopping

Shopaholics, fret not! Ayala Center, SM City Cebu, and SM Seaside City Cebu (the 3rd largest mall in the Philippines and 11th in the world) are so large that one day may not be enough to shop as well as enjoy other activities such as eating and sightseeing.  Aside from clothing, shoe and souvenir shops, these malls have great restaurants and food courts where you can eat Cebu’s best in one place.

9 | Hiking and Camping

If you are in for a challenge of exploring the island’s mountains, you can hike and set up a camp in Mt. Mago, Kandungaw Peak, Mt. Lanaya, Mt. Babag, Sirao Peak, Osmeña Peak, and Ablayan Peak.  Tops Lookout and JVR Island in the Sky are popular spots for picturesque sights of Cebu and its surrounding islands.

READ MORE: Top Hiking Destinations in the Philippines

NOTE: The Sinulog Festival occurs annually in Cebu every 3rd Sunday of January.

EAT & DRINK

The following is your guide to the flavorful food to enjoy and restaurants to try while in Cebu Island.

1 | Zubuchon

Zubuchon’s specialty is lechon and is owned by the same guy who prepared and served the dish Anthony Burdain feasted on and which he later proclaimed as the “Best Pig… EVER”.  The restaurant also serves other dishes such as fish-skin tacos and lechon kare-kare. Zubuchon has branches not only in Cebu but also in Manila.

2 | Larsian Barbeque

One’s Cebu dining experience isn’t complete without a meal or two in Larsian.  Larsian is not a fancy restaurant but an open-air food court comprising around 30 food stalls serving grilled meat, various seafood dishes, and the famous chorizo de Cebu.  It is open 24/7 and perfect for budget travellers.

3 | La Vie Parisienne

While its name sounds fancy and ambience looks classy, a dinner at La Vie Parisienne will not cause a dent in your budget because it’s actually affordable.  This French bakery, deli, and a wine library offers freshly baked breads and pastries with croissants costing between Php 25 to Php 50.  A bottle of champagne and wine starts at a little over Php 200.  Gourmet sandwiches and different kinds of cheeses and meats are also on their menu.

4 | La Marea

Satisfy your sweet cravings at La Marea!  This elegant pastry shop that is famous for its warm brownie cup also serves mouth-watering frozen brazo de mercedes, oreo cheese cake, crinkles, and cookies.

5 | Casa Verde

For all American favorites such as ribs, pork steaks, tenderloin, and burgers in large servings, head to Casa Verde.  While its menu is an array of western dishes, its setup has the elements of traditional Filipino.  Casa Verde is a popular choice among locals and tourists alike so expect a long list of customers waiting to be seated during peak hours.

6 | Anzani

Anzani offers fine dining focused on Italian dishes with favorite ingredients such as tomatoes, olives, chickpeas, herbs, lemon, and cheese.  Aside from delectable dishes for lunch and dinner, the restaurant also allows guests to enjoy their wine cellar containing 1,250 bottles of wine.  Anzani offers a panoramic view of Cebu as it is situated atop the Nivel Hills.  It’s price range isn’t cheap but it’s definitely worth it for someone who wants to indulge.

7 | Cafe Laguna

Cafe Laguna has been serving Filipino cuisine for over 25 years.  Its menu contains not only that of Cebu’s favorite dishes but also from different regions in the country.

8 | Sunburst Chicken

Sunburst Chicken serves uniquely flavorful fried chicken and is probably one of the best on the island.  Whether eaten on its own, or dipped in ketchup or ketchup with worcestershire sauce, surely you will not be disappointed.

9 | Golden Cowrie

Operating for over 35 years, Golden Cowrie serves favorite Pinoy dishes such as crispy pata, pork sinigang, Bicol express, pinakbet, calamares, and many others.  It uses high-quality fresh ingredients for diners to enjoy great food with family and friends in a relaxing ambience.

KNOWN FOR: Lechon

WHERE TO STAY

There are many different types of accommodations available in this destination ranging from hostels to luxurious resorts.  The following is your guide to our top choices for each range in Cebu Island.

1 | The Orchard Cebu Hotel (Budget)

2 | Bayfront Hotel Cebu (Mid-Range)

3 | Marco Polo Plaza Cebu Hotel (Luxury | Resort)

When doing research online of where to stay for specific destination, we use the following sites to conduct our research:

Book your room with these trusted online booking sites.  Booking online in the Philippines almost always guarantees the best price and a room when you arrive.  We use these sites frequently to get the best prices and enjoy convenient bookings. Click each of the buttons below to find the best place for you at the lowest rates:

TIP: The Orchard Cebu Hotel is the best property to experience this destination.

BUDGET

Suggested Budget

This chart is your guide to get an idea of how much to budget daily in Cebu Island.   Actual amounts will depend on YOUR travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages … some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less. Prices are in USD.

Travel Costs

Accommodation

A bed in a hostel dorm costs from 350 PHP ($7 USD), but smaller dorms can cost from 500 PHP ($10 USD).  For a private double, prices start around 700 PHP ($14 USD).

Most budget hotels begin at 700 PHP ($14 USD) per night for a double room and usually include free wifi and breakfast.  For a three-star hotel, prices begin around 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) per night. AirBnB is also widespread throughout the country, with private rooms starting from as little as 500 PHP ($10 USD) per night.  For entire apartments, expect to pay at least 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) per night.

Resorts and luxury accommodations vary greatly from 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) to 5,000+ PHP ($100+ USD).  However, there are some really nice resorts and luxury accommodations which are surprisingly affordable.

We use and recommend booking online to save money using HostelWorld, Agoda, and Expedia. 

Food

Local food is extremely cheap, with street food costing under 50 PHP ($1USD).  For an inexpensive meal at a local restaurant, prices start around 100 PHP ($2 USD).  For a meal at a mid-range restaurant with drinks and table service, expect to pay from 200 PHP ($4 USD).  Knowing that their target customers are primarily tourists, Western food venues can be pricey compared to Filipino food.  Also, some of the ingredients need to be imported, which contributes to the higher cost. Western food (burgers, pizza, pasta, etc.) is much more expensive but is still relatively affordable at around 200 PHP ($4 USD) for a meal and drink.

Fast food like McDonalds will cost around 200 PHP ($4 USD).  A beer at the bar will cost around 50-100 PHP ($1–2 USD).

A week’s worth of groceries will cost between 300-600 PHP ($6-12 USD) per person.  However, food in this country is so inexpensive, and kitchens & refrigerators are hard to come by, I don’t recommend cooking your meals here since there is plenty of delicious street food to eat at very cheap prices. You won’t make it as good as they do and the food is too delicious to miss!

Transportation

There are many modes of transportation available in the Philippines and each varies greatly. 

Public Transportation is cheap.  Bus services on the islands are inexpensive.  Local buses (called jeepneys) are the most common type of transportation in towns and cities. The fare is usually between 7-25 PHP ($.20–.50 USD).

On islands without a bus system, a taxi or tricycle is the only form of transport with fares starting at 50-500 PHP ($1-$10) USD for short trips. 

Taxis are everywhere, and they’re very cheap.  Most fares shouldn’t cost you more than 500 PHP ($10 USD) around town.  

To get between islands, you’ll need to take a boat or to fly.  There are ferries that connect the island together since they aren’t too far apart but, generally speaking, flights are the most realistic option. 

Flights between islands usually cost about 2,000-3500 PHP ($40-70 USD).  However, this isn’t the cheapest way to travel.  It’s only recommended if you have limited time. 

We recommend booking online to save money using: Skyscanner, momondo, Kayak, kiwi.com.

Attractions & Activities

Most attractions and activities in the Philippines are pretty cheap. Most attractions throughout the area are FREE to enter, though some of the more well known and popular ones cost 5-100 PHP ($.10-$2 USD) to enter. 

Depending on the activity, most day tours only cost around 1,000-1,500 PHP ($20-30 USD), oftentimes less.  You have more bargaining power if you go with a group. If you are expecting to do some climbing, remember to pack some warm layers. It gets cold at the top!  

Other activities such as Island Hopping, scuba diving, helmet diving, swimming with whale sharks, jungle trekking, canyoning, ATVs, jet skis, wakeboarding, cruises, parasailing, horseback riding, cultural experiences, and tours can cost as much as 1,250-5,000+ PHP ($25-100+ USD).

The Philippines is one of the least expensive places to learn how to scuba dive. Learning to scuba dive usually costs about 15,000-20,000 PHP ($300-400 USD), but often includes FREE accommodation for the duration of the course, which lasts three or four days.

Always book your tours and activities when you arrive.  Stick to travel agents who are selling on the ground. If a travel agent won’t negotiate with you, move on to the next until you find one that will.  Booking tours online is almost always more expensive. 

Typical Costs in Cebu Island in 2023:

• Hostel Dorm Bed: 250-350 PHP ($5–7 USD) night
• Budget Hotel:  700 PHP ($14 USD) night
• Mid-Range Hotel:  1500 PHP ($31 USD) night
• Street Food: 50-150 PHP ($1–3 USD) meal
• Restaurant Meals: 200-300 PHP ($4–6 USD) meal
• Local Beer: 50-100 PHP ($1–2 USD) bottle
• 1.5L Bottle of Water: 38 PHP ($.75 USD) bottle
• Jeepney Ride: 7-25 PHP ($.20–.50 USD) ride
• Tricycle Ride:  20-100 PHP ($.5-2 USD) ride
• Taxi: 75-500 PHP ($1.50-10 USD) ride – use GrabTaxi app
• Long-Distance Bus Ride: 400-500 PHP ($8–10 USD) ride
• Public Ferry Ride: 200-300 PHP ($4–6 USD) ride
• Domestic Flight: 2,000-3,500 PHP ($40–70 USD) flight
• Island-Hopping: 1,000-1,500 PHP ($20-30 USD) trip
• Diving with Whale Sharks: 1,250 PHP ($25 USD) trip

ADVICE

The following is some of our best advice on traveling to this destination. This is your guide on what you need to know BEFORE you go to Cebu Island!

Tips & Hacks

These Top 10 Tips can help guide you when visiting Cebu Island in the Philippines:

• Be aware that a tourist VISA is only 30 days. You can extend it upon arrival, or within the first 30 days, for an additional 30 days for a fee of approximately 3,000 pesos.
• Don’t buy into the fear factor. The Philippines has an unjustified reputation of being a dangerous place. It’s true there are security guards everywhere, but that is to deter theft.
• Manila is NOT the Philippines. Get outside of the cities to see the real Philippines.
• Don’t over plan. Boats, buses, and even airplane schedules are notoriously unreliable. Be flexible.
• Check the weather. The weather varies greatly throughout the Philippines daily.
• Typhoons can have a huge impact on your plans. Account for this when planning your trip.
• It’s not cool to raise your voice or show outward frustration in public.
• Be polite at all times. Realize that your country’s sense of humor may be different from Filipino humor and take this into account when interacting with Filipinos and while in public places.
• Things move at a slower pace. Accept it … don’t get frustrated … but do account for it.
• Don’t drink the tap water… but stay hydrated! Save money by buying large bottles (6-10 liters) of water and using it to fill your water bottle or hydration bladder in your backpack.

For a complete list of our travel tips & hacks, check out the following guide and be sure to download a FREE copy for yourself.

VIEW & DOWNLOAD: The Ultimate Travel Tips & Hacks Guide for the Philippines

Money Matters

The Philippines has its own currency called the Philippine Peso.  Banks, ATMs, and money-changers can be found in  Cebu Island.  If you are exploring the neighboring islands or provinces, make sure to bring enough cash that will last until the next time you get to an ATM or bank since most tours, transportation, and budget accommodations only accept cash.

READ MORE: Money in the Philippines: Everything You Need to Know

Health & Safety

Crime

While overall the Philippines is a safe country to visit, as is Cebu Island, you need to use common sense just as you would in any country, especially when traveling, and in a city, town, or area you are unfamiliar with.

Consult your hotel, resort front desk, or tour guide as they are more likely to give you reliable information about Cebu Island than a random stranger on the street. Be careful when approaching strangers and selective about who you approach. Always pay attention to your gut feeling and follow it.

READ MORE: How to Avoid Scams & Thieves in the Philippines

Safety

There are many things to consider when traveling in order to stay safe … things that we may not be accustomed to during our normal everyday lives. The following are articles about tips on how to stay safe while traveling in the Philippines:

• 6 Common Accidents to Avoid  
• How to Beat the Heat in the Philippines
• Taxi Safety Tips: Dos and Don’ts
• Motorbike Safety Tips
• Beach & Ocean Safety Tips
• Sun Safety Tips  

TIP: The best way to avoid problems and stay safe is to travel with a local resident.

Health

Staying fit & healthy can be challenging when traveling in the Philippines. 

The tropical Philippines climate requires you to prepare for illnesses that you may not normally be accustomed to. 

The following are our Top 10 Tips for Staying Healthy while Traveling in the Philippines:

• Maintain a Balanced Diet
• Stay Hydrated but Only Drink Bottled Water
• Get Plenty of Rest
• Allow Your Body Time to Adjust 
• Keep Active
• Sanitize Often 
• Be Aware of Food Safety Concerns
• Take Your Vitamins
• Practice Safe Sex
• Be Prepared Should You Get Sick

READ MORE: Stay Healthy in the Philippines: How to Avoid Getting Sick

Staying Connected

You need to have a local-based SIM card in order to stay connected when in the Philippines. Network giants such as Globe and Smart have SIM cards you can use to make calls, send text messages, and also to connect to the Internet. A SIM card costs around 50 PHP ($1 USD) and usually comes with a FREE load worth 50 PHP ($1 USD). You can buy a card containing a code you can enter on your phone to replenish your load or buy an electronic load that is available almost anywhere in the city.

While you may not have problems with signal strength when in the city, it is not always the case when on islands or in remote areas of a province.  So when arranging for transportation pick up, say when renting a boat to take you to and pick you up from the island, it would be best that you make it clear what time you need to be picked up before the boatman leaves.

Recommended Travel Apps

Apps for smartphones and tablets can be useful both before you leave and while you’re traveling.  Most are available for iPhones and Android phones.

The following is a guide to Top 10 most useful travel apps on our smartphones when traveling in Cebu Island and the Philippines in general:

1. Grab (taxis/ride shares)
2. Angkas (motorbike ride-hailing)
3. WhatsApp (phone calls)
4. Skyscanner (flights)
5. Rome2Rio (transportation)
6. Agoda (accomodations)
7. Booking.com (accomodations)
8. AirBnB (accomodations)
9. Traveloka (flights, accomodations, activities)
10. Klook (attractions & activities )

Be certain to download and set up apps BEFORE leaving on your trip to make certain each is installed and working properly.

For our complete list of travel apps that we use and recommend while traveling in the Philippines, checkout our checklist below.

READ MORE: The Ultimate List of Travel Apps for the Philippines

Itinerary

Trying to decide what to do when traveling to a destination for the first time can be a bit overwhelming given your lack of familiarity with the place along with all of the available options. 

We’ve created the following itinerary to help simplify the process and ensure that you get the most out of your trip.  Although we provide a 7 day itinerary for this destination, it can always be adjusted to fit the length of your trip.

VIEW: Cebu Island 7-Day Travel Itinerary

Packing Checklist

The secret to a successful and stress-free trip is to start by using a packing list.  This will reduce anxiety from the start and ensure that nothing important is forgotten when packing.   To make this process easy for you, we’ve created a detailed packing list.  Click the link below to download it for FREE now. 

Carrying your checklist with you during your travels can be useful when repacking, by helping to ensure that you do not leave anything behind.

VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Our Ultimate Packing Guide & Checklist

Things to Remember

There are some things you need to keep in mind to guide you from doing prohibited or illegal activities in Cebu Island or anywhere in the Philippines.

Smoking

There is a nationwide ban which prohibits smoking in public places including indoors, the streets, on sidewalks, in restaurants , and on public transportation, requiring smokers to use designated smoking areas.  Selling tobacco to and purchasing from or for minors is also prohibited. Violators are subject to fines (up to 5,000 PHP | $100 USD) and even 4 months in prison.

Alcohol

The minimum legal drinking age is 18.  Alcohol such as beer and hard drinks can easily be bought in grocery and convenience stores.  The most common alcoholic beverage is beer, generally served cold.  Local alcoholic drinks include tuba (coconut wine which is usually very strong) and potent moonshine-like clear liquors made from sugar or fruit.  Imported beer, wine, and name brand hard alcohol are available but expensive.

Drugs

Drugs are illegal in the Philippines.  Don’t use, buy, or sell any non-prescription drugs while in the Philippines … not even marijuana.  It is considered an especially heinous crime to buy from, for, or sell drugs to children.  The penalties are severe … up to and including death.

Nudity

Public nudity is illegal in the Philippines and is not tolerated.  Most locals consider it offensive.  There are laws which prohibit provocative and erotic clothing and swimwear, therefore carefully consider your clothings and swimwear choices to make certain they are not too revealing.

Foreigners & Expats

If you are not a Filipino citizen, remember that you are a guest when visiting this country … be certain to act accordingly.  Respect the people, their customs, and the environment and wlidlife. You can be deported and banned … so behave … but have fun and enjoy all that this wonderful destination has to offer.

READ MORE: Practical Information about the Philippines

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