15 Things To Do In Cebu For Adventurous First-Time Visitors + Planning Guide
Cebu is one of the best places to visit in the Philippines – it’s a mix of natural beauty, history, and city vibes that’s hard to match! If it’s your first time visiting, you will LOVE it.
We spent a few days there and, if we had to pick our 3 favourite things to do in Cebu, it would be canyoneering at Kawasan Falls, snorkelling with thousands of sardines in Moalboal, and diving at Pescador Island!
There are more things to do in Cebu – there’s something for every kind of traveller. So if you’re like us and love being outside, swimming, snorkelling, and hiking, this guide is for you!
Now, one of the biggest attractions in Cebu is swimming with whale sharks in Oslob. We know this is on a lot of bucket lists (it was on ours), but after doing some research, we actually don’t recommend it.
We explain why we changed our minds further down, and where we went instead for a safer and more respectful way to swim with the whale sharks.
That said, here’s our list with all the best things to do in Cebu, plus how to get there from Australia, where to stay, and handy tips to help you plan your trip!
Table of Contents
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Our 15 favourite things to do in Cebu
1) Go canyoneering at Kawasan Falls
If you’re visiting Cebu, canyoneering at Kawasan Falls must be at the top of your list!
The falls themselves are stunning, with an electric-blue water. Add the cliff jumps, natural slides, and jungle scenery, and it’s a truly epic experience.
The start of the route is in Badian, about 3 hours from Cebu City. It’s way easier to base yourself in Moalboal (30 minutes away) – most tours offer pick-up and drop-off from there.
The whole canyoneering experience lasts 4–5 hours, and the jumps range from 3m to 12m high. You can skip the big jumps if they’re not your thing, there’s always a way around them.
You need to book a tour with a licensed guide for safety reasons, though. They provide all the gear (helmet, life vest), and most tours include lunch and transport!
Here’s an excellent canyoneering tour, with lunch and transport from Moalboal!
Do NOT overthink jumping! Just do it!
2) Swim at Dao Falls
Dao Falls is another favourite of ours, located in Samboan (about 1 hour south of Kawasan).
The walk to the falls is an easy but epic experience – you’ll take a 20–30-minute walk through a narrow canyon, alongside flowing water and towering limestone walls.
The trail can be slippery though, so wear good shoes. At the end, you’ll get to Dao Falls, with its deep, cool pool with turquoise water that’s perfect for a swim!
There’s a small entrance fee (₱40), and local guides are optional but recommended.
They know the safest paths, and hiring them helps support the local community. Plus, they can help you carry your stuff and navigate if the water is up!
3) Explore Inambakan Falls
Just a 20–30 minute drive from Dao Falls, you’ll find Inambakan Falls in Ginatilan, another place we fell in love with!
It’s a five-tiered cascade, with a deep blue swimming hole – absolutely gorgeous.
From the carpark, it’s an easy 5–10 minute walk to the main falls, and the path is manageable for most fitness levels.
The main pool is perfect for swimming, and if you’re up for it, you can climb to the upper tiers for more secluded spots.
Entry fee is around ₱50, and basic facilities are on site — a small shop, picnic tables, and change areas. Still, bring your own snacks, water, and gear to be safe!
🤩 If you’re after an epic waterfall adventure day, book this full-day tour that takes you to Dao, Inambakan, Kawasan, and Mantayupan Waterfalls!
4) Swim at the iconic Sardine Run
We did this in Moalboal and absolutely LOVED it – you’ll swim with thousands of sardines, plus it’s 100% free to visit!
You can snorkel straight off the beach in front of Panagsama, and within metres, you’ll be swimming alongside huge schools of sardines. No boat needed!
Turtles are often around too, especially if you head out early in the morning when it’s quieter.
There are plenty of spots to rent snorkel gear right near the beach, usually for around ₱150–₱250 per set. Super easy and cheap.
Afterwards, consider heading to White Beach for a relaxing time chilling and sunbathing, it’s just a 15-min drive away.
5) Dive at Pescador Island
Pescador Island is a 10–15 minute boat ride from Moalboal and is famous for its diverse marine life and beautiful coral walls. We went diving here and had an epic experience!
It’s awesome for both scuba diving and snorkelling, with reef sharks, sardines, and colourful fish everywhere.
If you’re diving, you can also explore the Cathedral Cave, a large underwater cavern!
Tours run daily from Moalboal dive shops, and you can easily book on the spot. Prices vary but expect to pay around ₱1,500–₱2,500 for a snorkelling trip, and ₱3,000–₱4,500 for diving (gear and boat included).
If you’re keen, here’s a tour that includes Pescador Island AND the sardine run, plus pick up and drop off from Cebu City or Moalboal.
6) Check out Bantayan Island
If you’re after laid-back island vibes, Bantayan Island is the place! The top spots to check out are Kota Beach, Virgin Island, and the small but cool Ogtong Cave for a swim in natural spring water.
Getting there is a bit of a trek but 100% worth it – take the ferry from Hagnaya Port, about 3–4 hours by bus or car from Cebu City.
Ferries to Bantayan cost around ₱300–₱350 per person, and run frequently throughout the day.
You might want to consider spending one night there if your itinerary allows! You can also visit hassle-free with this full-day tour from Cebu, or a full adventure with this 3D2N island-hopping tour.
7) Visit Magellan’s Cross & Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
These two historic landmarks are right in the heart of Cebu City and just a short walk from each other.
Magellan’s Cross is said to have been built in 1521 by Portuguese and Spanish explorers. It’s a key symbol of Cebu’s colonial history.
And just across it is the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, the oldest Catholic church in the Philippines.
It’s very beautiful inside and an active place of worship, so dress modestly if you want to visit (no short shorts or sleeveless tops!).
You can easily get there by taxi, Grab, or jeepney if you’re staying in Cebu City. Jeepneys heading to Colon or downtown will drop you nearby for just a few pesos!
Both are free to visit, and it’s best to go early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds, especially if you want photos without a sea of people.
8) Walk around Fort San Pedro and Colon Street
Another great city stop is Fort San Pedro, just near the Cebu port area. It’s easily reached by taxi, Grab, or jeepney (ask for Plaza Independencia).
Fort San Pedro is a small Spanish-era fortress with some history exhibits and nice garden areas — 30 minutes is plenty to look around. Entry is around ₱30 ($0.50).
From there, you can walk to Colon Street, the oldest street in the Philippines. It’s bustling with shops, food stalls, and local life! Very hectic but worth checking out.
The Cebu Heritage Monument is nearby too, with sculptures showcasing key moments in Cebu’s history!
Keep an eye on your belongings while in this area, it’s very busy.
9) Visit the Taoist Temple
This is a beautiful and peaceful spot with some epic views over Cebu City!
The architecture is bright and intricate, with dragon statues, Chinese-style gates, and a mini Great Wall-style walkway.
Entry is free, and you don’t need a guide — just take your time exploring the temple grounds!
It’s still an active place of worship, and you’ll see people lighting incense and making wishes at the shrine. Please be respectful (no shouting or selfies inside the shrines) and dress modestly.
It’s a great short visit, especially in the late afternoon when it’s cooler and the views are better. Allow around 30–45 minutes to wander around.
Keen on a city tour? This one includes Magellan’s Cross, Basilica del Sto. Niño, Fort San Pedro, the Taoist Temple, and more epic stops (plus pick up and drop off)!
10) Snorkel or dive with thresher sharks in Malapascua
Malapascua itself is a laid-back island with no cars and chill beach vibes — it’s worth staying 2–3 nights to relax and explore.
To get there, take a bus or van to Maya Port (about 4–5 hours from Cebu City, ₱200–₱300), then hop on a 30-minute boat to Malapascua (₱100–₱150 per person). Boats run regularly during the day!
If you’re keen on something more while in Malapascua, head to Monad Shoal. It’s one of the only places in the world where the iconic thresher sharks are seen almost daily!
You need to be a certified diver to see them. Dives cost around ₱1,500–₱2,000 ($25–$35) per dive, plus gear rental if needed. Most dive shops offer early morning trips.
If you’re not into diving, snorkelling tours to nearby reefs are also available for around ₱1,000–₱1,500!
11) Hike Osmeña Peak
Osmeña Peak is the highest point in Cebu, with incredible views over jagged hills and the distant coastline.
The hike is easy to moderate, about 20–30 minutes from the jump-off point near Dalaguete. Entry fee is around ₱30–₱50 per person.
It’s a short, rewarding trek, and the trail is well-marked but unpaved, so bring sturdy shoes!
For a local experience, combine the hike with a trip to Mantalongon Market, nearby — it’s known as the “vegetable basket of Cebu”!
Best to visit early morning or late afternoon for the cooler temps and dramatic scenery.
If you’re in Cebu, don’t miss this full-day tour that includes Osmeña Peak and Kawasan Falls. Includes pick up, drop off, and lunch!
12) Hike Casino Peak
Casino Peak is often called Cebu’s own “Chocolate Hills”. It’s near Osmeña Peak and has incredible views as well. You can easily do both in one day if you’re keen!
The hike is short and uphill, about 20 minutes, and not too difficult, but definitely wear proper shoes as the trail can be rocky and uneven.
There’s a small entrance fee (₱30–₱50), and local guides are usually around if you want help on the trail.
13) Take a day trip to Bohol from Cebu
Bohol is an incredible destination in its own right! It’s famous for the iconic Chocolate Hills, the Tarsier Sanctuary, and the beautiful Loboc River.
But if you can’t spend 2-3 days there, you can visit Bohol and see all the highlights with a day trip from Cebu.
Take the fast ferry to Tagbilaran, the ride takes about 2 hours each way. Tickets cost around ₱800–₱1,200 ($14–$21) one way, depending on the ferry company and seat class.
Just make sure to book ferry tickets at least a day or two ahead, especially in peak season (Dec–Feb), as they do sell out.
You can also join a full-day tour to Bohol for a hassle-free trip, like this one!
14) Visit Sumilon Island’s sandbar and marine sanctuary
Sumilon Island is a small sandbar island located on the southern tip of Cebu.
It was the first protected marine sanctuary in The Philippines! Rest assured, the snorkelling is incredible there.
Boats depart from Bancogon Port, and trips are often combined with whale shark tours if you’re staying in Oslob.
Day tours usually include boat transfer, lunch, and snorkelling in the marine sanctuary, with prices around ₱1,500–₱2,000 ($25–$35) per person depending on what’s included.
The best time to visit is at low tide when the sandbar is fully exposed.
15) Experience the Sinulog Festival (January)
Held every 3rd Sunday of January in Cebu City, the Sinulog Festival is one of the biggest cultural and religious festivals in the Philippines!
Expect massive parades, dancing in the streets, colourful costumes, and heaps of street food — it’s a wild time with huge crowds.
The festival honours the Santo Niño (Child Jesus), blending Catholic tradition with street party vibes. It’s loud, lively, and definitely something to experience at least once!
Just make sure to book your accommodation well in advance, as the city sells out fast and prices can spike.
Whale sharks in Oslob: Don’t recommend, here’s why
Swimming with whale sharks is one of those bucket list experiences that we have dreamt about for YEARS.
The whale shark season in the Philippines is from November to May (we were there in March-April) and were very excited to know the whale shark tourism in Oslob was so big!
So we started our research to book a tour there… And decided NOT to do it in Cebu Island. We did it in Southern Leyte instead.
We want to share why we chose not to book one of the many Cebu Island whale sharks tours.
Just know that we don’t want to throw shade at all if you’re keen to do it in Oslob. We just want to share why we chose not to, so you’ve got all the info to make your own decision.
The way they attract the whale sharks
The whale shark tours in Oslob started small, with local fishermen feeding the sharks. But over time, it’s become a massive tourist attraction.
The lines from in the early morning hours, and people wait their turn to be taken out on boats for a quick swim with the whale sharks in the shallows.
But the main problem is that whale sharks are fed from the boats, which leads to several issues:
You’re in the water with them while they’re munching on fish.
Whale sharks now associate boats with food, and this has led to them getting cut by boat propellers.
Their natural migration patterns have also changed, since they don’t need to travel for food anymore. This can impact breeding and long-term survival.
It’s true that this tourism has definitely helped lift the local town out of poverty, which is huge…
But after doing our research and reading the reviews of some tours, we chose not to. Some reviewers claimed that it felt like a zoo, while others saw the whale sharks getting kicked.
Better alternatives – Southern Leyte and Donsol
There are eco-friendlier places in the Philippines where you can swim with whale sharks in the wild, without feeding or interference!
We swam with them in Southern Leyte and it was incredible – we swam with three whale sharks, five swims, all in natural conditions!
They spot the whale sharks in a very unique way – they pick up local skippers, drag them behind the boat in a line, and then they wave their oars when they see one!
Not gonna lie though, getting to Southern Leyte takes a while. We ferried (a long way) from Siargao into Liloan port and then drove (a long way) to this place. But it was 100% worth it!
Donsol is another great spot for swimming with whale sharks ethically, as they don’t feed them either.
Again, zero judgment if you decide to book in Oslob — planning a trip is hard enough already, and everyone’s circumstances are different.
We just want to raise awareness for other options, and explain why we skipped Oslob!
NOTE: Honestly, the BEST place in the world to swim with whale sharks is in Exmouth, Western Australia! The season is from March to August. Here’s our full guide if you want to book a whale shark tour in Exmouth!
When is the best time to visit Cebu?
March–April is the BEST time to visit Cebu, in our opinion!
We went in March and it was epic, we can’t recommend it enough. The weather was perfect, with the full tropical island vibes.
There were also fewer crowds compared to the peak season in December–February.
That said, anytime between December and April is a good bet. Just be mindful of peak holiday periods when planning your Cebu itinerary. And avoid typhoon season – heavy rain and cancelled tours are no fun.
Here’s our guide to the best (and worst) times to visit the Philippines!
How to get to Cebu from Australia?
The first thing is flying into Manila. Aussie cities like Sydney or Melbourne have direct flights there (8 hours), and airlines like Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and Qantas run this route regularly.
From Manila, you’ve got two main options to reach Cebu:
Fly to Cebu directly. This is the fastest and most convenient option, with daily flights connecting Cebu to Manila, Coron, Puerto Princesa, and other major hubs. Tickets usually cost between ₱2,500–₱4,500 depending on when you book.
Take a ferry from Manila. This route is cheaper but much slower, taking about 22 hours. Ferry tickets range from ₱930–₱3,000 based on the operator and type of seat or cabin you choose.
Once you’re in Cebu, getting around is pretty affordable and there are plenty of transport options:
Jeepneys: The cheapest way to get around – ₱12–₱20 per ride, depending on distance.
Taxis: Start at ₱40, with an extra ₱13–₱15 per km. Most short rides cost ₱100–₱200, and a trip from the airport to the city centre usually falls between ₱300–₱500, depending on traffic.
Grab: Slightly more expensive than taxis, usually ₱150–₱300 per trip, but more convenient.
Buses: Great for both city and longer routes – fares are ₱15–₱30 in town, and ₱50–₱200 for intercity travel.
How many days to stay in Cebu?
4–5 days is a solid amount of time to stay in Cebu, especially if it’s your first visit. It gives you enough time to do everything on this list without feeling rushed, and still squeeze in some chill time.
If you’re planning to visit Malapascua or Bantayan Island, you might want to add an extra day or two, since they take a bit longer to get to!
Best stays in Cebu
Choosing where to stay depends a lot on what you want to do.
Cebu City is great if you’re looking for food, shopping, and easy access to transport. The best areas to stay here are Fuente Osmeña Circle or Ayala Center Cebu – both are central, lively, and make getting around super easy.
Moalboal is our preferred location, we loved staying there! It’s closer to the waterfalls, the snorkelling spots, and there’s great food and heaps of options for all budgets. It’s about a 2-hour van ride from Cebu City (₱120 per person).
Here are some of the best places to stay in Cebu City and Moalboal:
Best hotel (Cebu City): Quest Hotel Cebu. Great location if you want easy access to malls, restaurants, and transport. Rooms are modern and clean, there’s a pool, gym, and restaurant on-site, and it’s great value for the price. Sleeps 2–4 people per room.
Best for families and groups (Cebu City): Mandarin Plaza Hotel. Located near Ayala Center, this hotel has spacious rooms, a pool, and solid amenities – great if you’re travelling with kids or a bigger group. Rooms sleep up to 4.
Best budget-friendly (Moalboal): Chief Mau Moalboal Hostel. Hostel with excellent location plus great vibes, clean dorms, and private rooms. Dorms sleep up to 8, privates fit 2.
Best luxury (Cebu City): Radisson Blu Cebu. One of the top luxury hotels in Cebu City, has a massive pool, spa, stylish rooms, plus SM City Cebu (a massive mall) is attached to it so food and shopping are sorted! Rooms sleep 2–4 people.
Best unique stay (Moalboal): Moalboal Bamboo House. An eco-friendly stay built mostly from bamboo! Has a real tropical vibe and quick access to snorkelling spots. Great for couples (sleeps 2–3).
If none of these fill your needs, here are more accommodation options in Cebu!
Where to eat in Cebu?
Cebu has some REALLY good food! Before talking about the places to eat, here are some must-eat dishes while you’re there:
Lechon Cebu – slow-roasted whole pig with crispy skin and juicy meat. It’s a local favourite and a must-try.
Puso Rice – steamed rice wrapped in coconut leaves, served hanging in bunches. Usually eaten with lechon or BBQ.
Cebu Mangoes – small, yellow mangoes that are extra sweet and juicy. De-li-cious! You’ll find them fresh, dried, or in smoothies.
Chorizo de Cebu – sweet, garlicky sausages often grilled on skewers. Popular for brekky or as street food.
Now, here are some great places to eat in Cebu:
Pungko-Pungko sa Fuente ($). Pungko-pungko is a street food specific from Cebu! Pretty much everything is fried (pork, crab, spring rolls…) but it’s a quintessential Cebuano experience.
CNT Lechon ($), a local spot for lechon Cebu. The pork is crispy, juicy, and budget-friendly! There are several branches, making it a handy stop for a quick, tasty feed.
The Pig & Palm ($$$), a modern restaurant in Cebu City serving creative brunch dishes like chorizo hash, mango pancakes, and strong coffee. It’s in a central spot, easy to get to, and has a relaxed vibe perfect for lazy mornings.
The Social ($$), a casual bar in Ayala Center with beers, cocktails, and classic bar food. Central location, with live bands from time to time.
Tightrope Coffee ($$), a minimalist café with great coffee and light meals. There are a few branches, too. Good for a break with good coffee.
Top Tips
First off, traffic in Cebu City can be brutal, especially during rush hour (around 7–9am and 4–7pm).
If you’ve got flights or ferry rides booked, give yourself plenty of buffer time! A 20-minute drive can easily turn into an hour.
Also, the roads can be chaotic. Expect jeepneys, motorbikes, and random roadworks with zero warning.
Grab (the app) is your best friend for getting around the city. It’s like Uber, but for the Philippines. Way safer and easier than haggling with taxi drivers who might “forget” to use the meter.
When it comes to money, cash is still king in many places, especially street food stalls, small eateries, and island tours. ATMs are easy to find in the city, but not so much in remote areas. Stock up on small bills too – a lot of places can’t break 1,000-peso notes.
Also, Filipino time is a thing. Schedules are flexible, so try not to stress if tours or transport leave late. Just roll with it and keep your plans flexible.
One last thing – don’t drink tap water. Stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid a stomach disaster. Ice in restaurants is usually safe (they use filtered water), but street stalls might not!
Did you know?
Cebu is where Christianity started in the Philippines.
Back in 1521, Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer, landed here and planted a cross in Cebu City. Yes, that Magellan’s Cross that is still standing today (the original is encased inside a newer one to protect it).
He also gifted a statue of the Santo Niño (Baby Jesus) to the locals, which kicked off the whole Christian influence in the country.
But Magellan was killed by a local chieftain named Lapu-Lapu during a fight in Mactan (right off Cebu’s coast). Lapu-Lapu is now considered a national hero, basically the first guy who resisted colonisation.
There’s a big statue of him on Mactan Island where the battle happened — worth a quick visit if you’re nearby!
After Magellan’s death, the Spanish returned and colonised Cebu in 1565. It became the first official Spanish colony in the country, with Fort San Pedro as the military base.
FAQs
What is Cebu best known for?
Cebu is best known for its lechon (roast pig), beautiful beaches, endless tropical waterfalls, and world-class diving spots like Malapascua and Moalboal. It’s also famous for its rich history as the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines and the site of Magellan’s death.
The bottom line
Cebu really does have a bit of everything — epic waterfalls, island adventures, rich history, and unreal marine life.
Whether you’re chasing adrenaline with cliff jumps at Kawasan Falls, swimming through sardine clouds in Moalboal, or soaking up the chill island vibes on Bantayan, there’s so much to pack into your trip.
Just keep in mind that some of the best spots (like canyoneering or diving with thresher sharks) need a bit of planning or travel time — but trust us, they’re absolutely worth it!
We’d recommend giving yourself 4-5 days to explore, especially if you want to mix city sights with nature and a bit of beach time.
And if you’ve got more time, even better — Cebu is the kind of place that rewards a slower pace!
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