You might be confused about where you will go when you are in Cebu. This post will hopefully help if you are planning to visit the Queen City of the South.
BEACHES
1. St. Fe, Bantayan Island. This island is in the northern part of Cebu where others call it “Mini Boracay of Cebu”. It has a wide and long seashore where you can enjoy walking and smell the breeze of the ocean. There are many affordable hotels and resorts that you can book through online or you can just walk-in. The peak season for this island is during Holy Week, and it is double the price of the rates of the resort. You can check it through www.agoda.com, www.travelbook.ph, and www.hotel.com. Cash and cards can be used on the island, but I would highly recommend having enough cash.
How to get there? Starting point is North bus terminal of Cebu.
- 150 – 180pesos Bus to Hagnaya Port (3-4hours)
- 170 – 190pesos Boat from Hagnaya port to Sta.Fe port. (1-2hours)
- 50-100pesos tricycle going to the resort you book. (15mins-1hour)
2. Santiago Whitesand in Camotes Island. It is also an island from the north that has a huge sandbar. There are also affordable resorts that you can find online. People here are very friendly, so you can easily ask for affordable tour packages within the island. The island is also busy every holy week and it is the most common venue for team building in any company. Cards can be used on the island, but I would highly recommend having enough cash on hand.
How to get there? There are 3 ports going to the island.
- Danao City. A bus or a jeepney from SM City Cebu going to Danao port. Its 25 to 35pesos fare. Its 200pesos for the boat going to Camotes Island and its 2-3hours.
- Pier 1. This is a city port and it’s just 7 or 10pesos from SM City Cebu. Boat fee is a bit higher than in Danao.
- Lapu-Lapu City. This is just near at the airport but only 2 trips per day. One in the morning and one in aftenoon. Its 350 per way.
3. Basdaku White Sand, Moalboal. One of the busy beaches in the southern part of Cebu. It also has a long, powdery white sandbar. Resorts are quite expensive, but there are also rooms that are affordable. You can use/rent a tent on a tight budget. It’s better to bring your own food to a few of the few stores/restaurants that are open 24 hours. There are locals that can offer you island hopping tours that range from 2,000 to 3,000 per boat. You can watch the sardine farm and swim with the turtles and other species under the sea.
How to get there?
From SM City Cebu
- 7pesos for 01k jeepney going to south terminal
- 150-200pesos for bus going to moalboal (2-4hours)
- 50-100pesos for tricycle from Moalboal proper to BasDaku Whitesand beach.
4. Hermit’s Cove, Aloguinsan. This historic beach is quite far from the town proper of Aloguinsan, but it’s worth the trip. There are many “habal-habal” that you can ride once you reach the town. There is no overnight at this beach, but there are transient houses/inns just around the main road.
How to get there?
From South Bus Terminal
- 90-150pesos for Bus going Aloguinsan
- 50-100pesos from town proper to Hermit’s Cove
- 50-100 for Entrance fee (subject to change without prior notice)
5. Tingko Beach in Alcoy. It is in the southern part of Cebu and is the most common place for summer/beach parties. There are many resorts in this town, and it is just near the main road. Cottages or tents are also available if you want to stay overnight.
How to get there? It’s 2-3hours of travel from South Bus Terminal and the fare ranges from 130-180pesos.
6. Cangcuay Beach Resort in Oslob. Many tourists and foreigners heard about Oslob because of the whale sharks. You heard it right. You can swim with the whale sharks. This town is in the southern part of Cebu and most of the resorts are near the main road. Tours and packages are also available in this town.
How to get there?
A bus ride for 3-4hours from South bus terminal. Just tell the driver to drop you off in Tan.awan, Oslob.
- 160-200 for the bus
- 500/30mins of swimming with whale shark
- 500-Up for the room/resorts
7. JPark Island Resort and Waterpark in Mactan Island. This is one of the best resorts that Lapu-Lapu City has. The price is really expensive, but if you don’t mind spending money as long as you have a wonderful stay, then go to this resort. They have slides and pools that can give you excitement and thrills. You also need to try snorkel, as there are hundreds of species that you can see under the ocean. They also have day use if you don’t want to spend the night at the resort.
How to get there?
From the airport, they actually have free shuttle service if you booked a room. If you don’t, you can take a cab and just simply tell the driver that you are heading to Jpark. For jeepney, take a ride from airport and drop to Savemore Pusok, then take another ride going to Maribago Soong and tell the driver to drop you in Jpark.
There are so many beaches that you can choose here in Cebu City, you just need to be very patient and confident of asking questions for directions. Google map is also helpful. Please feel free to write a comment. Let me know if you have place or resort that you want me to feature so I could include in this list.
WATERFALLS
1. Kawasan falls in Badian. The most well-known waterfalls in Cebu are located in the southern part of the island. It has a strong flow of water and has multiple levels that you can choose. There are cottages and rooms that are already available if you want to stay for an overnight. Room rates start from 1,000 pesos and up.
How to get there?
Just ride a bus from South Bus terminal going to Bato via Barili. Just let the driver to drop you off in Kawasan Falls.
2. Tumalog Falls in Oslob. These waterfalls are sometimes included when you get a tour package in Oslob from most travel agencies. It’s better if you have your own vehicle service since this is quite far from the main road. There are also “habal-habals” that you can rent for 50-100 pesos. 10% of the road is very incline/decline, so it’s better to walk.
How to get there?
A bus from South Bus Terminal going to Oslob. Allow the driver to drop you off on the street in front of Tumalog Falls. There is a signboard, so you can easily look for it.
3. Aguinid falls in Samboan. It’s on the opposite side of Oslob from the southern part of Cebu. This fall is quite a distance from the main road. You can easily have a sidetrip if you are in Oslob or in Kawasan Falls to get here. There are 6 levels of the falls that definitely thrill you along the climb.
How to get there?
A bus from the South bus terminal goes to Bato via Barili. There is also a signboard on the main road to help you easily find the falls when you get there in Samboan.
4. Cambais falls in Alegria. There are many waterfalls in Alegria, but Cambais Falls is what I have tried so far. It is far from the main road of Alegria, but there are many “habal-habal” to ride to get there. It’s a few minutes’ walk from the minor road. There are no cottages within the area, but there are transient houses nearby. It is not yet commercialized compared to the other falls.
How to get there?
A bus from the South bus terminal going to Bato via Barili. Just let the driver drop you off at Alegria Supermarket. That’s right after the church.
Those are some of the waterfalls that I already tried here in Cebu that is convenient to visit. Environmental fee is also need to consider. Please observe cleanliness and protect the beauty of nature.
-ADVENTURE and ATTRACTION-
1. Osmeña Peak in Dalaguete. It’s a wonderful escape to climb a mountain. This peak has an amazing view where you can see the ocean and some extraordinary shapes of mountains. You can also do camping here. Just be responsible for your trash.
How to get there?
A bus going to Dalaguete. Take a “habal-habal” ride that will drop you off at the starting point of the trek.
2. Miraculous Shrine of Simala in Sibonga. Whether Catholic or not, tourists spare some time just to visit the shrine. The fabulous and exceptional design of it is really worth the time. You can take a deep breath and relax when you get here. Please be mindful of your voice and your outfit. It is a holy shrine, so please respect it.
How to get here?
At the South Bus Terminal, just simply take the bus going to Sibonga. Just let the customer know that you are heading to Simala. There is also a van that will take you there. The van terminal is just a few steps from the South bus terminal.
3. Mactan Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City. It is an attraction on Mactan Island where you can see the statue of the first Philippine hero, named Lapulapu.
How to get here?
From MCIAirport, you can take a cab. In Savemore Pusok, you can ride a jeepney going to Mactan.
4. Funtastic Island in Daanbantayan. If you love jumping off cliffs, this resort is for you. You need to ride a pumpboat just to get here and face the strong waves. The construction of the rocks is amazing.
How to get here?
A bus from North Bus Terminal going to Maya, Daanbantayan. From the town proper, there are recruiters to have a tour of.
5. Temple of Leah in Busay. This new attraction is still not yet finished. The architect is in the process of developing the design. It is one of the more popular attractions within the city. Most of the travel agencies include the Temple of Leah as a complimentary part of the package.
How to get here?
From SM City Cebu, ride a 04L jeepney going to JY Mall Lahug. Many “habal-habal” driver will offer to take you there with negotiable price.
6. Labyrinth in Toledo City. It is not a maze but a labyrinth garden where everyone can pray and meditate. The garden was inspired by the labyrinths in Europe. Capella Sta. Ana is located in Sitio Sta. Ana in Barangay Ibo, Toledo City. This labyrinth is just part of the attraction that you can see in this private chapel. The entrance fee is 100 pesos.
You will never get bored in Cebu City if you really want to be productive during your vacation. Hope this post helps you in catching some ideas in Cebu.Please feel free to write a comment if you have questions and suggestions.