Monad Shoal (Thresher Shark Dives)
The underwater plateau off Malapascua where thresher sharks rise at dawn. What the dive is like, who can do it, what it costs, how to pick a shop and what to do if you do not dive.
Cebu, Philippines
Your friendly pocket guide to Cebu.
Turquoise beaches, cool mountain trails, old stone churches and the best lechon you will ever taste. Find where to go, what to do and how to get there.
Explore Cebu
Pick a mood. We'll show you where.
Panglao Island
Bohol's beach island: white sand at Alona, turtles and reef walls at Balicasag, an underground lagoon at Hinagdanan and an easy fast-ferry trip from Cebu.
Santander
The southern tip of Cebu: Liloan port and the short crossing to Negros, pebble beaches, calm mornings and views of Negros and Siquijor. A quiet base next to Oslob and Sumilon.
Balamban and Mt. Manunggal
Cool mountain air, a winding highway with big views and a quiet memorial where President Magsaysay's plane went down in 1957. An easy hike and a great first camping trip from Cebu City.
Sagada
A cool mountain town in the Cordillera, known for the hanging coffins of Echo Valley, Sumaguing Cave, sunrise over a sea of clouds and pine-scented hikes.
Chocolate Hills
Over a thousand grassy hills rolling to the horizon in the heart of Bohol, an easy day or overnight trip from Cebu by fast ferry, with tarsiers and the Loboc River on the way.
Fort San Pedro
The triangular Spanish fort beside Pier 1, where Cebu's story as a city began in 1565. Thick coral-stone walls, three bastions, a quiet garden courtyard and a small museum, for a low entrance fee.
Malabuyoc
A quiet heritage town on Cebu's southwest coast: a coral stone church from the 1830s, an old watchtower by the sea, and waterfalls and hot springs in the hills behind it.
Mactan Shrine
The seaside park where Lapulapu defeated Magellan in 1521. See the bronze Lapulapu statue and the 1866 Magellan Monument, then eat fresh seafood next door.
Carbon Market and Larsian
Cebu City's oldest and biggest market by day, smoky barbecue skewers and puso at Larsian by night. A cheap, tasty and very local food trip in the heart of the city.
Sutukil in Lapu-Lapu
Pick your fish, have it grilled, simmered in soup or served as kilaw. How sutukil works at the seafood restaurants beside the Mactan Shrine, and how to order well.
Liloan
A coastal town just north of Cebu City, famous for Titay's rosquillos since 1907. Add a 19th-century church and an old lighthouse with sea views for an easy half-day trip.
Cebu at a glance
One long island, a hundred kinds of trips.
Cebu stretches nearly 200 km from tip to tip. Start in the city, then head south for sardines and waterfalls, or north for white-sand islands.
Beyond Cebu
Fly out to the Philippines' icons.
Cebu is a great base. Boracay, Siargao, Palawan and more are a short flight or ferry away. Here is how to get there and what to expect.
Panglao Island
Bohol's beach island: white sand at Alona, turtles and reef walls at Balicasag, an underground lagoon at Hinagdanan and an easy fast-ferry trip from Cebu.
Siargao
The surfing capital of the Philippines: Cloud 9 waves, a green lagoon, tidal rock pools and tiny palm islands, about an hour by direct flight from Cebu.
Batanes
The northernmost province of the Philippines: rolling green hills, wild coastlines, old stone houses and a slow, gentle way of life. A trip you plan ahead and never forget.
Ready-made trips
No planning stress. Just follow the booklet.
Cebu City heritage walk
Magellan's Cross, Basilica del Santo Niño, Fort San Pedro, then sunset dinner at Tops Lookout.
See the itinerarySouth Cebu adventure loop
Canyoneering to Kawasan Falls, the Moalboal sardine run and sunrise on Osmeña Peak.
See the itineraryNorthern island escape
Slow days on Bantayan's white sand, then dawn dives with thresher sharks off Malapascua.
See the itineraryTravel tips
Good to know before you go
Cebu City to Malapascua: bus, van and boat
How to reach Malapascua from Cebu City: North Bus Terminal to Maya port, the boat across, rough estimates for costs and times, late arrivals, tides and the return trip.
Grab, taxis and inDrive in Cebu
What works in Cebu in 2026: Grab and inDrive, metered taxis, airport pickup, rough fares, habal-habal, hiring a driver for the day, and the scams to avoid.
Cebu itinerary: 3 days and 2 nights
Three realistic ways to spend 3 days and 2 nights in Cebu: city and Moalboal, a South Cebu loop with Oslob and Kawasan, or one quiet northern island. Honest travel times included.
At a glance
Welcome to Cebu
Cebu City & Mactan
South Cebu
North Cebu
Bantayan & Camotes
Best timeDec to May
MoneyPeso, cash
Cebu Pocket Guide2
Tourist Booklet
The Cebu Pocket Guide
Hover or tap to peek inside
Free printable guide
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An island map, how to get around and the best spots in every region, in one printable guide.
- Island map
- Buses and ferries
- Top spots by region