Top 10 Things To Do In Cebu
The county of the Philippines is made up of more than 7000 islands and each island has it’s own highlights and attractions. With all these potential places to visit we thought it would be helpful to put together our favourite things to do in Cebu. After all Cebu is known as the Queen City of the South and for good reason.
You might be asking yourself how did these guys come up with their top things to do in Cebu? Did they just list a bunch of their tours? And the answer is well, kind of. After all, the tours we have designed we designed for a reason. Mostly because of public demand but all of them because they are awesome. There are however several items in our list we don’t organise as a tour… yet?
We wanted our list of What To Do In Cebu to be as versatile as possible to help visitors find a holistic experience to this amazing island. To help rank these from 10 all the way to number uno we listened to our guests feedback and without further ado, here are our recommendations for the best things to do while visiting Cebu, at least Southern Cebu.
Just across the Bohol Sea from Oslob and Boljoon is Panglao with the famous Alona Beach on the south tip of Bohol Island. The atmosphere at this popular beach village is a stark contrast to the slow relaxed pace of life we find at Granada Beach Resort and the Oslob area. Many larger resorts line the beach and create the type of atmosphere we often associate with Mexico. Easy access for a day trip or two to see many of the sites Bohol is famous for, such as the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary and XXX the oldest church in the Philippines.
Easiest way to Get Here: Each day (weather permitting) a large Banca Boat leaves Oslob town around 11am. Price P1500pp
The House Reef at Granada Beach Resort is a beautiful coral reef and just like Apo Island you can often find turtles hanging out, although not in the same numbers. Granada Beach Resort offers complimentary snorkeling equipment for their guests to explore the house reef off the resort.
You can enjoy the snorkeling any time of the day, but reef is best at high tide when it is easier to get into and out of the water and visibility is usually best. April-October also offers the best weather conditions for the areas and the peak turtle season is July-October.
10. Snorkel the House Reef,
Granada Beach Resort
Just across the Bohol Sea from Oslob and Boljoon is Panglao with the famous Alona Beach on the south tip of Bohol Island. The atmosphere at this popular beach village is a stark contrast to the slow relaxed pace of life we find at Granada Beach Resort and the Oslob area. Many larger resorts line the beach and create the type of atmosphere we often associate with Mexico. Easy access for a day trip or two to see many of the sites Bohol is famous for, such as the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary and XXX the oldest church in the Philippines.
Easiest way to Get Here: Each day (weather permitting) a large Banca Boat leaves Oslob town around 11am. Price P1500pp
What makes Carcar’s lechon different is that they serve it with a special sauce made of spices, fruit juice, and a local leaf called patiotes, which lends it its unique taste and wonderful aroma. After roasting, the sauce is taken out and poured all over the pork chunks before serving.
Roam around the market sampling all the amazing lechon before deciding on which one you will dive into, that is if you have any remaining space after all the samples.
9. Try Local Lechon,
Carcar Public Market
Just across the Bohol Sea from Oslob and Boljoon is Panglao with the famous Alona Beach on the south tip of Bohol Island. The atmosphere at this popular beach village is a stark contrast to the slow relaxed pace of life we find at Granada Beach Resort and the Oslob area. Many larger resorts line the beach and create the type of atmosphere we often associate with Mexico. Easy access for a day trip or two to see many of the sites Bohol is famous for, such as the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary and XXX the oldest church in the Philippines.
Easiest way to Get Here: Each day (weather permitting) a large Banca Boat leaves Oslob town around 11am. Price P1500pp
Get out and learn some of the local area history and experience some of the historical points and architecture such as the historical Oslob Church and Balauarte, Boljoon's fortified church complete with jail and even the baluarte on the Granada Beach Resort property.
8. History Tour,
Oslob/Boljoon, Cebu
Just across the Bohol Sea from Oslob and Boljoon is Panglao with the famous Alona Beach on the south tip of Bohol Island. The atmosphere at this popular beach village is a stark contrast to the slow relaxed pace of life we find at Granada Beach Resort and the Oslob area. Many larger resorts line the beach and create the type of atmosphere we often associate with Mexico. Easy access for a day trip or two to see many of the sites Bohol is famous for, such as the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary and XXX the oldest church in the Philippines.
Easiest way to Get Here: Each day (weather permitting) a large Banca Boat leaves Oslob town around 11am. Price P1500pp
Everyone loves sea turtles. Maybe because they epitomise the definition of chill, or they are just downright beautiful. But did you known you can swim with them while visiting Cebu?
Technically the Apo Island Marine Preserve is off the coast of Negros island but it can be done as a day trip from Oslob, Cebu. This all day excursion leaves early in the morning heading south to Apo Island. After the morning journey you arrive to a stunning area that reminds more than one person of a pirate colony on the island. Here the crew will pay the marine entry fee. Once the fee is paid its time to hit the water.
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7. Swim with Turtles,
Apo Island Marine Park
Just across the Bohol Sea from Oslob and Boljoon is Panglao with the famous Alona Beach on the south tip of Bohol Island. The atmosphere at this popular beach village is a stark contrast to the slow relaxed pace of life we find at Granada Beach Resort and the Oslob area. Many larger resorts line the beach and create the type of atmosphere we often associate with Mexico. Easy access for a day trip or two to see many of the sites Bohol is famous for, such as the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary and XXX the oldest church in the Philippines.
Easiest way to Get Here: Each day (weather permitting) a large Banca Boat leaves Oslob town around 11am. Price P1500pp
Apo Island is home to a turtle protection area and the turtles are prolific. They are so accustomed to swimmers they just chill and let you snap your pictures. But do not touch them. There is a reason they are laid back with snorkelers here, because they are not harassed. If you are seen harassing a turtle you will be removed from the water and bye-bye selfie opp.
The journey by boat from Cebu to Apo takes approximately 2-2.5 hrs. Its a fair distance and the price can be a bit high. It is best if you have 4 or more people to help offset the charge for the tour to help make it more affordable. It is however a super cool trip.
7. Swim with Turtles,
Apo Island Marine Park
Just across the Bohol Sea from Oslob and Boljoon is Panglao with the famous Alona Beach on the south tip of Bohol Island. The atmosphere at this popular beach village is a stark contrast to the slow relaxed pace of life we find at Granada Beach Resort and the Oslob area. Many larger resorts line the beach and create the type of atmosphere we often associate with Mexico. Easy access for a day trip or two to see many of the sites Bohol is famous for, such as the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary and XXX the oldest church in the Philippines.
Easiest way to Get Here: Each day (weather permitting) a large Banca Boat leaves Oslob town around 11am. Price P1500pp
From the top you can see from coast-to-coast. The island of Bohol and Bohol Sea out off to the East and Negros island to the West. We can even spot the southern tip of Cebu! Combine with some unique topography that are like a unique Chocolate Hills it makes for some stunning views!
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6. Osmeña Peak,
Osmeña Cebu
Just across the Bohol Sea from Oslob and Boljoon is Panglao with the famous Alona Beach on the south tip of Bohol Island. The atmosphere at this popular beach village is a stark contrast to the slow relaxed pace of life we find at Granada Beach Resort and the Oslob area. Many larger resorts line the beach and create the type of atmosphere we often associate with Mexico. Easy access for a day trip or two to see many of the sites Bohol is famous for, such as the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary and XXX the oldest church in the Philippines.
Easiest way to Get Here: Each day (weather permitting) a large Banca Boat leaves Oslob town around 11am. Price P1500pp
Upon reaching the sign in area, you will then have a 30-40 minute hike to reach the summit. We recommend visiting in the afternoon to catch the sunset disappearing beyond Negros island. If you depart the peak just as the sun disappears you will have just enough time and light to make your way back to the parking lot before dark.
The hike itself is not an intense hike, but sneakers or hiking shoes are recommended as it can be wet and slippery at times. Also be sure to take a small bag with a light jacket. This area of the island is at a different altitude and the weather and temperature can vary a lot from sea level.
6. Osmeña Peak,
Osmeña Cebu
Just across the Bohol Sea from Oslob and Boljoon is Panglao with the famous Alona Beach on the south tip of Bohol Island. The atmosphere at this popular beach village is a stark contrast to the slow relaxed pace of life we find at Granada Beach Resort and the Oslob area. Many larger resorts line the beach and create the type of atmosphere we often associate with Mexico. Easy access for a day trip or two to see many of the sites Bohol is famous for, such as the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary and XXX the oldest church in the Philippines.
Easiest way to Get Here: Each day (weather permitting) a large Banca Boat leaves Oslob town around 11am. Price P1500pp
Kawasan Waterfall is a three level waterfall system. The main attraction is "Kabukalan" the main pool with the larges with the largest fall of the falls. Here several local villagers offer Bamboo Raft rides to the falling water where participants will be douched by the rushing falls.
One of the downsides of Kawasan however is just how popular the area has become. On a busy weekend several thousand or more people can come and go. One way to help alleviate the feeling of a "Roman Bath" is to visit the upper sections of the falls area and get away from some of the hoard.
5. Kawasan Waterfall,
Kawasan, Cebu
Just across the Bohol Sea from Oslob and Boljoon is Panglao with the famous Alona Beach on the south tip of Bohol Island. The atmosphere at this popular beach village is a stark contrast to the slow relaxed pace of life we find at Granada Beach Resort and the Oslob area. Many larger resorts line the beach and create the type of atmosphere we often associate with Mexico. Easy access for a day trip or two to see many of the sites Bohol is famous for, such as the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary and XXX the oldest church in the Philippines.
Easiest way to Get Here: Each day (weather permitting) a large Banca Boat leaves Oslob town around 11am. Price P1500pp
Sumilon Island is a great island to pop over to for a day excursion. Located only thirty minutes from Tan-Awan, Oslob it is a perfect boat trip to add after swimming with the famous Whale Sharks. While the island itself is private for the 5-star Sumilon Bluewater Resort there is plenty to occupy yourself with for a day stay.
Sumilon Island is home to the first marine sanctuary in the Philippines and offers snorkelers great opportunity to see healthy hard coral reefs and brightly colored tropical fish.
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4. Island Hopping,
Sumilon Island Sandbar
Just across the Bohol Sea from Oslob and Boljoon is Panglao with the famous Alona Beach on the south tip of Bohol Island. The atmosphere at this popular beach village is a stark contrast to the slow relaxed pace of life we find at Granada Beach Resort and the Oslob area. Many larger resorts line the beach and create the type of atmosphere we often associate with Mexico. Easy access for a day trip or two to see many of the sites Bohol is famous for, such as the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary and XXX the oldest church in the Philippines.
Easiest way to Get Here: Each day (weather permitting) a large Banca Boat leaves Oslob town around 11am. Price P1500pp
After your snorkeling adventure pop over to Sumilon Beach and the natually occuring sandbar to catch some rays. The sandbar moves throughout the year depending on the tides and weather patters. It is obviously best to visit at low tide when the sandbar is above water, but even at high-tide the water covering the sandbar is only 1m (3ft) deep and fun to splash around on helping to make it one of the best things to do while visiting Cebu.
Getting to Sumilon Island is available only by boat, so it will be weather dependent, but who really wants to visit the beach in a storm? Prices to get there are between P1500 per person (public boat with other guests) and P2500pp (private boat experience).
4. Island Hopping,
Sumilon Island Sandbar
Just across the Bohol Sea from Oslob and Boljoon is Panglao with the famous Alona Beach on the south tip of Bohol Island. The atmosphere at this popular beach village is a stark contrast to the slow relaxed pace of life we find at Granada Beach Resort and the Oslob area. Many larger resorts line the beach and create the type of atmosphere we often associate with Mexico. Easy access for a day trip or two to see many of the sites Bohol is famous for, such as the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary and XXX the oldest church in the Philippines.
Easiest way to Get Here: Each day (weather permitting) a large Banca Boat leaves Oslob town around 11am. Price P1500pp
One of the best hidden secrets in Southern Cebu is Granada Beach Resorts "Secret Waterfall" tour. Off the tourist radar, Granada Beach Resort purposely does not use this waterfalls local given name, rather keeping it a closely guarded "Secret." Unlike other local waterfall attractions with more notoriety like Tumalog or Kawasan Waterfalls where you can find hundreds of people, it very rare to find more than just a handful of people enjoying this beautiful hidden spot.
As of this writing only Granada Beach Resort is offering tours to their guests to this hidden gem. Although with how popular this tour is with their guests it is only a matter of time before its popularity grows.
3. Secret Waterfall Tour,
Granada Beach Resort
Just across the Bohol Sea from Oslob and Boljoon is Panglao with the famous Alona Beach on the south tip of Bohol Island. The atmosphere at this popular beach village is a stark contrast to the slow relaxed pace of life we find at Granada Beach Resort and the Oslob area. Many larger resorts line the beach and create the type of atmosphere we often associate with Mexico. Easy access for a day trip or two to see many of the sites Bohol is famous for, such as the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary and XXX the oldest church in the Philippines.
Easiest way to Get Here: Each day (weather permitting) a large Banca Boat leaves Oslob town around 11am. Price P1500pp
Not to be mistaken with Kawasan Waterfall (although the Canyoneering tour does end there) the Canyoneering tour is actually located in the village of Badian. While Kawasan Waterfall is pretty, Kawasan Canyoneering is a true adventure combining swimming, hiking, rock climbing and cliff jumping into this impressive tour.
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2. Kawasan Canyoneering,
Badian, Moalboal
Just across the Bohol Sea from Oslob and Boljoon is Panglao with the famous Alona Beach on the south tip of Bohol Island. The atmosphere at this popular beach village is a stark contrast to the slow relaxed pace of life we find at Granada Beach Resort and the Oslob area. Many larger resorts line the beach and create the type of atmosphere we often associate with Mexico. Easy access for a day trip or two to see many of the sites Bohol is famous for, such as the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary and XXX the oldest church in the Philippines.
Easiest way to Get Here: Each day (weather permitting) a large Banca Boat leaves Oslob town around 11am. Price P1500pp
The tour starts with a short motorcycle (hable hable) ride 4kms up the river flowing towards Kawasan Waterfall. After a practice jump it is time to sink or swim. The only required jump on the entire tour is a 5m (15ft) plunge into the river to start the adventure. For the next 3+ hours you will find yourself winding through the river canyons, sliding down waterfalls and natural waterslides, cliff jumping (some jumps 10m+), and experiencing the natural beauty of Cebu.
Entry fee for the Canyoneering tour is P1600 per person for the full tour. Beware of unlicensed and untrained guides offering a lower price. They will often only do the last level around Kawasan Falls, and/or they will not have emergency training should something happen.
Again do your homework and be sure everything is included in your tour rate.
2. Kawasan Canyoneering,
Badian, Moalboal
Just across the Bohol Sea from Oslob and Boljoon is Panglao with the famous Alona Beach on the south tip of Bohol Island. The atmosphere at this popular beach village is a stark contrast to the slow relaxed pace of life we find at Granada Beach Resort and the Oslob area. Many larger resorts line the beach and create the type of atmosphere we often associate with Mexico. Easy access for a day trip or two to see many of the sites Bohol is famous for, such as the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary and XXX the oldest church in the Philippines.
Easiest way to Get Here: Each day (weather permitting) a large Banca Boat leaves Oslob town around 11am. Price P1500pp
1. Whale Shark Snorkeling,
Tan-Awan Oslob
Since the beginning of time these "Gentile Giants" have included the Philippines in their migration route. In 2011 in an effort to stop the local fisherman from slaughtering these protected Whale Sharks who were eating their catch, a local business man began feeding the sharks to lure them away from the fishing grounds and the wrath of the fisherman.
Mired in controversy for the first several years the attraction has been reformed and modified to help protect the sharks and guest experience making this a must-do Bucket-list experience.
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Just across the Bohol Sea from Oslob and Boljoon is Panglao with the famous Alona Beach on the south tip of Bohol Island. The atmosphere at this popular beach village is a stark contrast to the slow relaxed pace of life we find at Granada Beach Resort and the Oslob area. Many larger resorts line the beach and create the type of atmosphere we often associate with Mexico. Easy access for a day trip or two to see many of the sites Bohol is famous for, such as the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary and XXX the oldest church in the Philippines.
Easiest way to Get Here: Each day (weather permitting) a large Banca Boat leaves Oslob town around 11am. Price P1500pp
1. Whale Shark Snorkeling,
Tan-Awan Oslob
The positive impact towards the village of Tan-Awan can not be ignored as it has embraced Whale Shark Tourism and now strives to protect the sharks, rather than hunt them.
Admission to snorkel with these wild animals is P1000 for foreign tourists and P500 for local Filipinos (as of Jan 2017).
Many of the local hotels and resorts offer organised tours to snorkel or scuba dive with "Mr Big." Not all tours are created equal. It is best to investigate exactly what is included with your tour package. Is your Whale Shark admission included in the rate, or is it only transportation? Be careful to avoid hidden surcharges such as "Weekend" or "Holiday" surcharges, "Fuel" surcharges or our favourite, "Snorkeling" surcharge.
How did we do? Did we list your favorite activity in Cebu? Let us know in the a comments below.
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