Cebu is a beautiful island province located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. It’s home to Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA), the second busiest airport in the Philippines and the gateway to the Visayas and Mindanao regions. Many tourist vacation packages include a few days in Cebu, and with good reason!
I’ve had some amazing times in Cebu, and it’s definitely one of my favorite places in the Philippines. Aside from being the Philippines’ oldest city, Cebu is a popular tourist destination for locals and foreigners alike. This long, narrow island offers world-class beaches and is a haven for waterfall enthusiasts. I recently visited Tumalog Falls, a unique and majestic waterfall that resembles a horsetail.
But hold on! I’m getting ahead of myself. Below, I share some of the best things I’ve personally experienced in Cebu.
11 Things to Do in Cebu
Cebu Safari and Adventure Park
Cebu Safari and Adventure Park prides itself as the premier Safari park in the Philippines. It offers a unique experience where you can observe animals up close, much as you would in their natural habitat. Beavers swim freely in ponds, ostriches roam, and if you’re lucky, zebras might cross your path while you’re on the tram.
They even have a white lion safari. The only way to see these majestic creatures is from the safety of an enclosed tram, giving the lions the space they deserve.
I also found the bird show delightful. Before the show, I was approached by the staff who asked if I wanted to volunteer. Of course, I said yes! It’s a fun experience for everyone, and the birds are clearly intelligent and well-cared for.
Cebu Safari also has plenty of cafes and eateries to keep you fueled for your adventure. Plus, you can help feed the animals during scheduled times – I even fed a giraffe and took a cute selfie (see below)!
With so many things to see and do in Cebu Safari and Adventure Park, it’s impossible to do it all in one day. You can zip line, sky bike, explore a small cave, and so much more. So if you want to make a mini vacation out of it, I recommend staying in the on-site Safari Cabin. I think it’s worth it if you have little ones.
As for how to get to Cebu Safari, I don’t recommend commuting if you’re coming from Cebu City. It might take you around 2 hours or more, plus public vehicles aren’t allowed inside the Park, which means a long walk for you. I personally just booked a roundtrip van to take me from my hotel in Cebu City to the Safari and back again.
Dive with Whale Sharks in Oslob
Oslob offers a unique opportunity to swim alongside whale sharks, the largest fish in the world. These gentle giants are frequently seen close to shore, making the experience accessible to snorkelers and even non-swimmers.
For a more natural and less crowded experience, opt for a scuba diving adventure with the whale sharks. You’ll escape the crowds and enjoy the thrill of swimming alongside these majestic creatures underwater. I scuba-dived with whale sharks in Oslob and it was amazing! They’re not shy at all, and some were even curious enough to swim close to me.
Oslob has several scuba diving centers, so you can walk in and schedule a dive for the next day. If you’re staying in Cebu City, some tours include roundtrip transportation – just be aware of the 4-hour travel time each way.
Important Note: Observe the whale sharks from a respectful distance. Avoid touching or chasing after them.
Sardine Run at Moalboal
The sardine run in Moalboal, Cebu is a spectacular natural phenomenon that draws divers and snorkelers from all over the world.
But first, what’s a sardine run? As you can see from my sardine run dive photos below, it’s thousands of sardines swirling together in a massive, ever-shifting bait ball. This mesmerizing defense mechanism is designed to confuse predators.
What’s fascinating about the sardine run in Moalboal is that it occurs year-round and very close to shore. While snorkeling is a popular way to see the sardines up close, I prefer the freedom of scuba diving. It was magical being able to swim right into the heart of a sardine run! They parted around me like the Red Sea for Moses – an absolutely unforgettable experience.
Tumalog Falls
Tumalog Falls is a stunning waterfall in southern Cebu, near Oslob. It’s a perfect addition to your Oslob itinerary, especially after a whale shark diving experience.
Tumalog Falls isn’t known for its powerful flow, but rather for its unique structure. The water cascades down a wide, moss-covered cliff face, resembling a gentle horsetail. At the base of the falls is a large, inviting pool with cool, turquoise-colored water – perfect for a refreshing dip after your hike.
Reaching the falls requires a short hike, but if you prefer, hire a motorbike (habal-habal) to take you there.
When is the best time to visit Tumalog falls? I lucked out and had the falls to myself when I visited around noon – maybe a less crowded time? It was summer, so the water was pleasantly cool. As you can see from the video above, Tumalog Falls makes for a jaw-dropping Instagram post!
Hike Osmena Peak
Osmeña Peak is the highest point in Cebu and offers spectacular panoramic views of the island’s jagged, chocolate-hill-like peaks and surrounding coastline. Yep, Bohol isn’t the only place in the Philippines where you can see these iconic hills.
While the hike to Osmeña Peak is relatively short, be prepared for a steady uphill climb that requires a decent level of fitness. I had to catch my breath a few times! You’ll be assigned a mandatory tour guide for safety, even though the trail is walkable.
The effort is absolutely worth it! The 360-degree views from the peak are unforgettable. You’ll see the unusual limestone formations that resemble Bohol’s Chocolate Hills, rolling green landscapes, and the ocean stretching out on the horizon.
I saw campers along the way, who likely stayed overnight to catch the sunrise. While camping is an option, facilities are limited. You’ll need to ask locals to use their bathrooms. Some say sunrise is the best time to hike Osmeña Peak, but as you can see from my photos, it’s majestic any time of day. We went a bit later and had the place to ourselves.
Osmeña Peak is located near Badian and Dalaguete in southern Cebu. You can get there by bus from Cebu City, then hire a motorbike or join a tour. For convenience, I booked a roundtrip transfer directly from Mactan.
Island Hopping
Cebu’s long, narrow shape and its 167 surrounding islands make it a tropical paradise perfect for island-hopping adventures. There are many fantastic island hopping tours available, and finding one is easy:
Booking options: You can book online through platforms like Klook, or directly via tour agency social media (Facebook, Instagram). If you’re already in Cebu, your hotel can arrange one for you! They often partner with reputable tour agencies like Scotty’s Island Adventures. Tour types and prices are generally consistent across the island, with slight variations. Don’t forget to tip your guides!
My experience: I recently stayed at the Movenpick Cebu and booked a Hilutungan, Nalusuan, and Pandanon island hopping tour through the concierge. This package lasts around 5.5 hours (9 AM – 3 PM) and costs PHP 5,500 per person (minimum 2 pax). Out of the three islands, Pandanon Bohol was my favorite. It has a beautiful sandbar perfect for awesome drone photos (see mine below).
Plus, there are free huts for relaxing, and vendors sell snacks and drinks. We visited on a weekday, so it was blissfully uncrowded – I suspect tour agencies stagger their island visits to avoid overcrowding.
Snorkeling tip: While you can snorkel on most islands, our guides said Hilutungan Island has the most interesting reefs and marine life. They were right! I swam with huge tuna and tons of colorful fish.
Cebu Ocean Park
There are dozens of Ocean Park Aquariums worldwide, including one in Cebu (and another in Manila). Having visited several, I’d say Cebu Ocean Park offers a similar experience: an impressive collection of marine animals and educational shows focused on conservation.
While the park itself follows a familiar format, I’m including it in this list because of the unique dinner option. You can book a meal inside the park after closing time (photo below!). This lets you explore the aquarium crowd-free before and after your dinner.
The food itself is good, but the atmosphere is the real draw. Like me, you can request a table by the aquarium for the best view. We even watched staff divers feeding the marine life during our meal – all the fish gathered right by us! Check out my video below for the experience.
You can book directly through the Cebu Ocean Park website. I was impressed when the chef personally contacted me to discuss my food preferences.
La Vie Parisienne
I stumbled upon La Vie Parisienne in Cebu while looking for a chic spot to relax with friends. This French-themed wine bar, bakery, and restaurant offers a taste of Parisian vibes. I later discovered it has a sister location, La Vie in the Sky, known for its scenic mountain views in Busay.
While both are worth visiting, I love La Vie Parisienne for its chill atmosphere and excellent wine selection. They take walk-ins, but reservations are recommended especially on Friday nights and weekends.
The ambiance makes it perfect for both friendly hangouts and romantic dates. I even saw a sweet older couple enjoying a special night with a bouquet of roses and offered to take their picture. Expect to see others sharing the space when you visit!
10,000 Roses Cafe
Does 10,000 Roses Cafe in Cebu really have 10,000 roses? Honestly, I didn’t count, but they look amazing, especially at night! The artificial roses have white petals that change color – red, purple, blue – it’s so cool.
The cafe’s outdoor hangout area is my favorite spot. It has bean bags, tables, chairs, cute lanterns, fake grass… the whole chill vibe! Plus, you get awesome sea views since it’s right on the edge of Cordova. The indoor ordering area is tiny, but there’s covered outdoor seating so you can enjoy the breeze.
I was pleasantly surprised by the food and drinks! My iced frappe and aglio olio pasta were tasty. Check out their menu for more options:
Good to know: there’s a small PHP 20 entrance fee (even if you don’t order), and no reservations are needed.
I took a Grab from Mactan City – about a 20-minute ride. But at night, it might be hard to find a Grab back to your hotel. There aren’t taxis, so you might need to do what I did and take a tricycle to a spot where Grabs are easier to find.
Resort Stay-cation
Cebu stands out in the Visayas and Mindanao regions for its abundance of 5-star resorts. Mactan Island alone boasts several, including the renowned Shangri-La, Movenpick, and Dusit Thani, all practically neighbors!
Having experienced the others, I decided to give Movenpick a try for my recent trip. As I get older, I crave luxurious staycations where I can relax and fully enjoy the resort’s amenities, views, and overall vibe. Movenpick delivered!
If you’re visiting Cebu, don’t miss the chance to unwind at a beachfront luxury resort. Movenpick is a perfect choice if you want easy access to the island’s hottest bar, Ibiza. Plus, their service is outstanding – the staff, fluent in English like most Cebuano resort workers, are trained to anticipate your every need.
My four-night stay earned me an upgrade to a stunning oceanfront room (photo below!).
I savored nighttime swims, pampering spa treatments, and even played table tennis and chess with my boyfriend in their open area. Movenpick might be smaller than neighboring Dusit Thani and Shangri-La, but it packs plenty of charm.
I posted a full Movenpick Cebu review! Read my honest review here.
CNT Lechon
I absolutely swear by CNT lechon – it’s the best in Cebu! It’s often overlooked, which is a shame, and I don’t even usually love lechon. But theirs, especially the spicy version, needs to be on your list!
They have a small spot at the Cebu airport, but if you have time, their main restaurant in Cebu City is much bigger. Trust me, the spicy lechon is incredible – no sauce even needed!
On my last day in Cebu, I ended up ordering a few boxes as ‘pasalubong’ for family and friends.
This is an ongoing list of recommended things to do in Cebu. Check back often to see the updates!
And as always, if you have any questions, leave a comment or send me an email.
When King Writes 
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