Cebu travel guide
Best Things to Do in Cebu
The number one thing to do in Cebu is canyoneering to Kawasan Falls — jumping and swimming down a turquoise jungle canyon in Badian (₱1,500–2,500 with guide). Pair the south trip with Moalboal’s shore-accessible sardine run. In the city, Magellan’s Cross and the Basilica take an hour.
What to do in Cebu
Cebu city sights take a day; the island’s south is the real draw — budget two to three days for Kawasan canyoneering, Moalboal’s sardines and Oslob’s whale sharks (choose ethical operators).
The best things to do in Cebu
-
Kawasan Falls canyoneering · Adventure
Jump, swim and slide down a turquoise jungle canyon to the falls
Area: Badian (3h south) · Time needed: Half to full day · Cost: ₱1,500–2,500 with guide & gear
-
Moalboal sardine run · Snorkel/dive
A resident million-sardine baitball metres off the beach
Area: Moalboal (3h) · Time needed: Half day · Cost: Free from shore; dive ₱1,500
-
Magellan’s Cross & Basilica del Santo Niño · Historic
The 1521 cross marking Christianity’s arrival in the Philippines
Area: Downtown Cebu City · Time needed: 1 hour · Cost: Free
-
Temple of Leah · Viewpoint
Cebu’s “Taj Mahal” — a grand Roman-style temple of devotion above the city
Area: Busay hills · Time needed: 1.5 hours · Cost: ₱120
-
Sirao Flower Garden · Garden
Celosia flower fields in the highlands — “Little Amsterdam”
Area: Busay · Time needed: 1.5 hours · Cost: ₱100
-
Sumilon Island sandbar · Island trip
A shifting white sandbar in clear blue water
Area: Oslob (3.5h) · Time needed: Full day · Cost: ₱2,000–3,000 tour
Also in philippines
best things to do in Cebu — FAQs
What is the number one thing to do in Cebu?
The number one thing to do in Cebu is canyoneering to Kawasan Falls — jumping and swimming down a turquoise jungle canyon in Badian (₱1,500–2,500 with guide). Pair the south trip with Moalboal’s shore-accessible sardine run. In the city, Magellan’s Cross and the Basilica take an hour.
How many days do you need in Cebu?
Three days is ideal for Cebu: one for the city’s historic core and highland viewpoints, two for the south — Kawasan canyoneering, Moalboal sardines and optionally Oslob. Divers and island-hoppers should add two more days for Malapascua or Bohol connections.
Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.