Part of our Philippines guide.
2 places and guides from our Cebu coverage, gathered into one page.
Related travel guides: Events And Seasons In Philippines, 20 Best Beach Resorts In North Cebu, How To Get To Noordzee Hostel, Road Trips, Day Trips, and Itineraries, and Bohol Travel Guide.
8 Awesome Hikes In Cebu: The Hiker's Guide
Osmeña Peak is the highest peak in Cebu. For hikers, this guide covers eight trails across the island, from mountain ridges to waterfall treks. Each hike is described with its starting point, difficulty level, and estimated duration, based on our coverage between 2019 and 2024. The routes range from the short, steep climb to Osmeña Peak in Dalaguete—where you can see the entire southern tip of Cebu on a clear day—to longer jungle treks leading to hidden waterfalls like Kawasan Falls in Badian, a three-tiered cascade with turquoise pools. Other hikes include the trail through the crater of Mount Manunggal, the site of a 1957 plane crash, and the coastal path along the cliffs of Moalboal, which offers views of the sea and the chance to spot sardine runs from above. Each entry includes practical tips: what time to start (usually before sunrise to avoid heat), what to bring (at least 2 liters of water, trail snacks, and sturdy footwear), and whether a guide is required (for some trails, local guides are mandatory and can be hired at the trailhead for around PHP 500). The guide also notes that some trails pass through private property, where a small fee of PHP 20 to PHP 50 may be collected by the community. For those new to hiking in Cebu, the article recommends starting with the Osmeña Peak trail, which takes about 45 minutes to an hour to summit, before attempting longer routes like the 4-hour trek to Kawasan Falls from the main road. All hikes are accessible from Cebu City by bus or hired van, with travel times ranging from 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the destination.
15 Best Things to Do in Cebu, Philippines
The Philippines is home to friendly locals, some of the world’s best beaches, and most beautiful destinations. Every year, millions of tourists visit this island paradise to enjoy its beaches, mingle with the locals, and eat delicious Filipino food. When you think about Philippine destinations, Cebu is one of the places that tops the list, along with Palawan and Siargao. Island hopping and diving are just some of the things to do in Cebu that made it famous worldwide. This list of 15 activities covers the full range of Cebu’s attractions, from city tours of Cebu City—including a visit to Magellan’s Cross and the Basilica del Santo Niño—to day trips to the nearby islands of Bantayan and Malapascua for diving with thresher sharks. Each entry includes the best time to go, how to get there, and estimated costs. For example, the guide to Moalboal’s sardine run recommends snorkeling at Panagsama Beach, where the bait ball is visible year-round just 10 meters from shore, and notes that a mask and snorkel can be rented for PHP 150. The list also covers cultural experiences like attending the Sinulog Festival in January, which is detailed in a separate guide, and food tours in Cebu City that include stops for lechon (roasted pig) at Zubuchon or Rico’s, and dried mangoes from Lapu-Lapu. For beach lovers, the guide highlights the white sand of Sumilon Island, accessible by a 15-minute boat ride from Oslob, with an entrance fee of PHP 500 per person. The article also includes practical advice on travel essentials in Philippines, such as currency (Philippine peso), language (Cebuano and English), and transportation options like jeepneys, tricycles, and habal-habal (motorcycle taxis). For those planning a longer stay, the guide mentions that many hotels and guesthouses in tourist areas offer discounts for booking directly, and that ATMs are widely available in Cebu City but less so in remote islands.
