Three Perfect Days: A Trip to Cebu

To truly appreciate Cebu, the surrounding areas have so much to offer. Whether it’s having a French fusion meal in Liloan or taking a relaxing nature tour in Bohol, there’s no shortage of options. Alongside tourist spots and beaches, these experiences give you a chance to interact with locals and immerse yourself in Filipino culture.

Start your adventure outside the city at Cebu Simala Shrine (also known as Monastery of the Holy Eucharist). This large, castle-like altar is thought to have special powers and inspires pilgrimage from all over the island. The breathtaking monastery is worth every minute of the hour and half drive from Cebu City.

Liloan

Liloan is home to the Cotcot River, a major river in Cebu and a popular river trekking spot. The trek begins in the Barangay Mulao district. You can get there by motorcycle taxi, van or car. Be sure to have an offline map for the drive and ask for a local river guide, as there is no signal in the area.

Not into hiking? Head over to La Vie Liloan Beach Club. On the shores of Liloan Beach, this restaurant and resort is the perfect tropical escape. Eat French- Filipino fusion cuisine, hear a live band and go surfing or parasailing. Then, to end the day, gather around a campfire at sunset to toast marshmallows.

Moalboal

Every year at Panagsama Beach, right off the coast of Moalboal, millions of sardines form a school that moves in swirling, breathtaking patterns. Just like the movie Nemo! Snorkelers and divers from all over come to experience this phenomenon called the Moalboal Sardine Run. As you swim alongside the silver sardines, you’re also likely to run into other marine life.

The small beach is surrounded by affordable hotels like Pescadores Suites Moalboal and the Cebu Seaview Dive Resort.

On the way to Moalboal, don’t forget to stop at Cebu’s tallest waterfall: Mantayupan Falls. Not only is it majestic, but the falls serve as a power source and provide natural water to the Barili community. Take spectacular photos, relax with a refreshing swim and walk across the famous hanging bridge.

Bohol

There’s a reason Bohol was named a UNESCO Global Geopark. It has an unforgettable landscape. To take it all in, we recommend finding an affordable day tour. Or, plan your own tour around these major attractions:

• Hike along the infamous Chocolate Hills, a grassy hill range that turns brown from December to May during the dry season.
• Take a scenic cruise on the Loboc River to admire the lush forest and unique green water.
• Tour the coral stone Baclayon Church, one of the oldest churches in the Philippines built in the 1700s.
• Witness tarsiers, tiny primates native to the islands of Southeast Asia, in their natural habitat at the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary. The sanctuary is run by the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to protecting the tarsiers and educating the public about them.

Other locations

These locations might be a bit off the beaten path, but they’re worth the detour.

Balicasag Island: About an hour from Bohol, you can watch dolphins and feed the fish at Balicasag Island Fish Sanctuary. Or just relax on one of the many pristine beaches.

Oslob: Visit this small coastal town to swim with whale sharks. Then, grab a day pass to Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort and kayak through a mangrove-covered lagoon.

Alegría: Surrounded by stunning mountains and waterfalls, this is heaven for thrill-seekers. Hike the beautiful trail up Mt. Lanaya or try canyoneering in the famous Kawasan falls.

Know before you go

Here are a few tips to make sure you have the great time in Cebu:

• In the city, download Uber, the local taxi app Grab app or take a motorcycle taxi called Habal-Habal. Try to avoid private taxis.
• Outside the city, there are bus and coach services, or you can rent a van with a driver.
• When asking locals about transportation options, remember to request the cheapest rates. Say something like, “What’s the cheapest way to get to…”
• Cebu is warm and humid, so wear comfortable, light clothes and bring a swimsuit everywhere. Crossbody bags are also convenient, especially when traveling by motorcycle taxi.