Must do in Cebu — 10+ top & best things to do in Cebu Island

Tranquil, wild, exciting and full of surprise,… any of these adjectives successfully describes the Cebu Islands – the hidden gem of the Philippines. So, what to do in Cebu Island? Let’s check out our suggested 10 best things to do in Cebu Island, top things to do in Cebu Island and must do in cebu to find out the answer! After reading this article, maybe it is time you think about a trip to Cebu anytime soon, so let’s find out shall we, Living Nomads team?

Best things to do in Cebu Island: Where is Cebu?

Cebu city lies on the eastern side of islands of the same name, it is also the oldest city of the Philippines. Holding a high reputation for rapid urbanization, Cebu is considered as the “all in one” tourism site. Either you synergize well with the festivity atmosphere, you want to discover local food at the night market or stretching muscles on the beach on a sunny day is your thing, Cebu has all of these experiences await.

So, what to do in Cebu Island? 10 top things to do in Cebu Island, must do in Cebu and best things to do in Cebu Island for your upcoming trip.

Must do in Cebu: See the world’s smallest primate

Given numerous growing rice fields, mangrove forests and scenic mountains, Mother Nature seems to favour this picturesque island. Bohol Island is also the natural habitat of Tarsier primate – the world’s smallest primate with big sparkling eyes. From here, tourists go straight to Panglao Island and chill on the beach, hide under the palm trees’ shade, let the wave tickle their feet and observe sea tortoise’s daily life.

All of the fascinating activities above are included in Sightsee Bohol Day Tour from Cebu by Klook. Floating along the breezing Loboc River and sightseeing at colourful butterfly sanctuary with our tour sounds great, isn’t it?

Travel tips for Living Nomads team: If a day-long tour sounds exhausting to you, Cebu-Bohol OceanJet Ferry Ticket (One Way and Round Trip) is another possible option, enjoy the convenient cruise trip for just two hours long!

Top things to do in Cebu Island: Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling

Oslob town mesmerizes thousands of tourists with its epic nature, the most significant being tropical beaches and a series of fascinating hidden waterfalls. Moreover, you must visit the famous 80-meter high Tumulog waterfall. Although being the prominent one, this waterfall was only discovered recently in 2012 due to its out of sight position. One extraordinary fact about Obslob sea is, whale sharks find this place their home. An activity for tourists here is snorkelling with these friendly giants. If that sounds interesting to you, how about booking this Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling and Badian Canyoneering Adventure with us?

What to do in Cebu Island? Hunt the secret waterfall

If you are a fan of trekking through forests then there are no better places than Camiguin. This famous pear-shaped island owns itself countless curvy beaches, foggy volcanic mountains and natural streams. After 4 hours on a boat trip departs from Cebu, Camiguin Island is tourists’ favourite play zone, where they hunt for secret waterfalls. Don’t forget to take a selfie or two with the 70-meter high Katibawasan waterfall.

To those daredevils out there, you all shall not miss this Danasan Eco Adventure Park Day Pass. With this inclusive ticket, visitors get access to mountain climbing, swimming, adventurous cycling and many more sweaty activities.

Must do in Cebu: Fulfill your eyes with beautiful scarlet sunset

Welcome to the mysterious Siquijor Island, locates just 2 hours on the ferry from Cebu. Siquijor owns another name, “The Flame Island”, thanks to countless of glowing fireflies on top of the trees. Some must-try activities here are coral reef scuba diving, discover waterfalls, caves and trekking through forests. After a relaxing journey in the ancient forest of over 400 years old, walk straight to Paliton beach to watch the gorgeous scarlet sunset.

Side note: If you want to swim here, walk with shoes (or rubber slippers) in order not to step on sea urchins.

Best things to do in Cebu Island: Learn surfboarding

Consider spending just 3 hours on the ferry from Cebu to Siargao – “the capital of surfboarding” in the Philippines. No matter if you are an amateur or a surfing master, visitors can always find the waves that appropriate for their skills. Looking to sharpening your tools? Go to Guiuan or Cloud 9 zone. Have an eye for competitions that can show-off what you got? There are many that are looking for competitors. Besides surfboarding, forest trekking or canoeing on a series of rocky ponds are some favourite sports voted by tourists. Do you want to take these challenges? If yes, it is time to book Pescador Island Hopping Private Tour with Boat Charter in Moalboal.

Top things to do in Cebu Island: Discover the underwater world

Gorgeous snorkelling milestones are specialties of Moalboal – which just 20 minutes (on the boat) away from land. We recommend Pescador Island if you are interested in the life of sea tortoise. Love to discover the ocean? Better go straight to Sunken Island – the home of numerous fishes: lionfish, tunas, stingrays and sharks. Note down these two sites you cannot miss out: The Airplane Wreck and a collection of mysterious caves in Tongo Point. Moalboal Island is waiting for everyone, book Moalboal Island Hopping and Canyoneering Experience in Cebu tour now!

Top things to do in Cebu Island: Chill on Malapascua shore

Lying on the north of Cebu Island is the pretty Malapascua Shore. It has an exotic ecosystem, remarkably growing coral reef, Manta sting rays and thresher sharks. Tourists can swim and dive with these friendly creatures of the ocean, at any time in the year. After diving in the crystal clear water, there is nothing better than chilling on the ivory sand in the south while observing the bay.

Best things to do in Cebu Island: Conquer the highest mountain in Cebu

Achieve the height of 1000 meters over the sea level, the Osmena peak of Mantalongon mountains of Badian is also the peak of Cebu. From this spot, your whole point of view will be the immense nature scene, the everlasting shoreline, a beautiful combination of sky and sea. Charge all your recording devices to the fullest to capture the best shots for the most-liked Instagram posts!

Klook is with adventure-seekers on Moalboal Island Hopping and Canyoneering Experience in Cebu, jump from a 9-meter cliff and swim under waterfalls with us today!

Top things to do in Cebu Island: Discover the longest underwater cave of Philippines

Those activities above are still not adventurous enough for you? Hang on, Living Nomads still has another wildcard: Have you tried discovering Bababu Lake’s system of underwater caves? All you need to do is tighten your shoelaces, walk past a short trekking route around 30 minutes. When you reach the lake, put your feet in the cool water while admiring the tranquil, mysterious cave scenes. Anything that bothers the mind should temporarily be removed when discovering the caves.

Travel tips by Living Nomads: Tourists can go to Dinagat from Cebu by air to Surigao, then take a boat or ferry to San Jose.

What to do in Cebu Island? Eat fresh live seafood

Mactan connects with Cebu by two bridges. Therefore, the Cebu journey is much easier than you may think. Swimming in the crystal clear water of Mactan is all great yeah, but the trip can never achieve perfection without eating the live seafood the Philippino way. From Salty and Spicy Grilled Squid to Garlic steamed Crab, any dish is fresh and tasty, making the journey unforgettable.

Don’t hesitate, book Hilutungan, Nalusuan and Pandanon Island Hopping tour right here and fill your hungry stomach with first-class seafood.

Travel tips by #teamKlook: Some restaurants agree to make dishes of ingredients brought by the customers. If you want to handpick what you eat, Lapu Lapu Market is the place to buy the live seafood you crave for.

How to travel to Cebu from Vietnam

There are so many flights from big cities of Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Phuquoc, Haiphong, Danang, Nhatrang) to Cebu at the average rate of 344 USD for a round trip ticket. You can choose among the common airlines such as Vietjet Air, Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airline or Air Asia. The only inconvenience is that we haven’t got any direct flight yet. Hence, the flight duration can approximately be over 12 hours, depends on transit duration.

How to travel to Cebu from Manila

By plane

From Manila, tourists can fly to Cebu with domestic airlines. The flight will be around an hour and 15 minutes, at an average rate of 30 USD (depends on airlines). Upon arrival at Cebu airport, you have to take a bus or taxi to the city center (approximately 14.5 KM). A bus ticket is 0.5 USD and 8.5 USD for a taxi ride.

Side note: Taxi fares can fluctuate depends on the taxi brand. There are two types of taxi in Cebu: white taxis (common, cheap price) and yellow taxi (newer and fare is a little bit higher)

On ferry

The ferry is not the most popular transportation to go to Cebu. The reason for this is the travel time can take up to 22 hours. However, if anyone interests in the overnight journey across the sea, buy your ticket online at 2 Go Travel. The price fluctuates from 22 USD to 77 USD, differs among classes. Please remember there are only 2 ferries go to Cebu daily, so be there on time and organize your schedule thoroughly.

Ta-dah, now you can confidently say you know quite a lot of useful information about Cebu travel. You see, life is too short for organizing schedules, so save your precious time with our Cebu, Philippines travel suggestions on Klook, we will make your plan in a blink of an eye. We also share a whole lot of Cebu travel experiences in our travel blogs!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Cebu you can refer to

• Klook Pass Cebu
• Cebu Smile Hopping Tour by Rakso Travel
• Cebu (Hagnaya) to Bantayan Island Ferry Ticket
• Cebu Car Rental with Driver
• Moalboal Island Hopping and Canyoneering Experience in Cebu
• Private Cebu Rediscovery Tour
• Klook Pass Bohol
• Oslob Whale Shark Watching Experience in Cebu
• Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling and Badian Canyoneering Adventure
• 3 Day Cebu Highlights Tour
• Private Cebu Rediscovery Tour
• Cebu City Private Day Tour with Simala Shrine
• Oslob Whale Shark Watching Join In Day Tour from Cebu
• Private Cebu & Mactan Twin City Tour
• Cebu City Private Day Tour with Simala Shrine
• Badian Canyoneering in Cebu and Kawasan Falls Tour
• Plantation Bay Day Use with Lunch
• Cebu Safari and Adventure Park Ticket in Cebu
• Cebu Private Car Charter
• Cebu Day Trip from Bohol
• Private Mactan-Cebu Airport Transfers (CEB) for Cebu or Mactan Island
• Private City Transfers between Moalboal and Cebu City/Mactan
• Private City Transfers between Hagnaya Port and Cebu City/Mactan
• 3G/4G SIM Card (PH Airport Pick Up) for the Philippines from Globe

Are you looking for more Cebu travel guide and top things to do in Cebu: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Cebu travel blog — The fullest Cebu island travel guide for a great trip on a budget to Cebu for the first-timers.