Cebu is a playground of wonders—spanning a province of 167 islands and three highly-urbanized bustling cities: Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, and Mandaue City. From cascading falls to historic crosses, pristine beaches to urban gems, this list of the top 20 tourist spots blends the wild beauty of Cebu Province with the vibrant pulse of its urban hubs. Whether you’re a nature junkie, history buff, or city explorer, Cebu’s got you covered. Let’s dive in!
1. Kawasan Falls (Badian, Cebu Province)
A turquoise dream in Badian’s jungle, Kawasan Falls is a three-tiered stunner perfect for canyoneering or a lazy raft float. It’s a 3-hour bus ride from Cebu City—pack your swimsuit and sense of adventure. More about Kawasan Falls with Perplexity.ai
2. Oslob Whale Shark Watching (Oslob, Cebu Province)
Swim with the gentle butanding in Oslob, a 3.5-hour trip south from Cebu City. These whale sharks show up daily near the shore—bring a waterproof camera for this once-in-a-lifetime dip. More about Oslob Whale Shark watching with Perplexity.ai
3. Moalboal Sardine Run (Moalboal, Cebu Province)
Off Panagsama Beach, millions of sardines shimmer in unison—a snorkeler’s paradise just 3 hours from Cebu City. Pair it with a chill day at White Beach. More about Moalboal’s Sardine Run with Perplexity.ai
4. Bantayan Island (Santa Fe, Cebu Province)
Powdery sands and turquoise waves define Bantayan, a northern escape 4 hours from Cebu City (bus + ferry). Paradise Beach and fresh seafood are calling. More about Bantayan Island with Perplexity.ai
5. Osmeña Peak (Dalaguete, Cebu Province)
Cebu’s highest point at 1,013 meters, Osmeña Peak offers jaw-dropping views of jagged hills. A 3-hour drive and a short hike from Cebu City make it a sunrise must. More about Osmeña Peak with Perplexity.ai
6. Malapascua Island (Daanbantayan, Cebu Province)
Divers flock to Malapascua for thresher sharks at Monad Shoal, 4.5 hours from Cebu City (bus + boat). Bounty Beach adds a laid-back bonus. More about Malapascua Island with Perplexity.ai
7. Sumilon Island (Oslob, Cebu Province)
A 20-minute boat ride from Oslob, Sumilon’s shifting sandbar and marine sanctuary dazzle. It’s 3.5 hours from Cebu City—perfect for a day trip. More about Sumilon Island with Perplexity.ai
8. Simala Shrine (Sibonga, Cebu Province)
This castle-like shrine in Sibonga, 2 hours from Cebu City, draws pilgrims to its miraculous Virgin Mary statue. The hilltop views are a bonus. More about Simala Shrine with Perplexity.ai
9. Camotes Islands, Cebu Province
Santiago Bay, Bukilat Cave, and Lake Danao shine in the Camotes, a 2-hour ferry from Cebu City. It’s an offbeat retreat with unspoiled charm. More about Camotes Islands with Perplexity.ai
10. Tumalog Falls (Oslob, Cebu Province)
A misty, curtain-like fall near Oslob’s whale sharks, Tumalog is a quick motorbike ride from the highway. At 3.5 hours from Cebu City, it’s a refreshing add-on. More about Tumalog Falls with Perplexity.ai
11. Magellan’s Cross (Cebu City)
Planted in 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan, this iconic cross in Cebu City marks the birth of Christianity in the Philippines. It’s right downtown, steps from the next spot. More about Magellan’s Cross with Perplexity.ai
12. Basilica Minore del Santo Niño (Cebu City)
Cebu City’s oldest church, built in 1565, houses the revered Santo Niño statue. Its Spanish-era architecture and lively Sinulog Festival vibe make it unmissable. More about Santo Niño Basilica with Perplexity.ai
13. Fort San Pedro (Cebu City)
A tiny triangular fort from 1738, Fort San Pedro in Cebu City offers a peek into Spanish colonial days. It’s a shady retreat near the pier, perfect for history lovers. More about Fort San Pedro with Perplexity.ai
14. Taoist Temple (Cebu City)
Perched in Beverly Hills Subdivision, this multi-tiered temple blends Chinese design with panoramic city views. It’s a serene escape, just 15 minutes from Cebu City’s core. More about Taoist Temple with Perplexity.ai
15. Lapu-Lapu Shrine (Lapu-Lapu City)
In Lapu-Lapu City on Mactan Island, this bronze statue honors Chief Lapu-Lapu, who defeated Magellan in 1521. It’s a 30-minute drive from Cebu City, near beaches and resorts. More about the Lapu-Lapu Shrine with Perplexity.ai
16. Mactan Island Beaches (Lapu-Lapu City)
Mactan’s white sands and dive spots—like those near Nalusuan Island—are a quick bridge away from Cebu City. Water sports and seafood shacks abound. More about Mactan Island Beaches with Perplexity.ai
17. Sirao Flower Garden (Cebu City)
Dubbed “Little Amsterdam,” this hillside garden in Busay bursts with celosia blooms. A 30-minute drive from Cebu City, it’s a photo-op haven. More about the Sirao Flower Garden with Perplexity.ai
18. Tops Lookout (Cebu City)
High above Cebu City in Busay, Tops offers 360-degree views of the metro and beyond. It’s a 20-minute drive—go at dusk for city lights and cool breezes. More about Top of Cebu with Perplexity.ai
19. Alegria’s Canyoneering (Alegria, Cebu Province)
Beyond Kawasan, Alegria’s canyoneering route adds extra thrills with jumps and slides. It’s 3 hours from Cebu City—gear up for an adrenaline rush. More about Alegria’s Canyoneering with Perplexity.ai
20. 10,000 Roses Café (Cordova, Cebu Province)
In Cordova, near Mandaue City, this café glows with 10,000 LED roses. A 45-minute drive from Cebu City, it’s a quirky, Instagram-worthy stop with sea views. More about this cafe with Perplexity.ai