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Kawasan Falls · Whale Sharks · Sardine Run · Canyoneering · Diving

Your Cebu
Travel Guide.

Flights, canyoneering, whale sharks, sardine runs, and island-hopping across Central Visayas — everything you need to plan Cebu and beyond, built by locals for real travellers.

Part of the IN Travel Network · 28 premium destination guides worldwide

Local editorial team · Ferries, tours & activities · Honest recommendations · No fluff

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Explore Cebu

Plan Your Route

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Most booked

Manila → Cebu

Flight or ferry from Manila
Manila
1.5 hrs
Cebu

Multiple daily flights from Manila (1.5 hrs, from ₱1,500 one way). Budget carriers Cebu Pacific and AirAsia run the route. Overnight ferries also available from Manila (22 hrs) if you want the adventure.

↺ Round trip available
From ₱1,500 / person Book
See the complete route
Airport transfer

Mactan Airport → Cebu City

Airport pickup + bridge crossing + hotel
Airport
30 min
Hotel

Mactan-Cebu International is on Mactan Island, connected to Cebu City by two bridges. Grab works well here. MyBus runs to SM City Cebu for ₱25. Private transfers take 30–45 minutes to most hotels.

From ₱500 / person Book
Your arrival, sorted
Ferry route

Cebu ↔ Bohol Ferry

Ferry + taxi to hotel
Cebu
2 hrs
45 min
Hotel

OceanJet and SuperCat run multiple daily fast ferries from Pier 1 to Tagbilaran (2 hours). Lite Ferries does the slow overnight crossing. Book OceanJet online in advance during peak season.

↺ Round trip available
From ₱850 / person Book
Plan this crossing

Cebu ↔ Siquijor

Ferry via Dumaguete or direct
Cebu
5 hrs
Siquijor

Cokaliong and Lite Ferries run Cebu to Dumaguete (5–6 hrs), then a short hop to Siquijor. Or take the direct Cebu–Larena ferry (longer but no transfer). Book the Dumaguete route for more schedule flexibility.

↺ Round trip available
From ₱1,200 / person Book
Plan this island hop
Must-do

Kawasan Falls & Canyoneering

Full-day adventure tour

The Philippines' most famous canyoneering experience. Jump off waterfalls, slide down natural rock chutes, and swim through turquoise canyons in Badian. Finishes at the iconic multi-tiered Kawasan Falls. Book with a licensed operator — it's not optional.

From ₱1,800 / person Find Tours ↗
See what's worth it
Controversial but popular

Oslob Whale Sharks

Early morning swim · 3 hrs from Cebu City

Swim alongside whale sharks in shallow water. Guaranteed sightings year-round. Hugely popular but ethically debated — the sharks are fed to keep them coming. We lay out both sides honestly so you can decide. Leave by 5am to avoid crowds.

From ₱1,500 / person Find Tours ↗
Read the honest take

Moalboal Sardine Run & Turtles

Snorkelling & diving day trip

Millions of sardines in a swirling ball just 5 metres from the shore at Panagsama Beach. Sea turtles cruise past beneath you. One of the best free snorkelling experiences in Southeast Asia. Dive shops offer PADI courses too.

From ₱800 / person Find Tours ↗
Dive spots & tips
Diver's favourite

Malapascua & Thresher Sharks

2–3 day diving trip

The only place in the world where thresher sharks are seen almost daily. Monad Shoal dawn dives at 5am. Malapascua is a tiny island off Cebu's northern tip — boat from Maya port. Worth the trek if you dive.

From ₱3,500 / person Find Tours ↗
Plan your dive trip
Best of the Visayas

Cebu → Bohol → Siquijor Loop

5–7 days · 3 islands · all ferries
Cebu
Bohol
Siquijor
Cebu

The classic Visayas triangle. Ferry to Bohol for Chocolate Hills and diving, hop to Siquijor for waterfalls and healing, loop back to Cebu. All connected by daily ferries.

From ₱3,500 / person Book
Map your island trail

Cebu South Coast Circuit

3–4 days · sardines, whales & falls
Cebu City
Moalboal
Kawasan
Oslob

Head south from Cebu City. Sardine run and turtles at Moalboal, canyoneering at Kawasan Falls, whale sharks at Oslob. Can be done as separate day trips or a multi-day road trip down the coast.

From ₱2,500 / person Book
Plan the south coast

Where Next from Cebu?

Onward connections across the Philippines

Cebu connects to more islands than most people realise. Here are the most popular onward hops:

Bohol — Chocolate Hills, diving, tarsiers Siquijor — waterfalls, healing, beaches Moalboal — sardine run, Kawasan Falls Camiguin — volcanoes, hot springs, White Island
Each island has its own guide Browse All Guides
Start here

When to Visit Cebu

Seasons, weather & crowds

Dry season is January to May — best weather but busiest. June to December brings rain (mostly afternoon showers) and typhoon risk peaks August to November. Cebu is more sheltered than Leyte or Samar. Sinulog Festival in January is the biggest event — book months ahead.

Updated by our local team
Plan your trip

Where to Stay

Cebu City · Mactan · Moalboal · Malapascua

Cebu City for nightlife, malls, and transport connections. Mactan for resort beaches and airport proximity. Moalboal for diving and backpackers. Malapascua for serious divers chasing thresher sharks. Most first-timers split between Cebu City and one coastal spot.

Accommodation guide
Explore your options

Money, SIMs & Practicalities

What to know before you arrive

Philippine Peso (PHP). ATMs everywhere in Cebu City and Mactan — less reliable in Moalboal and Malapascua, so bring cash. Globe or Smart SIM from the airport for ₱300. Grab works well in Cebu City. V-hire vans connect most towns on the island.

Insider tips from locals
Save smarter

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Save yourself time and money

Don't try to do Oslob whale sharks and Kawasan Falls in the same day — it's exhausting and rushed. Don't book Sinulog weekend without reservations months ahead. Don't skip Moalboal just because it's 3 hours from the city. Don't take metered taxis from the airport — use Grab.

Updated by our local team
Avoid the traps

Philippines First-Timer Guide

PDF · 12 pages · free download

Visa, money, SIMs, transport, weather, and common mistakes. Everything a first-timer needs — written by locals.

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28
Island & destination sites
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Writers & editors on every island

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Your Cebu Briefing

Every Route. Every Detail. No Guesswork.

Getting There
Transport Guide

How to Get to Cebu: Flights, Ferries & Airport Transfers

Every route into Cebu — Cebu ferries, Mactan airport transfers, inter-island hops. Which to pick, how to book, and what catches people out.

Explore this guide
Itineraries
Day Plans

Cebu Itineraries: 3, 5 & 7 Day Plans for Every Traveller

Solo backpackers, couples, families — we've mapped out the best itineraries with realistic timing, budget breakdowns, and what to skip.

Explore this guide
Multi-Island
Island Hopping

Island Hopping from Cebu: Routes, Ferries & Multi-Stop Trips

Cebu connects to Bohol (2hrs), Siquijor (4-5hrs), Dumaguete (3-4hrs), Malapascua (4hrs), and more. Ferry and flight connections, combined itineraries, and the loops that actually work.

Explore this guide
Landmark
Sightseeing

Chocolate Hills: Viewing Decks, ATV Tours & Best Time to Visit

How to see the Chocolate Hills properly — which viewpoint, ATV or no ATV, sunrise vs sunset, and what most tourists get wrong.

Explore this guide
Marine Life
Diving & Snorkelling

Cebu Diving & Snorkelling: Balicasag, Pamilacan & House Reefs

Best dive sites, what you'll see, PADI certification options, and the snorkelling spots that don't need a boat.

Explore this guide
Budget
Money Guide

Cebu on a Budget: Daily Costs, Cheap Eats & Money-Saving Tips

Realistic daily breakdowns at three budget tiers — backpacker, mid-range, and comfort. What things actually cost in 2025.

Explore this guide

Keep exploring ↓

Kawasan Falls & Canyoneering Oslob Whale Sharks Moalboal & Sardine Run Malapascua & Thresher Sharks Cebu Beaches Cebu → Bohol Ferry Cebu → Siquijor Cebu with Kids
20+ island guides 12Go trusted booking partner Local team across the islands

Transport bookings are handled by 12Go — Asia's largest transport platform. Over 2 million tickets sold across 10,000+ routes. Secure checkout, instant confirmation, and full refunds if your sailing is weather-cancelled. Tours and activities from additional partners coming soon.

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Smart Results

Tell Us About Your Trip

We'll sort every route, tour, and activity to match your travel style — families see family-friendly options first, solo travellers get the best-value picks, couples get romantic recommendations. Five seconds, smarter results.

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Explore More Islands

Your Next Island

InMactan

Gateway airport island. Resorts, diving, historic sites, and onward to Moalboal and Oslob.

Explore InMactan

InSiquijor

Cambugahay Falls, clifftop sunsets, snorkelling reefs, and the mystical island interior.

Explore InSiquijor

InCamiguin

White Island, hot springs, Katibawasan Falls, and the sunken cemetery.

Explore InCamiguin

InEl Nido

Secret lagoons, limestone cliffs, island hopping paradise, and Palawan's crown jewel.

Explore InEl Nido

InSiargao

Cloud 9 surf break, palm-lined boardwalks, lagoons, and the island hopping capital of Mindanao.

Explore InSiargao

InBoracay

White Beach, D'Mall, parasailing, sunset sailing, and the Philippines' most famous shoreline.

Explore InBoracay
Traveller Reviews

Don't Take Our Word for It

Cebu → Bohol + Transfer

“Smooth transfer, driver waiting, hotel drop-off sorted. Couldn't have been easier.”

Sarah ★★★★★
Multi-Island Loop

“Group of 15 and every single person made every connection. Serious coordination.”

Michael & Team ★★★★★
Bohol → Siquijor → Cebu

“Three ferries, four taxis, five days. One booking. Zero stress.”

David & Family ★★★★★
30+ Routes Mapped
Transport and transfers for Cebu
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Island Hopping Made Easy
Multi-stop itineraries with real timings and prices
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Written by Locals
Local editorial team across 28 destinations
28 Destinations
Part of the IN Travel Network global hub

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The Philippines First-Timer Guide

The 12-page cheat sheet we wish we'd had. Covers visa rules, SIM cards, ATM tips, and packing essentials.

✓ Visa & entry rules ✓ Money & SIM cards ✓ Transport decoded ✓ Weather windows ✓ Common mistakes ✓ Packing essentials

PDF · instant download · works offline · written by locals

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FAQ

Quick Answers

In Cebu is a free travel guide for Cebu. We publish honest, local-knowledge guides and make it easy to search and find and book travel experiences through our trusted partners. We're part of the IN Travel Network — 28 premium destination guides across the globe.
Use the search tool on this page to find your route and date. You'll be connected to our booking partner (currently 12Go for ferries) where you complete checkout directly. Digital tickets arrive by email — screenshot or print. We don't handle your payment or booking — the provider does.
12Go is Asia's largest transport booking platform — over 2 million tickets sold across 10,000+ routes. They handle transport bookings, checkout, and customer support. We use them because they're reliable, offer weather-cancellation refunds, and have the widest route coverage in Southeast Asia.
Manila to Cebu flights (via booking partners), Cebu to Bohol ferry, Cebu to Dumaguete ferry, Cebu to Siquijor transport (via Bohol), and multi-island combinations. We're expanding flight and direct routes — check back soon.
As early as you can for peak season (December–May). Last-minute bookings are accepted up to 10 hours before departure, but popular routes fill up fast.
Rebooking and cancellation policies depend on the route and the booking provider. Weather cancellations are always fully refunded. For voluntary changes, check the terms shown during checkout — they vary by route and operator.
No hidden fees from us — we're a free guide. The ticket price shown by the booking provider covers your transport cost. Terminal fees (typically 25–50 PHP) are collected separately at the port by the transport company. That's standard across all Philippine ferries.
We're building out tour and activity bookings with additional partners beyond ferries. For now, our guides cover the best things to do on each island with practical tips on how to book locally. Check the Explore and Guides sections above.
Yes. The guides, route information, and island-hopping advice are completely free. When you book transport through our partner links, we earn a small commission — that's how we keep the site running. You pay the same price either way.
In Cebu is part of the IN Travel Network — 28 premium destination guides worldwide. We write honest, expert-level guides and connect travellers with tours, experiences, and activities through trusted booking partners. Payments go directly to the providers, not to us.

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