Cebu Tourist Attractions

Cebu has a history that spans 500 years dating to the time Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan discovered the island in 1521. Today, it is the second most populous province in the Philippines with around 2.5 million people.

There are many tourist attractions in Cebu that is why it is also known as the Queen City of the South. The island is also one of the frequently visited tourist destinations, with more than 4 million foreign visitors annually.

Over the years, Cebu has become one of South East Asia's top tourist destinations, especially for domestic and foreign tourists due to its lush tropical rainforests and magnificent underwater marine life.

Aside from historical sites like Casa Gorordo Museum, Magellan's Cross, Basílica del Santo Niño, Cebu has many beautiful places for tourists to experience its natural wonders.

Many tourists visit this province every year because of its pristine white sand beaches and other natural wonders. Mainland Cebu has more than 150 smaller islands surrounding it. Some of the best diving spots and beaches are located there.

There are two practical ways to visit these places. One is to rent a car and the other to hire a taxi. Prices vary. Tourists may ask for assistance from the hotel information desk for further information.

Moalboal and Pescador Island

The name Pescador comes from the Spanish fisherman. The island is about 90 kilometers from Cebu City.

Pescador Island in Moalboal is a diving and snorkeling paradise. It is a good place for family bonding and group activities such as mountain biking and camping.

It also offers an island resort with bungalows to ensure that the guests enjoy the experience during their visit.

There are also private rooms available for those who want more privacy and comfort while they stay. The island has excellent facilities such as picnic tables, private cottages, restrooms, and showers.

The marine sanctuary regulates all the activities on the island, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing. Swimming and sunbathing are popular among foreign guests visiting this location.

It features large swimming areas and a natural pool surrounded by limestone cliffs. It also has several restaurants near the shoreline where guests will have an opportunity to enjoy island-inspired cuisines and refreshments.

Kawasan Falls

The beautiful town of Badian in southwestern Cebu is home to the famous Kawasan Falls. About 105 kilometers away from the city center, the location is simply breathtaking. It offers magnificent views of cascading water down the mountainside and into the river below.

Located in Barangay Matutinao, close to downtown Badian, the natural spectacle of Kawasan Falls only adds to its popularity as a tourist attraction.

The surrounding area features several restaurants and souvenir shops for tourists.

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines, Kawasan Falls attracts thousands of tourists every year for its canyoneering, diving, and swimming grounds.

The natural scenery surrounding the location makes it a great place to visit at least once in a lifetime.

Oslob Whale Sharks

Oslob is a small town in southern Cebu, Philippines. Its clean waters are home to the friendliest whale sharks and the best place in the world for diving with them.

The trip to this sanctuary takes about 3 hours from Cebu City. Tourists can swim with these creatures just by paying about $20 for a two-hour tour.

The whale shark watching industry has improved the economy of Oslob since it started operating the industry in 2010. This economic boost has led to more jobs and higher incomes for local families.

About 70% of the town’s tourists come to see whale sharks.

The season runs from March until June each year, but there are other times of the year when tourists can dive or snorkel with these gentle giants.

Whale shark watching is not only a great tourist attraction. It is also an opportunity to learn more about these gentle giants. Tourists can get personal with these giant creatures during feeding time.

Three Waterfalls Tour

The Three Waterfalls Tour is a must-do outdoor activity in southern Cebu province. It takes around 3 hours from Cebu City to get to these attractions, which are located only a few kilometers from each other.

Depending on the weather condition, the tour may consist of three from the following waterfalls: Cambais, Aguinid, Mainit Hot Spring, and Dao.

The best time to visit any of these falls is during the summer season because of some safety concerns related to the possibility of landslides due to heavy rains.

Cambais Waterfalls

Cambais Waterfalls is located in the town of Alegria, Cebu. It's a stunning place to visit and enjoy the beauty of nature. This place is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the province.

This tourist attraction is surrounded by natural forests with lots of lush green vegetation. It features cascading water with several swimming areas where tourists can enjoy a refreshing bath.

In addition to this, there is a rope swing that will take you from one side to the other.

Aguinid Waterfalls

The Aguinid Waterfalls is a stunning tourist destination located in Samboan town, southern Cebu. The place is surrounded by dense and lush forest and offers a breath-taking view of the valley below. Aguinid is one of the most popular tourist spots in Cebu and is worth visiting. It is a series of waterfalls and pools that flow from an elevation.

Aguinid falls consist of three major falls: The main falls (also known as upper falls), Middle Falls, and Lower Falls.

At the lower falls, there are swimming areas where visitors can enjoy their time under the cool waters after a long day's hike.

Mainit Hot Spring

Mainit Hot Spring is a hot spring located in Malabuyoc town, southern Cebu.

It is also a popular tourist destination and a must-visit for relaxation and rejuvenation. The water from the spring has healing properties that relieve rheumatic and arthritic pain.

Located in a mountainous area of the town, the hot spring has a clear pool with fresh water at around 70 degrees Celsius. There are also smaller pools with varying temperatures for people to enjoy their time there even more.

Visitors can choose to stay overnight in their cottages for convenience and comfort.

Dao Waterfalls

Samboan is the only town in Cebu that is home to three waterfalls: Dao, Binalayan, and Aguinid.

Dao Waterfalls in this southern Cebu town is considered one of the most beautiful in the province of Cebu.

It has several cascading steps that fall into a clear pool below. The highest waterfall in this location is 120 meters high and plunges into a deep pool with rainbow-colored fish swimming freely about.

The waterfalls and the park (EcoAdventure Park) are very popular among locals and tourists alike. The area is a nature reserve, famous for its vegetation and biodiversity. The best time to visit Dao would be in March or June when most of the flowers are in bloom.

Tourists can also experience a panoramic view of the beautiful surroundings all year round.

The pools are made from limestone, with granite mountain sides and tropical vegetation (such as ferns) overhanging them. They're usually about 3 to 5 feet deep, but some deeper pools exist.

The deepest part of the pool is around 9 meters.

Mactan Hilutungan, Nalusuan & Pandanon Island Hopping

Mactan Hilutungan, Nalusuan, and Pandanon Island Hopping activity boasts pristine white sand beaches that are relatively untouched.

Tourists can swim in clear blue waters or snorkel in the famous nature preserves, all while enjoying the beauty of nature.

This vacation package includes a chartered boat ride from Mactan to Hilutungan island where guests will be given a brief tour before proceeding to Nalusuan Island for another stop, and then finally on to Pandanon Island for beach activities.

The island offers panoramic views of Hilutungan and the surrounding islands during low tides when it is cut off from the mainland. The area has white sand beaches and crystal clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

These islands are home to diverse marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and colorful fish species like parrotfish and butterflyfish.

This popular activity for travelers can be done as a one-day tour or multi-day tour.