25 Must-See Attractions in Cebu: Curated by Local Tour Companies [2024 Edition]

Cebu Island in the Philippines is world-famous as a tourist resort! Despite being a relatively small island, it is chock-full of fun and exciting tourist spots. It goes without saying that there are plenty of places to snorkel with whale sharks, but there are also plenty of other places to enjoy nature, historical sites, shopping areas, and more.

This time, we will introduce 25 tourist spots in Cebu, divided into different ways to enjoy them.

There are countless ways to enjoy Cebu Island, but our local staff have carefully selected and narrowed it down to 25 places.
If you are planning a trip to Cebu Island, we hope you will use this as a reference for your plans.

How to enjoy sightseeing in Cebu Island ① Enjoy the sea!

When many people think of the appeal of Cebu Island tourism, they imagine the clear blue sea that is unique to a tropical island. In addition to swimming in the sea of ​​Cebu Island, you can enjoy various marine sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, and banana boats. Barbecues on the beach also give you the best resort feeling.

First, we will introduce some recommended sea spots for sightseeing in Cebu.

Tourist spot 1. Oslob (whale shark spot)

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Cebu is snorkeling with whale sharks.

Located southwest of Cebu City, about three hours by car (bus), Oslob is the first place in the world to successfully feed whale sharks, and is also a spot where you can encounter whale sharks with a 95% probability. On busy days, you can encounter more than 10 whale sharks.

If you want to enjoy sightseeing in Oslob, we recommend using an optional tour (a tour that arranges transportation, admission tickets to tourist spots, necessary equipment, etc. during your free time). In order to swim with the whale sharks, you often have to leave the hotel by 4-5am on the day, so using a tour that includes a shuttle to the hotel will allow you to arrive in Oslob safely and reliably.

For example, our website CebuPre offers the following plan to swim with whale sharks in Oslob.

<Plans including Oslob in “Cebupre”>

・”Whale Shark Snorkeling + Tumalog Falls Tour” (From 5,800 yen)

・”Whale Shark Snorkeling + Kawasan Falls Tour” (From 8,200 yen)

・”Whale Shark Snorkeling + Sumilon Island & Kawasan Falls Tour” (From ￥9,800)

Tourist spot 2. Sumilon Island

Sumilon Island, an uninhabited island near Oslob, is popular as a set with Oslob, a snorkeling spot with whale sharks. The appeal of Sumilon Island is the transparency of the water, which is said to be one of the best in Cebu.

At Sumilon Island, you can relax on the beach and enjoy the resort atmosphere, or go snorkeling or diving in the sea. In the sea near Sumilon Island, you can discover sea creatures that are different from those in Oslob, such as sea turtles and clownfish.

By taking advantage of optional tours, you can enjoy sightseeing in Oslob without any hassle in just one day.

＜Plans including Sumilon Island with “Cebu Plus”＞

・”Whale Shark Snorkeling + Sumilon Island & Kawasan Falls Tour” (From ￥9,800)

・”Whale Shark Snorkeling + Aguinid Falls & Sumilon Island Tour” (From ￥8,400)

Tourist spot 3. Cebu’s three remote islands (Pandanon Island + Nalusuan Island + Hilutungan Island)

One of the most popular ways to enjoy tourism in Cebu is island hopping.

Island hopping is the act of riding a boat around remote islands and enjoying snorkeling, barbecues, and other activities. Cebu Island, which has many remote islands that have been developed into resorts, is one of the world’s leading island hopping spots, and the three most popular islands are Pandanon Island, Nalusuan Island, and Hilutungan Island.

The three islands of Pandanon, Nalusuan and Hilutungan are located southeast of Mactan Island, where most tourists from Cebu stay. Even Pandanon, the furthest of the three islands, is only about an hour by boat from Mactan, so it is quite possible to tour the three islands in one day.

Pandanon Island

Known as “the island closest to heaven,” this island has some of the most beautiful beaches in Cebu and crystal clear waters. It’s a great place to enjoy marine sports such as parasailing and jet skiing, or to play safely on the shallow shoreline.

Nalusuan Island

The pier, which is longer than the island, is a popular photo spot. Although it is an uninhabited island, there are accommodation facilities available, and you can see colorful tropical fish being fed at the snorkeling spot.

Hilutungan Island

Although it is only 15 minutes away from Mactan Island, the water is extremely clear and it is known as the best snorkeling spot in Cebu.

If you want to enjoy island hopping, using an optional tour is very convenient as it not only makes it easier to travel from island to island, but also allows you to leave the arrangements for island entrance fees, activity costs, equipment rental, and more to the staff.

<Plans for enjoying island hopping on our website “Cebupre”>
– “Island hopping 3 islands (Pandanon Island + Nalusuan Island + Hilutungan Island)” (From 7,980 yen)

・”Island hopping on two islands (Hilutungan and Nalusuan Islands)” (from 7,200 yen)

Tourist spot 4: Moalboal

Moalboal, which is very popular with Western backpackers, is a tourist spot located just under three hours by car or bus from Cebu City. In Moalboal, you can enjoy two beaches with different themes: Panagsama Beach and White Beach.

Both beaches are very attractive in their own way, but White Beach allows you to enjoy the unique sea of ​​Cebu.

White Beach is a world-famous diving and snorkeling spot where you can swim with tornadoes of tens of thousands of sardines, sea turtles, and a variety of tropical fish.

Like Oslob, Moalboal requires you to leave by car (bus) early in the morning, so it is a good idea to take advantage of an optional tour that includes transportation to and from your hotel.

<Plans to enjoy Moalboal on our website “Cebupre”>
“Swim with whale sharks and sea turtles + Moalboal & White Beach Tour” (from ￥6,600)

“Sea Turtle Snorkeling + Moalboal & White Beach Tour” (From 8,800 yen)

“Sea Turtle Snorkeling + Moalboal & Kawasan Falls Tour” (From 10,900 yen)

Tourist spot 5. Caohagan Island

Kaohagan Island is a remote island that once gained some fame in Japan as a “rich island with nothing.”

Caohagan Island is located about two hours by boat from Cebu City. Caohagan Island is a small island about the size of the Tokyo Dome, but it is characterized by its abundant nature, including palm trees, bougainvillea and other tropical plants, and its white beaches.

The beach is shallow, making it a recommended tourist spot for families with children and those who are not confident in their swimming ability.

How to enjoy sightseeing in Cebu Island 2. Enjoy the waterfalls!

Although the image of “Cebu = sea” is strong, there are two recommended waterfalls and streams. Both of them have very different characteristics, so you can enjoy them in completely different ways.

Cebu’s two famous waterfalls are both close to Oslob, a famous whale shark spot, so there are many packaged tours that take you there.

Tourist spot 6. Kawasan Falls

Kawasan Falls, located near Oslob, where you can enjoy snorkeling with whale sharks, is a famous waterfall that has been selected as one of the “100 most beautiful waterfalls in the world.” The clear blue pool at the bottom of the waterfall is the largest of all the waterfalls in Cebu.

As a tourist attraction, the power of Kawasan Falls itself is attractive, but even more so are the physical activities such as trekking (mountain climbing) and canyoning (river rafting). For example, diving into the deep blue pool from a height of 14 meters is an activity that can only be done at Kawasan Falls.

＜Plans to enjoy Kawasan Falls on our website “Cebupre”＞

・”Whale Shark Snorkeling + Sumilon Island & Kawasan Falls Tour” (From ￥9,800)

“Sea Turtle Snorkeling + Moalboal & Kawasan Falls Tour” (From 10,900 yen)

Tourist spot 7. Aguinid Falls

If Kawasan Falls is a waterfall to enjoy actively, Aguinid Falls, also known as the “mysterious waterfall,” is a healing waterfall.

Aginid Falls, a place left untouched by nature, has a mystical sight as fine water droplets fall. There is also a spot near the base of the waterfall where doctor fish swim, and when you put your hands or feet in, they will peck at you in a cute way.

Although it is called a “healing spot”, you can also enjoy canyoning. At Aginid Falls, you can challenge five levels in stages, so you can challenge the activity according to your physical condition and confidence level on the day. In terms of access, Aginid Falls is also near Oslob, and there are many tours that enjoy them together.

<Plans to enjoy Aguinid Falls on our website “Cebupre”>
“Snorkeling with Whale Sharks + Aguinid Falls & Sumilon Island Tour” (From ￥8,400)

How to enjoy sightseeing in Cebu ③ Enjoy the magnificent nature!

There are probably many people who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the great outdoors to the fullest. Here we will introduce some spots in Cebu where you can enjoy the majestic natural scenery.

Tourist spot 8. Chocolate Hills (Bohol Island)

Chocolate Hills is a very famous tourist spot in Cebu Island, and is also a candidate for World Heritage Site. The name comes from the fact that it resembles the famous American chocolate, but the sight of more than 1,200 hills of odd shapes, each about 40 meters high, lined up is very unique, and it is also famous as a photo spot.

During the dry season the leaves fall, leaving hills that look like chocolate brown.

Bohol Island is about a two-hour boat ride from Cebu City. Bohol Island is as large as Cebu Island and has many tourist attractions, so by taking an optional tour, you can visit the spots reliably and efficiently.

<Plans to enjoy Chocolate Hills on our website “Cebu Place”>
“Bohol Island Day Tour Zip Line & Buggy Driving” (From \10,900)

Tourist spot 9. Loboc River (Bohol Island)

Another must-see spot on Bohol Island, just like Chocolate Hills, is the Loboc River. The Loboc River is surrounded by natural forests on both sides. You can enjoy a leisurely boat ride down the river while enjoying a meal, or try your hand at ziplining, sliding down a wire suspended above the Loboc River at high speed on a pulley.

When arranging these activities locally, you will need to communicate in English or the local language, but this is very easy if you use a tour company that can make the arrangements on your behalf.

Tourist spot 10. Osmena Peak

Osmena Peak is the highest mountain in Cebu (about 1,000m above sea level). It is located about 100km from Cebu City and can be reached in about 3 to 4 hours by car or bus.

You can get to the climbing spot by taxi or other means, and then walk for about 30 minutes to reach the summit (even if you have never climbed before, you can easily take on the challenge). From the summit, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Cebu City and the sea of ​​Cebu.

How to enjoy sightseeing in Cebu Island ④ Enjoy the history of the Philippines!

Cebu Island in the Philippines, which has a history of being ruled by Spain and the United States, is also home to many historical buildings such as churches and statues. Cebu Island still has buildings related to Magellan, the famous explorer of the Age of Discovery, as well as buildings that give a sense of the heritage of the Spanish colonial period.

After getting some exercise in the ocean or in nature, a leisurely stroll around Cebu while thinking about history is one of the ways that connoisseurs enjoy the island. Historical sites are concentrated in Cebu City and Bohol, so if you take advantage of optional tours, you can easily visit each in one day.

Tourist spot 11. Santo Niño Basilica, Magellan’s Cross (Cebu City)

The Santo Niño Church in Cebu City was built in 1565 and is the oldest church in the Philippines.

The highlight of the Santo Niño Basilica is the statue of the Santo Niño (boy), which is said to have been sent by Magellan to the Queen of Cebu at the time. The Santo Niño statue refers to Jesus Christ as a child, and is said to be a “miracle statue” because it remained undamaged even during wartime.

Every year on the third Sunday of January, a festival called Sinulog is held to celebrate the Santo Niño. Sinulog is the largest festival in Cebu, and many people gather not only from within Cebu, but also from the rest of the Philippines and abroad. The parade on the final day is particularly exciting.

Also, located very close to the Santo Niño Church is Magellan’s Cross, which was erected by Magellan in 1521. Originally erected outdoors, the cross was once known to cure all kinds of illnesses, so many people would chip off pieces of it and take them home, and now it is kept inside the temple.

<Tours in Cebu City including Santo Niño Church and Magellan’s Cross with “Cebu Pre”>
“Cebu City Sightseeing Tour + Night View Tour” (From ￥4,300)

Tourist spot 12. Heritage Monument (Cebu City)

The Heritage Monument is also a tourist spot in Cebu City that has a connection to Magellan.

There are many sculptures depicting historical scenes from Cebu that are made of various materials such as brass, bronze, concrete, and iron throughout the city. Statues of Magellan and Lapulapu’s army (the army led by the lord of Mactan Island in the Philippines, who fought against the Spanish army and defeated Magellan’s army that was trying to convert the people to Christianity) are so impressive that they seem as if they might come to life at any moment.

Tourist spot 13. Mactan Shrine Park (Mactan Island, just outside Cebu City)

The monument to the Spanish army (Magellan’s army) and Lapulapu, one of the highlights of Cebu’s history, can also be found in Mactan Shrine Park near Cebu City. Mactan Shrine Park was built to commemorate the victory of Lapulapu’s army over the Spanish army, and is affectionately known as the “Lapulapu Monument.”

This is a spot where you can feel the pride the local people have in Lapu-Lapu as a hero.

Tourist spot 14: Fort San Pedro (Cebu City)

Fort San Pedro was built as a fortress by the Spanish army about 450 years ago. It was originally made of wood, but was later remodeled into a massive building made of stone.

It is now open to tourists as a museum, so you can learn about the history of Cebu Island inside the fort.

Tourist spot 15. Baclayon Church (Bohol Island)

Baclayon Church is a historic Christian church in Bohol that was built in 1595.

In addition to its historical value, Paclayon Church is also eye-catching with its beautiful exterior walls made of coral. The interior is also open to the public as a museum, and it is a popular spot where you can feel the history of Christianity on Bohol Island.

<Plans to enjoy Bohol Island on our website “Cebupre”>
“Bohol Island Day Tour Zip Line & Buggy Driving” (From \10,900)

Tourist spot 16. Blood Compact Monument (Bohol Island)

The Blood Compact Monument is also one of the historic tourist spots on Bohol Island.

The Blood Compact Monument was built in 1565 as a symbol of friendship between the first Governor-General of the Philippines and the Spanish chieftain. It is built outdoors along the coast, so you can take commemorative photos with the horizon in the background.

Since it is located close to Baclayon Church, many people visit both places together.

How to enjoy sightseeing in Cebu ⑤ Enjoy Shopping and Relaxation Spot!

Cebu Island is a popular shopping and relaxation spot and also a popular destination for solo, couple or family trips.

Cebu, Philippines offers a vibrant blend of entertainment and leisure experiences, such as its modern casinos with a tropical flair, expansive shopping malls featuring local and international brands, and the Cebu Ocean Park, which combines marine conservation with interactive exhibits. These attractions provide a unique mix of tropical luxury and local charm that you won’t typically find in Japan’s more traditional or urban entertainment venues.

Shopping, Entertainment and Leisure experiences can be enjoyed mainly in Cebu City. By taking advantage of optional tours, you can efficiently visit shopping centers and beauty salons in the city. Another advantage is that you can enjoy sightseeing in peace with a dedicated guide in Cebu City, where pickpockets and snatchers are common.

There are many attractive shops and scenic journey, so if you choose an optional tour that can flexibly adjust your destination according to your wishes, your shopping satisfaction is sure to increase.

Tourist spot 17. SM City Mall/Ayala City Mall

There are two large shopping centers in Cebu: SM City Mall and Ayala City Mall.

These malls have all the everyday items you need, including food, household goods, and souvenirs, as well as stores such as Starbucks and L’Occitane, which are well-known in Japan.

You can get all the standard souvenirs from Cebu, such as dried mangoes, coconut oil, tropical fruit jam, hair oil, banana chips, etc. You can easily get souvenirs that are sure to please both yourself and your colleagues at work.

Tourist spot 18. Casino

Casinos are permitted on Cebu and Mactan Islands, and many of them are located within hotels. Although there is an age limit of 21 years old for men and 18 years old for women, the dress code is relaxed and betting is available from low prices, so even those who have never played at a casino can easily enjoy themselves, which is one of the attractions of Cebu’s casinos.

As of 2019, there are no casinos in Japan, so visiting a casino would be a good idea as it gives you an experience that you can’t have in Japan.

Tourist spot 19. Cebu Ocean Park

Cebu Ocean Park is a collaboration between the Cebu-based company Cebu Ocean Park Inc. and Ocean Park Hong Kong, one of Asia’s leading marine-themed parks. This partnership was instrumental in bringing expertise and experience to the development of Cebu Ocean Park.

Cebu Ocean Park serves as an educational resource for students and the general public. It provides valuable information about marine life, ecosystems, and conservation efforts.

Cebu Ocean Park represents a significant addition to the marine tourism landscape in the Philippines. Its combination of educational exhibits, interactive experiences, and conservation efforts makes it a valuable resource for visitors and a key player in marine conservation and education in the region.

Tourist spot 20. Dream of Sunset Cruise

We recommend the Dream of Sunset Cruise for couples and married couples.

You can enjoy dinner while cruising on a large boat on the sea between Cebu and Mactan Island. The cost is about 5,000 yen including dinner. If you want to experience a stylish and luxurious atmosphere, be sure to check it out.

How to enjoy sightseeing in Cebu ⑥ Enjoy the night!

In the vicinity of Cebu City, you can enjoy the beautiful night view and go to tourist spots that can only be enjoyed at night. Here are some places to enjoy the night in Cebu.

By the way, the risk of pickpockets and snatchers is higher at night in Cebu City, and it can be a little more dangerous than during the day. Even in such cases, if you take an optional tour, you will be accompanied by a dedicated guide, so you can enjoy yourself with peace of mind.

Tourist spot 21. TOPS Observatory

TOPS Observatory is a spot where you can get a panoramic view of Cebu city from the top of a 600m high mountain. During the day, if the weather is good, you can even see as far as Bohol Island, but the highlight is definitely the night view.

There is also a bell that is said to bring love when rang together, so this is a recommended spot for couples wanting to enjoy Cebu together.

<Tours to enjoy the night view including the TOPS Observatory with “CebuPlus”>
・ “Cebu City Sightseeing Tour + Night View Tour” (From 4,300 yen)

Tourist spot 22. Temple of Leah

The Temple of Leah is a prominent landmark located in Cebu City, Philippines. Often referred to as the “Taj Mahal of Cebu,” it is a grand, privately-built temple dedicated to the memory of Leah Villa-Abrille, the wife of a wealthy Cebuano businessman, Teodorico Soriano Adarna. The temple stands as a symbol of enduring love and devotion and has become a popular tourist attraction in the region.

Temple of Leah is also celebrated for its architectural beauty and the heartfelt story behind its creation. It serves as a poignant reminder of love and devotion, blending classical design elements with personal tribute. Its role as a tourist attraction and cultural landmark underscores its significance in the local and broader Filipino context.

Tourist spot 23. Taoist Temple

The Taoist Temple is a place of worship and cultural significance for practitioners of Taoism, a philosophical and religious tradition originating from ancient China. Taoist temples serve as centers for religious rituals, spiritual practice, and community gatherings. In different regions, Taoist temples vary in size, style, and influence, reflecting the diverse nature of Taoist practices and local traditions.

Taoist temples are integral to the practice of Taoism and the preservation of Chinese cultural heritage. They represent a rich tradition of spirituality, philosophy, and community engagement. Whether in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, or beyond, these temples continue to serve as vital centers for worship, cultural activities, and the promotion of Taoist values.

Tourist spot 24. Virgin in Simala

The origins of the Birhen sa Simala date back to 1998. The miraculous icon was reportedly discovered in the area by local devotees who had strong faith in the Virgin Mary. The shrine celebrates various feast days and religious events, including the feast of the Immaculate Conception and other Marian feasts, which attract large gatherings of the faithful.

The Birhen sa Simala is more than just a religious site; it represents a vibrant expression of faith and devotion in the Philippines. Its history, marked by the discovery of miracles and the establishment of a grand shrine, highlights the deep-seated Marian devotion of Filipino Catholics and the powerful impact of faith on communities.

Tourist spot 25. Mactan Island BBQ food stall

SUGBO MARKET LAPU-LAPU is a popular market in Cebu

Street food style dining is becoming popular in Cebu, and many locals gather at SUGBO MERCADO LAPU-LAPU to eat there.

It is a popular spot for tourists because you can eat a variety of food, including Filipino cuisine, at reasonable prices and experience a summer festival atmosphere. You can also drink alcohol.

Summary

Cebu Island is filled with many tourist attractions.

Tropical beaches, nature, shopping, night views, and more – all things that you can’t experience in Japan. If you’re planning to go to Cebu, you may be crying out in joy, “There’s no way I can fully enjoy it in just a three or four day trip.”

In times like these, you may want to use the local optional tour company “Cebu Pre.”

セブ島観光オプショナルツアー専門｜セブ島現地旅行会社セブプレ

The itinerary is designed to take you to many tourist spots using the shortest route possible with minimal waiting time, and staff will support you on your trip, so you can enjoy visiting many spots in one day. What’s more, it also has the benefit of protecting your valuable belongings from pickpockets and snatchers, and comes with a service where you can request to have your photo taken.

This time, we have selected 25 places carefully selected by the local tour company staff, but there are many other attractive spots in Cebu. If you are going to visit Cebu in the future, please enjoy Cebu to the fullest!