Guide to Cebu and Siquijor Island, Philippines
Moalboal
After arriving in Cebu at Mactan International airport, take a taxi from the airport to South Bus Terminal and from there take a bus to Moalboal. It is a 2.5-3 hour journey or more, depending on the traffic.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi straight from the airport to Moalboal which would take around 2.5 hours. If you travel in a group of 3 or 4 this option makes so much sense.
After a long drive we finally made it to Moalboal.
Moalboal is a charming coastal town renowned for its Panagsama Beach. A unique feature of this beach is the massive congregation of sardines, just a few meters from the shore. You can easily walk off the beach, swim a short distance, and find yourself surrounded by millions of sardines, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and freediving. To get an even better view, I opted for scuba diving, which was an incredible experience.
In addition to the sardines. Moalboal offers numerous other excellent dive sites around the island. There's also the nearby Pescador Island, where you're almost guaranteed to encounter sea turtles. Moalboal is such an ideal place for scuba diving. The visibility is great. It was around 20 meters when I was there, there are many variety of marine life and so colorful, and easy to dive as there was no current.
As a scuba diver, I can spend the whole trip diving in this area. But there are many other things the area has to offer;
White Beach is surrounded by lush greenery and provides stunning views of the Tañon Strait, with the possibility of witnessing beautiful sunsets. The calm and shallow waters make it a family-friendly spot, suitable for children and less experienced swimmers. It is also an excellent location for snorkeling, as the coral reefs are teeming with vibrant marine life just a short swim from the shore.
This natural attraction features two main levels of cascading water: the first level plunges about 14 meters, while the second, more impressive level drops approximately 98 meters.
You can swim the cool, clear waters of the natural pool at the base of the falls. There is also well-maintained scenic hiking trails that offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The area is equipped with bamboo bridges and pathways that enhance accessibility.
The highest point on the island, standing at approximately 1,013 meters above sea level. Famous for its breathtaking panoramic views and unique landscape, Osmeña Peak is part of the Mantalungon mountain range and is often compared to the famous Chocolate Hills of Bohol due to its similarly shaped limestone formations.
The falls consist of a series of cascading waterfalls, with the most prominent being the first tier, which features a 40-meter drop into a large, inviting pool. The second and third tiers are smaller but equally beautiful, each with its own charm and swimming areas.
For the more adventurous, canyoneering activities offer an exhilarating way to explore the falls and surrounding canyons, involving jumping, climbing, and rappelling through the rugged landscape.
Oslob
One controversial activity in Oslob is snorkeling with whale sharks while they are being fed by fishermen. According to a local guide, this practice has been attracting tourists for about eight years, providing jobs and income to what was once a quiet, small fishing village. Whale sharks, initially considered pests by the fishermen due to their interference with fishing nets, began to be fed intentionally. This led to a steady return of the whale sharks and an influx of tourists eager to interact with the world's largest fish, transforming Oslob into a bustling tourist destination.
From 6 am to 11 am, crowds of curious travelers gather for the experience. After a brief five-minute safety briefing, participants are taken out on small spider boats, just a few meters from the shore, where they can see whale sharks swimming right in front of them. They then have 30 minutes to snorkel around these gentle giants.
Other than the whale shark watching program, Tumalog falls is another well known attraction you can visit. Unlike many other waterfalls, Tumalog Falls is characterized by its unique curtain-like appearance. The water cascades down a wide, curved rock face, creating a gentle and elegant flow rather than a powerful torrent. The waterfall is relatively high, with the water dropping from a considerable height, giving it a majestic and imposing presence.
You can do a day trip to Sumilon island from Oslob.
A small yet captivating island known for its stunning natural beauty and pristine marine environment. The island is famous for its picturesque sandbar that changes shape and size with the tides, offering a perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing.
The island is surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life, making it an excellent destination for snorkeling and diving.
Siquijor Island
Take a ferry to Siquijor island from Liloan Port, the ferry takes you to Lorena port.
A lesser-known island a few hours south of Cebu is known for its history of witchcraft. Visitors can even purchase love potions and voodoo dolls there.
Rent a motorcycle and explore the island at your own pace. There are many interesting place to check out;
A mystical landmark known for its imposing size and age, estimated to be over 400 years old. This ancient tree, with its massive trunk and sprawling roots, exudes an eerie yet captivating aura, deeply entwined with local folklore and legends.
The tree is a species of balete, a type of fig tree known for its aerial roots that hang down from its branches, creating a natural curtain. These roots and vines give the tree a mystical appearance, contributing to its reputation as an enchanted site. The locals believe that the tree is home to various supernatural beings, adding to its allure and mystical significance.
At the base of the Old Enchanted Balete Tree, there is a natural spring that feeds into a clear, shallow pool. This pool is home to numerous small fish that provide a natural fish spa experience, nibbling on the dead skin of visitors who dip their feet in the water.
One of the highlights of Cambugahay Falls is the opportunity to swing from a rope into the refreshing pools below, adding an element of fun and adventure to the visit.
There are many beautiful beaches you can visit:
Tips
• Credit cards are not commonly accepted here, so all payments must be made in cash. It's quite inconvenient, but unfortunately, there is no other option. So remember to bring C A S H
• Apart from taking a taxi to Southern Bus terminal, there’s a shuttle bus service called ‘My Bus’ running from the Cebu airport to the SM mall in the city where you can then grab a cab from
• Give yourself buffer time when travel by bus. Travel time depends heavily on traffic on that particular day. A 4 hour journey could turn into a 6.5 hour journey
• If you can, get on an air conditioned bus
• DO NOT travel between islands to catch a flight. We almost didn’t make it as our 7 hour journey turned to 11 hour journey. A smart thing to do would have been to stay over in Cebu the night before the flight.
• There’s a direct ferry from Liloan port (Cebu) to Lorena, Siquijor. From the initial research I was sure it was cancelled, but apparently it is not. We took a Maayo shipping ferry at 10 am to Lorena. Took us 3 hours. 230 PHP
• Direct ferry back to Cebu from Siquijor runs in the evening only. At 5 pm. If you want to leave in the morning you have to go via Dumaguete.
• 'Terminal Fee’ is a thing here. You pay that on top of your ferry tickets, prices vary depending on the port. This also applies to the departure from Cebu Mactan International airports (850 PHP)
• To save time, book whale shark our and canyoneering in one day. The tour also comes with private driver taking us from and back to our hotel. Book through AJ's Place Resort:
List of hotels:
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