Cebu's Hidden Gems

About Cebu

Cebu, a Philippine jewel, captivates with its breathtaking nature—lush greenery, enchanting waterfalls, and invigorating hikes. It beckons bucket-list adventures amidst limitless ocean adventures. Rich in history and culture, Cebu offers a kaleidoscope of experiences, a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity in this tropical paradise. This is the island that caused me to move permanently from England. 

Recommended Tours

Sometimes planning can feel very stressful. That's why we’ve researched and carefully crafted a list of highly-rated tours of the island! Skip the stress and book a premade tour of some of the best activities in the Philippines.

✨ Whale Shark & Tumalog Falls & Sumilon Sandbar & Pescador Island with Sardines

Whale Shark & Tumalog Falls & Sumilon Sandbar & Pescador Island with Sardines

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✨Pescador Island with Sardines & Turtle and Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls

Pescador Island with Sardines & Turtle and Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls

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✨Canyoneering Experience in Kawasan Falls with Lunch

Canyoneering Experience in Kawasan Falls with Lunch

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Waterfalls

Cebu is home to numerous waterfalls, each graced with turquoise waters that gracefully cascade over multiple tiers. From easily accessible ones to those requiring a bit of hiking, every waterfall in Cebu possesses a distinct charm and beauty that makes the journey, no matter the effort, truly worthwhile. Whether immersed in the well-developed sites or venturing into the more secluded spots, the refreshing dip offered by these waterfalls is always worthwhile.

✨Our Top Five:

Dao Falls

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Cebus most underated hidden Gem. This waterfall is a must see! It is a 20- 30 minute hike towards the falls (it is worth every minute).

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Aguinid Waterfalls

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An 8 tiered Sticky waterfall! The guides will lead the way as you climb up all 8 tiers of the waterfalls. This is such a fun activity. The guides give you helmets and a life jacket to keep you safe. Make sure you wear clothes that you don’t mind getting wet. This is one of the most pituresque waterfalls in the south!

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Inambakan Falls

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A jaw dropping waterfall in a jaw dropping location. Swim in the blue pools, climb on the rocks beneath and if you are feeling brave, you can jump from the middle of the falls. It is so beautiful here, we even saw a rainbow in the waterfall

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Kawasan Falls

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A tropical oasis in Cebu, Philippines, featuring multi-tiered turquoise waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for nature lovers. Extremely popular in Cebu. It is best to come early here to avoid the crowds!

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Mantayupan Falls

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Cebu’s highest waterfall! Found just 1.5hours from the city, this waterfall wont fail to amaze, with 2 tiers to see. Cross the hanging bridge to reach the upper tier, where you can swim in the bright blue water. How refreshing!

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✨Other Waterfalls:

Tumalog Falls

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A well known falls in Cebu. It is quite touristy but this is due to its jaw dropping views. It is a great place to take photos and have a swim!

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Montpellier Falls

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Hidden Gem in Alegria. It is a beautiful waterfall, where you will likely be alone without other tourists. It is secluded in nature.

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Binalayan Hidden Falls

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A beautiful waterfall that offers multiple different levels of cliff jumps. It is highly like that you will have the waterfalls all to yourself, especially if you get there earlier. It is necessary to take a guide to get there, but the guides are very friendly and offered to take lots of photos for us!

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Cambais Falls

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Gentle and secluded waterfall in the dense undergrowth. There are two levels. The waterfall behind is the more beautiful of the two. Arrive early to avoid any crowds. It requires a 15 minute walk to get to this falls. The road up to the falls is rather rocky and should be driven with caution

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Budlaan Falls

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Escape from the heat with this gorgeous hidden gem only 45 minutes away from the city. It is the perfect refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is only a short 30 minute hike to reach the falls

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Kabutongan Falls

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Waterfall with opportunities to jump in the from the rocks. A hidden oasis in Cebu. The guides are extremely friendly and helpful. It is a smaller version of Kawasan Canyoneering. Be aware, sometimes scams are common in this area.

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Cancalanog Falls - Madridejos, Alegria

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A small and steep road leads to this undoubtabley beautiful destination. It is small but a nice place to visit if you are nearby. 50php enterance fee.

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Lusno Falls

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An undeveloped waterfall in Rhonda. The local kids will help show you the way for a small fee. Although the water isnt quite as blue, it is still a great adventure if you are looking to get out the house.

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Himbabawod Falls

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This falls is only accessible with a local guide and a motivation to hike. The road is impassable for vehicles.

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Springs

Looking for a cold place to chill off from Cebu's hot climate? Or maybe you want a hot spring to help you relax? Check out these springs for a quick visit on your next road trip in Cebu.

Kabukalan Spring

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A laidback spring with a manmade waterfall. It is an ideal spot to unwind and cool off!

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Esoy Hot Spring

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A short trek towards two dipping pools and a small waterfall. It is a nice place to relax and unwind. Sometimes you can see monkeys in the surrounding trees. Entrance = 500php

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Mainit Springs

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Hot Spring nestled in the forest. The place is currently being improved to make it more accessible (December 2023)

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Adrenaline & Adventure Activities

Indulge your adrenaline junkie spirit with one of the exhilarating activities below. These experiences are not only incredibly enjoyable but are also sure to become fantastic stories you'll share for years to come.

Kawasan Canyoneering

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Jump, Dive and plunge into bright blue waters as you work your way down the canyon. The tour guides are very friendly and help calm your nerves. This is a must do activity, thats so much fun! This activity takes half a day and starts with an insane zip line over the forest. Book with the link below from just £45pp!

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Oslob paragliding

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Soar high in the sky far above beautiful Cebu. Book in advance to secure your spot as the activity depends on certain weather conditions. Theres no better way to see cebu than from up above!

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Bojo River Cruise

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Enjoy a relaxing boat ride down this pristine river and soak in the scenery. You may even see a turtle swimming nearby!

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Paddle Out Board Rentals & Tours

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Take a paddle with a guide up the river into the beautiful mangroves. The guides are lovely and ensure you have a fantastic time on this on the trip. Make sure you book in advanced to get this tour!

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Snorkelling & Scuba Diving

Diving in Cebu offers a mesmerizing underwater world, with vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and clear azure waters that make it a haven for underwater enthusiasts. Here are the best dive sites: 

Moalboal Sardines Run - Cebu Sardines Run

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For everyone who loves the ocean, this is the place to be. I recommend just renting a snorkel and mask and swimming 10minutes from the beach, out to the sardine shoal. Here you will see 1000s of sardines in a giant bait ball. I recommend snorkelling rather than Scuba Diving here, as you will be closer to the sardines this way.

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Pescador Island

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Dive in the gorgeous island with a high likelihood of seeing Turtles! Organise your trip in advanced with a dive school based in Moalboal.

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Oslob Whale Shark Watching

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Snorkel here with whalesharks. Please note that although this is an incredible opportunity, the guides here feed the whalesharks to draw them in. This can affect the ecosystem and therefore the activity is bad for the environment. Please consider this before choosing wheter or not to book a tour here.

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Monad

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If you do one dive on your trip to the Philippines, make it this one! This is your opportunity to dive with Thresher Sharks. An unbeatable experience! To do this dive, you must first take a boat to Malapascua Island, North of Cebu.

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Gato Island

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This is an extremely unique dive in which you will get to dive for 5 minutes through an underwater cave. You will likely see whitetip reef sharks and if you are lucky, bamboo sharks. This is a dive that starts from Malapascua Island

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Hiking & Camping

When people picture Cebu, they often think of crystal clear water and white sand beaches. But most people don't realise is the excellent scenery and greenery hidden in the center of the island. Make sure you add a hike, camp or drive into your Cebu experience!

Osmeña Peak

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This is the most famous hike in Cebu. There is a 150php enterance fee and mandatory tour guide. The view from the top is stunning. Check out the nearby Patimz Bistro if you want to skip the hike and just get the views with great service and food!

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Kandungaw Peak

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A 50php enterance fee will take you to a 1hour hike. You will have sublime views of the island with bohol and negros in the far distance. Check the weather for a clear day before you go :)

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Mt. Manunggal Campsite

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This campsite is perfect for nature lovers. It is the highest point in Cebu, meaning you can see both sunset and sunrise from their viewing deck. You can get a guide to take you on a hike which goes to a magnificent viewpoint. Please note: if you have mobility issues, the hike may be innaccessible

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Casino Peak Hiking Trail

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360 panoramic views of the island - a perfect hike, with no mandatory guide and just a 50php entrance fee. It is best to wear trainers here as it can be a little steep.

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Beaches

Cebu has many gorgeous beaches with white sand and crystal-clear waters. Swim, drink and relax on the finest beaches of the island!

Hermit's Cove

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Pristine Beach with crystal clear water. There are several stairs leading down to a beautiful sand beach. If you snorkel here, you can see a beautiful reef and if you are lucky, turtles often visit here too! There is a small enterance fee to this beach

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White Beach Moalboal

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A narrow white beach with turqoise waters. A beautiful spot to chill, soak in the ocean breeze and watch the sunset. If you love the ocean, try snorkelling here - theres a good chance you will see turtles around the reef

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Lambug Beach

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A less crowded beach than those in Moalboal. The beach is long and enjoyable to walk along. The ocean is crystal clear and a perfect place to refresh in! If you want to stay overnight, check out Tuyom Hostel. The entrance fee to the beach is 45php

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Panagsama Beach

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A rocky beach in Moalboal. This is where the Sardine Run is. Swim offshore towards the crowd of lifejackets and you will be above a goant school of sardines. You can rent a mask and fins when you are there.

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Sumilon Island

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Beautiful golden sandbar surrounded by crystal clear water! A perfect place for photos and a nice refreshing dip

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Cafes & Resteraunts

Patimz Bistro

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A beautiful cafe up in the hills near Osmena Peak. We had some of the best service in the Philippines here. The views are spectacular and food was amazing at an affordable price - Highly recommend!

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Bucketlist & Unique Airbnb's

150 Peakway

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Romantic Glamping campsite close to Osmena Peak

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Treehouse De Valentine

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Treehouse Accomodation perfect for couples and even families. A unique and bucket list stay for everyone!

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The Greenland Cabins

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Cabin in nature outside of the city. Relax in the pool or enjoy a lovely coffee at their very own cafe.

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West 35 Eco Mountain Resort

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Mountain top resort - a perfect getaway for families or couples looking to reconnect with nature

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Staying in the City?

Check out this free guide with all the best (and tested) spots in Cebu City. Sites to see, Places to eat, Accommodation, Nightlife and much more!

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Available for hire

Cebu City Guide

Cebu, a Philippine jewel rich in history and culture, offers a kaleidoscope of experiences, a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity in this tropical paradise. Explore the best of Cebu with fabulous dining, 5* views, waterfalls and so much more. Included in this Guide: 📍Things to Do 📍Places to Eat 📍Cafes 📍Nightlife 📍Shopping 📍Accommodation 📍Transport 📍Day-Trip Tours from Cebu

Backpacker • Couples • Groups • Family • Female Solo • Adventure • Camping • Budget • Coffee • Foodie • Road Trip • Outdoors

Free

Guide

Transport

Transport is a key aspect of a successful trip. Whether it is public transport, or renting a vehicle to explore at your own pace, we recommend the following 2 resources:

✨Rent a car with Discover Cars

Search Car Rental in Philippines, Lapu-Lapu City, Lapu-Lapu City Mactan Cebu International Airport (CEB) | Discover Cars

discovercars.tp.st

✨use 12Go to book busses and ferries

12Go: Book Trains, Buses, Ferries, Transfers & Flights

12go.tp.st