Cebu Tourist Spots to Spend a Weekend

Cebu is a popular destination to visit in the Philippines. Famous among local and foreign tourists, Cebu tops the list because of its beautiful beaches, natural attractions and historical landmarks. The island province also boasts wonderful dive spots and offers several outdoor adventures making Cebu a favorite among adventure enthusiasts, as well. Aside from these several Cebu tourist spots, the province is also a world-renowned destination because of festivals, rich culture and delicious food.

Cebu tourist spots to visit

Whether you love nature, adventure or food, Cebu is one the best places to go in the Philippines. It has so much to offer that also makes it an ideal destination for a weekend trip. Now, buy your tickets to Cebu and plan your visit to any of these suggested Cebu tourist spots.

Cebu City tour

Probably the most popular activity to do in Cebu on a weekend is the city tour. The historic city has several landmarks, shrines, museums and tourist sites to see. Among its popular Cebu tourist spots include Magellan’s Cross, Fort San Pedro, Basilica of Santo Niño, Casa Gorordo Museum and Temple of Leah. The city also offers exciting activities. You can go to the Tops for a view of the entire city. Have a scenic view of Cebu City’s skyline from the tallest building in Cebu. Visit Sirao Flower Garden, which has been named as the “Mini Amsterdam” because of its colorful flowers and other attractions.

If you love food, Cebu City is also definitely the place to indulge. The city has several local restaurants offering specialties of the province. Lechon is also a famous delicacy in Cebu. One of my most favorites is Rico’s Lechon. So if you’re in Cebu, don’t forget to dine in and try lechon.

How to get around Cebu City? Public transportation is the cheapest option to get around Cebu City. There are three modes such as jeepney, taxi and motorcycle. However, the easiest way to tour Cebu is to rent a private car. It is pricier but this option will save time and makes it more convenient to visit one tourist spot and another.

Island Hopping in Mactan Island

If you want to go island hopping but don’t have much time to travel from the city, Mactan Island is the most accessible. It is the gateway to several islands and underwater spots that are great for island and underwater activities. You can arrange a tour by contacting your hotel or any of the resorts in Mactan Island. You may also visit my post about how we arranged our island tour in Mactan. Here are some of the places that we visited:

• Hilutungan Island Fish Sanctuary
• Islas Tres Rosas
• Sta Rosa Snorkeling Spot

How to get to Mactan Island? Mactan Island is an hour away by land from Cebu City. The most convenient way to travel is by taxi or to book a private car.

Canyoneering in Badian

One of the best and most unique adventures that I was able to try in Cebu was canyoneering in Badian. It’s an outdoor activity that involves traveling down creeks or streams within a canyon by a variety of means including walking, swimming, jumping and etc. Canyoneering was challenging and fun at the same time. It normally lasts for 4 hours. At the end of the activity, you’ll also see Kawasan Falls. One of the most beautiful falls in the country, it’s a treat that completes the experience.

There are several tour operators offering this adventure in Badian. To know more about canyoneering, please visit my post here.

How to get to Badian? Badian is 3 hours away travel by land from Cebu City. The cheapest way to reach the town is by local bus. Librando and Ceres buses are located in Cebu South Bus Terminal. But if you’re travelling with a group, hiring a private car or mini-van could be a better option.

Sumilon Island and Oslob

If I would be asked for a place that I visited in Cebu that I enjoyed the most, then that would be Sumilon Island. A 24-hectare island on the southeastern tip of Cebu, this island is surrounded by pristine white sand beaches. The beach is also just a 20-minute boat ride from Oslob, which makes it a perfect side trip for people visiting the town. But if you have extra cash to spend, I suggest that you stay at least a night in Bluewater Sumilon Island. This is the only resort in the island. I had a chance staying here once and it definitely made our Cebu weekend trip a relaxing and enjoyable one.

How to get to Oslob? To travel from Cebu City to Oslob, the cheapest option is to catch a bus at Cebu South Bus Terminal. There are 2 bus companies to choose from: Ceres Bus and Sunrays. Travel time to Oslob takes about 3 to 4 hours. Other options available are public van, hiring a taxi and renting a private car.

Moalboal

Moalboal is a coastal town located on the southernwest part of Cebu. The gateway to some of the best diving spots in the country, it’s one of the Cebu tourist spots not to be missed most especially when you’re in Cebu for adventure. The town is home of the famous sardines run diving experience. It’s also a place for snorkelling, swimming with turtles and other water activities.

If you’re not into underwater activities and just wanted to laze around and enjoy the beach, Moalboal has two main beach areas. These are Panagsama Beach and White Beach. The first one is closer to town and busier while the latter is further north and has fewer tourists. There are also nice and decent resorts in Moalboal.

How to get to Moalboal? The cheapest option to get to Moalboal is to take a bus from the Cebu South Bus Terminal. Travel time by bus takes about 3 hours. Other options to reach the town is by van, taxi and private car.

Bantayan Island

Bantayan Island is one of the beach destinations in Cebu perfect for a weekend trip. It’s a beautiful island on the northernmost part of the province known for its white sandy beaches. The island is also packed with amazing sites and tourist spots. These sites include Virgin Island, Hilatagan Island, Ogtong Cave, Paradise Beach and Mangrove Garden to name a few. Bantayan Island is also home to skydiving, one of the few skydiving establishments in the Philippines.

How to get to Bantayan Island? Bantayan Island is around 5-hour trip from Cebu City by land and by sea. The cheapest option to reach the island is to take a local bus going to Hagnaya Port from Cebu North Bus Terminal. From there, take a ferry to Santa Fe Port. From Cebu City, other options available to get to the port are by van, taxi and private car.

These are just some of the Cebu tourist spots to visit in the province. Aside from the places on this list, Cebu surely has still many other beautiful sites and attractions. If you have any further recommendations to add, then by all means share it in the comment section below. I will be happy to check that out when I get the chance to return to Cebu again.

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