The Cebu packing list: what to bring for beaches, waterfalls and the city

Cebu is warm all year, so packing is mostly about staying cool, dry and protected from the sun. The tricky part is that one trip can mix a city day, a morning in a waterfall, a boat ride and a sweaty hike. This list covers all of it, plus a few extras for the rainy season. Pack light: you will often carry your own bag on and off boats and buses.

Clothes

• Light, breathable clothes: T-shirts, shorts, a summer dress or two. Quick-dry fabrics are best, because things dry slowly in the humidity.
• One modest outfit that covers your shoulders and knees, for churches such as the Basilica del Santo Niño and Simala Shrine. A light scarf or sarong works well as a cover-up.
• Swimwear, ideally two sets so one can dry. A rash guard or long-sleeved swim shirt protects you from the sun when snorkelling.
• A light jacket or long-sleeved top. Air-conditioned buses, malls and ferries can be very cold, and mornings on mountains like Osmeña Peak are cooler than you expect.
• A hat and sunglasses. The sun is strong, even on cloudy days.

Shoes

• Water shoes or sturdy sandals with straps. Essential for waterfalls, rocky beaches, boat landings and canyoneering. Flip-flops slip off in rivers.
• Comfortable walking shoes or light trainers for the city and short hikes.
• Flip-flops for the beach and your accommodation. You can also buy them cheaply anywhere in Cebu.

Beach and water gear

• Reef-safe sunscreen. Put it on well before you swim, and note that at the Oslob whale shark site you are asked not to wear sunscreen in the water at all.
• A dry bag (10-20 litres) for boat trips and island hopping. Phones, cash and passports get wet fast in a small outrigger boat.
• A waterproof phone pouch if you want photos in the water.
• A quick-dry towel. Many budget rooms and day trips do not provide one.
• Your own mask and snorkel, if you have a set that fits well. Rentals are easy to find in Moalboal and on island-hopping trips, but quality varies.

For the rainy season

From about June to November, short heavy showers are common, and storms can bring days of rain. Read our guide to travelling in the rainy and typhoon season for more.

• A packable rain jacket or poncho. Umbrellas are sold everywhere, but a jacket is easier on a motorbike or a hike.
• Zip-lock bags for your phone, passport and cash.
• Shoes that can get wet and dry quickly.
• A power bank, in case of short power cuts after a storm.

Health and comfort

• Insect repellent, especially for waterfalls, mangroves and evenings. Dengue is present in the Philippines, so avoiding mosquito bites matters.
• A small first-aid kit: plasters, antiseptic, painkillers and something for an upset stomach.
• Oral rehydration salts. Easy to forget, and very useful after a long hot day.
• Any prescription medicine you need, in its original packaging. Pharmacies are common in towns, but your exact brand may not be.
• A reusable water bottle. Do not drink the tap water, but many hotels and cafes have refill stations.

Money, documents and tech

• Your passport, plus a photo of it saved on your phone and in your email.
• Cash in small notes. Tricycles, jeepneys, small shops and environmental fees often need exact change, and ATMs are scarce on small islands.
• A bank card for ATMs in the city and for malls, hotels and Grab.
• A plug adapter if you need one. The Philippines uses 220-volt power and mostly two-pin sockets (types A, B and C), so check your chargers.
• Your phone, with a local SIM or an eSIM. See our guide to SIM cards and internet.
• A small headlamp or torch for early starts, such as sunrise hikes or dawn dives.

Day bag checklist

For a typical day trip to a waterfall or an island-hopping tour, this is what to carry:

1. Swimwear on, and a dry change of clothes.
2. Water shoes, a towel and sunscreen.
3. A dry bag with your phone, cash and a copy of your ID.
4. Water and a snack.
5. A rain jacket or poncho in the wet season.

What to leave at home

• Heavy jeans and thick jackets. You will hardly wear them.
• Lots of shoes. Two or three pairs are enough.
• Expensive jewellery. It is not needed and is one more thing to worry about.
• A big hard suitcase, if you can avoid it. A soft bag or backpack is much easier on boats, steps and small vans.

Anything you forget, you can usually buy in the malls of Cebu City or Mactan before heading out. For more planning help, see our first-time tips for Cebu and our guide to the best time to visit.

Photo: "Kawasan Falls Cebu" by Rollymagpayo, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.