Best in January

Gilutongan, Cordova, Cebu

Nalusuan Island

A tiny resort island and marine sanctuary off Cordova, about 20-40 minutes by boat from Mactan. Calm, shallow snorkelling and a wooden jetty, with fees and rules explained.

Corella, Bohol

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, Corella

Meet a tiny big-eyed tarsier in a quiet Bohol forest: a short guided walk at a conservation sanctuary in Corella, with strict no-flash and no-touching rules.

Cebu City, Cebu

Basilica del Santo Nino and Magellan's Cross

The oldest Catholic church site in the country and the Holy Child image behind it, with Magellan's Cross in its kiosk next door. Free to enter. Pilgrim customs, dress code and etiquette explained.

Hilutungan, Cordova, Cebu

Hilutungan Island

A tiny island with one of Cebu's oldest marine sanctuaries, about 30 minutes by boat from Mactan. Snorkel a protected reef full of fish, with fees and rules explained.

San Juan, Siquijor

Siquijor

A small, friendly island of turquoise waterfalls, sunset beaches and old stone churches, best explored on a slow loop by motorbike or tricycle. Now reachable by direct flight from Cebu.

Malapascua, Daanbantayan, North Cebu

Monad Shoal (Thresher Shark Dives)

The underwater plateau off Malapascua where thresher sharks rise at dawn. What the dive is like, who can do it, what it costs, how to pick a shop and what to do if you do not dive.

Panglao, Bohol

Panglao Island

Bohol's beach island: white sand at Alona, turtles and reef walls at Balicasag, an underground lagoon at Hinagdanan and an easy fast-ferry trip from Cebu.

Malabuyoc, South Cebu

Malabuyoc

A quiet heritage town on Cebu's southwest coast: a coral stone church from the 1830s, an old watchtower by the sea, and waterfalls and hot springs in the hills behind it.

Santander, South Cebu

Santander

The southern tip of Cebu: Liloan port and the short crossing to Negros, pebble beaches, calm mornings and views of Negros and Siquijor. A quiet base next to Oslob and Sumilon.

Sogod, North Cebu

Sogod

A quiet town on the north-east coast where the white sand begins. Beach days on the Camotes Sea, a roadside waterfall, a cold spring and an old church, about two hours from Cebu City.

Bojo, Aloguinsan, South Cebu

Bojo River

Paddle through quiet mangroves to the sea with local guides on the community-run Bojo River tour in Aloguinsan, then swim at nearby Hermit's Cove. Slow, green and good for the soul.

Barangay Magsaysay, Balamban, Cebu

Balamban and Mt. Manunggal

Cool mountain air, a winding highway with big views and a quiet memorial where President Magsaysay's plane went down in 1957. An easy hike and a great first camping trip from Cebu City.