All destinations

Dauin, Negros Oriental

Apo Island

A tiny volcanic island off southern Negros with one of the Philippines' most famous community-run marine sanctuaries. Snorkel with green sea turtles over healthy coral, the respectful way.

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.

Cebu City, Cebu

Fort San Pedro

The triangular Spanish fort beside Pier 1, where Cebu's story as a city began in 1565. Thick coral-stone walls, three bastions, a quiet garden courtyard and a small museum, for a low entrance fee.

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.

Medellin, North Cebu

Gibitngil Island

A quiet island village a short boat ride off Medellin in North Cebu, with clear water, limestone cliffs, sandbars and colourful cottages on the rocks. Simple, local and far from the crowds.

Alcoy, South Cebu

Tingko Beach

A long, easy-going strip of white sand and shallow turquoise water right beside the highway in Alcoy. The perfect swim stop between Oslob, Boljoon and Dalaguete.

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.

Downtown and Fuente Osmeña, Cebu City

Carbon Market and Larsian

Cebu City's oldest and biggest market by day, smoky barbecue skewers and puso at Larsian by night. A cheap, tasty and very local food trip in the heart of the city.