Best in May

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.

Limasawa, Southern Leyte

Limasawa Island

A small, quiet island off Southern Leyte where the first Easter Mass in the Philippines was held in 1521. Climb to the hilltop cross, snorkel clear water and enjoy slow island life.

Bangui, Ilocos Norte

Bangui Windmills

A row of giant wind turbines along a grey-sand shore at the northern tip of Luzon, plus the classic Ilocos Norte loop: rock formations, a hilltop lighthouse, a UNESCO church and sand dunes.

Basco, Batanes

Batanes

The northernmost province of the Philippines: rolling green hills, wild coastlines, old stone houses and a slow, gentle way of life. A trip you plan ahead and never forget.

Carmen, Bohol

Chocolate Hills

Over a thousand grassy hills rolling to the horizon in the heart of Bohol, an easy day or overnight trip from Cebu by fast ferry, with tarsiers and the Loboc River on the way.

El Nido, Coron and Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Palawan

Limestone lagoons in El Nido, crystal lakes and wrecks in Coron, and an underground river in Puerto Princesa. How to pick your base and fly there from Cebu.

General Luna, Surigao del Norte

Siargao

The surfing capital of the Philippines: Cloud 9 waves, a green lagoon, tidal rock pools and tiny palm islands, about an hour by direct flight from Cebu.

Malay, Aklan

Boracay

The Philippines' most famous white beach, now cleaner after its 2018 rehabilitation. Sunset sails, calm turquoise water and an easy short flight from Cebu.

Off Panagsama Beach, Moalboal, South Cebu

Pescador Island

A tiny, rocky island off Moalboal, ringed by coral walls and protected as a marine sanctuary. Snorkel the reef edge or dive into the famous Cathedral cave.