Best in December

Argao, South Cebu

Argao Heritage Town

A slow, old-world town on Cebu's south-east coast with a beautiful 18th-century stone church, torta and hot chocolate, handwoven hablon and green hills close by.

Lindogon, Sibonga, South Cebu

Simala Shrine (Monastery of the Holy Eucharist)

A castle-like hilltop shrine in Sibonga, South Cebu, visited by thousands of pilgrims for its Marian image, candle offerings and quiet gardens. Dress modestly and come early.

Alegria, South Cebu

Alegria Canyoneering and Waterfalls

Jump, slide and swim down the Kanlaob River canyon from Alegria to Kawasan Falls, then explore quiet waterfalls in the hills of this small southwest Cebu town.

Lambug, Badian, South Cebu

Lambug Beach

A long, quiet stretch of white sand and clear, shallow water in Badian, with views to Negros and lovely sunsets. A relaxed beach close to Kawasan Falls.

Mantalongon, Dalaguete, South Cebu

Osmeña Peak

The highest point of Cebu, about 1,000 metres up in Dalaguete. A short, rewarding hike to jagged green peaks and views of both coasts, best at sunrise.

Matutinao, Badian, South Cebu

Kawasan Falls

Turquoise pools, jungle walls and three levels of waterfalls in Badian. Swim, float on a bamboo raft or arrive the fun way, by canyoneering down the river.

Bantayan Island, North Cebu

Bantayan Island

A flat, laid-back island off the northwest tip of Cebu with powdery white sand, shallow turquoise water, island hopping and one of the oldest churches in the country.

Malapascua Island, North Cebu

Malapascua Island

A small, car-free island off the northern tip of Cebu, famous for early-morning thresher shark dives and the powdery white sand of Bounty Beach.

Moalboal, South Cebu

Moalboal

Snorkel straight off the beach into a shoal of millions of sardines, swim with sea turtles and hop to Pescador Island, all from one laid-back town in South Cebu.

Cebu City, Cebu

Museo Sugbo

Cebu's provincial museum, set in the coral-stone Carcel de Cebu jail of the 1870s. See the galleries on Cebu's past, reopened in August 2025, in a quiet corner near Fort San Pedro.

Cebu City, Cebu

Magellan's Cross

The small coral-stone pavilion in downtown Cebu City that shelters Magellan's Cross. Its story, the painted ceiling, candle custom, the 2025 closure and how to visit next to the Basilica.

Loboc, Bohol

Loboc River Cruise

Bohol's famous floating buffet lunch: drift along the green Loboc River with live music, then see Busay Falls and Loboc's old stone church, an easy day trip from Cebu.