Best in January

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.

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.

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.

Danao City, North Cebu

Danao City and Danasan Eco Adventure Park

A coastal city north of Cebu City with an old coral-stone church, and a mountain adventure park above it for ziplines, treks, waterfalls and cool upland air.

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.