South Cebu

Panagsama, Basdiot, Moalboal, South Cebu

Panagsama Beach

The dive-and-chill strip of Moalboal. Walk into the sea at dawn to swim with the sardines, watch the sunset over Negros, then eat and sip your way along one lively beach road.

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.

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.

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.

Bancogon, Oslob, South Cebu

Sumilon Island

A small island off Oslob with a white sandbar that changes shape with the seasons, clear water and one of the oldest marine sanctuaries in the Philippines.

Luka, Oslob, South Cebu

Tumalog Falls

A wide curtain of water spilling down a mossy wall into a shallow, turquoise pool, just a few minutes from the whale shark area in Oslob. Cool, gentle and easy to reach.

Boljoon, South Cebu

Boljoon Heritage Town

A small seaside town in South Cebu with a fortress-like coral stone church, a parish museum, Spanish-era watchtowers and views over the sea from Ili Rock.

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.

Carcar City, South Cebu

Carcar City

Cebu's best-kept heritage town, about an hour south of the city. Old ancestral houses, a striking church, and the crunchiest chicharon and juiciest lechon you will find.

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.