Best in February

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.

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.

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.

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.