The best sunrise and sunset spots in Cebu

Cebu is a long island that runs from north to south, with the sea on both sides. That makes it easy to find a good sky: the east coast faces the sunrise, and the west coast faces the sunset over the Tañon Strait and the island of Negros. Add a few mountain peaks and some small islands, and you have plenty of choice. Here are our favourite spots.

Sunrise: Osmeña Peak, Dalaguete

Osmeña Peak is the highest point in Cebu, with jagged green hills that look magical at first light. On a clear morning you can see the sea on both sides of the island. The walk to the top is short, but you need to start in the dark, so bring a torch and a light jacket, as it is cooler up here.

• Stay in Moalboal, Badian or Dalaguete the night before, or join a sunrise tour.
• Arrange your transport the day before, as the road up is steep.
• Pay the small entrance fee and stay on the paths.

Sunrise: the south-east coast

The coast between Argao, Boljoon and Oslob faces east across the Bohol Strait. If you are staying here for an early whale shark trip, step outside just before dawn. The sun often rises over the sea with Bohol on the horizon.

Sunrise: Mactan's east coast

Many resorts on Mactan look east towards Olango Island, so you can watch the sunrise from the beach before breakfast without going anywhere.

Sunset: Moalboal

Moalboal faces west across the Tañon Strait to Negros, and the sunsets here are some of the best in Cebu. Find a seaside bar on Panagsama Beach, or take a tricycle to White Beach for a quieter view. Pescador Island often sits right in the middle of the picture.

Sunset: Lambug Beach, Badian

Lambug Beach, south of Moalboal, is a long, quiet white-sand beach that also faces west. It is a lovely place to end a day after Kawasan Falls or canyoneering.

Sunset: Bantayan Island

Bantayan is flat, so the sky feels huge. Pick a west-facing beach, grab something cold to drink and watch the sky turn gold and pink over the Visayan Sea. Ask your hosts for their favourite local spot.

Sunset: Malapascua

On Malapascua, the evening light over Bounty Beach is a daily event, with palms, boats and a soft glow over the water. It is the perfect end to a day of diving or island hopping.

Golden hour and city lights: Busay

The mountains of Busay, above Cebu City, have several viewpoints, including the well-known Tops Lookout. They look out over the city, the bridges and Mactan. Go in the late afternoon for the golden light, then stay as the sun goes down and the city lights come on. Nearby places like the Temple of Leah and Sirao are also popular at this time. There is usually a small entrance fee.

• Go by Grab or taxi, or hire a driver, and arrange your ride back down before it gets dark.
• It can be windy and cooler up here, so bring a light layer.
• Weekends are busy, so go on a weekday if you can.

Tips for a great sunrise or sunset

• Check the times. Being close to the equator, Cebu has sunrise between about 5:20 and 6:15 am and sunset between about 5:20 and 6:10 pm all year. Use a weather app for the exact time.
• Arrive early. The best colours are often 20-30 minutes before sunrise and after sunset.
• Check the clouds. A few clouds make the sky more colourful, but on rainy days the view can disappear completely, especially on mountains.
• Bring a torch for walking in the dark, and insect repellent for the evenings.
• Take your trash home and stay on the paths.

Best time of year

The dry months, from about December to May, usually bring clearer skies and the best chance of a colourful sunset. In the rainy season, sunsets can still be spectacular between showers, but mountain views are more often hidden in cloud. See our guide to the best time to visit Cebu.

A sunrise-to-sunset day in the south

1. Watch the sunrise from Osmeña Peak.
2. Spend the late morning at Kawasan Falls or canyoneering in Badian.
3. End the day with sunset on the beach in Moalboal.

Need somewhere to base yourself? Read where to stay in Cebu, and see our 5-day Cebu itinerary.

Photo: "Osmeña Peak's Sunset" by choypictures, via Wikimedia Commons, released into the public domain (CC0).