Best in May

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.

Basco, Batanes

Batanes

The northernmost province of the Philippines: rolling green hills, wild coastlines, old stone houses and a slow, gentle way of life. A trip you plan ahead and never forget.

El Nido, Coron and Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Palawan

Limestone lagoons in El Nido, crystal lakes and wrecks in Coron, and an underground river in Puerto Princesa. How to pick your base and fly there from Cebu.

General Luna, Surigao del Norte

Siargao

The surfing capital of the Philippines: Cloud 9 waves, a green lagoon, tidal rock pools and tiny palm islands, about an hour by direct flight from Cebu.

Malay, Aklan

Boracay

The Philippines' most famous white beach, now cleaner after its 2018 rehabilitation. Sunset sails, calm turquoise water and an easy short flight from Cebu.

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.

Bogo City, North Cebu

Capitancillo Island

A tiny islet off Bogo City with a tall white lighthouse, clear shallow water and a protected reef. A perfect day trip for snorkelling in North Cebu.

San Francisco, Poro and Tudela, Camotes Islands

Camotes Islands

A quiet group of islands east of Cebu with a wide freshwater lake, cool swimming caves and soft white beaches. Easy by ferry, best explored by scooter.

Mactan Island, Lapu-Lapu City and Cordova

Mactan Island Hopping

Spend a day on an outrigger boat off Mactan: snorkel in the marine sanctuaries of Hilutungan and Nalusuan, walk the sandbar of Pandanon and eat fresh seafood on a tiny island.

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.

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.