Sumilon Island is a small sandbar island located just a short boat ride around from Oslob. There’s no doubt that Sumilon Island is an epic spot for spending the day relaxing, exploring and swimming in some of the clearest water in Cebu.

In this blog post, I’ll outline everything you need to know about visiting Sumilon Island in Cebu, as well as showcasing this incredible spot in photos captured during my visit.

Before You Go

Travel is back! Don’t forget travel insurance in 2023. Adventure travelers will want to check out World Nomads or SafetyWing for longer trips

Get SafetyWing Travel Insurance

Sumilon Island Boat Price

The Sumilon Island boat transfer price is 1500 pesos per boat. As mentioned, this is per boat, not per person. Some operators might try to tell you that it’s 1500 per person, but don’t be fooled.

The boat operators might also try to tell you that others won’t want to share a boat, or that you’ll be waiting for hours for people to arrive. Don’t believe it. In the peak or shoulder seasons, you’ll certainly see other travelers wanting to share a boat to Sumilon Island.

There is also a 50 peso environmental fee per person. This goes to the local municipality to maintain the environmental integrity of Sumilon Island.

Related: Most Awesome Things to do on Cebu Island

Best Things to See & Do On Sumilon Island Cebu

Snorkeling and Diving

Once you arrive, one of the best things to do is to check out the underwater world.

It’s possible to snorkel all around the sandbar. There are small patches of reef on the long stretch of white sand, with plenty of fish to see. However, the best place for snorkeling on the island is in the Marine Sanctuary. This is a protected marine area a little out of the way from the main sandbar swimming area.

There are also a few dive-sites on Sumilon. If you’re interested in doing any scuba diving, it’s best to speak to the Bluewater Resort. They organize trips to up to 5 different dive sites.

The Shifting Sandbar

An interesting thing about the island sandbar is that it is always shifting direction. You may have seen thinner, stretched sand reaching fat out from the Southern tip. This is due to monsoons bringing tropical rain and tide patterns that shift the sandbar.

The great thing about the island is that it’ll always look different, no matter what time of year you choose to check it out!

When is the Best Time To Visit Sumilon Island

The best time to visit Cebu and Sumilon Island will depend on the Typhoon seasons. There are two main seasons in Cebu; Dry and Wet Seasons.

Cebu dry season – December – June
Cebu wet season – June – December

The best time to check out the sandbar island is in the Dry season, or just before, from November to May. It is possible to dive and snorkel all year round, however, these months provide the best visibility and weather conditions on the island.

Sumilon Island Resort & Day Passes

The entire island has only one resort or accommodation option. For those with deeper pockets, you could also enjoy an excellent overnight trip while staying at the Sumilon Island Bluewater Resort.

The resort owns a large portion of the island, including the entire northern side. So, in order to fully experience the rest of this awesome place and to spend a night here, you’ll need to book a room.

However, visitors are free to explore the private side of the island by purchasing a day-pass online with Klook. This gives you access to all of Bluewater’s facilities including the private beach, infinity pool, lagoon, restaurant and snorkeling trips.

MORE PHOTOS FROM SUMILON ISLAND

I hope that you enjoyed this short travel guide to Sumilon Island Cebu. Before you head out, why not check out some Sumilon Island photos captured on my trip below? For more travel and adventure inspiration on Cebu, make sure to also visit some of my other articles found at the bottom of this blog post.

The best place to base yourself is in Moalboal as it’s close to all of the best things to do and all the epic attractions you’ll want to add to your Cebu itinerary. However, if you’re planning to travel around the island, then I’d also recommend staying at:

• Cebu City/Mactan
• Oslob
• Malapascua
• Sumilon Island

Here are the best hotel picks for each budget.

• Best Luxury Resort in South Cebu: Ancelle Cristo Re – the top-rated luxury resort situated on a private beach near Moalboal where you can snorkel with sea turtles. This hotel is run by three amazing sisters who use their proceeds to support a local orphanage.
• Best Resort in Mactan/Cebu City: Bai Hotel – a great mid-budget resort in Cebu City with large rooms, daily buffet breakfast, and rooftop swimming pool. Located verry close to the Cebu International Airport.
• Backpacker Hostel With a Vibe in Moalboal: Chief Mau – a great hostel with a relaxed backpacker vibe in the heart of Moalboal. Large rooms, an onsite bar, and tours can be booked straight from the front desk.
• Sustainable lodging in Malapascua: Villa Sandra – an awesome treehouse accommodation on Malapascua Island – an awesome place to scuba dive with Thresher Sharks
• …10+ More Top-Rated Hotels on Cebu

More Top-Rated Hotels on Cebu

Stay on Sumilon Island

Sumilon Bluewater – stay on a pristine private island complete with a beautiful white sandbar and crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkeling.

more Thigns to do in Cebu & The Philippines

I hope that you’ve enjoyed this quick and updated guide to visiting Sumilon Island Cebu. For more adventures on the island, as well as others in the Philippines, make sure to check out some of my other guides and tips below!

• 6 Best Cebu Waterfalls Not To Miss in 2022 – The Ultimate Guide
• Aguinid Falls: Exploring Multi-leveled Waterfalls Near Samboan (Cebu)
• Cambais Falls in Alegria Cebu – Is This The Most Underrated Waterfall?
• Cebu Island Travel Guide – 15 Epic Things to Do in 2023 + A Reliable Itinerary
• Digital Nomad Jobs – 2023 Guide to Making Money Online While Traveling
• Exploring Inambakan Falls In Ginatilan, Cebu
• Kawasan Falls In Cebu, Philippines – Complete 2022 Guide
• Snorkeling in Moalboal – Where to Swim With Giant Turtles on Cebu
• Sumilon Island, Cebu – Everything You Need to Know 2022
• Tumalog Falls In Oslob, Cebu – Complete Guide
• Visiting Montpellier Falls in Alegria, Cebu
• Where to See the Moalboal Sardine Run At Panagsama Beach in 2023

Pin It For Later

The post Sumilon Island, Cebu – Everything You Need to Know 2022 appeared first on We Seek Travel.

Kawasan Falls is one of the most picturesque tropical waterfalls on planet earth. Although it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions, I’d still recommend visiting Kawasan Falls because it simply has to be seen to be believed.

In this travel guide, I’ll detail everything you need to know about Visiting Kawasan Falls in Cebu. I’ve also dedicated a section on finding all of the best, hidden Kawasan Falls levels for you to explore more than just the tourist route. Furthermore, I’ll also share the locations of the best waterfall cliff jumps so you can have an epic visit to Kawasan Falls on Cebu Island, The Philippines.

Featured in: Things to do in Cebu

About Kawasan Falls Cebu

Kawasan Falls is a 12-meter tall waterfall plunging into turquoise jungle waters in Badian, Cebu. It is said to be the most beautiful and consequently, the most popular waterfall on Cebu and perhaps even in all of The Philippines.

The color of the water here really has to be seen to be believed. There’s a reason Kawasan Falls is nicknamed the “Gatorade Factory”. Surrounding the deep swimming hole are steep, limestone canyon walls. There is dense jungle vegetation growing all around the waterfall.

This main waterfall truly is a photographer’s dream. However, for those who like to adventure, there is so much more to do and explore than just the main waterfall.

Read More: 6 Best Cebu Waterfalls

Kawasan Falls Canyoneering in 2022: The Best Way to Experience the Badian Jungle Canyons

By far, the best and most adventurous way to explore Kawasan Falls on Cebu is to join in on a canyoneering trip. This was one of my favorite adventure activities in The Philippines.

In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I even booked a second tour on my return visit to Cebu!

The best trip is a full day canyoneering experience in Badian. I booked this same trip both times and honestly couldn’t recommend it enough.

Not all Kawasan Falls canyoneering trips are equal. Different operators take different routes and different jumps. The one I’m suggesting takes the best route with a couple of epic cliff jumps of 12+ meters (optional).

Tip: There are many Kawsan Falls canyoneering trips to choose from, but they’re not all equal! The Badian canyoneering trip is by far the best, with the best guides and offering great bang-for-buck with all fees included– it’s so good I’ve actually done it twice on my visits to Cebu! Alternatively, if you also want to swim with the whale sharks in Oslob, you can purchase a combined ticket with the same company, offering really good value for only $15 more for both activities.

How to get to Kawasan Falls

If you’re not into canyoneering (you’re missing out), then it is possible to visit Kawasan Falls independently by renting a bike and driving here yourself.

As I mentioned, Kawasan Falls is located in Badian on Cebu Island. Badian is famous for deep jungle canyons with incredibly blue freshwater streams and rivers. Below are the most up-to-date options for how to get to Kawasan Falls from Moalboal and from Cebu City.

Kawsan Falls From Moalboal

If you’re staying in Moalboal, the best way to get to the falls is to take a motorbike or tricycle taxi. It will take roughly 45 minutes to reach Kawasan Falls from Moalboal.

You could also take a local bus option for 20 pesos, which departs from “360 Pharmacy” on the main road. Tell the driver you want to go to Kawasan Falls and he will help you.

Cebu City to Kawasan Falls

Those looking to get to Kawasan Falls from Cebu City should expect a much longer journey. You can take a bus from the Southern Bus stand. However, this will take around 3 and a half hours. And then, this will only take you as far as Moalboal, where you will need to find additional transport to reach the Kawasan Falls and explore all of its incredible waterfall levels.

For those taking a motorbike, I’ve pinned the location below to help you navigate to it.

Once you reach the pinned location, walk past the ticketing office and onto the first of the waterfall levels.

RELATED POST: Cambais Falls – Most Underrated Waterfall on Cebu

Exploring Kawasan Falls Cebu: The Waterfall Levels

At Kawasan Falls, there are three main waterfall levels. However, the cascading river flows much further up through the canyons deep into the mountains.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the three main waterfall levels at Kawasan Falls, as well as the fourth, swimming hole level where you’ll also find a cliff jump spot and a rope swing. If you want to go any further up the Badian jungle canyons, you will need to book a canyoneering trip.

The Main Level – Kawasan Falls

I’ve already mentioned this level above. Being the largest and most scenic drop, it’s clearly the main attraction at Kawasan Falls Cebu.

Due to its popularity, locals have built some industry around the waterfall. Visitors will find food stalls and even tables set up. There are also fixed ropes and a bamboo raft that you can pay a local to take you out on for photos beneath the plunging waterfall.

While this waterfall is breathtaking, the ambiance might be ruined by having to share the waterfall with the hundreds of people that visit the waterfall each day. If you don’t make it to the falls early (I’m talking sunrise), you can still escape the crowds by hiking up the canyon to the other Kawasan Falls levels.

Here, you will find much fewer people, and some great jump spots too!

Above Kawasan Falls Level One

If you continue past the restaurants on the left-hand side of the waterfall, you’ll see a path up to the next level.

As soon as you round the corner, you will see a spectacular view from above the waterfall. It was once possible to cliff jump from this spot. However, there have been some serious injuries, so the local authorities have banned all jumping at the main waterfall.

RELATED POST: Aguinid Falls | Inambakan Falls

Level Two

If you continue past the first viewpoint, you will see flowing streams of that famous blue Cebu water and some small bridges. Keep an eye out for crystal blue private lagoon pools for swimming in.

Soon after, you will see another set of small buildings with a restaurant.

Just by this restaurant is one of the best levels of Kawasan Falls. Here, there is a very large, wide swimming hole with a small waterfall on the left, and a large waterfall at the back.

Tip: Best Cliff Jumping Spot at Kawasan Falls

At this location, just the second level of Kawasan Falls Cebu, it is possible to continue up the right-hand side to jump off the larger waterfall. This is the tallest cliff jumping spot at Kawasan Falls at around 11 meters.

I’d suggest waiting to watch where the canyoneering groups jump if you want to attempt this yourself.

Remember to always check the depth and look for submerged rocks before cliff jumping.

Level Three

Keep walking on the right-hand side of the swimming hole, past the large waterfall cliff jump, and follow the path.

Soon, you will find a large, man-made waterfall that has made the rounds on Instagram.

While there isn’t a swimming hole or much to do at this waterfall, it’s certainly a great spot to check out and take some quick snaps.

RELATED POST: Visiting Montpellier Falls in Alegria

Level Four

The fourth level at Kawasan Falls is one of my favorites. Shortly after the man-built waterfall, you will see a rope swing. It will set you back 10 pesos per person to use the swing but you can have as many turns as you’d like.

The rope swing launches directly into a wide, deep, crystal clear water hole. Just to the right of the rope swing is another deep swimming area, with a purpose-built cliff jump.

This cliff-jump is roughly 8 meters and is one of the last jumps on the canyoneering route. Even if you are not canyoneering, you can jump from this spot.

Just be mindful that the canyoneering teams are working their jobs, so if you’re looking to jump, try to squeeze in between the tour groups.

Kawasan Falls Tips

Check out some of the helpful tips below for those visiting Kawasan Falls on Cebu.

• Make sure to take any trash you bring with you. While there are rubbish bins, they can often be overflowed from the sheer amount of tourists that come here. Better to take it back to Moalboal or Cebu with you. You can also help out by picking up any trash you see in the rivers or swimming holes.
• Beat the crowds and come early! This is true of most tourist-hotspots. We came at first light and had the entire main waterfall to ourselves for over an hour! The morning light is also beautifully reflected from the walls and the flowing waterfall.
• Bring a dry-bag and some shoes that you’re not afraid of getting wet. You will be soaking after exploring the Kawasan Falls levels.
• Try some local honey. Sometimes there is a honey farmer selling fresh honey and he will let you try some.

The best time to visit Kawasan Falls Cebu

Like anywhere in Cebu, the best time to visit Kawasan Falls will depend on the Typhoon seasons. There are two main seasons in Cebu; Dry and Wet Seasons.

Dry season – December – June
Wet season – June – December

In my opinion, the best time to visit Cebu is in the shoulder season, between late December and early June. This maximises the chance of great weather and you won’t have to deal with the peak hustle of the crowds.

The waterfall flow and force will vary greatly between the seasons. If you’re looking to see a strong, powerful Kawasan Falls and don’t mind an hour or two of rain a day, then the wet season is great.

The dry season, however, will generally slow the flow down and is not the best time to visit.

Where to Stay on Cebu

The best place to base yourself is in Moalboal as it’s close to all of the best things to do and all the epic attractions you’ll want to add to your Cebu itinerary. However, if you’re planning to travel around the island, then I’d also recommend staying at:

• Cebu City/Mactan
• Oslob
• Malapascua
• Sumilon Island

Here are the best hotel picks for each budget.

• Best Luxury Resort in South Cebu: Ancelle Cristo Re – the top-rated luxury resort situated on a private beach near Moalboal where you can snorkel with sea turtles. This hotel is run by three amazing sisters who use their proceeds to support a local orphanage.
• Best Resort in Mactan/Cebu City: Bai Hotel – a great mid-budget resort in Cebu City with large rooms, daily buffet breakfast, and rooftop swimming pool. Located verry close to the Cebu International Airport.
• Backpacker Hostel With a Vibe in Moalboal: Chief Mau – a great hostel with a relaxed backpacker vibe in the heart of Moalboal. Large rooms, an onsite bar, and tours can be booked straight from the front desk.
• Sustainable lodging in Malapascua: Villa Sandra – an awesome treehouse accommodation on Malapascua Island – an awesome place to scuba dive with Thresher Sharks
• …10+ More Top-Rated Hotels on Cebu

More Top-Rated Hotels on Cebu

Stay on Sumilon Island

Sumilon Bluewater – stay on a pristine private island complete with a beautiful white sandbar and crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkeling.

MOre Free Cebu & Philippines Travel Guides

I hope you’ve enjoyed this quick guide to visiting Kawasan Falls on Cebu. It really is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Trust me, I’ve seen a few!

While you’re still here on my blog, make sure to check out some of my other guides. I’ve got loads more articles and photos for adventure inspiration on the island, so go check them out!

• 6 Best Cebu Waterfalls Not To Miss in 2022 – The Ultimate Guide
• Aguinid Falls: Exploring Multi-leveled Waterfalls Near Samboan (Cebu)
• Apo Island Guide – Incredible Snorkeling & Diving (Dumaguete, Philippines)
• Cambais Falls in Alegria Cebu – Is This The Most Underrated Waterfall?
• Cambugahay Falls, Siquijor – Don’t Miss this Waterfall in 2023
• Cebu Hotels: Best Areas, Resorts, & Accommodation – Where to Stay in 2023 (Philippines)
• Cebu Island Travel Guide – 15 Epic Things to Do in 2023 + A Reliable Itinerary
• Digital Nomad Jobs – 2023 Guide to Making Money Online While Traveling
• Exploring Inambakan Falls In Ginatilan, Cebu
• Kawasan Falls In Cebu, Philippines – Complete 2022 Guide
• Snorkeling in Moalboal – Where to Swim With Giant Turtles on Cebu
• Sumilon Island, Cebu – Everything You Need to Know 2022
• Tumalog Falls In Oslob, Cebu – Complete Guide
• Visiting Montpellier Falls in Alegria, Cebu
• Where to See the Moalboal Sardine Run At Panagsama Beach in 2023

MY CAMERA AND PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT

• Mirrorless Camera: Canon R5
• Drone: DJI Mavic Pro 2
• 360 Action Camera: Insta360 One X2
• Landscape Lens: Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L
• All-Round Lens: Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L
• Telephoto Lens: Canon RF 100-500mm f/f/4.5-7.1 L
• Long Action Pole: Insta360 Invisible Pole (BulletTime)
• Landscape Lens Filter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
• Camera Backpack: F-Stop Tilopa
• Favorite Photography Accessory: Peak Design Capture Clip

For a list of all my recommended photography gear (including what I use and why) check out my guide to camera gear for travel.

If you’d like to use any of the photographs on this website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. I also sell professional fine-art prints, visit my Print Store or contact me directly for customs prints of any images on We Seek Travel.

The post Kawasan Falls In Cebu, Philippines – Complete 2022 Guide appeared first on We Seek Travel.

Cebu Island is one of the best places in Asia to spend an awesome vacation full of adventure. From majestic jungle waterfalls to world-renowned diving and snorkeling, this Filipino island should not be missed!

The first thing you'll need to know is that there are a few different tourist hubs and places to visit. Therefore, choosing where to stay in Cebu can be a little daunting.

In this guide, I'll give you the low-down on all of the best areas and places to stay, as well as giving you my recommendations for the best-rated Cebu hotels, resorts and budget accommodation options.

A Quick Rundown of Where to Stay

Planning a trip and looking for a quick answer for where to stay in Cebu? Below are my top-picks for the best hotels, resorts and budget options.

If you scroll down, you’ll find a fairly long accommodation guide where I go into way more detail than this, but if you’re in a rush, you can’t go wrong with one of these picks.

Best Cebu Hotel (City): Bai Hotel

Best Luxury Hotel in South Cebu: Ancelle Cristo Re

Where to Stay close to Cebu Airport: Crimson Resort & Spa

Best Budget Cebu Accommodation: Chief Mau Moalboal

Where to Stay in Cebu: Region Guide

Below is a quick rundown of the areas to stay and visit on Cebu Island.

1. Moalboal

My favorite place to stay in Cebu is Moalboal. This is an established and fast-growing tourist hub located on the southwest coast of Cebu Island. Here, you'll be close to all of the best adventure activities in Cebu, including Kawasan Falls and a few other great waterfalls. This region is also famous for scuba diving, snorkeling and the epic Moalboal sardine run.

Featured in: Cebu Island Travel Guide – 15 Epic Things to Do + Itinerary

Best Accommodation in Moalboal

2. Cebu City/Mactan

If you're flying into Cebu, you'll be landing at the Cebu/Mactan International Airport near the city. This city is quite big and very busy. However, some of the best Cebu luxury resorts and hotels are found here. The city is attached to Mactan, a large island where you'll be close to the ferry terminal to Bohol and some great diving reefs.

Best Hotels in Cebu City

3. Malapascua

Malapascua is an awesome little island located just to the north of Cebu. This island is famous for scuba diving, especially its famed thresher shark dive. If you've got a bit of time to explore Cebu, then I highly recommend adding Malapascua to your list of places to stay.

Top-Rated Malapascua Hotels

4. Oslob

The final region/area to stay in Cebu is Oslob. This small beachside town is quite close to Moalboal and to many waterfalls including Tumalog Falls. Oslob is also the location where the whale shark swim departs. There are a few great hotels and resorts in this region of Cebu.

Top-Rated Oslob Hotels

5. Bonus: Sumilon Island

Sumilon is a tiny sand-spit island located on the southern coast of Cebu. This private little island is owned by Sumilon Bluewater and is a great option if you're looking for a tiny island getaway for a night or two.

View on Booking.com

Summary of the Best Hotels and Resorts in Cebu

Cebu Hotel Rates: Cebu Island and the Philippines in general is quite cheap to visit when compared to many other parts of Asia, and even compared to other islands like Siargao or Palawan.

You can find budget lodgings like guest houses and shared backpacker hostels for under $9USD per night and even the luxury Siargao resorts and high-end hotels typically cost less than $150USD per night.

Below is a quick table rundown for where to stay in Cebu, including the best Cebu hotels, luxury resorts and budget guest houses/hostels.

Keep reading for an in-depth Cebu accommodation guide with a summary of each option and why I recommend them.

Luxury Hotels

	Option	Area	Price
	Bai Hotel Cebu City	Cebu City	$230
	Ancelle Cristo Re Resort	Moalboal	$90
	Tepanee Beach Resort	Malapascua	$80
	Gingging Hotel & Resort	Oslob	$80
	Shangri-La Mactan Resort	Mactan	$198
	Sumilon Bluewater	Sumilon Island	$164

Best Value Hotels

	Option	Area	Price
	Citadines Cebu City	Cebu City	$116
	Sambag Hideaway Bungalows	Moalboal	$45
	Angelina Beach	Malapscua	$78
	Angler's Hub & Resort	Oslob	$33
	Crimson Resort and Spa	Mactan	$145

Best Budget Hostels

	Option	Area	Price
	Mad Monkey Cebu City	Cebu City	$8
	Chief Mau Moalboal	Moalboal	$31
	Villa Sandra	Malapascua	$8
	Sharky Hostel Oslob	Oslob	$10
	Little Norway Guesthouse	Mactan	$15

Best Places to Stay in Cebu

You’ve got the accommodation run-down, let’s dive deeper into why I think you should choose one of the below options for where to stay in Cebu. 

Best Luxury Cebu Hotels & Resorts (High-End)

Bai Hotel

• Area: Cebu
• Best for: Buffet breakfast and Pool with city view

Bai Hotel is one of the best 5 star luxury resort hotels in Cebu. It's located in the city and offers very clean, spacious rooms. Even the lobby is breathtaking with a luxury atmosphere. One of the best reasons why you should stay in this Cebu hotel is its daily buffet breakfast and in-room dining.

If you're visiting Cebu and looking for accommodation for where to stay for work, then this is a great pick as the wifi is excellent in all rooms and it's close to the airport and main shopping malls.

View on Booking.com

Ancelle Cristo Re - Where to Stay in Cebu for Incredible Snorkeling

• Area: Moalboal
• Best for: Private beach with snorkeling spotting sea turtles

Looking for a luxury resort in Moalboal, Cebu? The best pick is Ancelle Cristo Re. This resort is run by a family that is heavily involved in supporting a local orphanage, with proceeds going to the cause. It's located just a little further from the main strip of Moalboal, which means you'll get your own private beach. However, it's still close enough (10 minute's walk) to Panagsama Beach where you can swim with turtles and the sardine run.

The resort itself is beautiful with a tropical beach ambiance. It offers large, spacious villas that are some of the best-rated in Cebu.

View on Booking.com

Tepanee Beach Resort

• Area: Malapascua Island
• Best for: Relaxing and diving with Thresher Sharks

The best luxury resort in Cebu's northern island of Malapascua is the Tepanee Beach Resort. Getting here is quite easy, just a short 40-minute public ferry from Maya. The resort offers air-conditioned, spacious rooms as well as a massage parlor and spa bath (the ultimate luxury on Malapascua).

This resort is excellent if you've come to Cebu to check out the incredible diving and spot the famous thresher sharks.

View on Booking.com

Gingging Hotel & Resort

• Area: Oslob
• Best for: Excellent food within resort and beautiful pool

The best luxury resort near Oslob in Cebu's south coast is the Gingging Hotel. This spot is close to the whale shark swim and offers a large swimming pool, a la carte breakfasts, spacious room with great wifi and ocean views.

Gingging Hotel also offers an airport shuttle service which is very useful if you're landing in Mactan and looking to get to the south coast without hassle.

View on Booking.com

Shangri-La Mactan

• Area: Mactan
• Best for: Beach views and epic Cebu hotel with a pool

If you're visiting Cebu for a quick tropical getaway, one of the best places to stay is Mactan. The best luxury resort on this island off the coast of Cebu City is the Shanrgi-La.

These luxury resort hotels are world-famous for quality and excellent service. At the Mactan Shangri-La, you'll find a spa and massage parlour, 5 bars, luxury lounges, gym, tennis courts, private spa villas and two huge swimming pools!

Mactan is a great accommodation spot when choosing where to stay in Cebu as it's very close to the airport.

View on Booking.com

Bluewater Sumilon - Best Place to Stay in Cebu For Private Island Luxury

• Area: Sumilon Island
• Best for: Resort on a private island

One of the best day-trips that I had on Cebu was a visit to Sumilon Island. What I didn't know at first is that this little island is owned by a resort and offers incredible 4-star accommodation in one of Cebu's most idyllic locations.

Here, you'll get to experience incredible snorkeling, long stretches of white-sand beaches and loads of activities like paddleboarding and kayaking.

While Bluewater Sumilon offers a day-pass for visitors, you'll get a better experience if you stay here at least a night!

View on Booking.com

Best Mid-Range Cebu Hotels

Citadines Cebu City - Where to Stay in Cebu For Affordable "Luxury"

• Area: Cebu City
• Best for: Immaculate rooms with huge rooftop pool

With the Citadines Cebu City Hotel, it certainly doesn't feel like we've just stepped down from the high-end tier. This epic Cebu hotel with a pool has immaculate rooms with excellent city views. The pool is probably its biggest highlight as it is on the rooftop with expansive views over the skyline. There's a kid's club available and all rooms offer a lounge and view.

These rooms are excellent and offer great value as you can often get a room for under $100 per night.

View on Booking.com

Sambag Hideaway Bungalows

• Area: Moalboal
• Best for: Private beach with turtle snorkeling

The best mid-range pick for Moalboal is the Sambag Hideaway. This one is tucked away on a private beach where you can walk straight into the water from your bungalow and be swimming with green turtles!

The Sambag Hideaway has some of the best reviews for staff and guests always rave about the great air conditioning and wifi connection. Each bungalow also has ocean views.

View on Booking.com

Angelina Beach Resort

• Area: Malapascua Island
• Best for: Ocean views and large room

All the best Cebu accommodation options on Malapascua Island are beachside! And, this is no different at the Angelina Beach Resort. This is my recommended mid-range hotel pick for the island as it's located on a private beach and offers excellent large rooms with air-conditioning.

Location is often one of the most important factors when choosing where to stay in Cebu. If you pick the Angelina Beach Resort, you'll find yourself close to the best bars and restaurants on the island. Furthermore, there are loads of dive shops within walking distance!

View on Booking.com

Angler's Hub & Resort 

• Area: Oslob
• Best for: Organising tours and quiet location

The Angler's Hub is a really great bang-for-buck luxury resort in Cebu's southern township of Oslob. Guests will find this one on the beachfront in a quiet location away from the hustle and bustle. There's also a large pool and great air conditioning in every room.

If you're looking for a resort that organizes tours and activities, this one is a great choice for where to stay on Cebu Island.

View on Booking.com

Crimson Resort and Spa

• Area: Mactan
• Best for: Kids club and Spa

Mactan is known for its luxury resort offerings available at a fraction of the price when compared to other places in Asia. One of the best Cebu hotels that screams luxury without the price tag is the Crimson Resort & Spa.

This resort offers the whole package. It's a beach-front resort with infinity pools and loads of activities on offer including kids club, yoga classes, gym access, island tours and massage services. Guests rate this as one of the best hotels in Cebu for its breakfast and location. Crimson Resort is found on Crimson Beach and is only 800 meters from Tambuli Beach.

View on Booking.com

Best Budget Hostels & Value Guest Houses on Cebu

Mad Monkey Cebu City - Where to Stay in Cebu City for a Backpacker Vibe

• Area: Cebu City
• Best for: Backpackers and rooftop pool

The Mad Monkey hostels are renowned for being some of the best social backpacker places in Asia. In this guide, I've picked Mad Monkey as one of the best Cebu accommodations in the city for budget and solo travelers.

This is one of the best Mad Monkeys I've ever stayed at. You'll find an awesome rooftop pool, bar, restaurant, and spacious private rooms and dorms.

The vibes here are excellent thanks to the social layout and great staff. You can play billiards at the bar or ask the team to organize a guided tour to the Kawasan canyoneering from the city!

View on Booking.com

Chief Mau Moalboal

• Area: Moalboal
• Best for: Excellent location and social atmosphere

The first time I visited Moalboal, I stayed at Chief Mau. This backpacker hostel is located close to the beach and next to many restaurants and bars. This is a great pick if you're a solo traveler looking for Cebu accommodation on a budget. There are always backpackers hanging out playing pool, drinking a Red Horse or just lounging in hammocks.

The rooms are quite spacious and not super-close together which is great as you get a little bit of privacy in the dorms. Oh, there's also a resident sausage dog who is famous in town. I hope the little guy is still there!

View on Booking.com

Villa Sandra

• Area: Malapascua
• Best for: Sustainable tree-house close to dive shops

Villa Sandra is one of my personal favorite hostels/budget accommodations in Cebu and perhaps in all of Asia! This place is built using sustainable and recycled building materials including beer bottles, recycled bamboo and fishing nets.

Villa Sandra has a great vegetarian restaurant where we ate most of our meals on the island. The top tree-house is a great place t hang out and meet other travelers. There's always evening entertainment and the rooms are decent, especially for the price!

View on Booking.com

Sharky Hostel Oslob

• Area: Oslob
• Best for: Close to whale sharks and situated on the beach

The top backpacker/budget hostel accommodation in south Cebu (Oslob) is Sharky's. This hostel is located on Tan-Awan beach which is very beautiful. You'll also be close to the whale sharks and many great restaurants on the strip.

The staff here are very friendly and can arrange scuba diving and activities including a visit to Sumilon Island for cheap.

View on Booking.com

Little Norway Guesthouse

• Area: Mactan
• Best for: Big breakfast & accommodation close to the airport

Looking for cheap Cebu accommodation close to the airport? Don't look past the Little Norway Guesthouse. This spot is just a quick 10-minute drive from the airport and offers clean rooms with a kettle, fridge, shower, and TV. This is one of the most secure guest houses on Mactan in a gated complex with a security guard.

View on Booking.com

More Travel & Adventure Guides to Cebu

And, that's a wrap for this comprehensive and up-to-date Cebu accommodation guide featuring the best Cebu hotels, 5-star luxury resorts and cheap hostels and guest houses.

I hope this has been a useful guide to help you plan where to stay in Cebu for your visit to one of the Philippines best island destinations! While you're here on my blog, make sure to check out some of my other guides to Cebu and a few other spots in the Philippines you should definitely visit!

• 10 Best Islands in the Philippines: Complete 2023 Travel Guide
• 6 Best Cebu Waterfalls Not To Miss in 2022 - The Ultimate Guide
• Apo Island Guide - Incredible Snorkeling & Diving (Dumaguete, Philippines)
• Cebu Island Travel Guide - 15 Epic Things to Do in 2023 + A Reliable Itinerary
• Kawasan Falls In Cebu, Philippines - Complete 2022 Guide
• Siquijor Island: 8 Things to do + The Best Tourist Spots in 2023 (Philippines)
• Taktak Falls Siargao - Guide to the Only Siargao Waterfall

The post Cebu Hotels: Best Areas, Resorts, & Accommodation – Where to Stay in 2023 (Philippines) appeared first on We Seek Travel.

Cambais Falls is a multi-leveled, aqua-blue waterfall and swimming spot located in Alegria, Cebu. It’s conveniently located close to popular tourist hubs such as Oslob or Moalboal.

I consider Cambais Falls to be one of the most underrated waterfalls in Cebu. Here’s a quick guide to exploring Cambais Falls including all the details you’ll need!

Featured in: 6 Best Cebu Waterfalls

How to Get to Cambais Falls

By far the best way to get to Cambais falls is by motorbike. It will take roughly an hour from Moalboal to reach the waterfall. There isn't much signage indicating the way to Cambais Falls, so it's best to follow Google Maps.

It's a pretty scenic drive along the coast, passing canyoneering companies and the popular Kawasan Falls on the way. Once the maps direct you inland, it's an even more scenic drive up through the valley, past small villages and into the jungle.

The pin below is the starting point. Here you can park your bike next to a small bridge with overhanging trees. There is a small, weathered sign pointing to the trail that heads toward the waterfall.

• Google Maps Pin: "Cambais Falls"

After you've parked your bike, follow the small trail behind you. From here it's approximately 15 minutes until you reach the ticket office.

Don't Miss: Cebu Island Travel Guide

Cambais Falls - What to Expect

It's very easy to follow the distinct trail from the parking lot to the ticketing office. The entry cost is 50 pesos per person, which is very reasonable. The management also takes very good care to clean the area as there was little rubbish to be found at all.

I rate this waterfall as one of the best in Cebu if you're looking to relax and beat the crowds. Both times I've been here there have only been some local kids swimming and jumping off the lower levels.

Level One

Cambais falls has two main levels. The first is a large, deep turquoise swimming hole. There is also a tall waterfall off to the left and a more powerful, lower fall right next to it.

The swimming hole is quite deep on all sides. Just be mindful of any submerged rocks if jumping.

Level Two

You can climb with the fixed ropes on the right side of the Cambais Falls to reach the top of the first level. After that, keep going up and you will see a bamboo staircase leading up to level two.

Get Safe Drinking Water Anywhere!

Enter the Grayl GeoPress Water Filter & Purifier Bottle! I take this bottle on every hike and use it as my go-to source for filtering water all over the world. I've even used it to drink tap water in India!

Buy from GRAYL

Buy on Amazon

// Compare how the GeoPress stacks up against the best water bottle filters on the market.

Due to the thick vegetation, level two has less light shining through. This is great for hotter days cooling off out of the sun. You can also swim at this level, but there aren't any cliff jumping spots.

Cliff Jumping at Cambais Falls

The first time that I visited Cambais Falls, I was shown the cliff-jumping spots by a local canyoneering team. When looking at the waterfall from the ticketing office, you will see the large trickling waterfall on the left. Here there is a fixed rope for climbing to the top of the limestone wall.

The halfway mark is clear with what looks almost like a small cut-out from the limestone. When jumping from here, take care to go straight out to avoid hitting the side. This jump is approximately 6 metres.

For those with more game, you can climb to the very top of this waterfall to tackle the big jump, which is almost 10 meters tall.

Don't Miss This Top-Rated Activity on Cebu

Looking for the best bang-for-buck experience on Cebu? Don't miss this epic Kawasan Falls & Whale Shark combined ticket to experience the 2 must-do activities in one affordable tour.

More Info Here

Is Cambais Falls Worth the Trip?

If you're looking for a beautiful waterfall paradise that you can have all to yourself, then of course. Personally, i think it's one of the best little waterfalls in Cebu.

There are plenty of small caves to explore, cliff-jumping spots, and deep swimming holes. The water in Cebu really is some of the bluest in the world. Cambais Falls is an epic jungle oasis definitely not to be missed.

Check out more Waterfalls in Alegria

There are hundreds of waterfalls in Cebu. Some of the best are just around the corner. You can definitely fill a day of exploring Cambais Falls and some other epic waterfalls in Alegria.

Where to Stay to Visit Cambais Falls

The best place to base yourself is in Moalboal as it's close to all of the best things to do and all the epic attractions you'll want to add to your Cebu itinerary. However, if you're planning to travel around the island, then I'd also recommend staying at:

• Cebu City/Mactan
• Oslob
• Malapascua
• Sumilon Island

Here are the best hotel picks for each budget.

• Best Luxury Resort in South Cebu: Ancelle Cristo Re - the top-rated luxury resort situated on a private beach near Moalboal where you can snorkel with sea turtles. This hotel is run by three amazing sisters who use their proceeds to support a local orphanage.
• Best Resort in Mactan/Cebu City: Bai Hotel - a great mid-budget resort in Cebu City with large rooms, daily buffet breakfast, and rooftop swimming pool. Located verry close to the Cebu International Airport.
• Backpacker Hostel With a Vibe in Moalboal: Chief Mau - a great hostel with a relaxed backpacker vibe in the heart of Moalboal. Large rooms, an onsite bar, and tours can be booked straight from the front desk.
• Sustainable lodging in Malapascua: Villa Sandra - an awesome treehouse accommodation on Malapascua Island - an awesome place to scuba dive with Thresher Sharks
• ...10+ More Top-Rated Hotels on Cebu

More Top-Rated Hotels on Cebu

Stay on Sumilon Island

Sumilon Bluewater - stay on a pristine private island complete with a beautiful white sandbar and crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkeling.

More Things to do on Cebu

I hope that you've enjoyed this quick travel guide to visiting Cambais Falls in Alegria, Cebu. While you're here, make sure to check out some of my other blog posts for more adventure inspiration on the island and others in the Philippines.

• Aguinid Falls: Exploring Multi-leveled Waterfalls Near Samboan (Cebu)
• Cebu Island Travel Guide - 15 Epic Things to Do in 2023 + A Reliable Itinerary
• Exploring Inambakan Falls In Ginatilan, Cebu
• Kawasan Falls In Cebu, Philippines - Complete 2022 Guide
• Snorkeling in Moalboal - Where to Swim With Giant Turtles on Cebu
• Sumilon Island, Cebu - Everything You Need to Know 2022
• Tumalog Falls In Oslob, Cebu - Complete Guide
• Visiting Montpellier Falls in Alegria, Cebu
• Where to See the Moalboal Sardine Run At Panagsama Beach in 2023

The post Cambais Falls in Alegria Cebu – Is This The Most Underrated Waterfall? appeared first on We Seek Travel.

Have you ever found a place that you just knew you’d come back to? After snorkeling in Moalboal for the first time back in 2017, I knew I’d found a gem! Since then, this epic little tourist hub has grown quite significantly.

If you’re in the area and looking to do some snorkeling, I’ve got you covered with this quick guide. I’ll outline the best spots and give you some updated Moalboal travel information to plan your trip!

Featured in: Cebu Island Travel Guide – 15 Epic Things to Do

Moalboal Snorkeling and Free Diving

No doubt by now you’ve probably heard about the epic snorkeling in Moabloal and you’re itching to get your fins on. Below are the best spots to snorkel and free dive.

Pescador Island

By far, the best marine life can be found on Pescador Island, just off the coast of Moalboal.

This is my favorite place to go diving in the Philippines. This is the place that I completed my Advanced PADI certification all those years back. I’ve since gone on to do my Dive Master and work in the industry in a few different locations in the world. After all this time, I still consider Pescador Island on Cebu Island as one of the best places for diving!

Luckily, Pescador is also the best place for snorkeling in Moalboal as well! However, you’ll need to book a boat trip out there. Below I’ve linked to the best-rated trip which also includes snorkeling at the Sardine Run and a Kawasan Falls canyoneering trip.

Book: Sardine Run, Pescador Island, Canyoneering

The House Reef

The best place for snorkeling in Moalbaol is at what the locals call the “house reef”. This is a term dive shops coin their local dive spots.

To get access to the reef, try to find one of the seemingly ever-closing gaps along the main stretch of Moalboal known as Panagsama Beach. Here, you’ll find an epic, steep wall and a bunch of Moalboal turtles hanging around.

If you’re struggling, I’ve pinned a good spot on the map below, which even includes a small stretch of coral beach to leave your towel while you’re in the water.

Turtle Grazing Area on Panagsama Beach

If you’re reading this to try to find where the best place to see turtles in Moalbaol is, then you haven’t been in the water yet.

Moalboal is famous for its large turtles that frequent the waters. In fact, there are so many that you will struggle to NOT find a turtle while snorkeling in Moalboal.

If for some reason you haven’t, try to stick to the shallower waters closer to shore, just before the drop-off wall of reef. After a short while you will no doubt spot one of the chill dudes chowing down on some fresh sea grass.

Just remember to respect them, don’t touch and keep your distance.

The Moalboal Sardine Run

A trip snorkeling in Moalboal isn’t complete without seeing the famous sardine run. When I first heard about it, I immediately assumed it required a boat trip to one of the outer islands or reefs.

However, there are huge schools of sardines just outside the main beach on Moalboal. If you follow the instructions above to reach the water access point, simply swim out to the deep reef wall, and you will quickly spot the huge patterns of schooling sardines.

If for some reason you can’t find them, either look to see if there are any other snorkelers in the water who may have found the schools. Otherwise, a safe bet is to swim near the Cabana Beach Club Resort.

This resort has a long yellow jetty that you won’t miss. The sardines usually like to hang out here.

Looking to rent snorkeling gear?

You can rent snorkeling gear pretty much anywhere on the main drag in Moalboal for around 150-200 pesos, depending on your haggling ability.

For those in a small group, it might be worthwhile to just book a snorkeling tour from Moalboal. This particular tour includes all gear and will take you to see the sardine run, turtles and the incredible Pescador Island (a must visit).

About Moalboal

In my opinion, Moalboal is one of the best places to visit in the Philippines. It is located on the west coast of Cebu and has the furthest west-poking bit of coast.

For this reason, it has some amazing reef and marine life. Most people visit to have a chance to snorkel with turtles and to see the famous sardine run.

Tip: Looking for cheap private transport to Moalboal or back to Cebu City? Book this this driver.

Is Moalboal the Best Place to Base Yourself in Cebu?

Dive towns– they always start as a well-kept secret dive destination, and often turn into a booming hotspot complete with cafes and night clubs. Moalboal is no different.

If you’re looking for a place to base yourself in Cebu for snorkeling, diving or adventure trips around the island, then Moalboal is one of the best options.

The location makes it an excellent spot for visiting one of Cebus hundreds of famous jungle waterfalls. The fringing reef is also one of the best and most diverse in all of Cebu. If you’re into scuba diving, then I would highly recommend trying to get out to Pescador island, a truly magical reef that will not dissapoint.

There are also several hostels, cafes, nightclubs, bars and restaurants to keep you entertained after a day of adventuring around Cebu or diving on the reef.

It takes approximately 30 minutes to ride to famous Kawasan falls, or an early two hour bus ride for a day trip to Oslob and the South.

In my opinion, as long as you rent a motorbike, Moalboal is an excellent choice as a base for your Cebu adventures.

How to Get to Moalboal

Getting to Moalboal is usually pretty easy and cost-effective. That being said, it can still be a bit of a mission trying to determine the best transport options for a budget traveller.

This is because landing at Cebu airport can be a little chaotic, with little to no local information available for tourists looking to reach the southern ends of the island without paying through the roof.

Cheap local option – public bus

There is a public bus that runs often from Cebu all the way to Moalboal and even down South to Oslob. It will take roughly three hours to get to Moalboal from the South Bus Terminal.

The cost is 90 peso for non-aircon and 110 peso for an aircon bus.

The companies operating are Lebrando and Ceres Buses.

My advice is to simply head to the South Bus terminal and ask somebody working which buses go to Moalboal. Just remember to not pay more than what I suggested above.

Where to Stay on Cebu

The best place to base yourself is in Moalboal as it’s close to all of the best things to do and all the epic attractions you’ll want to add to your Cebu itinerary. However, if you’re planning to travel around the island, then I’d also recommend staying at:

• Cebu City/Mactan
• Oslob
• Malapascua
• Sumilon Island

Here are the best hotel picks for each budget.

• Best Luxury Resort in South Cebu: Ancelle Cristo Re – the top-rated luxury resort situated on a private beach near Moalboal where you can snorkel with sea turtles. This hotel is run by three amazing sisters who use their proceeds to support a local orphanage.
• Best Resort in Mactan/Cebu City: Bai Hotel – a great mid-budget resort in Cebu City with large rooms, daily buffet breakfast, and rooftop swimming pool. Located verry close to the Cebu International Airport.
• Backpacker Hostel With a Vibe in Moalboal: Chief Mau – a great hostel with a relaxed backpacker vibe in the heart of Moalboal. Large rooms, an onsite bar, and tours can be booked straight from the front desk.
• Sustainable lodging in Malapascua: Villa Sandra – an awesome treehouse accommodation on Malapascua Island – an awesome place to scuba dive with Thresher Sharks
• …10+ More Top-Rated Hotels on Cebu

More Top-Rated Hotels on Cebu

Stay on Sumilon Island

Sumilon Bluewater – stay on a pristine private island complete with a beautiful white sandbar and crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkeling.

MY CAMERA AND PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT

• Mirrorless Camera: Canon R5
• Drone: DJI Mavic Pro 2
• 360 Action Camera: Insta360 One X2
• Landscape Lens: Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L
• All-Round Lens: Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L
• Telephoto Lens: Canon RF 100-500mm f/f/4.5-7.1 L
• Long Action Pole: Insta360 Invisible Pole (BulletTime)
• Landscape Lens Filter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
• Camera Backpack: F-Stop Tilopa
• Favorite Photography Accessory: Peak Design Capture Clip

For a list of all my recommended photography gear (including what I use and why) check out my guide to camera gear for travel.

If you’d like to use any of the photographs on this website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. I also sell professional fine-art prints, visit my Print Store or contact me directly for customs prints of any images on We Seek Travel.

More Things to do in Cebu

I hope you’ve enjoyed this quick guide to snorkeling in Moalboal, Cebu. If it’s helped you find the sardines or the famous Moalboal turtles, then I’ve done my part! While you’re here on this blog, make sure to check out some of my other inspiring travel guides to the island below.

• 6 Best Cebu Waterfalls Not To Miss in 2022 – The Ultimate Guide
• Aguinid Falls: Exploring Multi-leveled Waterfalls Near Samboan (Cebu)
• Cambais Falls in Alegria Cebu – Is This The Most Underrated Waterfall?
• Cebu Island Travel Guide – 15 Epic Things to Do in 2023 + A Reliable Itinerary
• Cruising Down Loboc River, Bohol Philippines
• Exploring Hinagdanan Cave in Dauis, Bohol
• Exploring Inambakan Falls In Ginatilan, Cebu
• Kawasan Falls In Cebu, Philippines – Complete 2022 Guide
• Mag Aso Falls in Bohol, The Philippines
• Riding an ATV Through the Chocolate Hills, Bohol THE COMPLETE GUIDE
• Snorkeling in Moalboal – Where to Swim With Giant Turtles on Cebu
• Sumilon Island, Cebu – Everything You Need to Know 2022
• Tumalog Falls In Oslob, Cebu – Complete Guide
• Visiting Montpellier Falls in Alegria, Cebu
• Where to See the Moalboal Sardine Run At Panagsama Beach in 2023
• Where to see the Endangered Tarsiers in Bohol, Philippines

The post Snorkeling in Moalboal – Where to Swim With Giant Turtles on Cebu appeared first on We Seek Travel.

Aguinid Falls is another epic multi-leveled waterfall located in the Samboan Municipality in South Cebu. Here, you’ll find five levels of flowing waterfalls, each with the opportunity for swimming and jump into the crystal-blue Cebu jungle water.

In this guide, I’ll outline everything you need to know about visiting Aguinid Falls Samboan, including how to get here, what to expect, and how much it costs.

Featured in: Best Waterfalls on Cebu

How to Get to Aguinid Falls

You have a few options for getting to Aguinid Falls in Samboan. Those coming all the way from Cebu City should expect a long 4-hour drive, so it's best to stay somewhere close by.

Option 1: On a waterfall tour

You can book a Cebu 3-waterfall tour which visits Aguinid Falls and two other epic waterfalls including the popular Kawasan and Malabuyoc Waterfall.

Option 2: Motorbike

The best independent way to get to Aguinid Falls is to rent a motorbike. This is better if you are staying in Moalboal or Oslob. At these two tourist hubs, you can pick one up for 300-400 PHP per day. Scroll down of the exact location to help you find the falls.

If you're planning to stay in Oslob during your trip to Cebu, then perhaps this is the best way to get to Aguinid Falls. This is because it is a shorter distance and a very scenic drive around the Southern tip of the island, passing beautiful Sumilon Island on the way.

Option 3: Tricycle Taxi

You can pay a local tricycle taxi driver to take you directly to the falls. Prices will vary depending on the distance. Remember to barter.

Aguinid Falls Location

Aguinid Falls is located roughly 1.5 hours from Moalboal in the Samboan Municipality. This is just south of Ginatilan, where you can find other epic waterfalls such as Inambakan Falls.

The epic 5-leveled waterfall is conveniently located very close to the main coastal road.

The waterfall is very easy to find. I have pinned the exact location for your convenience below.

• Google Maps Pin: “Aguinid Falls EcoAdventure Park”

Don't Miss: Cebu Island Travel Guide – 15 Epic Things to Do

Don't Miss This Top-Rated Activity on Cebu

Looking for the best bang-for-buck experience on Cebu? Don't miss this epic Kawasan Falls & Whale Shark combined ticket to experience the 2 must-do activities in one affordable tour.

More Info Here

Arriving at the Waterfall (EcoAdventure Park)

There is a program operating at Aguinid Falls called the EcoAdventure Park. This is a little different to some of the other popular waterfalls in Cebu, as you need to have a guide to visit the multiple waterfall levels.

Once you arrive at the park, just past the turn-off, you will most likely be asked by locals to leave your motorbike by their houses. However, you will most likely be charged a fee.

While I completely support locals trying to earn some money from tourism, I believe it's fair if they tell you the price beforehand. That's why it's a good idea to ask how much it will cost first, usually, 10 pesos is enough. For a small fee, they'll take care of your helmets and motorbike, and you'll be supporting a local community.

After parking your bike, head up to the ticketing office where you will have to pay the entrance fee.

Aguinid Falls entrance fee

The entrance fee for Aguinid Falls is 60 pesos per person. This is the municipality fee and does not cover the guide.

There are several local guides waiting for eager travelers. These guides get to operate on a rotating basis, and usually, only get one tour per day. They are not paid a wage and rely completely on the tip. The ticketing office is upfront with these details. It is completely up to you how much you'd like to pay the guides after seeing the waterfalls.

What to Expect at Aguinid Falls Samboan

The falls themselves have a total of eight levels. However, the upper three levels are reserved for professional canyoneering teams. Therefore, only the first five levels are accessible. In saying that, these levels are still awesome and you could easily spend an entire day exploring them.

Aguinid Falls levels

The first few levels are smaller waterfalls tucked between the jungle canyons. There are steep limestone walls on each side, with dense jungle vines and palms overhanging.

Your guide will take you through the first few levels. On the first two levels, you will need to climb up the waterfall using a fixed rope. Your guides are more than qualified to help you, however it does require some strength and balance to pull yourself up.

There are several deep, aqua-blue pools for swimming and jumping as you progress up the waterfall levels. Take your time and enjoy some of the smaller jumps. Ask your guide for the best places to jump.

Get Safe Drinking Water Anywhere!

Enter the Grayl GeoPress Water Filter & Purifier Bottle! I take this bottle on every hike and use it as my go-to source for filtering water all over the world. I've even used it to drink tap water in India!

Buy from GRAYL

Buy on Amazon

// Compare how the GeoPress stacks up against the best water bottle filters on the market.

The fifth and final level is the masterpiece of Agunid Falls. It is a strangely shaped, limestone and calcium-enriched waterfall flowing into a shallow pool. It's one of the most unique waterfalls in Cebu, and just the right pressure flow to get a nature massage.

Some tips Before You Visit Aguinid Falls

Before you make the trip to Aguinid Falls, you might want to know some of these useful tips.

• Bring a dry bag if you're bringing any cameras or phones. You will get wet if you want to explore all of the waterfall levels.
• You will need to walk through waist-deep water at times. I recommend either bringing some reef shoes or runners that you can get wet, or going barefoot.
• Take your time at the waterfalls. You might feel like you don't want to push your time with the guides, but they usually only get one job per day. Therefore they want to make the most of it.
• Keen on a waterfall exploration day? Why not check out some other waterfalls nearby? Popular Tumalog Falls is not too far away.
• Aguinid Falls closes at 5:00 PM, arrive early to take advantage of a whole day at the waterfalls.
• Avoid using any sunblock or suncream as this might contaminate the river (Tangbo River)
• Make sure you pick up any trash that you bring or see on the path. The municipality does a pretty good job of keeping the waterfall clean, but you could do your part by taking some trash with you.

Where to Stay on Cebu Island

The best place to base yourself is in Moalboal as it's close to all of the best things to do and all the epic attractions you'll want to add to your Cebu itinerary. However, if you're planning to travel around the island, then I'd also recommend staying at:

• Cebu City/Mactan
• Oslob
• Malapascua
• Sumilon Island

Here are the best hotel picks for each budget.

• Best Luxury Resort in South Cebu: Ancelle Cristo Re - the top-rated luxury resort situated on a private beach near Moalboal where you can snorkel with sea turtles. This hotel is run by three amazing sisters who use their proceeds to support a local orphanage.
• Best Resort in Mactan/Cebu City: Bai Hotel - a great mid-budget resort in Cebu City with large rooms, daily buffet breakfast, and rooftop swimming pool. Located verry close to the Cebu International Airport.
• Backpacker Hostel With a Vibe in Moalboal: Chief Mau - a great hostel with a relaxed backpacker vibe in the heart of Moalboal. Large rooms, an onsite bar, and tours can be booked straight from the front desk.
• Sustainable lodging in Malapascua: Villa Sandra - an awesome treehouse accommodation on Malapascua Island - an awesome place to scuba dive with Thresher Sharks
• ...10+ More Top-Rated Hotels on Cebu

More Top-Rated Hotels on Cebu

Stay on Sumilon Island

Sumilon Bluewater - stay on a pristine private island complete with a beautiful white sandbar and crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkeling.

More Cebu Travel Guides

I hope that you've enjoyed this quick travel guide to visiting Aguinid Falls Samboan, Cebu. While you're here, make sure to check out some of my other blog posts for more adventure inspiration on the island and others in the Philippines.

• Cambais Falls in Alegria Cebu - Is This The Most Underrated Waterfall?
• Cebu Island Travel Guide - 15 Epic Things to Do in 2023 + A Reliable Itinerary
• Exploring Inambakan Falls In Ginatilan, Cebu
• Kawasan Falls In Cebu, Philippines - Complete 2022 Guide
• Snorkeling in Moalboal - Where to Swim With Giant Turtles on Cebu
• Sumilon Island, Cebu - Everything You Need to Know 2022
• Tumalog Falls In Oslob, Cebu - Complete Guide
• Visiting Montpellier Falls in Alegria, Cebu
• Where to See the Moalboal Sardine Run At Panagsama Beach in 2023

The post Aguinid Falls: Exploring Multi-leveled Waterfalls Near Samboan (Cebu) appeared first on We Seek Travel.

Inambakan Falls is a multi-level waterfall located in the Ginatilan Municipality in Cebu. It’s a powerful waterfall with a deep, blue swimming hole.

If you’re looking for an epic Cebu waterfall but don’t like the crowds at Kawasan, then definitely don’t miss Inambakan Waterfall!

Featured in: Best Waterfalls on Cebu

Where is Inambakan Falls?

Inambakan Falls is located around an hour from the South Cebu tourist hub of Moalboal. Those coming from Cebu City should expect at least a five hour drive, while Oslob trips will take roughly one and a half to two hours.

The Google Map pins are clearly marked and correct. To make it easy, I've pinned the location of the waterfall below.

The best way to get to Inambakan Falls is to take a motorbike. Follow the road around the coast and through the lush South Cebu hills. You will have to drive up and down several hills, so make sure you fuel up before leaving the coast.

Along the way, you will get to enjoy palm-lined mountain roads and small local villages.

Google Maps Pin: "Inambakan Waterfalls"

The pin will take you directly to the ticketing office. This is nothing more than a local's house at the end of the dirt road. There are some kids there that want to take you to the waterfall and show you the levels. If you have some spare change then I'd recommend letting them take you up to Inambakan Falls.

Inambakan Falls Entrance Fee:

The fee per person for entry is 50 pesos. If you want to pay a local guide, then it'll be up to you to decide how much to give.

What to Expect at Inambakan Falls

Once you start on the dirt path from the ticketing office, it'll take you roughly 15 minutes to reach the waterfall. Even at the start of the walk, you'll see the milky blue water that Cebu is made famous for, flowing in small creeks.

Inambakan Falls itself is a tall, wide waterfall that's approximately 30 meters tall. It flows much harder than some of the other South Cebu waterfalls and at times rivals the famous Kawasan Falls.

The first level has a deep, blue swimming hole and a cave that you can swim into to chill out behind the powerful waterfall.

There are five levels total, so I'd definitely recommend taking the walk up to the higher levels. Although Inambakan Falls is relatively quiet, with only a few groups at a time, you will most likely have the upper levels all to yourself.

Don't Miss: Cebu Island Travel Guide – 15 Epic Things to Do

Don't Miss This Top-Rated Activity on Cebu

Looking for the best bang-for-buck experience on Cebu? Don't miss this epic Kawasan Falls & Whale Shark combined ticket to experience the 2 must-do activities in one affordable tour.

More Info Here

What to do at Inambakan Falls

If exploring is your thing, then there's plenty to see at Inambakan Falls. Even the first level has caves, limestone walls, jungle vines and some sneaky jump spots.

The upper levels although a little smaller than the main waterfall, have some decent cliff jumps. Just remember that if you don't have a guide, you'll need to check the depths yourself and avoid any submerged rocks.

Where to Stay in Cebu

The best place to base yourself is in Moalboal as it's close to all of the best things to do and all the epic attractions you'll want to add to your Cebu itinerary. However, if you're planning to travel around the island, then I'd also recommend staying at:

• Cebu City/Mactan
• Oslob
• Malapascua
• Sumilon Island

Here are the best hotel picks for each budget.

• Best Luxury Resort in South Cebu: Ancelle Cristo Re - the top-rated luxury resort situated on a private beach near Moalboal where you can snorkel with sea turtles. This hotel is run by three amazing sisters who use their proceeds to support a local orphanage.
• Best Resort in Mactan/Cebu City: Bai Hotel - a great mid-budget resort in Cebu City with large rooms, daily buffet breakfast, and rooftop swimming pool. Located verry close to the Cebu International Airport.
• Backpacker Hostel With a Vibe in Moalboal: Chief Mau - a great hostel with a relaxed backpacker vibe in the heart of Moalboal. Large rooms, an onsite bar, and tours can be booked straight from the front desk.
• Sustainable lodging in Malapascua: Villa Sandra - an awesome treehouse accommodation on Malapascua Island - an awesome place to scuba dive with Thresher Sharks
• ...10+ More Top-Rated Hotels on Cebu

More Top-Rated Hotels on Cebu

Stay on Sumilon Island

Sumilon Bluewater - stay on a pristine private island complete with a beautiful white sandbar and crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkeling.

More Things to do After Inambakan Falls

I hope that you've enjoyed this quick travel guide to visiting Inambakan Falls Ginatilan, Cebu. While you're here, make sure to check out some of my other blog posts for more adventure inspiration on the island and others in the Philippines.

• Aguinid Falls: Exploring Multi-leveled Waterfalls Near Samboan (Cebu)
• Cambais Falls in Alegria Cebu - Is This The Most Underrated Waterfall?
• Kawasan Falls In Cebu, Philippines - Complete 2022 Guide
• Snorkeling in Moalboal - Where to Swim With Giant Turtles on Cebu
• Sumilon Island, Cebu - Everything You Need to Know 2022
• Tumalog Falls In Oslob, Cebu - Complete Guide
• Visiting Montpellier Falls in Alegria, Cebu
• Where to See the Moalboal Sardine Run At Panagsama Beach in 2023

The post Exploring Inambakan Falls In Ginatilan, Cebu appeared first on We Seek Travel.

Tumalog Falls is a tall and wide waterfall located close by the popular tourist hotspot of Oslob on Cebu Island, the Philippines.

Although this waterfall is not known for its impressive flow of water, it’s sheer height and width definitely impressed us. It’s definitely worth checking out if you are in Cebu, especially for those staying near Oslob!

In this guide, I’ll outline everything you need to know about visiting the falls, including how to get here, what to expect, and more!

Featured in: Best Waterfalls on Cebu

Getting to Tumalog Waterfall

The best way to get to Tumalog Falls is to take a motorbike or tricycle to the Tumalog Falls car park. Those coming from Oslob should expect about a 20-minute drive to reach the parking lot.

From the main coastal road, the road veers off to a short drive up the hills known as Tumalog Falls Road. I've pinned the location of the parking lot on the map below.

• Google Maps Pin: "Tumalog Falls"

Once you reach the car park, there will no doubt be several locals asking to take you down the hill to reach Tumalog waterfall on a motorbike. If you want to walk, it'll only take about 15 minutes downhill to the base of the waterfall.

Don't Miss: Cebu Island Travel Guide – 15 Epic Things to Do

Tumalog Falls - What to Expect

Once you arrive at the base of the hill, you will see a small ticketing office. To gain entry to the waterfall area, you will need to pay a 20 peso entry fee per person. This fee goes to the Oslob Municipality and pays for the upkeep and environmental protection of the waterfall.

Tumalog Falls is actually the second most popular waterfall in Cebu. However, this is more due to the location than the caliber of the waterfall.

In saying that, it's still an epic waterfall for swimming or relaxing on hot days. The maximum height of the waterfall is approximately 100 meters. As mentioned earlier, there isn't a roaring flow, consider it more of a gentle trickle along a wide, moss-covered wall.

The waterfall is surrounded by lush jungle vegetation and steep limestone cliffs. There are also some scattered rocks around the main swimming hole.

While it is great for swimming, it isn't as deep as some of the other waterfalls in Cebu. To compensate for the shallow pool, the locals have built up a row of rocks and a concrete path along the banks to trap deeper water.

Don't Miss This Top-Rated Activity on Cebu

Looking for the best bang-for-buck experience on Cebu? Don't miss this epic Kawasan Falls & Whale Shark combined ticket to experience the 2 must-do activities in one affordable tour.

More Info Here

What to do at This South Cebu Waterfall?

Clearly, Tumalog Falls is a great spot for swimming or general relaxing. There are also some small rock formations to explore.

Though the waterfall is the highlight, I thought that the walk down to the waterfall was also pretty epic. You can get a good view of the waterfall from the top of the hill. If you look out, you can also see the dense jungle of Cebu's interior.

Tips For Visiting Tumalog Waterfall

If you're looking to save money, the walk down from the parking lot is pretty easy. If you aren't feeling the walk back up, however, your money is probably better spent on paying a local to drive you up the hill.

Because Tumalog Falls is located so close to the nearby Whale Shark operations, it's definitely advised to come here early. When we arrived at approximately 8 am, we were the only ones at the waterfall. However, this quickly changed around an hour later after everybody was coming straight from the Whale Shark swim.

Remember to always take any rubbish or trash with you. To help keep Cebu clean, why not get some boosted Karma points and pick up a couple of pieces to take with you?

Get Safe Drinking Water Anywhere!

Enter the Grayl GeoPress Water Filter & Purifier Bottle! I take this bottle on every hike and use it as my go-to source for filtering water all over the world. I've even used it to drink tap water in India!

Buy from GRAYL

Buy on Amazon

// Compare how the GeoPress stacks up against the best water bottle filters on the market.

Where to Stay Near Tumalog Falls

The best place to base yourself is in Moalboal as it's close to all of the best things to do and all the epic attractions you'll want to add to your Cebu itinerary. However, if you're planning to travel around the island, then I'd also recommend staying at:

• Cebu City/Mactan
• Oslob
• Malapascua
• Sumilon Island

Here are the best hotel picks for each budget.

• Best Luxury Resort in South Cebu: Ancelle Cristo Re - the top-rated luxury resort situated on a private beach near Moalboal where you can snorkel with sea turtles. This hotel is run by three amazing sisters who use their proceeds to support a local orphanage.
• Best Resort in Mactan/Cebu City: Bai Hotel - a great mid-budget resort in Cebu City with large rooms, daily buffet breakfast, and rooftop swimming pool. Located verry close to the Cebu International Airport.
• Backpacker Hostel With a Vibe in Moalboal: Chief Mau - a great hostel with a relaxed backpacker vibe in the heart of Moalboal. Large rooms, an onsite bar, and tours can be booked straight from the front desk.
• Sustainable lodging in Malapascua: Villa Sandra - an awesome treehouse accommodation on Malapascua Island - an awesome place to scuba dive with Thresher Sharks
• ...10+ More Top-Rated Hotels on Cebu

More Top-Rated Hotels on Cebu

Stay on Sumilon Island

Sumilon Bluewater - stay on a pristine private island complete with a beautiful white sandbar and crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkeling.

More Things to do in Cebu Island

I hope that you've enjoyed this quick travel guide to visiting Tumalog Falls, Oslob, Cebu. While you're here, make sure to check out some of my other blog posts for more adventure inspiration on the island and others in the Philippines.

• Aguinid Falls: Exploring Multi-leveled Waterfalls Near Samboan (Cebu)
• Cambais Falls in Alegria Cebu - Is This The Most Underrated Waterfall?
• Cebu Island Travel Guide - 15 Epic Things to Do in 2023 + A Reliable Itinerary
• Exploring Inambakan Falls In Ginatilan, Cebu
• Kawasan Falls In Cebu, Philippines - Complete 2022 Guide
• Snorkeling in Moalboal - Where to Swim With Giant Turtles on Cebu
• Sumilon Island, Cebu - Everything You Need to Know 2022
• Visiting Montpellier Falls in Alegria, Cebu
• Where to See the Moalboal Sardine Run At Panagsama Beach in 2023

The post Tumalog Falls In Oslob, Cebu – Complete Guide appeared first on We Seek Travel.

Montpellier Falls is a tall and magestic waterfall located in the Alegria Muncipality in Cebu. Strangely, this waterfall is still very quiet, meaning it’s one of the best hidden-gems to visit on the island!

In this travel guide, I’ll give you all the information you’ll need to visit this epic Cebu waterfall, including how to get here, what to expect, and more!

Featured in: 6 Best Cebu Waterfalls

Where is Montpellier Falls?

It’s not the easiest waterfall to find without the right directions. So, you might be wondering, “Where is Montpellier Falls?” The waterfall is located roughly one hour drive or moped ride from Moalboal.

From Moalboal, you can head south for roughly 45 minutes, past Kawasan Falls and the popular canyoneering spots. This waterfall is largely unmarked, however, I’ve taken the liberty to pin the location on the map below to help you find it.

If you follow the direction from the pin, you can’t go wrong. From the coast, it’s a 20-minute ride up the windy road through the mountains. Keep an eye out for a bamboo hut with a painted sign on the edge of the cliff. This will be the spot to park your car or motorbike.

After parking, you can walk down the mountain path for 15 minutes, passing palms and Cebu jungle on the way. There is a small local community on the path. If you get lost, simply ask one of the kids.

Montpellier Falls

As soon as you begin your descent you will no doubt already hear the steep flow of water coming from the waterfall.

Montpellier Falls is a tall, but thin waterfall flowing from a funneled point on the steep limestone cliff. The water drops directly onto a large boulder that is half-submerged in the aqua-blue water. It definitely looks like something out of the Jungle Book.

The swimming hole is definitely deep enough to swim, and it’s a great spot to cool down on a hot day in Cebu. The surrounding landscape is thick, untouched jungle littered with palm trees and dense tropical flora.

Don’t Miss: Cebu Island Travel Guide – 15 Epic Things to Do

A Waterfall Adventure Day

Since it takes over an hour to reach Montpellier Falls, why not check out some nearby waterfalls? We chose to check out Montpellier directly after Cambais Falls, which is less than 30-minutes away.

However, if you’re coming from Cambais to Montpellier, it’s best to simply take the interior roads and use Google Maps and the help of locals to find Montpellier.

In my opinion, it’s probably better to check out Cambais first, as to avoid any backtracking.

Where to Stay in cebu

The best place to base yourself is in Moalboal as it’s close to all of the best things to do and all the epic attractions you’ll want to add to your Cebu itinerary. However, if you’re planning to travel around the island, then I’d also recommend staying at:

• Cebu City/Mactan
• Oslob
• Malapascua
• Sumilon Island

Here are the best hotel picks for each budget.

• Best Luxury Resort in South Cebu: Ancelle Cristo Re – the top-rated luxury resort situated on a private beach near Moalboal where you can snorkel with sea turtles. This hotel is run by three amazing sisters who use their proceeds to support a local orphanage.
• Best Resort in Mactan/Cebu City: Bai Hotel – a great mid-budget resort in Cebu City with large rooms, daily buffet breakfast, and rooftop swimming pool. Located verry close to the Cebu International Airport.
• Backpacker Hostel With a Vibe in Moalboal: Chief Mau – a great hostel with a relaxed backpacker vibe in the heart of Moalboal. Large rooms, an onsite bar, and tours can be booked straight from the front desk.
• Sustainable lodging in Malapascua: Villa Sandra – an awesome treehouse accommodation on Malapascua Island – an awesome place to scuba dive with Thresher Sharks
• …10+ More Top-Rated Hotels on Cebu

More Top-Rated Hotels on Cebu

Stay on Sumilon Island

Sumilon Bluewater – stay on a pristine private island complete with a beautiful white sandbar and crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkeling.

After Montpellier Waterfall – More Things to do

I hope that you’ve enjoyed this quick travel guide to visiting Montpellier Falls Alegria, Cebu. While you’re here, make sure to check out some of my other blog posts for more adventure inspiration on the island and others in the Philippines.

• 6 Best Cebu Waterfalls Not To Miss in 2022 – The Ultimate Guide
• Aguinid Falls: Exploring Multi-leveled Waterfalls Near Samboan (Cebu)
• Cambais Falls in Alegria Cebu – Is This The Most Underrated Waterfall?
• Cebu Island Travel Guide – 15 Epic Things to Do in 2023 + A Reliable Itinerary
• Exploring Inambakan Falls In Ginatilan, Cebu
• Kawasan Falls In Cebu, Philippines – Complete 2022 Guide
• Snorkeling in Moalboal – Where to Swim With Giant Turtles on Cebu
• Sumilon Island, Cebu – Everything You Need to Know 2022
• Tumalog Falls In Oslob, Cebu – Complete Guide
• Visiting Montpellier Falls in Alegria, Cebu
• Where to See the Moalboal Sardine Run At Panagsama Beach in 2023

The post Visiting Montpellier Falls in Alegria, Cebu appeared first on We Seek Travel.

Did you know that there are over 1000 Cebu waterfalls? Cebu island is one of the most popular places to visit in the Philippines. It really has it all, epic jungle hikes, amazing snorkeling and diving and of course, plenty of epic blue-water jungle waterfalls.

Although I didn’t seek out all 1000 Cebu waterfalls, I did visit a few. Here’s my roundup of my favorite waterfalls in Cebu.

Featured in: Cebu Island Travel Guide

Cebu Waterfalls Guide – Things to KNow

The below list of the best Cebu waterfalls will give you an insight into planning your adventures. Beneath each waterfall on this list I’ve also linked to individual posts covering details on how to get to each with more photos.

Before we dive into this epic list of the 6 best waterfalls in Cebu, here are a few things you should know.

• Most waterfalls are quite far from Cebu city – Instead, I stayed in nearby Moalboal to be closer to the action.
• Rent a motorbike to explore independently – Renting your own motorbike is by far the best way to see the Cebu waterfalls. This is quite cheap, and should only cost you about 300-400 pesos per day.
• Don’t be so quick to dismiss the guides – Paying a local kid a few dollars to take you to some secret Cebu waterfall levels or show you the best cliff jumps is a win win for everybody.
• Go canyoneering on Cebu – One of the best Cebu waterfall adventures you can have is the canyoneering trip above Kawasan Falls. This was my favorite activity I booked on the island and I’d recommend it to anyone.
• Buy adventure insurance – Cebu is an adventure playground. I swear by World Nomads insurance for my travel insurance because they cover things like motorbikes, cliff jumping and hiking and they’re usually cheaper than some of the regular options.
• Give back – visiting most of these waterfalls on Cebu is really cheap if not free. A good way to support the local economy and give back is to purchase snacks, food, or drinks at the smaller villages near the falls.
• Take your trash – This goes without saying. However, if you want to step it up, pick up at least 3 pieces of trash if you see any and take it with you.

Tip: You can book a very well-rated tour that visits three of the best waterfalls on Cebu in a single day if you’re short on time.

1. Kawasan Falls

Of course, no list of waterfalls on Cebu is complete without the famous Kawasan Falls.

This is the poster-boy for Cebu tourism, and it’s easy to see why. A 10+ meter waterfall flowing directly into a deep, aqua-blue swimming hole surrounded by tall limestone cliffs with jungle vines on each side.

This has made the list because it’s a truly fantastic waterfall. However, it is definitely not as quiet and secluded as some of the other waterfalls in this guide.

For this reason, I’ve made a complete blog post about the upper levels of Kawasan Falls (below). Usually, people who visit Kawasan Falls make the trip to the main waterfall or see the rest on their Canyoneering trips. However, it is possible to explore most of the upper levels without taking a tour. In saying that, you won’t get to go through some of the upper canyons, which is what makes the canyoneering experience worth it.

If you’re planning to only visit the main waterfall, definitely go early! We arrived at first light and had the whole place to ourselves for an hour in peak season!

Read More: Complete guide to Kawasan Falls (plus the upper levels)

Tip: There are many Kawsan Falls canyoneering trips to choose from, but they’re not all equal! This particular trip is by far the best, with the best guides and offering great bang-for-buck with all fees included– it’s so good I’ve actually done it twice on my visits to Cebu!

2. Aguinid Falls

Another epic, five-leveled set of Cebu waterfalls not to miss is Aguinid Falls.

Aguinid Falls is located roughly 1.5 hours from Moalboal in the Samboan Municipality. This is just south of Ginatilan, where you can find a few more epic Cebu Waterfalls.

Visiting Auginid Falls does require a guide. However, it is definitely worth it. There are several levels of deep jungle swimming holes and some small cliff jumps.

Aguinid Falls is great for a whole-day adventure. You will need to use ropes to climb up to the higher levels, tread through waist deep water and explore the deep Cebu canyons.

The top waterfall is a calcium-enriched limestone centrepiece that is one of the most unique Cebu waterfalls.

Read More: Exploring Aguinid Falls (Guide)

3. Inambakan Falls

If you’re looking for one of the best and most underrated of all the Cebu waterfalls, then you can’t miss Inambakan Falls.

Inambakan Falls is an incredible five-levelled waterfall. The lower level is a 10+ metre waterfall flowing into a deep, blue swimming hole that rivals Kawasan but without the crowds.

Inambakan Falls is located in the Ginatilan Municipality, only an hour ride from Moalboal. You don’t need a guide to enjoy this waterfall, however if you do visit, then I’d recommend tipping a local to show you the upper levels.

There are some small jump spots, incredible swimming pools and unique jungle landscapes that definitely shouldn’t be missed.

Read More: Exploring Inambakan Falls In Ginatilan

4. Montpellier Falls

If you want off the beaten path adventure with a tall, majestic waterfall nestled that looks like it’s straight out of the jungle book, then you have to check out Montpellier Falls.

Montpellier Falls is probably one of the most underrated of the Cebu waterfalls. It seems most people in Cebu tend to skip it for popular Tumalog or Kawasan Falls. However, Montpellier Falls is definitely worth the trip.

This waterfall is located in the Alegria Municipality, just 25 minutes from the main coastal road. It will take you roughly an hour to get here if you’re coming from Moalboal.

Montpellier Waterfall is a tall, single waterfall gently flowing directly onto a large boulder sitting in a deep, blue swimming hole.

If the waterfall itself isn’t enticing enough, then the ride to get here will definitely convince you. Along the way you have opportunities to see incredible views over the coast and a sneak peek into the dense Cebu jungle interior

This is a great spot for escaping the crowds and enjoying an epic Cebu waterfall all to yourself.

Read More: Visiting Montpellier Falls in Alegria

5. Cambais Falls

One of my favorite waterfalls on Cebu is Cambais Falls. Similarly to Montpellier, Cambais is also located in Alegria. If you’re looking to hit two waterfalls in one day, then I’d suggest going to Cambais first, then finishing at Montpellier.

To get here, it will take roughly one hour from Moalboal. You can access this waterfall either by motorbike, tricycle taxi or car. There is a small, unmarked carpark with a short 15-minute walk to reach Cambais Falls. 

Once you reach the waterfalls, you will see that it has two main levels. The first of which has two waterfalls both flowing into a deep pool. 

The second, upper level has another waterfall and swimming hole, and will require a short rope-climb and walk to reach.

Like some of the other Cebu waterfalls, Cambais Falls has opportunities for cliff jumps. The tallest of which is over 10 meters. If you’re looking to jump, check out the full guide linked above.

Read More: Cambais Falls Guide

6. Tumalog Falls

The last on the round up of best Cebu Waterfalls is Tumalog Falls. Tumalog Falls is located in South Cebu, very close to the Whale Shark operations in Oslob.

The best time to visit this waterfall is early, as it can get very crowded from people taking Cebu waterfall tours after swimming with whale sharks.

It takes roughly 20 minutes by motorbike or tricycle taxi to reach Tumalog Falls from Oslob. There is also a steep and scenic walk from the top carpark before reaching the main waterfall.

Tumalog Falls is a single waterfall, trickling down a large, steep wall. This waterfall is more of a gentle flow than a raging waterfall like many others in Cebu. There is a large natural pool underneath for swimming. However, it isn’t too deep, so don’t expect any cliff jumps.

However, it is still a great place to swim, relax and is definitely worth visiting while in Cebu, if not just for the convenience of easy access.

Read More: Tumalog Falls Guide

The Best Time To Visit These EPic Cebu Waterfalls

The best time to visit any of the Cebu waterfalls will depend on the Typhoon seasons. There are two main seasons in Cebu; Dry and Wet Seasons.

Cebu dry season – December – June
Cebu wet season – June – December

The best time to go waterfall chasing is in the shoulder season, between late December and early June. This will have decent water flow, while avoiding the growing hordes of crowds.

In saying that, many of the below waterfalls are not too crowded. The most popular are Kawasan and Tumalog, where you will certainly see many tourists. You might find that you could have some of the other, lesser-visited falls all to yourself, even in peak season!

Where to Stay on Cebu To Chase Waterfalls

The best place to base yourself is in Moalboal as it’s close to all of the best things to do and all the epic attractions you’ll want to add to your Cebu itinerary. However, if you’re planning to travel around the island, then I’d also recommend staying at:

• Cebu City/Mactan
• Oslob
• Malapascua
• Sumilon Island

Here are the best hotel picks for each budget.

• Best Luxury Resort in South Cebu: Ancelle Cristo Re – the top-rated luxury resort situated on a private beach near Moalboal where you can snorkel with sea turtles. This hotel is run by three amazing sisters who use their proceeds to support a local orphanage.
• Best Resort in Mactan/Cebu City: Bai Hotel – a great mid-budget resort in Cebu City with large rooms, daily buffet breakfast, and rooftop swimming pool. Located verry close to the Cebu International Airport.
• Backpacker Hostel With a Vibe in Moalboal: Chief Mau – a great hostel with a relaxed backpacker vibe in the heart of Moalboal. Large rooms, an onsite bar, and tours can be booked straight from the front desk.
• Sustainable lodging in Malapascua: Villa Sandra – an awesome treehouse accommodation on Malapascua Island – an awesome place to scuba dive with Thresher Sharks
• …10+ More Top-Rated Hotels on Cebu

More Top-Rated Hotels on Cebu

Stay on Sumilon Island

Sumilon Bluewater – stay on a pristine private island complete with a beautiful white sandbar and crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkeling.

More Philippines Travel Guides and Adventures

I hope that you’ve enjoyed this travel guide to visiting the 6 best Cebu waterfalls! While you’re here, make sure to check out some of my other articles for the island and the rest of the Philippines.

• 10 Best Islands in the Philippines: Complete 2023 Travel Guide
• Apo Island Guide – Incredible Snorkeling & Diving (Dumaguete, Philippines)
• Cebu Hotels: Best Areas, Resorts, & Accommodation – Where to Stay in 2023 (Philippines)
• Cebu Island Travel Guide – 15 Epic Things to Do in 2023 + A Reliable Itinerary
• Kawasan Falls In Cebu, Philippines – Complete 2022 Guide
• Snorkeling in Moalboal – Where to Swim With Giant Turtles on Cebu
• Sumilon Island, Cebu – Everything You Need to Know 2022
• Visiting Montpellier Falls in Alegria, Cebu
• Where to See the Moalboal Sardine Run At Panagsama Beach in 2023

The post 6 Best Cebu Waterfalls Not To Miss in 2022 – The Ultimate Guide appeared first on We Seek Travel.

If I had to pick one, Cebu Island would have to be my favorite place in the entire Philippine Archipelago. Here, you’ll find unlimited adventure in the form of majestic jungle waterfalls, incredible snorkeling and diving, mountain hikes, and tropical vistas, as well as the world-renowned, friendly Cebuano culture.

In this comprehensive Cebu Island travel guide, I’ll fill you in on everything you need to know, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler! I’ve included a full list of 15 epic things to do on Cebu island, all the main attractions, as well as not one, but two Cebu itineraries to cover your travel plans!

15 Best Things to Do on Cebu Island

Before we get into the logistics and Cebu Island itinerary recommendations, let's take a look at what's on offer. Here is my round-up of the 15 best things to do on Cebu Island, the Philippines.

1. The Epic Kawasan Falls Canyoneering Trip

Another one of the best things to do on Cebu for the adventure enthusiast is a day of canyoneering through the jungles of Badian near Kawasan Falls.

In fact, this activity is one of the most booked tours on the island– and for good reason. I enjoyed this unique activity that I actually did it twice on my visits to Cebu Island! If you're staying near or in Moalboal, then you'll be able to book a tour online for under $50 that includes hotel pickup which is really convenient.

This is the same tour that I went on twice and I highly recommend adding it to your Cebu itinerary.

Experienced guides will take you through several waterfall slides and jungle cliff jumps. The highest cliff jump is 13 meters. However, all jumps are optional.

Canyoneering Travel Tip

If you want to experience both attractions on Cebu, you can save time & money by booking a combined Kawasan Falls canyoneering & whale shark tour online.

Alternatively, if you don't want to join a group tour, there are affordable private canyoneering trips on GYG as well.

View Combined Tour Pricing

2. Chase Endless Tropical Waterfalls

Cebu is known as the island of blue-water waterfalls. There are literally 1000 waterfalls in the jungles of Cebu. Most of these are easily accessible via a motorbike for the independent adventurer.

I've put waterfall chasing as the first item on this list of things to do on Cebu because they offer some of the best, raw adventures on the island. Some of my favorite waterfalls on Cebu include:

• Kawasan Falls
• Aguinid Falls
• Inambakan Falls
• Montpellier Falls
• Cambais Falls
• Tumalog Falls

Most of these waterfalls are found near Moalboal and Oslob. Your best bet will be to rent a motorbike in either of these places and explore them on your own. You can pick up a motorbike in most tourist towns on Cebu Island for 300-450 pesos per day.

3. Swim with Turtles in Moalboal

In between hunting down the best waterfalls, make sure to greet the local turtle population in Moalboal. Moalboal is one of the main tourist hubs on Cebu Island and is recommended as the best place to stay by most travel guides.

Like most of the islands in the Philippines, Cebu has a huge population of sea turtles. The biggest population of turtles tends to gather and graze just outside Panagsama beach in Moalboal.

While turtles are definitely not the only thing you'll spot while snorkeling in Cebu, they're certainly spectacular, so add snorkeling with turtles to your Cebu itinerary!

4. Snorkel With the Moalboal Sardine Run - The Most Unique Thing to do in Cebu

While you've still got your mask and fins on, make sure to swim out a little to check out the world-famous sardine run right in the heart of Moalboal.

These sardines form enormous schools of over one million fish per school. As they swim, they create amazing patterns and turbine into each other.

Conveniently, the best place to find the sardine balls is the same place where the local turtles like to hang out, right off Panagsama Beach.

It's an amazing experience as the sardines block out the sun and form an underwater tunnel around you. Keep an eye out for larger hunting fish that shoot into the sardine ball. It's no wonder that swimming with the sardine balls is often referred to as one of the best things to do on Cebu Island!

5. Swim With Whale Sharks in Oslob

For many, one of the main attractions on Cebu Island is the opportunity to swim with whale sharks in Oslob. There are dozens of local sharks that visit Oslob every morning.

Swimming with the Cebu Island whale sharks is one of the most popular activities that's featured in many Cebu travel guides.

If you're staying in Oslob, then you'll need to walk down to the whale shark area at around 6:30 am; pinned as "Oslob Whale Shark Watching" on Google. Here, you'll get a briefing and line up for your boat where you'll get to swim with the sharks that visit the shore every day.

If you aren't staying in Oslob, then I recommend booking this whale shark tour. This trip includes hotel pickup (bright and early) and return transfers from Moalboal or Cebu.

Note, there is some controversy surrounding whale shark tourism on Cebu Island. If you want to hear my take, you can read it below.

6. Go Scuba Diving

There's a reason why the Philippines is rated as one of the best destinations on earth for scuba diving. The unique underwater world, with its famous, deep reef drop-offs and incredible critters, and diverse marine life makes scuba diving easily one of the best things to do on Cebu.

My favorite place to go diving is in Moalboal. This is the place where I completed my Advanced PADI certification all those years back. I've since gone on to do my Dive Master's and work in the industry in a few different locations in the world. After all this time, I still consider Moalboal on Cebu Island as one of the best places for diving, especially if you want to see healthy coral reef!

One of my favorite dives in Moalboal is the Pescador Island Dive, which you'll definitely want to check out!

Tip: If you want to get a taste of scuba diving without going all in on an open water course, you can book an "intro to Scuba diving" experience on Mactan Island.

7. Take a Day Trip to Sumilon Island

If it's a tropical island vibe you're feeling, then taking a day trip to neighboring Sumilon Island is another one of the best things to do on Cebu!

Sumilon Island is a small sandbar island located on the eastern side of Cebu, close to Oslob.

The island is perfect for swimming in crystal clear waters, snorkeling in a protected marine sanctuary, and enjoying the tropical island vibes.

The island is run by the Bluewater Sumilon resort, but you can visit the island on a day trip even if you're not staying here. If you've got a bit of time, then I'd definitely recommend adding an overnight trip to Sumilon Island to your Cebu itinerary!

8. Explore Local Villages By Motorbike

There's no better way to see the real Filipino island life than by taking a motorbike out from the tourist beats.

You can pick up a scooter or motorbike in most Cebu Island tourist hubs for 300-450 pesos per day, which is great value. I recommend getting the more powerful 100cc or above scooters (often called clicks), especially if you have a passenger.

The way to check out some local villages and meet some locals is to head inland into the mountains. While I can't recommend a single place to head to, why not check some out when cruising through Ginatilan or Alegria when chasing the waterfalls, or check out the many white-sand beaches around Moalboal.

Your tourism dollar is often missed by those villagers who need it most. Help them out by having a local Filipino lunch or buying some snacks from local eateries.

Tip: Cebu Island is an adventure playground! If you're planning to rent motorbikes, I highly recommend travel insurance by WorldNomads. I swear by them as they are one of the only companies offering adventure insurance with cover for things like motorbikes.

9. Jump in a Filipino Tricycle Taxi or Jeepney - Cultural Thing to do in Cebu

Besides having your own motorbike, the best way to get around Cebu is by jumping in a local tricycle taxi or Jeepney.

Tricycles are similar to Tuk Tuks that you might find in other parts of Asia. The fares are usually very cheap, ranging from 30-250 pesos for the trip, depending on the distance.

Jeepneys are another option if you want to share a ride. They usually operate on a fixed route, and you'll need to ask a local where it's going. Jeepney trips are very cheap, often only 10-20 pesos per trip. Taking a Jeepney will really make you feel like a local and is a great opportunity to experience the famous Cebu Island hospitality.

Though they might be excellent transport options to get around the island, they're also an essential part of the Cebu Island travel experience and should be included any travel guide!

10. Visit Malapascua Island

Malapascua is an awesome little island located in the north of Cebu. This place is famous for diving but is also an adventure hotspot worthy of any Cebu travel guide or itinerary. To get here, you'll need to get a public bus or private transport to the New Maya Port in the north. The Pinay Solo Backpacker has a good guide on how to get here.

If you're a backpacker or looking for an authentic travel experience on Cebu Island, then I highly recommend staying at Villa Sandra. This epic sustainable treehouse hostel is made from completely recycled materials and was one of my favorite hostels I've ever stayed at.

11. Dive With Thresher Sharks

Looking for what to do on Cebu that will get your heart racing? This Cebu Island activity is one of my personal favorites!

This one is also located on Malapascua (see above). This island is known for scuba diving and its thresher shark dive is world famous! It was only discovered about a decade ago that very rare thresher sharks collect at a particular cleaning station just outside of Malapascua every single day.

These sharks are really amazing and very friendly. They have a unique tail that is longer than its body and actually uses this to hunt (like a giant whip).

You'll need at least an advanced scuba diving certificate to dive with thresher shark though, as the dive site sits at around 25-30 metres. Every single dive shop on the island offer thresher shark dives, so do the loop and take your pick.

Below is a quick video that I captured on my old GoPro back during my first visit to Cebu Island in 2017.

12. Hike Up to Osmena Peak

Osmeña Peak is the highest point on Cebu Island at 1013 meters above sea level.

This spot is a popular place to visit for hikers because of the incredible mountain views it offers. From the top, you'll witness an expansive vista of jagged hills sloping down to the ocean. The viewpoint at Osmena Peak is similar to the Chocolate Hills on Bohol.

If you're interested in adding Osmeña Peak to your Cebu Island travel itinerary, then you should know that this hike isn't actually as demanding as it first seems. That's because you'll likely take a motorbike (or Habal Habal) nearly all the way to the summit. From there it's just a 25 minute walk to the peak.

You can also book an Osmena Peak and Kawasan Falls combined trip on Get Your Guide which is quite popular as it combines two of the best things to do on Cebu Island in one full day of adventure.

13. Explore Cebu City

Chances are, if you're heading to Cebu you'll pass through Cebu City. This is the capital city and one of the largest in the region.

If you're looking for things to do in Cebu City, check out the historical sites & points of interest below:

• Cebu heritage monument
• The 1730 Jesuit House
• Taboan Public Market
• Fort San Pedro
• The Yap San Diego Heritage House

In all honesty, Cebu City is a little bit crowded and not for everyone. In saying that, there are definitely some local spots and historic sites worth adding to you Cebu itinerary, especially since you'll be passing through anyway. Hotels and accommodation in the city are very cheap, and there are also loads of huge shopping centres making stocking up on supplies easy.

Related:

Where to Stay on Cebu Island

14. Hang Out in Moalboal

Moalboal is an up-and-coming tourist hub and one of the best places to base yourself when visiting Cebu Island.

If you just want to spend some days chilling out and enjoying creature comforts like western restaurants, pubs, and resorts, then spare a few chill days on your Cebu itinerary for Moalboal.

There are some beautiful beaches here and you'll definitely not want to leave!

15. Visit Bohol

Once you've explored all of the best things to do on Cebu, you'll definitely want to check out Bohol! This neighboring island has plenty of things to do and you can experience the best of it in a quick day-trip from Cebu.

Like Cebu, Bohol has several waterfalls and a pristine jungle interior to explore. It also has some spectacular reefs and is home to the endangered Tarsiers, which you can visit at the conservation centre.

It only takes a short ferry ride to reach Bohol from Cebu City, and it's quite cheap.

Cebu Itinerary (2 Options)

That's a wrap for the 15 best things to do on Cebu Island, The Philippines! I hope you found some great ideas and travel inspiration for your trip.

Next up, I'll give you a quick rundown of both a one week and a two week Cebu itinerary to help you plan your trip.

Option A: 1 week Cebu Itinerary Ft. Best Things to do

Squeezing all of the epic things to do on Cebu Island into a one week itinerary is a difficult ask. However, if you're short on time, here's what I recommend:

Day 1: Cebu City

• Explore the city
• Check out Taboan Market
• Visit Fort San Pedro
• Stay in Cebu City or Mactan for an early start in the morning

Day 2: Early start. Book Accommodation for Moalboal

• Book a combined Oslob Whale Shark and Kawasan Canyoneering Trip from Cebu City or Mactan
• Sunrise at Oslob Whale Sharks
• Canyoneering
• Ask your driver to drop you at Moalboal instead of Cebu (this way you got free transport to Moalboal)
• Unwind at the Moalboal restaurants

Day 3: Moalboal

• Snorkeling with turtles
• Moalboal Sardine Run
• Relax in the afternoon

Day 4: Osmena Peak

• Wake up for a sunrise trip to Osmena Peak
• Optional visit to Kawasan Falls if you book the combined ticket

Day 5: Exploring out of Moalboal

• Rent a motorbike in Moalboal for a day of exploring. Alternatively, find a guide who will take you around on a Habal Habal (motorbike) or van
• Visit Cambais Falls and Montpellier Falls
• Optional: Stay in Oslob

Day 6: Exploring South Cebu

• Visit Tumalog Falls in the morning
• Day-trip to Sumilon Island
• Stay in Oslob (or back at Moalboal)

Day 7: Back to Cebu City to fly out

Option B: 2-Week Cebu Itinerary

I've visited Cebu Island a twice and both times I stayed 3-4 weeks. The following Cebu itinerary is a little fast paced but you can always adapt it to spend longer or take out a few activities if you're short on time.

Day 1 - 5: Same as the 1 week Cebu itinerary

Day 6: More time in Moalboal

• Snorkeling
• Scuba diving/discover scuba
• Night out at restaurants and bars

Day 7: South Cebu

• Visit Tumalog Falls
• Trip to Sumilon Island and stay the night at Bluewater Resort

Day 8 & 9: Explore South Cebu (stay in Oslob)

• Rent a motorbike or Habal Habal driver
• Visit Tumalog Falls
• Visit Inambakan and Aguinid Falls

Day 10: Transport to Malapascua (stay on Malapascua)

• Get the public bus from Moalboal or Oslob, or hire a private van
• Arrive in Malapascua, sunset at the beach bars and restaurants

Day 11: Explore Malapascua

• Snorkeling
• Cliff Jumping
• Walk the island circuit
• Optional: dive with thresher sharks

Day 12: Malapascua - Cebu City

• Enjoy Malapascua and get the afternoon transfer back to Cebu City
• Stay in Cebu City

Day 13: Day Trip to Bohol

• Book a day-trip
• Or, take the fast ferry in the morning, rent a scooter, and visit:
• Tarsier Conservation Centre
• Chocolate Hills
• Cruise Down the Loboc River
• Return to Cebu City

Day 14: Fly out of Cebu City

How to Get to Cebu Island

With the Cebu itinerary out of the way, let's get into the travel guide and logistics.

There are two ways to get to Cebu Island, either by flight or by ferry.

By flight

The main airport serving Cebu Island is called Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIAA). Being an international airport, there are several route options making it easy to fly here directly from 21 international destinations or many other major islands in the Philippines.

To find cheap flights, I recommend comparing prices on Skyscanner and CheapOAir in order to always get the cheapest rates.

By Ferry

Those already in the Philippines, have a few options for getting to Cebu Island by ferry or fast craft. However, this is not the most convenient option as the distances are usually pretty far. If you're set on a ferry, check out 2Go, Oceanjet, and Weesam Express, which operate regular transfers from Dumaguete, Manila, Bohol, Iloilo, Leyte and Butuan.

I don't have any personal experience with getting to Cebu Island via ferry. But, from what I've read online it's usually quite long and a frustrating process.

Where to Stay on Cebu Island

The best place to base yourself is in Moalboal as it's close to all of the best things to do and all the epic attractions you'll want to add to your Cebu itinerary. However, if you're planning to travel around the island, then I'd also recommend staying at:

• Cebu City/Mactan
• Oslob
• Malapascua
• Sumilon Island

Here are the best hotel picks for each budget.

• Best Luxury Resort in South Cebu: Ancelle Cristo Re - the top-rated luxury resort situated on a private beach near Moalboal where you can snorkel with sea turtles. This hotel is run by three amazing sisters who use their proceeds to support a local orphanage.
• Best Resort in Mactan/Cebu City: Bai Hotel - a great mid-budget resort in Cebu City with large rooms, daily buffet breakfast, and rooftop swimming pool. Located verry close to the Cebu International Airport.
• Backpacker Hostel With a Vibe in Moalboal: Chief Mau - a great hostel with a relaxed backpacker vibe in the heart of Moalboal. Large rooms, an onsite bar, and tours can be booked straight from the front desk.
• Sustainable lodging in Malapascua: Villa Sandra - an awesome treehouse accommodation on Malapascua Island - an awesome place to scuba dive with Thresher Sharks
• ...10+ More Top-Rated Hotels on Cebu

More Top-Rated Hotels on Cebu

Stay on Sumilon Island

Sumilon Bluewater - stay on a pristine private island complete with a beautiful white sandbar and crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkeling.

Best time to Visit Cebu Island

The best time to visit Cebu Island depends highly on the Typhoon seasons. Being a tropical island, there are two main seasons in Cebu; Dry and Wet Seasons.

Cebu dry season – December – June
Cebu wet season – June – December (peak typhoon season: July/August)

Most people say that the best time to visit Cebu is between December to February. However, if you want to beat the crowds, then the best time to visit Cebu Island is in the shoulder season, between late March and early June.

During the rainy season, you can expect very wet days.

How to Get Around on Cebu Island

Here is a breakdown of transport options to get around Cebu Island between main hubs.

Cheap local option: Bus

Buses offer the best way to get from Cebu City to tourist spots and hubs like Moalboal, Oslob or Malapascua.These buses run from Cebu South Bus Terminal. The buses you'll want are called Ceres liners. They are large, comfortable, air-conditioned coach liners with storage underneath for your bags and luggage.

These buses are also quite cheap at around 120 PHP ($5.85 USD) for the 2 hour ride to Moalboal from Cebu. You can also jump on these coaches and buses once you're at the tourist spots to get between each. For example Moalboal to Oslob.

Private transfers: Vans and cars

You'll also find really nice vans and private transport vehicles all over Cebu. The cost for a private transfer from Cebu to Moalboal is roughly 1500 pesos for a one-way trip. If you have trouble finding a driver who wants to do the long trip, I recommend checking 12Go. This way, you can book a private trip online in advance.

Transport options for Exploring Cebu Island

By far, the best way to get around on Cebu Island is to rent scooters. You’ll find Cebu travel guide blogs recommending scooter rentals for as high as 500 pesos per day. However, I’ve rented bikes multiple times for between 300-450 pesos per day. If you’re planning to stay a while, you’ll get a cheaper price of around 250 pesos if you rent them for long term (1 week or more).

You’ll find fuel around the island to top up from road-side pit-stops. This fuel comes in glass bottles. 150 pesos worth of fuel will last most a day of exploring around the island.

Alternative Transport Methods

If you’re not too interested in renting a motorbike, you can also pay for transport via: 

• Tricycle – a popular mode of private transport in the Philippines that accommodates a few more passengers (2-4) than a motorcycle. You can pay a driver to take you around to different spots and check out the awesome things to do in Cebu.
• Habal Habal – This refers to “scooter taxi”, this is a good way to get around cheaply as a single passenger without renting your own.
• Jeepney - Jeepneys also called Dyipni or simply "jeeps" are colorful buses that many locals use for transport in the Philippines. This is a ride-share with a fixed route, give one a try and mingle with the locals!
• Van – You’ll find a few resorts, hotels and private transport companies offering van transport. This is the priciest option for getting around but can be worth it if it’s raining or if you’re in a large group.

My take on Whale Shark Tourism on Cebu Island

After chatting to locals to better understand their perspective, I've found that thousands of people who were once working in unsustainable fishing operations now have the opportunity to work in tourism instead. The tourism machine is now the biggest industry in the region.

This shift, combined with tighter ecological regulations to protect marine life means better protection for the aquatic life of South Cebu.

But what does this mean for the sharks themselves?

To ensure that the giants keep coming back, locals feed them from these small boats. This has caused suspicion that the sharks would adopt unnatural feeding and migration behaviors. However, in the past few years, after extensive research and tagging, researchers have concluded that the younger sharks are still continuing their regular migration. It is only the old sharks that can no longer breed that choose to stay in Oslob. It's also important to note that most of the tagged sharks that have died during the past few years have died in international waters.

The practice has also improved dramatically in quite a short time. This proves that increased awareness with the support of conservation groups is helping make the Cebu Island whale shark swim an increasingly sustainable tourism model.

On the other hand, other practices that I've witnessed in Asia get much less attention from conservation groups and are much worse. Namely, those that chase the sharks with large powerboats for tourists to jump literally on top of them. 

If you're interested in swimming with the whale sharks in Cebu, make sure that you:

• Don't touch the sharks
• Keep a respectful distance
• Don't wear sunscreen (it can be poisonous for them)
• Dispose of all plastic waste and trash properly
• Educate other tourists about not touching the sharks and keeping a safe distance

What do you think? I'd love for you to join in on the discussion. Let me know in the comments below.

Wrapping up This Cebu Travel Guide: Final Notes and Things to Know

Before we wrap up this comprehensive Cebu travel guide, here are some last points you'll want to know before visiting.

• Language – Locals on Cebu speak the Cebuano language, which is different to what you’ll hear in Manilla or Palawan. However, most locals also speak Tagalog (Filipino) and up to four other languages, including English!
• Roosters - Cock fighting is a large part of Cebuano culture. Don't be surprised if you see roosters perched on small stands all throughout the island. These guys will wake up you every morning– but it's just part of the Cebu Island travel experience!
• Filipino bakeries - If you stumble upon a local Filipino bakery (there are loads in Mactan), make sure to ask for recommendations. I personally love the bread and pastries from the Philippines, make sure to try pan de coco.
• Karaoke - Filipinos love karaoke and that's probably an understatement! No doubt you'll hear karaoke parties nightly wherever you stay on Cebu Island. Locals love it when you join in!
• Internet on Cebu - Wifi exists on Cebu but is a little hit-and-miss outside of Cebu City and Mactan. The fancier hotels and nice cafes around Moalboal will all offer usable speeds. If you're staying for a while, you can pick up a prepaid sim card; I recommend Globe for the best 4G coverage.
• Locals - Locals on Cebu are extremely friendly and accommodating. Cebuanos will always go out of their way to help you and love when you genuinely want to learn about their way of life.

Cebu Travel Guide Conclusion: More Recommendations For the Philippines

And that's a wrap for this epic Cebu Island travel guide. I hope that you've enjoyed my epic list of things to do on Cebu and the recommended travel itinerary.

While you're here on my blog, make sure to check out some of my other travel guides to the Philippines. Here are a few of my favorite islands in the archipelago:

• Apo Island
• Siquijor Island
• Siargao Island

Otherwise, check out some individual posts below for more things to do in Cebu and the Philippines.

• 10 Best Islands in the Philippines: Complete 2023 Travel Guide
• 22 Epic Things to do on Siargao Island in 2023 - Travel Guide
• 6 Best Cebu Waterfalls Not To Miss in 2022 - The Ultimate Guide
• Aguinid Falls: Exploring Multi-leveled Waterfalls Near Samboan (Cebu)
• Apo Island Guide - Incredible Snorkeling & Diving (Dumaguete, Philippines)
• Cambais Falls in Alegria Cebu - Is This The Most Underrated Waterfall?
• Cambugahay Falls, Siquijor - Don't Miss this Waterfall in 2023
• Cebu Hotels: Best Areas, Resorts, & Accommodation - Where to Stay in 2023 (Philippines)
• Kawasan Falls In Cebu, Philippines - Complete 2022 Guide
• Siquijor Island: 8 Things to do + The Best Tourist Spots in 2023 (Philippines)
• Snorkeling in Moalboal - Where to Swim With Giant Turtles on Cebu
• Sumilon Island, Cebu - Everything You Need to Know 2022
• Tumalog Falls In Oslob, Cebu - Complete Guide
• Visiting Montpellier Falls in Alegria, Cebu
• Where To Stay In Siargao in 2023- Best Accommodation, Hotels & Resorts
• Where to See the Moalboal Sardine Run At Panagsama Beach in 2023

The post Cebu Island Travel Guide – 15 Epic Things to Do in 2023 + A Reliable Itinerary appeared first on We Seek Travel.

The Moalboal sardine run is something that you definitely don’t want to miss when traveling on Cebu. In fact, the sardine run in Moalboal is one of the reasons why tourism kicked off so rapidly in this awesome little beachside town.

In my opinion, you just can’t visit Cebu and miss out on this incredible experience! The great thing about this experience is that you can do it for free, right off the shore on Panagsama Beach. Here’s a quick but detailed guide on where to find the sardine run!

Featured in: Cebu Island Travel Guide – 15 Epic Things to Do

What is the Moalboal Sardine Run?

Heard about the famous sardines but don't know what it's all about? In short, it's an opportunity to swim through huge schools of sardines only 20 meters from the shore on Panagsama Beach, Moalboal. Unlike the sardine run in Africa, it's possible to swim with the sardines in Cebu 365 days a year, 7 days a week!

There are over 1 million sardines in each school. So, snorkeling and swimming with the sardines in Moalboal is an incredible experience. You can swim through the schools as they surround you and block out the light with their sheer numbers.

Tip: If you'd rather experience the sardine run with a guide, I recommend booking this trip which also includes the Kawasan canyoneering and a trip to nearby Pescador Island.

Where to Swim With The Moalboal Sardines On Panagsama Beach

So you've made it to Moalboal and you want to know where to see the Moalboal sardine run? Don't worry, I've got you covered.

Finding the sardines is quite easy. They are usually schooling just off the main Panagsama Beach. The schools like to swim around just near the reef-wall drop-off, about 20 meters from the shore.

Head to the location on the map below and enter the water from the beach. Simply swim out to the unmissable drop-off and search there. If you are having trouble finding them, they tend to hang around the long yellow pier at the front of Mana Pizzeria.

Best Time To Visit Panagsama Beach

The best time to visit Cebu will depend on the Typhoon seasons. There are two main seasons in Cebu; Dry and Wet Seasons.

Cebu dry season – December – June
Cebu wet season – June – December

The best time to see the Moalboal Sardine run is in the Dry season, or just before, from November to May. It is possible to dive and snorkel all year round, however, these months provide the best visibility and weather conditions.

Tip: Make sure to also visit Pescador Island when you are visiting Moalboal. Here's the best-rated tour in town.

Where is Panagsama Beach?

Panagsama Beach is located on the south west coast of Cebu, about three hours from Cebu City. It is one of the main tourist hubs and scuba-diving centers of Cebu.

The location is ideal for snorkeling and diving, as it is the furthest east-reaching point and has some incredible reef drops right off the shore.

While popularity and tourism are definitely on the rise, there are still only a few cafes, restaurants, dive shops, bars, and night clubs. It definitely doesn't have an over-run feel.

How to Get to Panagsama Beach in Moalbaol

Getting to Moalboal is usually pretty easy and cost-effective. That being said, it can still be a bit of a mission trying to determine the best transport options, especially if you just arrived at the busy Mactan airport.

Below you'll find the best options for getting to Panagsama Beach so that you can experience the epic Moalboal Sardine Run.

Cheap local option

There is a public bus that runs often from Cebu all the way to Panagsama Beach in Moalboal. It will take roughly three hours to get to Moalboal from the South Bus Terminal.

The cost is 90 peso for non-aircon and 110 peso for an aircon bus.

The companies operating are Lebrando and Ceres Buses.

My advice is to simply head to the South Bus terminal and ask somebody working which buses go to Moalboal. Just remember to not pay more than what I suggested above.

Cheap Private Transfer

If you're in a larger group, or would prefer to use a private transfer from Cebu City to Moalboal, then you can book this driver, who is the highest rated option online.

You can also have the option of booking a transfer back from Moalboal to Cebu City.

Can I Swim With Sardines All-Year Round?

While there are better times to enjoy the Moalboal sardine run due to Monsoon weather, the sardines stay in Moalboal all year.

This means that it is possible to swim with the Moalboal sardine run all year long, if you're ready to brave the rains.

Don't Miss the Turtles

While you are snorkeling in Moalboal, you'll be hard-pressed to miss a turtle. There are several that feed on the sea grass closer to shore.

This means that you'll probably spot one or two within the first few minutes swimming out to the sardines.

To Snorkel or to Dive in the Moalboal Sardine Run?

A common misconception is that you need to scuba dive to see the Moalboal sardine run. This is completely untrue.

It is very easy to spot the sardines and they like to school in 1-10 meters of water. This means that snorkeling is in fact better, as you will only see them from below if you choose to dive.

However, diving underneath the Moalboal sardines is also an incredible experience. You can watch as they form shapes and block out the sun with their huge schools.

Do Locals Fish The Sardines?

Due to the tourism that the sardines bring to Moalboal, net fishing is illegal on Panagsama Beach. However, you will likely see small outrigger fishermen line-fishing at sunset.

The local municipality allows these fishermen to catch small numbers of the sardines to feed their families. A win-win for everybody.

Where to Stay On Cebu

The best place to base yourself is in Moalboal as it's close to all of the best things to do and all the epic attractions you'll want to add to your Cebu itinerary. However, if you're planning to travel around the island, then I'd also recommend staying at:

• Cebu City/Mactan
• Oslob
• Malapascua
• Sumilon Island

Here are the best hotel picks for each budget.

• Best Luxury Resort in South Cebu: Ancelle Cristo Re - the top-rated luxury resort situated on a private beach near Moalboal where you can snorkel with sea turtles. This hotel is run by three amazing sisters who use their proceeds to support a local orphanage.
• Best Resort in Mactan/Cebu City: Bai Hotel - a great mid-budget resort in Cebu City with large rooms, daily buffet breakfast, and rooftop swimming pool. Located verry close to the Cebu International Airport.
• Backpacker Hostel With a Vibe in Moalboal: Chief Mau - a great hostel with a relaxed backpacker vibe in the heart of Moalboal. Large rooms, an onsite bar, and tours can be booked straight from the front desk.
• Sustainable lodging in Malapascua: Villa Sandra - an awesome treehouse accommodation on Malapascua Island - an awesome place to scuba dive with Thresher Sharks
• ...10+ More Top-Rated Hotels on Cebu

More Top-Rated Hotels on Cebu

Stay on Sumilon Island

Sumilon Bluewater - stay on a pristine private island complete with a beautiful white sandbar and crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkeling.

What Else is There to Do in Moalboal Besides the Sardine Run?

Cebu is the adventure capital of the Philippines, so there's always something to do.

If you enjoyed the Moalboal sardine run and you're interested in waterfalls and other epic adventures then don't miss some of my other guides below.

• 6 Best Cebu Waterfalls Not To Miss in 2022 - The Ultimate Guide
• Aguinid Falls: Exploring Multi-leveled Waterfalls Near Samboan (Cebu)
• Apo Island Guide - Incredible Snorkeling & Diving (Dumaguete, Philippines)
• Cambais Falls in Alegria Cebu - Is This The Most Underrated Waterfall?
• Cebu Island Travel Guide - 15 Epic Things to Do in 2023 + A Reliable Itinerary
• Exploring Inambakan Falls In Ginatilan, Cebu
• Kawasan Falls In Cebu, Philippines - Complete 2022 Guide
• Siquijor Island: 8 Things to do + The Best Tourist Spots in 2023 (Philippines)
• Snorkeling in Moalboal - Where to Swim With Giant Turtles on Cebu
• Sumilon Island, Cebu - Everything You Need to Know 2022
• Tumalog Falls In Oslob, Cebu - Complete Guide
• Visiting Montpellier Falls in Alegria, Cebu
• Where to See the Moalboal Sardine Run At Panagsama Beach in 2023

The post Where to See the Moalboal Sardine Run At Panagsama Beach in 2023 appeared first on We Seek Travel.