Must-see attractions in Cebu

  • People praying at the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino in Cebu, Philippines.

    Basilica Minore del Santo Niño

    Cebu City

    Cebu's holiest church houses a revered Flemish statuette of the Christ child (Santo Niño) that dates to Magellan's time. The church is no stranger to…

  • Trail to the observation deck among the water at low tide at Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary.

    Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary

    Cebu

    Just 20 minutes from Mactan by public bangka, Olango Island is home to this important wildlife reserve. Taking in 1030 hectares of sand flats and…

  • Museo Sugbo.

    Museo Sugbo

    Cebu City

    This excellent museum comprises several galleries in a sturdy old coral-stone building that was Cebu's provincial jail from 1870 to 2004. Rooms are…

  • People swimming in Kawasan Falls.

    Kawasan Falls

    Moalboal

    Located in Badian, 17km south of Moalboal, Kawasan Falls comprise a series of three waterfalls; the largest cascades 15m into a massive, milky-blue…

  • Bounty Beach, Malapascua, Phillipines

    Bounty Beach

    Malapascua Island

    This glorious stretch of pale sand occupies almost the entire southern part of the island. It's lined with hotels, restaurants, dive shops and massage…

  • Casa Gorordo Museum along Eduardo Aboitiz Street.

    Casa Gorordo Museum

    Cebu City

    Downtown, in a quiet residential area, this museum was originally a private home (built in the 1850s). Later it was purchased by the Gorordos, one of Cebu…

  • Fort San Pedro, Cebu City, Philippines.

    Fort San Pedro

    Cebu City

    Established in 1565 under the command of Miguel López de Legazpi, conqueror of the Philippines, Fort San Pedro has served as an army garrison, a rebel…

  • Paradise Beach (Sandira Beach) at the Bantayan Island in Cebu, Philippines.

    Paradise Beach

    Bantayan Island

    Around 5km east of Santa Fe this sublime cove beach has white sand, shade umbrellas and excellent swimming, and the surrounding area is attractively…

  • White Beach Moalboal

    White Beach

    Moalboal

    Glorious White Beach, where there's a broad stretch of sand and several midrange and luxury hotels, is 6km north of Panagsama. After bargaining, tricycles…

  • Sumilon Island Marine Sanctuary

    Cebu

    The marine sanctuary off Sumilon Island is a conservation success story in the Philippines. Resorts in Lilo-an run dive trips to the reserve, or you can…

  • Magellan's Cross, Cebu City, Philippines

    Magellan's Cross

    Cebu City

    Ferdinand's Catholic legacy, a large wooden cross, is housed in a stone rotunda (built in 1841). The crucifix on show is said to contain remnants from a…

  • Carbon market fish stalls in downtown.

    Carbon Market

    Cebu City

    The sprawling Carbon Market is a boisterous, cacophonous frenzy that seemingly never sleeps. It's a local affair: expect mounds of fruit and vegetables,…

  • Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary

    Cebu City

    This impressive butterfly sanctuary, in tropical gardens surrounding the home of late founder Julian Jumalon, harbours more than 55 species, though…

  • University of San Carlos Museum

    Cebu City

    This well-presented museum is best known for its anthropological and archaeological exhibits, including displays depicting the 16th-century practice of…

  • Hilutangan Island

    Cebu

    Hilutangan Island, about 4km southwest of Olango, is surrounded by a marine sanctuary, although the snorkelling isn't that great as the reefs were damaged…

  • Tops Lookout

    Cebu City

    This viewpoint, high above the city, is best visited at sunset. Cafes (which open from 4pm) sell drinks and snacks. Some taxi drivers may refuse to tackle…

  • Nalusuan Island

    Cebu

    This tiny island, southwest of Olango, encompasses a marine reserve which is managed privately by Nalusuan Island Resort & Marine Sanctuary. The…

  • Mainit Springs

    Moalboal

    These natural springs in Montañeza, 32km south of Moalboal make an attractive excursion (particularly on weekdays when it's less busy). The hottest spring…

  • Virgin Island

    Bantayan Island

    About an hour's boat ride from Santa Fe in Bantayan, this tropical islet is a popular (perhaps too popular) day trip. The white-sand beach is gorgeous and…

  • Caohagan Island

    Cebu

    This tiny island off southern Olango has a pretty sandy beach backed by (overpriced) seafood shacks and a fishing village. Locals sells handicrafts…

  • Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House

    Cebu City

    The atmospheric Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House is among the country's oldest residential homes, built around 1680 from wood and coral stone, its design…

  • Lighthouse

    Malapascua Island

    Enjoys striking views over the northern part of the island. Access is via a steep path (it's not signposted and you have to pass through someone's…

  • Logon Beach

    Malapascua Island

    Stunning crescent-shaped Logon Beach on the southwestern side of the island is framed by a wooded promontory and has sheltered aquamarine water. It's…

  • Lookout

    Malapascua Island

    This 12m-high lookout, beyond the typhoon-destroyed Los Bambos resort on the island's northwestern tip, is used by some brave souls as a cliff jump.

  • Cebu Cathedral

    Cebu City

    This neoclassical cathedral was completed in 1909, replacing many earlier structures on the site. Only its facade and belfry survived WWII bombs.

  • Cemetery

    Malapascua Island

    This waterside cemetery has sun-bleached graves.

  • City Hall

    Cebu City

    Lords it over Plaza Sugbo and Magellan's Cross.

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