
14 Awesome Things to Add to Your Cebu Bucket List
- Things to Do in Cebu
- Visit Sumilon Island.
- Check out Dao Waterfall Trek.
- Explore the three-level falls of Cambais Falls.
- Swim with whale sharks in Oslob.
- Discover Inambakan Falls.
- Explore Kawasan Falls.
- Relax at Mainit Hot Spring in Malabuyoc.
- Stop by at Fort San Pedro.
- Swim at Bantayan Island.
- Discover Camotes Island.
- Hike the Osmena Peak.
- Stop by at Cebu Heritage Monument.
- Visit Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary.
- Pray at Taoist Temple.
If Cebu isn’t already on your trip itinerary, then you might want to make some changes. The energy, the people, the architecture, and the food are all worth visiting!
Discover our many tourist attractions, including its islands, beaches, diving locations, and historical sites. Here are some of our personal picks for you to consider!
Things to Do in Cebu
1. Visit Sumilon Island.

Test | Info |
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How to get there | Boat ride from Oslob |
Boat price | Php 1,500 per boat |
Environmental fee | Php 500 per pax |
Popular activities | |
Best time to visit | December - June |
Sumilon Island is a small sandbar island that can be accessed via a short boat ride from Oslob. This island is a fantastic location for a day of exploration, relaxation, and swimming in some of Cebu’s purest waters!
One thing amazing about this island’s sandbar is that it constantly changes course. You will notice the sand stretching fat from the southern tip thinning out.
Insider Tips
• Share a boat with other tourists.
Several boat operators provide daily boat service between the mainland and Sumilon. When you get there, request a shared boat for up to 10 people. In this way, the expense of the trip to Sumilon can be much cheaper.
• Go in the dry season.
November to May is the best time to visit sandbar island. While diving and snorkeling are available all year, these months offer the island’s finest visibility and weather!
2. Check out Dao Waterfall Trek.

Test | Info |
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How to get there | |
Fare price | |
Entrance fee | |
Popular activities | |
Best time to visit | November - April |
The Dao Waterfalls are known as the tallest falls in the Samboan region. The journey through the jungle to reach them is an incredible adventure!
Dao Waterfall delivers more than just a spectacular waterfall show; the scenery is also incredible! You’ll walk through the distinctive Cebu blues for thirty minutes as ferns and palms cover the canyon walls on either side.
Insider Tips
• Use non-slippery footwear.
The trail is quite slippery and can be hard to walk on. Use non-slip footwear so it won’t be so hard to trek going to the waterfalls.
• Avoid leaving behind trash.
Throwing garbage in the area is highly prohibited in the area. Please wait until you find a trash container before disposing of your rubbish.
3. Explore the three-level falls of Cambais Falls.

Test | Info |
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How to get there | Motorbike |
Fare price | Php 400-Php 500 for the whole day |
Entrance fee | Php 50 |
Popular activities | |
Best time to visit | November - April |
The stunning Cambais Falls are located in the hills of Alegria, Cebu. It’s just one hour from Moalboal, featuring many waterfalls, cliff-jumping levels, and excellent swimming areas!
Insider Tips
• Wear your best comfortable clothes.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as the terrain can be quite rocky.
• Respect the environment.
Be mindful of the wildlife in the area and respect their space. Pack out what you bring in, and leave the area as you found it.
4. Swim with whale sharks in Oslob.

Test | Info |
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How to get there | Boat |
Fare price | Php 300 to Php 500 |
Interaction fees | |
Popular activities | |
Best time to visit | November - May |
Take it from us – swimming with whale sharks in Oslob is an unforgettable experience. Oslob is home to the world’s largest concentration of whale sharks, and the experience is one of a kind.
Visiting this area allows you to swim with these majestic creatures in the crystal-clear waters of the Bohol Sea. The best time to go is from November to May, when the whale sharks are most active.
You’ll be able to observe them feeding, playing, and swimming around you in their natural environment. Additionally, you’ll get the chance to learn about their behavior and the importance of protecting these creatures.
An experience like this is something that you’ll never forget!
Insider Tip
• You can take a picture with the whale sharks!
Guides can take your photo for free with the whale sharks. They are outstanding at taking good photos without using the flash.
5. Discover Inambakan Falls.

Test | Info |
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How to get there | Motorbike |
Fare price | Php 300 to Php 500 |
Fees | |
Popular activities | |
Best time to visit | November - May |
If you want to explore more waterfalls in Cebu, Inambakan should be on your list. The multi-level trek to the various pools and waterfalls makes the journey at Inambakan Falls unique.
You will see blue Gatorade-colored springs, a jungle setting, and various levels to explore. It is a magnificent scene, surrounded by a lush jungle!
Insider Tips
• Give a tip to your local guide.
Giving your guide a gratuity is customary if you use one for this expedition. It’s one of the ways of saying thank you and showing appreciation to your guide.
• Phone signal reception may not be stable.
Phone signals in Inambakan may be unreliable even with whatever mobile network you have. You can enjoy the scenery and water at the falls while you’re there.
6. Explore Kawasan Falls.

Test | Info |
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How to get there | Bus from Cebu City |
Fare price | Php 150 |
Fees | |
Popular activities | |
Best time to visit | November - May |
One of the most well-liked tourist activities on the island is canyoneering, which involves traveling through the Gatorade-blue waters down the gorges into Kawasan Falls. Every day, thousands of tourists take part in the trip!
Although it’s not the largest adventure in Cebu, it is worth the hike because you will be amazed by what it offers!
Insider Tips
• They offer overnight stays.
Kawasan falls has rooms that can accommodate you if you want to stay overnight.
• Bring a flashlight.
Having a flashlight is essential because as the sun sets, the route back becomes very dark. To prevent mistakes or accidents, you should take particular care when descending the hill, especially from the second or third falls.
7. Relax at Mainit Hot Spring in Malabuyoc.

Test | Info |
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How to get there | Bus from Cebu City. |
Fare price | Php 100 - Php 200 |
Fees | Php 40 |
Popular activities | Swimming |
Best time to visit | November - May |
Several natural treasures exist in Cebu, including the obscure but well-known Mainit Hot Spring! It is concealed primarily because of its location and accessibility; not everyone can get there without a strong desire to discover its natural charm.
Insider Tips
• You can go to the hot spring alone.
You won’t need a guide going to the hot spring but there will be many locals that can accompany you if you want one.
• Other hot springs can be incredibly, well, hot.
Visitors may only linger for a short period of time in the hotter pool. For each pool, a minimum of 15 minutes is the maximum stay.
8. Stop by at Fort San Pedro.

Test | Info |
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How to get there | Jeepney |
Fare price | Php 150 |
Fees | |
Popular activities | Exploring the museum and Bastions |
Best time to visit | 8 AM - 7 PM |
Are you a history buff who wants to explore the history between the Spanish people and Filipinos? Stop by at Fort San Pedro!
During your visit, you’ll notice a curious Spanish impact on the Philippines’ economy, cuisine, architecture, and even language.
The fort is composed of three bastions connected by thick walls. These bastions are named La Concepción (northwest), San Ignacio de Loyola (southeast), and San Miguel (northeast).
Insider Tips
• They offer wheelchairs for PWD and seniors.
If you have a family member or friend that needs a wheelchair, the flat, low-lying gardens of Fort San Pedro are wheelchair-accessible. However, stairs are required to access the upper floors and the ramparts.
• They offer guided tours.
Although the fort is easy to explore without a guide, you can enhance your experience by hiring a guide who can share grisly ghost stories.
9. Swim at Bantayan Island.

Test | Info |
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How to get there | Bus from Cebu City and RoRo |
Fare price | |
Popular activities | |
Best time to visit | February - Mid-May |
Accommodation/Tour option |
Bantayan Island is a tropical island located off the coast of Cebu in the Visayan Sea, in the Central Philippines. The island is known for its white sand beaches, coral reefs, and crystal clear waters.
There are several resorts and water sports activities to enjoy. The island is also home to some historic churches and the ruins of an old Spanish fort.
Visitors can explore the island’s beautiful natural environment and enjoy a variety of activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking.
Insider Tips
• Keep your eyes peeled for Instagram-worthy palm trees.
Halfway between Paradise Beach and Obo-ob Mangrove Garden, along the Obo-ob – Marikaban Road, you’ll find this particular palm tree road.
• Explore the island by motorbike.
You can rent a scooter or motorbike if you want to explore the island. Locals offering scooter rentals for as low as Php 250 a day.
10. Discover Camotes Island.

Test | Info |
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How to get there | Bus from Cebu City and RoRo |
Fare price | |
Popular activities | |
Best time to visit | February - Mid-May |
Camotes Island is a stunning island where visitors may enjoy the white sand beaches, the blue waters, and the laid-back island way of life. Also, it is relatively easy to reach!
Caving, cliff-diving, and walking along the white sand in Santiago Bay are the most anticipated activities on Camotes Island that you can try!
Insider Tips
• Bring sunscreen.
The Philippines’ most beautiful beaches may be found in Camotes. Thus, shielding your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is critical. Bring sunscreen with a high SPF and reapply regularly.
• You’ll need insect repellent.
Even though Camotes is typically free of mosquitoes and other pests, it’s always a good idea to be ready. To prevent any bites or stings, bring a reliable insect repellent.
11. Hike the Osmena Peak.

Test | Info |
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How to get there | Car or Scooter |
Fare price | |
Fees | |
Popular activities | Hiking |
Best time to visit |
Osmena Peak is Cebu’s tallest mountain. You will see a breathtaking 360-degree view of the island of Cebu, make it the province’s most well-known and stunning vantage point.
The beauty here is reminiscent of the famed chocolate hills of Bohol, with incredible rock formations and farmland extending for thousands of kilometers.
Insider Tips
• They offer overnight stays.
If you want to spend the night at Osmena Peak, there is a campground. The cost of camping is Php 50, and you must bring your own tent.
• Pack lightly.
On your Osmena Peak trekking experience, exercise caution. If you can’t locate a place to deposit your heavy belongings at the jump-off site, you want to avoid carrying them around.
12. Stop by at Cebu Heritage Monument.

Test | Info |
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How to get there | Public transports |
Fare price | Php 50-200 |
Popular activities | |
Best time to visit | Dry season |
The structure is a tangled sculpture of ships, cathedrals, crosses, and significant historical personalities made of black stone and bricks and is both enigmatic and thought-provoking.
Insider Tip
• They offer guided tours.
You can hire a tour in advance or accept one who offers to meet you there. You’ll enjoy interacting with the locals and have the chance to ask your burning questions (if any!).
13. Visit Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary.

Test | Info |
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How to get there | Jeepney from Colon to Basak |
Fare price | Php 35 |
Fees | |
Popular activities | |
Best time to visit | June to February |
If you want to explore different butterflies in one place, Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary is the perfect place. It is a butterfly sanctuary located in Barangay Pangdan, in the municipality of Talisay.
The sanctuary is home to many species of butterflies, caterpillars, and moths! It is open to visitors and educational tours.
The sanctuary also holds regular events and activities to promote the conservation of butterflies and their habitats.
Insider Tips
• You can visit their mini-museum.
They have a living room-turned-museum that is stocked with specimens of butterflies and moths that are remarkably well-preserved that you can visit when you’re in the sanctuary.
• They don’t allow you to use flash when taking photos.
You can take photos of their butterflies inside their museum and garden, but they will not allow you to use flash for their protection.
14. Pray at Taoist Temple.

Test | Info |
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How to get there | Jeep with the 04L route code |
Fare price | Php 30 |
Fees | Free |
Popular activities | |
Best time to visit | March - May |
One of Cebu’s most popular non-Catholic shrines is the Taoist Temple. Cebu’s Chinese minority constructed this temple in 1972 atop a mountainside 300 meters above sea level in the Beverly Hills Subdivision of Lahug.
The temple is the ideal setting for reflection and rest. It has a sizable balcony with an expansive view of the city.
You may even see Mactan and Bohol from afar if the sky is clear.
The temple complex also has a chapel, gift store, library, fountain, garden, and wishing well.
Insider Tips
• They don’t allow food and drinks inside the temple.
There are numerous vendors nearby providing food and beverages. Food and drink are not permitted on the property, though.
• Respect the temple and its visitors.
Don’t be too loud when you’re in the temple. Also, use something other than flash if you’ll take photographs inside.