Cebu

The Philippines' second-largest metropolitan area and a gateway to the central islands, with Magellan's Cross and the Spanish old town, Taoist temple and hillside night views, and island-hopping snorkeling from Mactan Island resorts.

Cebu is in the Visayas of the central Philippines. This destination is centered on Cebu City and covers neighboring Mactan Island (Lapu-Lapu City and Cordova), Mandaue, and the day-trip range of Carmen and Danao in the north and Sibonga in the south, together forming the Philippines' second-largest metropolitan area. Magellan landed here in 1521, and in 1565 the Spanish founded the country's first colonial city, so the old town is rich in historic sites.

There are three main parts to explore. A half day on foot in the old town: Magellan's Cross, the Basilica del Santo Niño, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Fort San Pedro and Plaza Independencia, Colon Street and Carbon Market, plus the Heritage Monument in the Parian district, Casa Gorordo and the Yap-Sandiago Ancestral House. A half day in the hills by chartered car: the Taoist Temple, the Temple of Leah, Sirao Garden and the Tops lookout for night views. And Mactan Island: resorts, the Mactan Shrine and guitar workshops, with a bangka boat from the pier to hop to Nalusuan and Hilutungan for snorkeling, or to Olango Island for migratory birds. The Cebu Safari and Adventure Park and Danasan Eco Adventure Park in the north and the Simala Shrine in Sibonga in the south each need half a day to a full day. Oslob whale sharks, the Moalboal sardine run and Kawasan Falls are covered under the "South Cebu" destination, and Bohol is a separate destination (about 2 hours by fast ferry from Pier 1).

Climate: Dec–May is the best dry season, with Jan–Apr the most stable. The Sinulog festival on the third Sunday of January is the biggest festival in the Philippines, so book hotels early. Jun–Nov is the rainy season with frequent showers, and typhoons occasionally disrupt ferries.

Getting there and around: there are direct flights from many cities in China to Mactan-Cebu International Airport. A taxi from the airport to the city takes 30–60 minutes, traffic jams are common, and Grab works well. We suggest 3–4 days.

Good to know: beware of pickpockets in the city and taxis that don't use the meter. For island hopping, choose a reputable boat operator, wear a life jacket, and don't feed the fish or step on coral.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries