Top 5 Day Trips from Cebu City in the Philippines

It is no surprise you have chosen to visit the island of Cebu on your upcoming trip to the Philippines. It’s easy to fall in love with an island full of breathtaking waterfalls, island-hopping adventures, epic viewpoints and whale shark encounters. 

You might not realize that Cebu City is a perfect base for some unbelievable excursions. Below are the top five day trips from Cebu City, so you can explore the region without packing your bag. 

Where is Cebu City? 

First, it’s essential to understand a few key things:

Cebu City is on Cebu Island, which is part of the Cebu province in the Visayas region of the Philippines. Cebu City is the capital of the province of Cebu, which comprises Cebu Island and its surrounding islands and islets. Clear as mud, right?

If you are looking at a map of Cebu, you will notice it is a long and narrow island. It stretches 196 km (121.8 miles) from north to south but only 32 km (19.9 miles) from east to west. 

Cebu City, the main urban area, is in the eastern central area of the island. 

Fun fact: Cebu City is the second largest urban area in the Philippines after Manila. 

Day Trips from Cebu City 

Cebu is home to some of the best beaches in the Philippines. Still, beyond that, the island is also known for its range of adventurous activities. 

Take a look below at the top five day trips from Cebu City. 

Day Trip from Cebu City to Oslob 

Oslob is one of the most well-known areas in the region because of its whale shark encounters.  

The easiest way to travel from Cebu City to Oslob is by private car, which departs from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and takes three hours. 

What to do in Oslob

Let’s start with the whale shark tours. 

There is some controversy around these tours as the underwater gentle giants are lured by the small shrimp that fishermen feed them. 

However, if you have never seen one, it is a unique experience in Cebu. You can choose between snorkeling or scuba diving. But with both options, you will need a local guide. 

Once in the water, you will be amazed by the beauty of these enormous creatures that move with grace. 

While in Oslob, check out Tumalog Falls. It requires a walk down a steep road, but once there, you’ll discover a refreshing pool surrounded by lush vegetation. It’s the perfect place for adventurers to connect with nature in a tranquil environment.  

Cebu City to Mactan Island for a day

Mactan Island is connected to Cebu Island via a bridge and is home to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. 

The drive from Cebu City to Mactan Island typically takes just over 30 minutes but can take up to one hour, depending on where you are staying and the traffic. 

What to do on Mactan Island

Technically, this isn’t a day trip to hang out on Mactan Island. It’s the base for an island-hopping adventure.

A typical tour includes Caohagan Island, the Olango Group of Islands, Pandanon Island and Nalusuan Island.  

Caohagan Island is best known for its sandbar, which sits just off the island. There is also a restaurant which serves up delicious fresh seafood. 

The Olango Group of Islands is the perfect place if you love snorkeling. There is also an eco-tourism park with picnic huts and floating cottages. 

On Pandanon Island, you can chill on the sparkling white sand and crystal clear water. It’s an ideal place to lay your towel down and relax. At certain times of the day, there is also a narrow sandbar just off from the island. 

Home to rich marine life, like stingrays, barracudas, and different species of fish, Nalusuan Island is the place to go for those who love scuba diving. If that’s not for you, you can go kayaking or parasailing.  

Cebu City to Badian for a quick trip

Located on the southwest coast of Cebu Island is an area known as Badian. 

You will be able to experience a range of activities and attractions, including natural wonders, cultural experiences, and thrilling adventures. 

From Cebu City to Badian, it will take you three hours in a private car. 

What to do in Badian

The one place you must visit in this region is Kawasan Falls. 

Yes, it will be busy with tourists, but this three-tier falls has some of the most translucent water you will ever see. A lot of people stop at the first fall, seeing it is the most impressive, but if you continue on, you will notice the crowds start to diminish. 

That is where the magic starts. You will find natural water slides, smaller waterfalls, and picnic spots. 

If you’re looking for some adrenaline, go on a canyoneering adventure tour there.   

While in Badian, you can also hike to Osmena Peak for incredible views overlooking the provinces of Argao, Dalaguete, Alegria and Badian Island. 

Day trip from Cebu City to Moalboal

About 30 minutes north of Badian is the area of Moalboal. You can hop a taxi between the two. 

But if you’re coming from Cebu City to Moalboal, it’ll be about 2.5 hours. 

What to do in Moalboal

There are numerous activities to choose from in Moalboal. But swimming with one of the largest sardine runs in the world is what really put it on the map. 

Imagine swimming through millions and millions of fish — it’ll be an experience you will never forget. We highly recommend scuba diving if you are certified.

On that note, a trip to Pescador Island should definitely be on your to-do list if you are a scuba diver or avid snorkeler. It features walls of amazing soft coral and an abundance of fish, frogfish, turtles, and sea snakes. 

The Cathedral Dive Site is a cave with a large vertical swim and many openings, making it a top spot for underwater photography. 

Quick Trip from Cebu City to Bohol  

This day trip will have you leaving the island of Cebu to explore an epic nearby island. 

The ferry ride from Cebu City to Bohol takes only 1 hour and 15 minutes. This makes it an easy round trip that does not require much planning. 

What to do in Bohol

Bohol has some really unusual activities like the famous Chocolate Hills in Carmen, the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, and the Loboc River. 

Since you only have a day to explore, and these attractions are all spread out, the best option is to book a guided tour.

If you are more interested in water activities, why not book a snorkeling tour to the nearby island of Balicasag? You’ll encounter turtles, giant clams, and an array of fish there. 

For those who want to explore more of mainland Bohol, head to Dimiao Twin Falls (Pahangog Falls), where two streams flow down into a shallow pool. 

There is also the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces, which are beautiful to admire both from land and sky. 

Weather in Cebu City 

Cebu City has two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. 

The dry season lasts from December through to April. It’s the best time for day trips from Cebu City, particularly for those interested in swimming, diving, and sightseeing. 

The days will be warm and sunny, with the average temperature being 27°C (80.6°F) in December and 29°C (84.2°F) in April. 

If you visit during the rainy season, from May through November, you can expect hot temperatures and regular downpours.

Average temperatures in May reach 30°C (86°F) and 28°C (82.4°F) in November. 

Luckily, Cebu City typically dodges the tropical cyclones experienced elsewhere in the country; the wettest months are June, July, August, and September. 

On the plus side, a visit to Cebu City during the rainy season means that there will be fewer tourists and accommodation will be less expensive. 

Packing list essentials for Cebu  

Knowing how to pack for a trip is always hard when you haven’t visited the country before. 

The Philippines, in general, are relaxed, meaning you won’t need to worry about any formal dress attire or high heels. 

But make sure to pack your swimwear, a hat, loose, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and flip-flops. 

Below are a few more items that will come in handy for your day trips from Cebu City:

• Universal travel adapter: You’ll need plug types A, B, and C, so it is best to come prepared to keep all your devices charged.
• Insect repellant: The region experiences a tropical climate, so you’ll probably need some insect repellent to keep the mosquitoes from causing too much hassle.  
• Kindle/Book: If you enjoy long days lazing on the beach, a book or Kindle will no doubt come in handy.  
• Waterproof backpack: Whether you take a ferry to Bohol or an island-hopping adventure, keeping your valuables locked in a waterproof bag will ensure nothing gets damaged. 
• Go Pro or waterproof phone housing: An underwater camera like a GoPro will capture all the marine life you spot. 

How to get to Cebu City 

One of the best things about planning a trip to Cebu City is that the island is home to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, so arriving is super easy.

Below are some of the common routes you can take from Cebu City:

• By plane, it will take 1 hour and 20 minutes to travel from the capital of Manila to Cebu City. 
• If you plan to visit the famous area of Palawan beforehand, you can travel by plane from Puerto Princesa to Cebu City, which takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. 
• Another popular and beautiful destination is the island of Siargao. It takes one hour by plane to travel from Siargao to Cebu City.
• Finally, if you are traveling as a family, you may wish to visit the famous resort island of Boracay. From Boracay to Cebu City, it will take 50 minutes by plane.  

Which day trips from Cebu City will you choose? 

If you haven’t already paused from reading to book your holiday, it’s time to start booking. 

With long days of sunshine for island-hopping adventures, abundant marine life, sparkling blue water, and delicious local cuisine, we wouldn’t mind squeezing into your suitcase!  

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