Complete Guide to Visit Cebu City Philippines

Hi friends,

Remember last week when I was wondering why I was here? To swim. Obviously.

I finally stopped ordering room service and peeled myself off my hotel bed to go sight-seeing. What a FULL week it has been.

After Puerto Princesa, I flew to Cebu. It’s very easy to fly to different islands in the Philippines. I’ve purchased 2 last minute flights for about $60-70 each including bags.

I spent 3 days in Cebu City so I only booked one place. I recommend coming for longer and splitting your time between 2 or more hotels and towns.

Warning: If you choose to stay in Cebu City for your entire stay, tours may pick you up at 2 – 3 AM and last 12+ hours. To avoid long drives, stay in the part of the island offering the specific activities you want to do.

Cebu is a long, narrow island with a mountain range going down the center. The list of beach towns, waterfalls, and jungle treks are endless.

All the adventuring might seem intimidating, but it’s super easy to hire a guide. Whether it’s for the entire day or just to walk you to a local waterfall, they’re worth it. They keep you safe and take unlimited photos of you. Invest and enjoy!

I booked two tours while in Cebu:

Here are my honest reviews:

Cebu Island Activities:

**Sardine Run in Moalboal 8/10:**
Right off the coast of Moalboal, there is a protected area of water where fishing is forbbiden. I walked a couple minutes into the water before the reef dropped. Then, I was instantly surrounded by hundreds of thousands of sardines.
It was an incredible experience. This photo does not do it justice.
Downside: the water is crowded with other boats and people on tours. It’s chaotic, albeit amusing. I spent five minutes laughing at a group of people choking on water, desperately trying to get a photo with a turtle who could really give a fuck.

Whale Shark Swimming in Oslob 2/10:

I came to Cebu for this and I can safely say I will never ever do it again. It’s incredibly commercialized and slightly problematic.

When I showed up at 5AM, a couple hundred people were already waiting in line. The locals feed the sharks one fish at a time to keep them swimming around in circles. They don’t teach you anything about them and, although they ask you not to, I saw multiple people touch them. That is a big NO NO. We are guests in their home.

It was a glorified photo op with limited respect for the wildlife … Yes, I understand the inherent irony in me taking a photo and posting about it. Be better than me.

Tumalog Falls 2/10
Unfortunately, this waterfall had more people in it than water. It’s close to the Whale Sharks so it’s added onto many of the same tour itineraries. I would avoid it if you can.

**Inambakan Falls 10/10**
I spent 30 minutes here and only saw 2 other tourists. It’s stunning, peaceful, and clear. They made me pay 300 pesos for a guide to walk me 2 minutes down a flat path. To his credit, he took incredible images and videos of me.

**Mantayupan Falls 9/10**
Standing at 322 feet tall (about 25 floors) this is the highest waterfall in Cebu and the most beautiful one I’ve ever seen. It’s nestled in the center of the mountains, making it less popular and, thankfully, less crowded.

You can’t swim too close, but you can pay to float across it on a bamboo raft.
Downside: The only way to get there is to walk across a wooden suspension bridge swaying 50 feet in the air. It’s scary but worth it.

Cebu City Surrounding Hills:

All these spots are just outside the city. They take anywhere from 20-40 minutes to get to depending on traffic. The drive is a 7/10 and worth it in itself. There are also cafes with gorgeous views along the way if you want to make a rest stop.

**Temple of Leah 8/10**
A magnificent structure built by a Filipino man to honor his wife of 53 years after she passed. Maybe it was the story or the man playing the piano on the terrace or the sweet baby angel sculptures … I don’t know, but I loved it. Go during sunset for the best view of the city.

**Taoist Temple 6/10**
A Chinese Filipino temple with beautiful artwork all over. It’s clearly made for tourists as there is another temple down the hill exclusive to worshipers. But it’s a great place to take photos.

**Sirao Gardens 2/10**
An instagram park. There are long lines to take photos with all of the pieces. Only go if you have the patience to wait in lines. I clearly do not, as seen here where I am 50 feet away from everyone else.

Cebu City Sites:

Ayala Center: A huge shopping mall downtown with a separate building for food. If you don’t want to shop, just sip bubble tea and stroll around.

Ocean Park: The largest aquarium in the country with a huge mix of wildlife.

Cebu City Info:

Payments: Most places accept cards. There are also ATMs all over.

Cabs: You can easily find taxis in the street or use ride share apps like Grab.

Don’t be alarmed if cabs randomly pull up to you on the side of the road and shout “Ma’am! Where are you going? I can take you!” That’s just how they roll. Motorcyclists may do the same.

Food: My last straw with local food was when I ordered salmon and it came with bacon on top. It’s a no for me, respectfully.

Instead, I ate at Tamp Cafe which offers a free slice of cake when you order a meal and a beverage and a couple of international spots at the Ayala Terraces.

I’m currently in Manila, where I intentionally booked a hostel in an attempt to engage with other human beings. Nothing forces you out of your room like a man snoring loudly during his 4PM nap.

In two days time, I leave the Philippines after 3 full weeks. I did everything I came to do (literally just swim) and I’m ready to go.