Cebu travel guide

SherryStay Destination Guide

Cebu

Philippine island hub — Mactan beach resorts, whale sharks at Oslob and Kawasan Falls.

Philippines
Sherry's Take

Stay on Mactan Island for the beach resorts (and 15 min from the airport), or in Cebu City for history and food. Day-trip to Moalboal for sardine runs and turtles, or Oslob for whale sharks — go early and choose responsible operators.

Best For

BeachesDivingIsland hoppingFamiliesValue
Go in
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMay
Avoid if possible
JulyAugustSeptember

Where to Stay

Mactan Island

Beach resorts, dive shops, near the airport

Cebu City (Lahug / IT Park)

History, malls, restaurants, nightlife

Moalboal

Sardine run, turtles, backpacker dive town

Oslob / South Cebu

Whale sharks, Tumalog Falls, quiet coast

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1Eat lechon (Cebu is famous for it) and seafood at local carinderias for a few dollars.
  • 2Group island-hopping boats and shared vans (V-hire) cut costs versus private tours.
  • 3The historic core (Magellan's Cross, Basilica, Fort San Pedro) is free or cheap to visit.

Getting Around

  • 1Mactan-Cebu (CEB) international airport is on Mactan Island, ~15 min from the resorts.
  • 2Grab (ride-hailing) is reliable in the city; arrange vans/drivers for south-Cebu day trips.
  • 3Ferries from Cebu Port reach Bohol (2h) and other Visayan islands.

Most Common Mistake

Underestimating drive times to the south — Oslob and Kawasan are 3+ hours from the city. Start before dawn or stay overnight nearby.

Ideal Stay

4–6 nights

Combine with
  • • Bohol (2h ferry)
  • • Moalboal (3h)
  • • Oslob (3h)
  • • Malapascua (north + boat)

Hotels Sherry Recommends

Useful Local Hotel Phrases

Cebuano
  • HelloKumustaku-MUS-ta
  • Thank youSalamatsa-LA-mat
  • PleasePalihogpa-LI-hog
  • Check-inCheck-inchek-in
  • Check-outCheck-outchek-aut
  • HotelHotelho-TEL
  • ReceptionReceptionre-SEP-shon
  • BreakfastPamahawpa-MA-haw
  • Wi-FiWi-Fiwai-fai
  • TaxiTaxiTAK-see
  • AirportTugpahanantug-pa-HA-nan
  • Train stationEstasyon sa trenes-ta-SYON sa tren
  • HelpTabangTA-bang
  • How much?Tagpila?tag-PI-la
  • Where is...?Asa ang...?A-sa ang