“Traveling in South Cebu is a one-of-a-kind adventure with thrilling experiences featuring the majestic falls, white sand beaches, swimming with whale sharks, and canyoneering activities.”
If you are an adventure seeker and would like to do unique activities at a breathtaking site, then never miss visiting South Cebu in the Philippines. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island, featuring the magnificent waterfalls, pristine beaches, diving spots, canyoneering activity and a once-in-a-lifetime whale shark adventure. For sure, you will fall in love with this place. So, what are you waiting for? Plan it now for your next travel destination.
How to get to Cebu from Manila?
The best option is traveling by air. Fortunately, direct flights from Manila to Cebu are available; you can choose flights from Airlines operating in the Philippines, like Cebu Pacific & Philippine Airlines, which have regular flights to and from Cebu Mactan International Airport.
Getting Around South Cebu
From Mactan International Airport, you can book a taxi going to the city. From the city, you can roam around using a public tricycle. Meanwhile, for traveling in the southern part of Cebu, take the public Bus or jeep. After that, you can ride a motorcycle (called “habal-habal” in the province) to each specific destination. For more adventure vibes, if you are two people, you also have the option to rent a motorcycle, just make sure you have a driver license accredited in the Philippines.
Other Option: You can also opt to book a tour through a travel agency available online, they provide tour packages, including pick-up from the airport and to hotel. They can also make an itinerary for you if you like. One of the most popular websites to book tours in South Cebu is klook.com, where you can check for options.
List of the amazing things to do in South Cebu!
Watching & Swimming with the Whale Shark in Oslob
The first thing to do when arriving in Oslob is to experience watching and swimming with whale sharks. It is a unique adventure that you should not miss doing when you are in South Cebu. Whale sharks here are big and friendly. Don’t worry, this shark is harmless, just don’t come closer to the shark when swimming. Whale shark watching is available from 6 am to 12 pm every day.
How to get here: Go to Cebu South Terminal Bus and take the bus with the signboard Bato via Liloan and ask the driver to drop you off in Tan-awn Oslob. This is a famous destination, so locals usually know this place.
Be amazed by the Majestic Tumalog Falls
Oh! Who would not fall in love with this wonderful waterfall? After the whale shark adventure, it’s about time to discover one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Cebu, “Tumalog Falls.” It is a unique waterfall with some water cascading down the one large shallow pool and situated in a lush forest, making it magical. It is hidden in the jungle forest and accessible using habal-habal. The view is stunning, and the greenish-blue color of the water is mesmerizing.
Canyoneering in Badian
This activity is probably the highlight of my visit to South Cebu. This is an activity that should never be missed when visiting this island. It is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that involves trekking, jumping on the cliffs of waterfalls, sliding, swimming and rope swinging. The cost of this activity depends on the number of people in the group, but in case you want to see the exact cost, you can also check klook website for the offer option. The journey starts in Badian.
Mesmerized by the beauty of Kawasan Falls
After the thrill and excitement of the journey and adventure of canyoneering, at the last spot, you will witness the amazing Kawasan Falls, which consist of three waterfalls. It’s one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Philippines that I’ve seen so far. It has a turquoise color and crystal-clear water.
Moalboal Beach
Moalboal is one of the famous diving spots in the southwest part of Cebu, featuring pristine beaches and stunning sardine runs. In our case, during our visit, we were not able to try free diving. Perhaps on my next visit, this activity should be on the list that should not be missed.
Other activity and places to visit in Cebu City
Visit Magellan Cross: Situated just a few minutes away from the church and in front of Cebu City Hall, you will see a house in an octagonal pavilion where the large wooden cross was erected after Magellan set foot in Cebu in the 1500s.
Visit Taoist Temple: Experience Cebu’s Chinese vibrant community as you visit these temple. This temple serves as an important cultural and spiritual place in Cebu.
Where to stay in South Cebu?
There are several hotels and resorts available in South Cebu, ranging in standard, medium up to luxury experiences. Plan ahead and reserve a hotel near the location of your specific destination. Based on experience, most people pick Moalboal as the location for most of the days of their stay in the hotel. You can check booking.com or agoda.com for available hotel accommodations on your chosen dates. Otherwise, you can also check Airbnb if you are a group and would like to minimize your cost. If you are a solo traveler, a hostel option is available.
5 Days, 4 Nights Itinerary in South Cebu from Manila
Day 1: Travel in the morning from Manila to Cebu, Check into Hotel and roam around Cebu City. In the afternoon, travel to Oslob by using a public bus.
Day 2: Start the Whale Shark Adventure & visit Tumalog Falls. In the afternoon, transfer to hotel near Badian.
Day 3: Canyoneering in Badian & swimming in Kawasan Falls
Day 4: Travel to Moalboal in the morning, then swim or dive. In the afternoon, travel to Cebu City
Day 5: Roam Around Cebu City & Back to Manila at night
Budget for Traveling in South Cebu
Traveling to South Cebu is considerably budget-friendly. Below are the sample expenses for each person for reference. Updated as of 2024
Flight from Manila to Cebu (Return Flight)- PHP 3000 (Promo/Sale Ticket)
Hotel Accommodation (4 nights)- PHP 4000
Food-PHP 2000
Whale Shark Adventure-PHP 500 for locals (PHP 1000 for foreigners)
Tumalog Falls entrance Fee-PHP 50
Badian Canyoneering/Kawasan Falls-PHP 3500
From cebu to Oslob Transportation (Bus)- 270 (Aircon Bus)
Jeep from Badian to Moalboal- PHP 57
From Moalboal to Cebu transportation (Bus)- PHP 200
Transportation (Habal Habal)- 300 (back & forth to Tumalog Falls)
Overall Total-PHP 13,877, for extra, it is better to budget 15,000 pesos or 20,000 if you will eat more, buy Cebu delicacies and souvenirs.
Travel Tips when planning to visit this wonderful island
Here are some tips you should consider when heading to this amazing Island Adventure
- Travel light, roll your clothes to fit all your belongings in your bag.
- Plan your itinerary properly, starting with the first destination you want to experience until to the last location, in order to visit everything within the schedule you set.
- Reserve your Bus ticket in case you are using public transportation.
- If you are a foreigner, always keep your passport with you, especially during airport inspections.
- Do not forget to bring a power bank in case your phone has a low battery.
- Be a responsible traveler and keep each destination in South Cebu clean.
- Take only memories, leave only footprints.
When is the best time to visit South Cebu?
The best time to visit the southern part of Cebu is during the dry season from January to May, when the weather is sunny and enjoyable. It is the best time to experience all the adventure that this island can offer, from canyoneering to majestic waterfalls, pristine beaches and swimming with whale sharks.
Essential things to bring.
- Money in Cash (PHP)
- Bring Snacks, Water and drinks and keep them in your bag whenever you’re traveling for an emergency.
- Sunscreen for the summer season
- Sun glass
- Cap for head sun protection
- Jacket applicable for winter or summer
- Swimming attire
- Camera (If you have a waterproof or underwater camera, better)
- small waterproof bag
- swimming goggles for snorkeling
- Power bank
- lotion for mosquito protection
So, have you been to South Cebu? Please share your thoughts, I would like to know your experience.
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