The Philippines is best known for its natural wonders, rich culture, and friendly people—making it a top destination for travelers ticking off countries to visit in Southeast Asia. Hailed as the Pearl of the Orient Seas, the tropical country promises an unforgettable experience with its idyllic white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Pondering over the best things to do in the Philippines? Learn to surf and drink straight from a coconut—these are some of the cool stuff you can do in this summer paradise.
One top destination in the Philippines is Cebu, the Queen City of the South. It’s much smaller than Manila, the country’s capital, which is why navigating a trip around the island is easier, especially with most tourist spots being easily accessible from the island’s capital, Cebu City. Because of this, day trips in Cebu are immensely popular, allowing you the flexibility to plan your itinerary for the day with the best things to do in Cebu. From visiting the countryside to diving in marine sanctuaries—the activities that you can do in Cebu are endless.
Ready to experience a day tour in Cebu on the road? Fasten your seatbelts because here are the five best day trips in Cebu.
A Glimpse of the Past at Magellan’s Cross and Temple of Leah – A Tour Through History and Heritage in Cebu
Itinerary: Simala Church–Santo Nino Basilica–Metropolitan Cathedral–Magellan’s Cross–Taoist Temple–Temple of Leah
Distance and travel time: 53.9 miles (2 hours and 30 minutes)
Best time to visit: December to May
If you think Cebu’s only good for getting a tan, then think again! The island prides itself in its plethora of historical landmarks, from ancient forts to centuries-old colonial churches. Venture to three of the most notable churches in Cebu: the Simala Parish Church, the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño (Santo Niño Basilica), and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
The Simala Church is a popular destination among tourists wanting to offer prayers and wishes to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Next, you’re off to Cebu City to visit the Santo Niño Basilica, the oldest church in Cebu, and the Metropolitan Cathedral, considered the heart of Catholic pride on the island. Magellan’s Cross should be just nearby, and you can’t miss it – it’s a big circular pavilion housing the revered cross reflecting the epic tale of the Battle of Mactan that signaled the birth of Christianity in the Philippines.
Afterward, a 15-minute drive will take you to the Taoist Temple. Have your fortune read by monks, light some incense sticks while saying a prayer or two, or take pictures of the place as you marvel at the beautiful oriental style of architecture. Conclude your historical day tour in the Temple of Leah, dubbed as the “Taj Mahal of Cebu” which comprises a library, an art gallery, a bar, and a museum perfect for any history buff.
Chocolate Hills Adventure with Lunch at Loboc River Cruise – Bohol Day Tour From Cebu City
Itinerary: Chocolate Hills–Tarsier Sanctuary–Loboc River–Bilar Man-made Forest–Simply Butterflies Conservation Center
Distance and travel time: 101.6 miles (roughly 5 hours)
Best time to visit: January to May
Feeling adventurous? You can take a Bohol day expedition from Cebu City, with the first stop being the place everyone thinks about when Bohol is mentioned—the Chocolate Hills. From the capital, the travel time should be around three hours, which involves a ferry trip. The perfect time to see these spectacular land formations is during the dry season when the green grass that blankets them turns brown like chocolate. While you won’t be able to hike the hills, you can get up close and personal by going on a Bike Zip or the Wave Runner at the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park. If you’re a thrill-seeker, then you can also book a private ATV ride to zoom around the foothills of the iconic landscape safely at your own pace.
Your next destination is the Tarsier Sanctuary, an hour’s drive from the Chocolate Hills. Witness how these little gremlin-looking creatures behave in their natural habitat. Since these critters are nocturnal, expect they’ll be nodding off during the day, yet with some luck, you might spot one or two gazing curiously at park visitors. Then at lunch, savor a gourmet buffet on a river cruise while perusing down Loboc River with a live band playing in the background to set the mood.
Making your way to Bilar, make sure to stop at the Bilar Man-Made Forest where you can imagine yourself starring in a dramatic music video as you take in the eerie yet peaceful ambiance. Finally, finish the day with a joy-filled heart at the Simply Butterflies Conservation Center with over 200 species of colorful butterflies.
Tumalog Falls and Sumilon Island with Whale Shark Watching – Oslob Day Tour
Itinerary: Tumalog Falls–Oslob–Sumilon Island
Distance and travel time: 4.1 miles (14 minutes)
Best time to visit: November to May
Aside from peculiar tarsiers, Cebu is also home to the world’s largest shark—the whale shark. Despite their terrifying size, they are passive and docile creatures, and a fantastic place to see them for yourself is in the coastal town of Oslob, located in the Southern part of Cebu. But before you can feast your eyes on these gentle giants and other marine life, you should drive to Tumalog Falls first, just 10 minutes away from the whale shark-watching viewpoint in Tan-Awan. Tumalog Falls is popular for its Instagram-worthy rock formations and crystal-clear waters.
When you’re done with Tumalog Falls, the Oslob whale sharks await you on this fantastic island tour. Just pay the fees, keep in mind the do’s and don’ts, and enjoy your time with these majestic creatures. Afterward, take a boat to Sumilon Island, where you can walk on the Sumilon sandbar, go on a canyoneering tour, do spelunking in Yamashita cave, or just have a nice cold beer while watching the sunset from your hammock.
Kawasan Falls and Pescador Island Hopping with Sardine Run and Turtle Sightseeing – Moalboal Day Tour
Itinerary: Moalboal–Pescador Island–Kawasan Falls
Distance and travel time: 16.5 miles (52 minutes)
Best time to visit: December to May
Another island day trip activity you shouldn’t miss out on is snorkeling with sardines and turtles. After around two hours of travel time from the capital, you can reach the municipality of Moalboal to witness the famous sardine run just 30 meters off Panagsama Beach, which has long enticed travelers and divers to keep coming back to this summer paradise.
A 15-minute boat ride is all it takes for you to get to Pescador Island. The island is popular for its reef diving sites, thanks to the abundant rock and colorful coral formations that protect the marine ecosystem of the island. Get a chance to be up close and personal with some sea turtles, and if you’re lucky, you might even see a glimpse of leaping dolphins!
Complete your journey by going to Badian to go canyoneering in Kawasan Falls, which is just around 30 minutes away from Moalboal. But if you’re too worn out, then you could just take in the scenery and snap a couple of photos as a reminder of a day well spent.
Highlands Scenery at Sirao Flower Garden – Mountainside Day Trip
Itinerary: Lavie in the Sky–Sirao Garden–Strawberry de Cantipla Eco Farm–Buwakan Ni Alejandra–Adventure Cafe–Sachiko’s Little Kyoto
Distance and travel time: 27 miles (1 hour and 35 minutes)
Best time to visit: March to May
If you’re one for a vacation in the highlands, then this day tour is for you. Start your day in Lavie in the Sky, a mountaintop French/European restaurant with a perfect scenic view of Cebu. Pose beside the restaurant’s replica of the Eiffel Tower, play a short game of foosball, or order a cocktail to get the blood flowing. After giving your compliments to the chef, it would be a 20-minute drive to Sirao Flower Garden to marvel at the majestic field of flowers, lush green pastures, and the iconic “Caring Hands” installation.
Your next destination is Strawberry de Cantipla Eco Farm, and as the name suggests—it’s a farm where you can pick the freshest strawberries. They also serve some of the most interesting strawberry-flavored treats, from strawberry leche flan (Filipino caramel custard) to strawberry burgers. Drive to Balamban to visit another massive flower garden, Buwakan Ni Alejandra. Compared to Sirao Garden, Buwakan Ni Alejandra offers an exciting twist with areas inspired by movies like The Lorax that boast trees and plants in circular shapes, as seen in the film.
Adventure Cafe is a must-visit if you’re an adrenaline junkie who also likes good coffee. You can go on an exhilarating 256-meter-long zip line, wall climbing, caving, and even take your frustration out by smashing plates against a wall they call the “Stress Wall”.
Then end the day at Sachiko’s Little Kyoto, Cebu’s very own little Kyoto in the highlands. Here, you live out your dream of finally wearing a kimono or a yukata while strolling through the torii gates and the park’s version of the infamous Hachiko statue and Daruma dolls.
Planning The Best Cebu Day Trip
Mapping an entire trip in Cebu can be difficult with so many things to do, yet with so little time. We’re here to help.
- Understanding car rental procedures in the Philippines. Before you rent a car in the Philippines, be aware of the process of picking out the right vehicle for your travels. This also applies to understanding the different car rental companies in the Philippines.
- Have your car insured. Don’t take the risk—it’s important to get your car insured if you’re conquering Philippine roads. Know the best car insurance companies in the Philippines for a worry-free road trip.
- Get an IDP. With an international motorist license accepted by over 150 countries including the Philippines, you can drive on Philippine roads without a hitch.
- The Philippines drives on the right. Keep in mind to stay on the right side of the road when you’re driving in the Philippines.
- Familiarize yourself with Cebu’s speed limit. In Cebu City, private vehicles are permitted to drive 80 kilometers per hour (kph) on primary roads, 70 kph on secondary roads, and 60 kph on tertiary roads.
- Pack your essentials. You must bring the road trip essentials such as a charger for your electronics, medicines, and a sanitary kit. With the Philippines being a tropical country, mosquitos will be prevalent—so pack a mosquito repellant along with your sunblock!
- Plan your activities wisely. Because you have limited time for your day trip, maximize your itinerary by knowing what activities your group would like to do in the areas that you’re visiting. Booking a private tour with a trusted travel agency may help because the tour activities are already planned out for you.
- Mind peak seasons. Traveling during the off-season would potentially save you from waiting hours in line to get into a place.
It’s More Fun in Cebu
Looking at the plethora of places you can visit in the Philippines is a genuine testament that all the good things in the world can be better. With over 7,500 islands, the country is a tropical getaway for travelers who want nothing but a cold drink in their hand while gazing at the sparkling blue waters stretching on the horizon. There is no doubt that the majestic Cebu Island has those and more. Explore around Cebu by car in just a day by securing an IDP with the help of IDA!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Do I need a visa to go to the Philippines? The Philippines is visa-free for individuals from certain countries, staying up to 30 days.
- How do I travel to Cebu? Tourists can go to Cebu via international or domestic flights through the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
- What is the best time to visit Cebu? Travelers should seize the island’s dry spell between December and May, while the overall best time to visit the Philippines is from November to April.
- Where can I see tours and tour packages in Cebu? Browse through the internet to see numerous local and international travel bodies offering private day tours you’ll certainly enjoy in places such as Lapu-Lapu City and Osmeña Peak. Or perhaps you fancy the best Cebu day tour packages for island hopping on nearby islands like Mactan Island, Nalusuan Island, and Bantayan Island. Only trust reputable travel companies and agencies though, and beware of scammers!
- What should I wear in Cebu? The Philippines’ dry season is no joke—travelers should pack light and cool clothes to protect themselves from the scorching heat.
- What languages do people in Cebu use? There are numerous languages and dialects spoken in the Visayan Islands, but Cebuano is the primary language. Filipino (not to be confused with the Filipino people) is the country’s lingua franca, but you’re better off speaking English in Cebu, especially in top tourist spots.
- Are there ATMs in Cebu? Cebu has many ATMs spread across the island, especially in urban areas.
- Can I drink tap water in the Philippines? Unfortunately, tap water in the Philippines is not drinkable.
- Should I buy a local SIM card in Cebu? While many places in Cebu offer public Wi-Fi, it might be better to purchase a local SIM to stay connected.
