Looking for a place to travel with your BFFs? Why not consider Cebu? Cebu, just like any other part of The Philippines, is well-known for its tropical vibe: sand, sea, and sun. You can relax in a resort by the beach with your friends or head for an adventure around the archipelago best buddies. Your BFFs will also understand your pettiness to get the perfect Instagram photos of Cebu Island. Below is the list of our recommendation on the things to do in Cebu.

1. Canyoneering in Badian

The #1 activity you have to do in Cebu: Canyoneering (or Canyoning) is a sport of exploring canyons that may require you to trek, climb, swim and jump. Going in with a guide is mandatory as he/she can tell you which spot is safe for you to jump. Helmet and life vest will be given too for each participant.

At first, you or your friends may feel nervous to jump, but that’s what your friends are for. Support each other to take the leap of courage and make that first jump (and many more jumps that follow). Oh, don’t forget to wear covered shoes and bring a waterproof action camera to capture those brave jumps.

After our last jump, just before Kawasan Falls resting area

2. Chasing waterfalls in Badian and Oslob

Cebu has many waterfalls scattered around the island. The waterfalls are frequented a lot by tourists and locals alike and the water is generally very clear. You can have a dip in the pool at the bottom of the waterfall too, so pack your swimming attire and prepare to have fun while playing water with your BFFs.

Kawasan Falls crowded on a public holiday

Kawasan Falls in Badian and Tumalog Falls in Oslob are the two most famous waterfalls in Cebu. You will be able to enjoy Kawasan Falls at the end of your canyoneering adventure, while Tumalog Falls is located very close to the whale shark watching spot in Oslob.

A perfect photo opportunity at Tumalog Falls

Other famous waterfalls on the island are Dao Falls in Samboan, Inambakan Falls in Ginatilan, and Mantayupan Falls in Barili – all municipalities are located south of Cebu.

3. Whale shark watching in Oslob

A whale shark is a shark (not a whale) and it’s the biggest fish (and shark) in the world! However, contrary to other “typical” sharks, whale sharks are gentle, slow-moving, and they only eat plankton or small fish.

The whale shark is a migratory animal, moving from one ocean to another throughout its life. The whale sharks in Tan-awan (Oslob), however, are fed every day at 7AM-1PM by the locals to make them stay. I promise there’s nothing more incredible than watching (or taking selfie together with) these graceful creatures together with your BFFs underwater.

4. Hiking to Osmeña Peak, the highest point in Cebu island

If you and your best buddies are getting a bit tired of playing in the water, consider a short hike to the top of Cebu island: Osmeña Peak. The hike itself is relatively easy, although you need proper trekking shoes/sandals to conquer the slippery/muddy slopes. If the weather is good, well, you can even race each other to the top!

Rain or shine, bringing a walking stick along is always a good idea

The trek to the top will take around 30 minutes max, and although the peak is only around 1,000 m tall, the view is incredible due to the numerous jagged peaks/cliffs surrounding the peak itself.

Rain or shine, bringing a walking stick along is always a good idea

While a guide is not necessary, he/she can help you navigate slippery slopes and be your personal photographer with all the knowledge of the great photo spots. It’s time for you and your BFFs to capture all the silly poses you have.

5. Snorkelling/Diving in Moalboal or Malapascua Island

You have not really seen the Philippines if you have not seen its underwater world! so many scuba divers from all over the world flock to this archipelago which boasts numerous world-class dive sites. Cebu itself is famous for the thresher sharks in Malapascua and the sardine run in Moalboal.

There are many turtles around Moalboal too

If you are not a scuba diver, this is a good opportunity to take up scuba certification together with your BFFs. Just make sure the dive shop you pick is a reputable one. And if you are not keen on taking certification anytime soon, you can still witness the famous sardine run of Moalboal by snorkelling.

6. Day trip to Bohol Island

Bohol Island is technically a different island, but it is only 1.5 hours away by ferry from Cebu City. Bohol is a popular day trip destination for many travellers. I personally encourage you to spend at least two days here because there are so many things to explore!

A must-see here is the magical Chocolate Hills, where more than a thousand mound-shaped hills are scattered on a plain. During the dry season, these hills turn brown resembling Hershey’s chocolate kisses hence the name. The viewing spot located in Carmen is called Chocolate Hills Complex, and you will be glad there is no trekking involved to get up to this viewpoint (there are a bunch of stairs though). If you are going during a rainy season, as long as you are with your best pals, getting drenched going up those staircases would be an incredibly fun experience!

Drenched and tired but still can’t afford to give those Chocolate Hills a miss!

If you and your friends are interested in wildlife or animal, make sure to visit the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella. Tarsier is a species of primate endemic to the Philippines, Borneo, and Indonesia, famous for its tiny body and a huge set of eyes (like the E.T or Yoda!)

Where to Stay in Cebu

Cebu is a big island, and if you are travelling here for a few days, it would be more convenient not to base yourself in just one particular town. A few places you can consider are:

Hotels in Moalboal

Moalboal is a nice place to serve as a base to explore Southern Cebu. Parrot Resort Moalboal, an art deco guesthouse located near the beach with outdoor pool and bbq grill will be a great choice to spend the night with your best buddies after a tiring day full of adventure.

Hotels on Bohol Island

Do spare a night on the island to experience what Bohol can truly offer. Ocean Suites Boutique Hotel, located near Tagbilaran City just beside the Blood Compact Monument, is a nice hotel with a big room able to accommodate 6 people.

Hotels in Cebu City

Summit Circle Cebu is conveniently located near the historical district, ferry terminal and the shopping area – just the right place to spend your last night to do some sightseeing and shopping before flying back home.