Cebu - the central island of the Visayas
Cebu
Cebu is the central island of the Visayas, with its international Airport and Harbour the best place to start or end a trip in the Philippines. The diversity of this island is huge and has a lot to offer for everyone. This city is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From bustling cities to serene beaches, Cebu has something to offer for every traveler.
Cebu City has many nice coffee shops, restaurants and malls to offer, so if the weather is not the best, one can do a shopping day or getting a masssage. One coffee I can really recommend is la vie parisienne, here they created kind of a wine library feeling a their pastries give you the feeling you are in France.
Enjoy the nightlife - Cebu City is also known for its lively nightlife scene. From rooftop bars to live music venues, there are plenty of options to choose from. Head to Mango Square or IT Park for a night of dancing and fun.
Argao
From Cebu we went with our rental car to Argao, the city by itself has no attractions or activites, but it is the perfect starting point for activities around the island. We stayed in the Panorama the Argao resort and had an amazing stay there. George cooked all our wishes and preferences and gave us many insider tips.
Day 1: Whale Sharks
Early in the morning we started a day trip to the most impressive activity ever. After a 2 hour drive we arrived in Oslob at the Whale Shark watching Spot. The Whale Shark snorkeling tour costs just 500 Pesos per Person. With tiny boats you drive 30 meters away from the beach and can swim together with the Whales. These animals are not dangerous but their length of 8 meters is really impressive. After this unique experience we stopped on our way back at the Tumalog falls, the entrance there costs 50 Pesos and you walk just 10 min to get there. Here you can have a swim, have a picnic or chill the rest of the afternoon. The locals are also driving you up and down with their motorbikes for a few Pesos.
Day 2: Osmena Peak
From Argao our next highlight was the Osmena Peak. Some say it is even better than the chocolate hills. We can say that it is just a highlight when the weather is perfect, further you see nothing else than fog. When we decided to go there it was not the best weather at the coast but there it was even worse. We saw nothing and it was really cold up there. So do pack in a jacket if you go there. From Osmena Peak it is just 1-2 hours to travel to Moalboal, one can cross the whole island with a car but for this we really recommend a jeep, as the streets are getting really bumpy.
Moalboal
Moalboal famous for being the sea of fish. With its crystal-clear waters, stunning coral reefs, and friendly locals, Moalboal is a top destination for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. Here you will meet more younger people as backpackers or free divers. Moreover Moalboal is a perfect starting point for daily activities. We stayed on the Badian Island Resort close to Moalboal and our stay there was amazing for recharging and relaxing. As the Philippines are famous for their cheap and good massages we just had to go to the Spa area every day.
Moalboal offers many restaurant options for tourists.
Our favorite Restaurants were:
Smooth Cafe
Shaka
Kugita Seafood and Grill
Day 1: Exploring the Marine Life
Your first day in Moalboal should be spent exploring the town's incredible marine life. Start your day by heading to the Pescador Island, a small island located about 3 kilometers off the coast of Moalboal. This island is famous for its vibrant coral reefs, colorful fish, and other marine creatures, making it a favorite spot for snorkeling and diving. Take a boat tour from the Moalboal town center to get to the island. For 2.500 Pesos a private boat brings you there or as an cheaper alternative you can go snorkeling by oneself in the sea in front of Moalboal. You can also make your way to the nearby town of Barangay Basdiot. This area is the home to the famous sardine runs, a phenomenon where millions of sardines swim together in a massive school. You can either snorkel or dive to witness this natural spectacle up close.
Day 2: Kawasan Falls
The waterfall is a three-tiered cascade surrounded by lush greenery, making it the perfect spot for a refreshing swim or a picnic. Or if you need more action as we did you can go canyoing through the Kawasan Falls. An amazing adventure for everyones limits. With a personal guide we started on the highest point and walked for 2 hours back through the river. Every guide takes amazing pictures of you and everywhere you can stop at amazing photo locations. We paid around 4.000 Pesos including lunch and our personal guide.
Day 3: Caves
Start your third day in Moalboal by exploring the town's caves. Moalboal has several underground caves with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, such as the Aguinid Falls and Cave. You can also explore the Cambais Falls Cave, which has several waterfalls and a natural pool that you can swim in.
Cebu is really a destination that has it all - from historical landmarks to beautiful beaches, mouth-watering cuisine, and a lively nightlife scene. The province's rich history and culture are evident in every corner, making it a perfect destination for travelers who are looking for an authentic and immersive experience.
Whether you're exploring the bustling city center of Cebu City, diving with whale sharks in Oslob, or do some canoeing in the waterfalls, you're guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience in Cebu. So pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime in this stunning province. Cebu will not disappoint!
Awesome blog! keep going Alicia 👍🏻😍