Cebu Beaches and Islands Travel Guide
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Loading...Cebu is a Province of the Philippines, in the Country’s Central Visayas Region
The Province consists of Cebu Island, as well as 167 mini islands, which include Mactan, Bantayan, Malapascua, Olango and the Camotes Islands
The Cebu Tourist just can’t get enough of Cebu idyllic and picturesque beaches, that’s why Cebu is considered to be one of the most precious gems in the Philippines and the world, and this is evidently true because of its intensive powdered white sand beaches, sandbars and majestic diving spots
Cebu is filled with plenty of activities and tourist spots from waterfalls to fantastic diving, pristine beaches, and the beaches they are far less crowded than you might of expected
The Cebu Tourists first impressions of Cebu are the powdery white sand and crystal clear warm waters that tourists crave. Yyou may be disappointed to learn that you need to travel considerable distances, but tourists in Cebu don’t seem to mind the travel time, because it’s well worth the effort, since those beaches are more spectacular and picturesque. At Bantayan Island beaches, you can explore other surrounding mini Islands by hopping tours. At Malapascua Island beach and resorts and dive sites are a natural beach lovers destination, including the inevitable island hopping tour to the magnificent Kalanggaman remote Island. You also have the stunning beaches on the Camotes Islands, specifically Santiago Bay beach and resorts
Heading or transiting south of Cebu City there is a good selection of beaches and your more likely to either make a quick visit or plan to spend the weekend on or near a beach resort. The beach distances can be more greater, local and international tourists seem to be attracted to Argao beaches, Dalaguete beaches, Alcoy beaches, Boljoon beaches, Tanawan, Oslob and the Sumilon Island. Heading south again on the same route towards Carcar City, except this time head south west at Carcar City Rotonda, or by bus bound via BARILI, local and international tourists arrive in considerably higher numbers to the picturesque beaches and resorts of the famous diving sites at Moalboal. The same route SW brings you to Kawasan Falls, Badian, about 45 minutes drive from Moalboal, amongst other famous waterfalls heading south west inland towards Samboan
Cebu City Public Beaches and Resorts
Some public costal beaches near to Cebu City, are not particular picturesque, and are not worth visiting, specifically Talisay City in Brgy. (village) Poblacion, which includes Larawan Beach and Aznar Beach. We visited both beaches in 2016 and 2019 and although the beaches are very popular with local children midweek and families on weekends, we found the beach facilities very poorly maintained and tired and an urgent refurbished is desperately needed on both beaches. It’s even more less appealing, not just because the amount of garbage and broken glass everywhere, the overall ambiance is not fitting of a true Cebu beach, the entrance cost is inexpensive, we found the beach cottage rental not worth the money on Aznar Beach of either ₱300 small beach cottage or ₱500 large beach cottage and not to mention the additional charges if you need to hook up to the main electric supply of ₱150 per beach cottage
However most public beaches and resort-hotel beaches in Cebu are well kept, especially in and around Mactan Bay towards Lapu-Lapu City. Meanwhile there are other public beaches and resorts heading north of Cebu City, and within easy reach of Cebu City by road, for day and night use, and although the sand is a darker brown all along that route, the beaches are reasonable well maintained. Some beaches are just under 1 hour transiting north of Cebu City on the Central Nautical Hwy, there are numerous beach resort, you will most likely spot the resort entrances, especially if your transiting north, mainly because of traffic congestion near to Consolacion, Liloan, Compostela, Danao and Carmen northbound towards Hagnaya Port for Bantayan island, Maya Port for Malapascua island and Danao Port for the Camotes islands, but the beaches on this route are not widely visited by tourists
Sea Urchins caution in Cebu
Most Island hopping tours in Cebu will include snorkeling, and we recommend you bring dive slippers or aqua shoes, there are sea urchins in shallow waters on the rocks leading to the snorkeling zones on some islands and beaches in Cebu
Jellyfish Caution for Island hopping tours, diving and snorkeling around Cebu Beaches, Cebu Islands, Coron and El Nido, Palawan
Thimble Jellyfish also known as Sea Lice, are predominantly found while Island hopping in deeper portions of the sea and shallow parts of the sea at Mactan Island in some parts of Olango Island, and in the sea waters near Agus, Marigondon in the mainland of Lapu-Lapu. Thimble Jellyfish are also common in shallow parts of the sea, including Cebu Beaches and Resorts around Sibonga, Argao, Alcoy, Oslob, Coron and El Nido, Palawan
This type of jellyfish may appear harmless because of the smaller size, swarming in very large numbers and are identified by there orange colouring
If you see this kind of jellyfish, please avoid them because they will sting resulting in spot rashes, which will result in extremely uncomfortable itchiness and burning sensation on the skin, usually the same day, which can last around 4 to 7 days
Extreme symptoms of the Thimble Jellyfish, can include fever, nausea, and chills, Thimble Jellyfish are usually seen during the months when the temperature are high or during the summer season, they are able to penetrate the wet suits worn by free divers. Calamine Lotion and Antiseptic Cream will bring relief to the itchiness, and we recommend you bring a supply or buy locally
The Cebu Tourist Beach Recommendations in Cebu and Surrounding islands
Hidden Beach – Aloguinsan, Cebu
This hidden gem has been virtually untouched by resort development and commercial projects, being so natural, you can find lots of marine life around, the sand a natural intensive white and the calming crystal clear sea is a beach lovers hidden paradise. Since the beach is hidden, you’ll find it by passing through, trees and coconut palms, you’ll become aware that you are getting closer when you see the coral rocks in the distance, and as you catch a glimpse of the beach, you’ll be amazed to see the pristine beach and crystal clear sea
Kalanggaman island Beach
You can conveniently reach Kalanggaman remote island via Cebu north bus terminal by air-con bus to Maya Port and by boat to Malapascua island, once on Malapascua island, take a island hopping full day tour to Kalanggaman island, and this is the most common way to reach the island
It’s possible travel to Malapascua island from Cebu City and Kalanggaman island the same day (3:00AM depature), however with do recommend at least 1 night in the stunning Malapascua island, famed worldwide for it’s thresher shark diving, before you island hop to Kalanggaman island
The approach by boat to Kalanggaman Island, really does capture your imagination, and you’ll be immediately drawn to the famous sandbars either side. Kalanggaman Island continues to draw tourist from all over the world, and it’s easy to see why, with the powdery white sand and crystal clear warm waters. You will appreciate the laid back charm on Kalanggaman Island and GoPro and Drone user’s will feel at home on the picturesque island of Kalanggaman
Kalanggaman island is a remote island and does not have a main electrical supply, for your safety you should not swim either side of the sandbars, because of strong rip tides
Basdaku Beach – Moalboal
This beach is a one-kilometer long stretch of white sand beach, the beach is ranked on the most desirable beaches to visit while in Cebu. Basdaku beach is a white sand beach, in addition of course to the crystal clear and pristine warm sea water, you can rent a boat in Basdaku which will bring you to a deeper part of the sea for excellent snorkeling. If you love to swim this beach certainly does tick all the boxes and since this is a public beach, you are allowed to bring in your own food supplies
Take a bus from the south bus terminal, Cebu to Moalboal, bound via BARILI, we strongly recommend the air-con bus only, the journey time is around 3 hours – 20 minutes, and do expect heavy traffic after 7:00AM midweek, south towards Tailsay City and Naga City, this is predictable for this route transiting south along towards Carcar
Santiago Bay Beach – The Camotes islands
Don’t be tempted to travel to far inland or the other-side of The Camotes islands, hoping to discover less visited resorts and beaches, since some are quite ordinary. The best beaches and resorts are Santiago Bay, and near the Port at Consuelo Wharf, San Francisco, Cebu, Santiago Bay is a must visit while on the Camotes islands. Santiago Bay, is a beach lovers paradise, the bay is blessed with rocks and corals which attracts a diverse marine life. Santiago Bay arguably has one of the best views on the the Camotes islands, you really can’t afford to miss the opportunity not to visit this part of the island. While in Cebu City the most convenient route is the OceanJet fast ferry service from Cebu City Port, Pier 1 to Poro Port, Camotes
Bantayan Island – North Cebu
A visit to Cebu is never complete without a weekend stay in the forever popular tourist haven of Bantayan Island.
It’s unmistakable white sand palm tree lined beaches the tourist just can’t seem to get enough off, and it’s not hard to see why. No visit is worthy unless you take a short boat ride to the Virgin island (Silion island), the fantastic views of the blue sea and the sparkling white sandy beach of the Virgin Island are magnets to both local and the international tourist,. You wont find any motorized watersports on the Virgin island and that’s just how the island maintains it’s laid back charm
Meanwhile back on Bantayan Island, rent a pedal bike and go cliff jumping into the clear blue warm waters, and finish the day with a hearty helping of baked oysters or grilled scallops in one of the many local restaurants located in M.J. Sqaure. Bantayan Island is reachable from Cebu City by taking air-con bus from the north bus terminal to Hagnaya Port and ferry to Santa Fe Port, journey time by bus is 4hr:30mins – 5hr:30mins
Traffic Congestion in Cebu City
The Cebu Tourist will witness Cebu City increasing traffic congestion, it seems local Cebuanos have grown accustomed to, the never ending traffic jams, for the tourist, it can be forever frustrating, even for short distances around Cebu City and especially transiting to Cebu islands, and Cebu beach resorts north or south of Cebu City
Some progress has been implemented to lessen the traffic congestion around Cebu City, including better traffic management for traffic to and from CEBU, the costal road subway towards SM Seaside and South Road Properties (SRP), the new Underpass (2019) at Natalio Bacalso Avenue and Cebu South Road, near the F. Llamas intersection and ongoing repairs to main roads leading to bridges all over Cebu
If your heading south towards Tan-Awan, Oslob, Moalboal, Alcoy and Cebu beach resort along that route from Cebu South Bus Terminal on Natalio Bacalso Avenue and Cebu South Road, you will experience Cebu’s infamous traffic congestion after 7:00AM and up to 9:00PM, midweek at SM Seaside Cebu and South Road Properties (SRP), Talisay, Minglanilla, City of Naga, San Fernando through to City of Carcar, more commonly along that route are local festivals on weekends including Friday, specific to the Brgy (village), which will cause traffic congestion, and although the distances are not great in terms of miles or km, the traffic will make your journey slightly less pleasant, specifically on the return journey back to Cebu City
Surprisingly the traffic in Cebu City is way less congested on weekends around Cebu City mainly because schools, colleges, business offices and call-center employees are having there rest days, although some colleges are still open on Saturday, you’ll unlikely avoid the traffic congestion, transiting to Cebu beach resorts north and south on weekends, especially on Sunday, make plans to leave early morning, In fact we recommend any journey in Cebu that is expected to take more than 3 hours to reach by road, to leave at around 6:00AM, it’s worth mentioning that if your connecting by ferry or boat on the same day midweek or weekend, that most ferry and boat services in Cebu operate on a specific timetable because of tide conditions, and you could potentially miss the last scheduled service by sea, because of Cebu’s unpredictable traffic congestion
Cebu City Rapid Bus Transit System Project Phase 1 and 2 and Cordova Link Expressway Bridge
Preparations are underway for the latest ground·breaking mass transportation, the Cebu City Rapid Bus Transit System. The initial project has 2 phases, the first phase will span along Cebu South Road on N. Bacalso Avenue (located near the South Bus Terminal) up to the Provincial Capitol through the Osmena Boulevard. The second phase of the project, which traverses Bulacao, Talisay City (southern part of Cebu) to Talamban, (Northern part), and is targeted to be fully operational by March 2022
When completed, the Cebu BRT system will have 33 stations with 176 buses with buses passing each station every two to five minutes. more than 330,000 passengers are expected to use the BRT line every day. The BRT line will be complemented by a modified jeepney network which will operate as feeders and complementary services to the BRT route. Space will be made at BRT stations for interchanging jeepney routes. The Cebu City Rapid Bus Transit System will mirror other modern big city automated transportation, similar to those found in Hong Kong and Singapore
The BRT Transit System infrastructure is designed to lesson the chaotic traffic around Cebu City. The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) is expected to integrate the BRT Transit System, since the Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway Bridge is expected for completion by the end of 2021. The project will provide faster link between Mactan island and mainland Cebu, The Link Expressway Bridge facility is already designed to accommodate speeds of 60 to 80 kilometers per hour (kph)
