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Cebu & Bohol

A gateway to spectacular islands, dazzling beaches and adventurous activities – with everything from diving, canyoneering, and skydiving on offer.
Top 10 Activities

All you need to know about Cebu & Bohol

Neighbouring island-provinces Cebu and Bohol are the most accessible destinations in the glorious Central Visayas region, with the greatest choice of things to see and do. But they also serve as hopping points to thousands of spectacular smaller islands within their provinces and the rest of the region. 

Cebu City – a smaller, more relaxed version of Manila – has the benefit of direct international flights. The Philippines’ oldest city and first capital, it’s also chock-a-block with 16th-century Spanish colonial relics. Ferries from Cebu City take you to Bohol Island in two hours.

Manila sunset

Why it’s more fun in Cebu & Bohol

Both Cebu and Bohol and the smaller islands appeal to those who love adventurous activities, with everything from water sports including diving and canyoneering to skydiving and zip-lining are on the offer. On a more sedate level, there’s also the likes of yoga and cycling, wildlife encounters including whale and thresher sharks, dolphins and sea turtles, plus those pristine beaches for when you want to totally kick back and relax.

Badian Cebu Jacob

Culture & Food

Despite being a tropical-island paradise, Cebu and Bohol have a rich history. This is where Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan planted the Cross of Christianity in 1521, which paved the way for Spanish colonization. This historical wealth manifests itself everywhere from the colonial architecture and museums of Cebu City to the ancestral homes and centuries-old churches of Bohol. 

Cebu is also famous for its sweet mangoes – locals love to pair them with a steamed rice cake called puto and a cup of locally made hot chocolate called ‘sikwate’. But there’s plenty of other incredible local fare to be sampled – not least in Cebu City with its fantastic choice of restaurants and street-food stalls. Don’t miss local dishes ‘ngohiong’ (a deep-fried appetizer filled with julienned vegetables), ‘sutukil’, which stands for ‘sugba’ (grill), ‘tula’ or ‘tuwa’ (soup) and ‘kilaw’ (ceviche), lechon de Cebu (stuffed roasted pig) and ‘puso’ or ‘hanging’ rice wrapped in coconut leaves.

Sinulog Festival Erwin Lim

Top Events & Festivals

  • Sinulog – 3rd Sunday in January
    Cebu’s biggest festival, when devotees flock to Cebu City to pay homage to Señor Sto. Niño while revellers enjoy the many activities and the Mardi Gras type grand parade where colourful costumes amidst exciting drum beats are displayed.
  • Saulog Festival – 22 April-1 May
    Celebrates the spirit of Tagbilaran City with a slew of activities such as bazaars, food festivals, cooking contests and cultural shows.
  • Kadaugan sa Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City – 27 April

    A week-long commemoration of the historic battle of Mactan between the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and Mactan chieftain Datu Lapu-Lapu. 

  • Fiesta Month – May 
    It’s fiesta every day in Bohol. Boholanos come home to Bohol to celebrate local feast days in different localities in the province. 

  • Sandugo Festival – July

    Bohol’s spectacular annual festival, with historical shows, sports events, pageants, street-dancing and the re-enactment of the blood compact between Rajah Sikatuna and Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legaspi. 

  • Iron Man 70.3 Championship, Cebu – 1st Sunday of August

    A test of will and strength where only the strong and determined can prevail. See the world’s toughest athletes as they battle it out in one of the world’s most popular triathlon franchises.

Climate

Tropical, with dry and wet seasons – March to May and June to February – and an average high temperature of 30°C.

Cebu City
30°
Partly Cloudy
5:48 am5:55 pm PST
WedThuFri
31/25°C
32/24°C
32/25°C

Top 10 things to do in Cebu & Bohol

Kawasan Falls James Relfdyer

1. Scuba Dive

Scuba dive and explore the underwater gardens of Moalboal, Malapascua Island and Balicasag Island.

2. Kawasan Falls

Go cliff diving, canyoneering or swimming at Kawasan Falls, 40mins from Moalboal.

3. Chocolate Hills

Soak in the iconic sight of Bohol Island’s cone-shaped Chocolate Hills.

Tarsier Sanctuary Bohol Jacob

4. Tarsier Sanctuary

See conservation in action at Bohol’s Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary – one of the few places where these nocturnal creatures thrive in a natural habitat.

5. Loboc River

Take a relaxing cruise amidst the scenic and rustic tableau of the Loboc River.

6. Dolphins in Olango channel

Go island-hopping – whether along the Olango channel or in the Bohol Sea where playful dolphins live.

7. Skydive

Discover smaller islands such as Siquijor with its rustic charm attracting mainly Europeans looking for a relaxing island life, Apo, Cabilao, Camotes and Bantayan. Enjoy the thrill of a skydive at Bantayan Island.

Loboc River Bohol James Relfdyer

8. History at Fort San Pedro

Explore Cebu City and retrace history at Fort San Pedro, Plaza Sugbu and the Parian District.

9. Masaplod Norte marine reserve

Discover the small coastal town of Dauin, known for its snorkelling, its macrodiving in the Masaplod Norte marine reserve, and its boat trips to nearby Apo.

10. Dumaguete

Don’t miss the City of Dumaguete with its waterfront bars and restaurants and fascinating anthropology museum.

Where to stay in Cebu and Bohol

Cebu and Bohol: Both Cebu and Bohol have a wide array of accommodation, including luxury options perfect for beach retreats.

Mactan and Panglao Islands: Mactan Island next to Cebu City is especially popular, as is Panglao Island, which is linked by a causeway to mainland Bohol.

Cebu City: Most accommodations are located in areas such as Lahug, Gorordo Avenue, Escario and Banilad. Crossroads, Ayala, Citi Times Square and Salinas Drive are popular spots for dining and nightlife.

Bohol: Most scuba divers stay in Mactan, Moalboal and Malapascua in Cebu, and Panglao, Anda and Balicasag Island in Bohol.

Bohol Beach Club

Bohol Beach Club

Getting there & away

Air

The city of Bohol is mainly served by Tagbilaran Airport. Flights to and from Tagbilaran to Manila take around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Domestic and budget carriers have daily flights.

Land

It is possible to take a Roll On-Roll Off boat with your vehicle from Cebu to Tagbilaran.

Sea

The Tagbilaran City Tourist Port serves boats plying the busy Cebu-Bohol sea traffic and major port cities in Mindanao. A fastcraft ferry ride from Cebu takes about 2 hours. 

More travel info

For more general information on travel to and around the Philippine Islands, visit our travel information section:

Maps, travel tips, information on visas, working holidays and health and safety.

 

Getting there & away

Air

The city of Bohol is mainly served by Tagbilaran Airport. Flights to and from Tagbilaran to Manila take around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Domestic and budget carriers have daily flights.

Land

It is possible to take a Roll On-Roll Off boat with your vehicle from Cebu to Tagbilaran.

Sea

The Tagbilaran City Tourist Port serves boats plying the busy Cebu-Bohol sea traffic and major port cities in Mindanao. A fastcraft ferry ride from Cebu takes about 2 hours. 

More travel info

For more general information on travel to and around the Philippine Islands, visit our travel information section:

Maps, travel tips, information on visas, working holidays and health and safety.

 

Wake up in Cebu & Bohol

As we wait for the day to travel once again, discover the wonders that await you in our 7,641 islands from the comfort of your home. Stay at home, dream, and wake up in the Philippines.

360° images Fung Yu

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