Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
Cebu City
Cebu's holiest church houses a revered Flemish statuette of the Christ child (Santo Niño) that dates to Magellan's time. The church is no stranger to…
Must-see attractions in Cebu
Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary
Cebu
Just 20 minutes from Mactan by public bangka, Olango Island is home to this important wildlife reserve. Taking in 1030 hectares of sand flats and…
Cebu City
This excellent museum comprises several galleries in a sturdy old coral-stone building that was Cebu's provincial jail from 1870 to 2004. Rooms are…
Moalboal
Located in Badian, 17km south of Moalboal, Kawasan Falls comprise a series of three waterfalls; the largest cascades 15m into a massive, milky-blue…
Malapascua Island
This glorious stretch of pale sand occupies almost the entire southern part of the island. It's lined with hotels, restaurants, dive shops and massage…
Cebu City
Downtown, in a quiet residential area, this museum was originally a private home (built in the 1850s). Later it was purchased by the Gorordos, one of Cebu…
Cebu City
Established in 1565 under the command of Miguel López de Legazpi, conqueror of the Philippines, Fort San Pedro has served as an army garrison, a rebel…
Bantayan Island
Around 5km east of Santa Fe this sublime cove beach has white sand, shade umbrellas and excellent swimming, and the surrounding area is attractively…
Moalboal
Glorious White Beach, where there's a broad stretch of sand and several midrange and luxury hotels, is 6km north of Panagsama. After bargaining, tricycles…
Sumilon Island Marine Sanctuary
Cebu
The marine sanctuary off Sumilon Island is a conservation success story in the Philippines. Resorts in Lilo-an run dive trips to the reserve, or you can…
Cebu City
Ferdinand's Catholic legacy, a large wooden cross, is housed in a stone rotunda (built in 1841). The crucifix on show is said to contain remnants from a…
Cebu City
The sprawling Carbon Market is a boisterous, cacophonous frenzy that seemingly never sleeps. It's a local affair: expect mounds of fruit and vegetables,…
Mactan Island
Mactan is the improbable site of one of the defining moments in the Philippines' history. It was here on 27 April 1521 that Ferdinand Magellan was fatally…
Cebu City
This impressive butterfly sanctuary, in tropical gardens surrounding the home of late founder Julian Jumalon, harbours more than 55 species, though…
University of San Carlos Museum
Cebu City
This well-presented museum is best known for its anthropological and archaeological exhibits, including displays depicting the 16th-century practice of…
Cebu
Hilutangan Island, about 4km southwest of Olango, is surrounded by a marine sanctuary, although the snorkelling isn't that great as the reefs were damaged…
Cebu City
This viewpoint, high above the city, is best visited at sunset. Cafes (which open from 4pm) sell drinks and snacks. Some taxi drivers may refuse to tackle…
Cebu
This tiny island, southwest of Olango, encompasses a marine reserve which is managed privately by Nalusuan Island Resort & Marine Sanctuary. The…
Moalboal
These natural springs in Montañeza, 32km south of Moalboal make an attractive excursion (particularly on weekdays when it's less busy). The hottest spring…
Bantayan Island
About an hour's boat ride from Santa Fe in Bantayan, this tropical islet is a popular (perhaps too popular) day trip. The white-sand beach is gorgeous and…
Cebu
This tiny island off southern Olango has a pretty sandy beach backed by (overpriced) seafood shacks and a fishing village. Locals sells handicrafts…
Cebu City
The atmospheric Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House is among the country's oldest residential homes, built around 1680 from wood and coral stone, its design…
Malapascua Island
Enjoys striking views over the northern part of the island. Access is via a steep path (it's not signposted and you have to pass through someone's…
Malapascua Island
Stunning crescent-shaped Logon Beach on the southwestern side of the island is framed by a wooded promontory and has sheltered aquamarine water. It's…
Malapascua Island
This 12m-high lookout, beyond the typhoon-destroyed Los Bambos resort on the island's northwestern tip, is used by some brave souls as a cliff jump.
Cebu City
This neoclassical cathedral was completed in 1909, replacing many earlier structures on the site. Only its facade and belfry survived WWII bombs.
