CEBU ITINERARY
I spent 5 days in Cebu island, jumping off cliffs, hiking a beautiful peak, swimming inside an underground cave pool and eating tray loads of seafood in a night market bazaar. It was so enjoyable that that I just knew I have to share it with you. So I’ve put up my itinerary in Cebu, on what to do in Cebu or what to do in Camotes Island.
This will be a lengthy BUT sensationally detailed Cebu travel guide that will bring you inspiration to concoct a magical trip to Cebu, Philippines.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
5-DAY ITINERARY IN CEBU
- Cebu Travel Guide Overview
- Getting The Essentials
- How To Go To Camotes Island
- Where To Stay in Camotes Island
- Day 1 | Afternoon
- Day 1 | Evening
- Day 2 | Morning – Afternoon
- Where To Stay in Cebu
- Day 2 | Evening
- Day 3 | Morning – Afternoon
- Day 3 | Evening
- Day 4 | Morning – Afternoon
- Day 4 | Evening
- Day 5 | Morning – Afternoon
- Conclusion
CEBU TRAVEL GUIDE OVERVIEW
- Day 1: Mangodlong Beach Resort | Pog’s BBQ | Lake Danao Park
- Day 2: Bukilat Cave | Paraiso Cave | Sugbo Mercado Night Market
- Day 3: Badian Canyoneering | Kawasan Falls | Osmena Peak | Kusina ni Osting
- Day 4: Merci Cafe | Temple of Leah | La Parisienne Sky | The Bear Cave | Fort San Pedro | Carbon Night Market
- Day 5: Luzern Steakhouse
Does this sounds enticing to you?
Of course, you can swap it around and use this Cebu travel guide as a base foundation for your itinerary in Cebu. Each location has their own need-to-know information so that will help you guide through your Cebu itinerary.
Our main base is Cebu City, so we will have a treat of tasting the different adventures from Camotes Island (off shore island from the main land Cebu) and Badian (3 hours away). So this will be a great mixed of Cebu itinerary.
So let’s go on a little Cebu Exploration!
Let’s get into it!
GETTING THE ESSENTIALS
DOWNLOAD APPS
Before traveling to Cebu, Philippines, you have to download this apps that will make your life so much easier. This ranges from communication apps to transportation apps. So make sure where you have steady wifi, you can go ahead and download them.
- Transportation App: Grab | Angkas | Joyride | Sakay.ph
- Communication Apps: Facebook Messenger | Whatsapp | Viber
- Navigation Apps: Waze | Google Maps (download offline map of Cebu!)
- Food App: Grab | Food Panda | Booky
- Accommodation App: Booking.com | Agoda | Airbnb
Local Sim card
Upon arriving at the Cebu International Airport Terminal 2, the very first thing I would do is to get a sim card. You can easily get a local sim card right outside the exit – near the taxi bay. Usually, there are 2 main telcoms to choose from which are Globe and Smart. I got a Smart sim card for 250 PHP (USD 4.50) with 25GB data for 7 days. Which was a steal! It’ll be enough to last me for my 5 days in Cebu.
Be careful not to fall for very expensive sim cards. Sometimes airport sim card booths can be pricey and this depends on what kind perks they have available. You can get cheaper ones at the malls or other local areas. So keep that in mind.
Money Changer
Usually, you can find them inside the airport after you exit out of the immigration. You won’t miss them. However, as for myself I would normally exchange my money a week before my travels. I don’t really have a tip on when is the right time to exchange money but that’s my usual way. Moreover, if you’re coming from Singapore, you might want to exchange before you fly because it seems like the rates are better than airports rates when you arrived.
This is just based on my own experience.
BOOK YOU FERRY TICKET TODAY
Book your Camotes Island Ferry Ticket via Klook.
HOW TO GO TO
CAMOTES ISLAND
TRANSPORTATION IN CEBU CITY
Once you’re done getting your essentials, you have to know how to get to your destination. There are different ways that you can travel around Cebu.
- Taxi: It’s advisable to use taxis with meters, and you can find them at popular locations such as malls, hotels, and major streets.
- Grab: The Grab ride-hailing app is widely used in Cebu City. It allows users to book rides with private cars, providing a convenient and often more comfortable alternative to traditional taxis.
- Jeepney: The iconic public transportation vehicles in the Philippines, and they are extensively used in Cebu City. They operate on set routes and are a cost-effective means of commuting within the city.
- Tricycle: Commonly used for short-distance trips. They are three-wheeled motorcycles with a sidecar.
- Multicabs: Refers to a small and versatile public transportation vehicle commonly used for short-distance travel.
- Habal-habal: Refers to motorcycle taxis, in some areas, habal-habal services operate informally, providing convenient and quick transport for short distances, especially in areas where larger vehicles may have difficulty navigating.
- Bus: Buses operate on specific routes within Cebu City and connect it to other parts of the province. The Cebu South Bus Terminal and Cebu North Bus Terminal are major hubs for inter-city and provincial bus travel.
- Rent a car or motorbike: If you prefer more flexibility and independence, you can rent a car or a motorbike. Many rental agencies are available in Cebu City. However, be aware of local traffic rules and road conditions.
- Book private transfers via Klook see the link below
Book your Airport – Hotel – Airport transfer through Klook.
PIER 88
I need to get to the ferry terminal that will bring me to Camotes Island. Conveniently, Grab is available in Cebu and I used that to book myself a ride to Pier 88 ferry terminal in Liloan.
Location: Mactan – Cebu International Airport, Terminal 2 –> Pier 88 (Ferry Terminal)
Grab Taxi fare: 363 PHP – 436 PHP / 7 – 8 USD
Duration: 30 – 40 min
KEEP IN MIND: Upon reaching Pier 88, there’s a drop-off fee in front of the entrance for vehicles.
Drop-off fee per vehicle: 10 PHP / 0.20 USD
Ferry Ticket (Cebu to Camotes Island) via Klook
If you already have a ticket booked via Klook, then you can show your e-ticket at the counter (Window 3, from what I remember) for the Super Shuttle Ferry. Additionally, you still need to pay for the terminal and environmental fees.
- Ferry ticket via Klook: 390.05 PHP / 6.98 USD (One-way only)
- Terminal & Environmental Fee: 15 PHP / 0.30 USD (to be paid at the port)
BOOK YOU FERRY TICKET TODAY
Book your Camotes Island Ferry Ticket via Klook.
Ferry Ticket (Cebu to Camotes Island) via Port
You can do a walk-in as well and buy directly from the port the prices for the Roro vessel are:
Economy Class:
- 360 PHP / 7 USD(Regular/Adult)
- 290 PHP / 6 USD (Senior Citizens/Persons with disability/Student)
- 185 PHP / 4 USD(children 3 to 11 years old)
Tourist Class:
- 390 PHP / 7 USD(Regular/Adult)
- 314 PHP / 6 USD (Senior Citizens/Persons with disability/Student)
- 200 PHP / 4 USD(children 3 to 11 years old)
Cebu (Liloan) - Camotes Island (Poro)
via Roro Vessel
At least 10-15 minutes before the departure time, we would start walking towards the Roro. Depending on how many passengers are traveling, the passenger area (aircon) at level 1 are convenient and a lot of available seats. There are upper levels but these are non-aircon passenger seats but it has a better view of the ocean and especially, when you’re approaching Camotes Island. It’s very breezy, so it’s not that bad either.
- Departure Routes & Schedule:
- Liloan Port (Cebu mainland) to Poro Port (Camotes Island)
- Monday-Sunday
- Time: 09:00
- Duration: 3 hours
- Departure Location: Poro Port (Camotes Island) to Liloan Port (Cebu mainland)
- Monday-Sunday
- Time: 14:00
- Duration: 3 hours
Poro Port (Camotes Island) to
Mangodlong Paradise Beach Resort
There are different means of transportation in Camotes Island and you can choose between the different options. Depending where you’re going and the number of people in your group. From Poro Port to my hotel could cost differently for different types of transportation.
Right outside the gate of the port there are transportation that are on stand-by for customers. When I got there there’s a huge sign board with the pricing for different locations for different types of transports.
Destination: Mangodlong Paradise Beach Resort
Prices:
- Multicab – 1000 PHP / 18 USD
- Tricycle – 500 PHP / 9 USD
- Habalhabal (Motorcycle with driver) – 200 PHP / 4 USD
Duration: 30 min – 40 min
Luckily for me, I met someone that will be going to the same resort as I am. We took the tricycle and split the cost in half. So if you’re traveling alone, it’s good to find someone or a group that you can travel with to split the cost.
WHERE TO STAY IN CAMOTES ISLAND
CAMOTES ISLAND BEACH RESORT
Hotel/Resort: Mangodlong Paradise Beach Resort
Address: Mangodlong, Heminsulan, San Francisco, Camotes, Cebu Province, Philippines
One word I’m going to say about this resort. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!
I booked a room for one night to experience island because I was amazed by the underground caves that they have. This Camotes island resort is definitely worth staying despite it’s only for one night and I didn’t get to experience all the facilities. It’s still worth the money.
- No. of nights: 1 Night
- Room Type: Deluxe Room (Garden View)
- Room rates/night: 4,264.83 PHP / 75.88 USD
In overall, the experience was great. The ‘WOW’ factor is the garden view, the pool and beach area. Most especially during sunset. It has a chill vibe and very calm.
If I’m being honest, one night is too short to really review this resort. But that one night – I was already satisfied with it. Although, I can be a little paranoid if I’m staying by myself in a room – I kept checking the locks, most especially the glass door facing the garden area. The top lock is broken but luckily, the bottom lock still works. Lol. Does that ruined the experience for me?
Not really. I still enjoyed my time staying at this Camotes island resort – most especially with an amazing view.
PROS
- Very friendly staff that’s willing to help you and provide what you need
- The room has excellent view of the pool and beach. The garden view is amazing with a small patio outside your room that you can sit for breakfast and have an amazing view of the water
- Conveniently nearby sari-sari store. Right across the street there’s a stall that you can buy snacks or necessities. Also they sell swimsuits and rent motorcycle/scooters if you’re interested.
- Amazing facilities and exterior eg. pools, private beach, exterior facade etc. You have to be there to see it for yourself most especially during sunset or sunrise
CONS
- A little too far from the Poro Port. It takes about 30-40 minutes to travel from Poro Port to the resort. There are alternative ports – eg. Consuelo Port – however, the Cebu port is quite far to my planned destinations. So this depends on your planned itinerary in Cebu and which port is more convnient for you.
- No / Low wifi connectivity at the lobby. It’s quite difficult to check maps or search in Google whenever I’m at the lobby. Stronger connections in your room or at the restaurant. (Download offline Google maps!)
- Difficult to get transportation. Because the resort is at the far end of the island and away from the main crowd buzz. The transportations can be a little hard to come by. You can get help from the front desk to call up a tricycle or if you’re lucky, there’s one on stand-by outside the entrance.
- Stray cats… There are stray cats roaming around the beach seats by the pool. Just be aware, most especially if you have food with you.
DAY 1 | AFTERNOON
CAMOTES ISLAND OVERVIEW
- Day 1: Motorcycle Rental | Pog’s BBQ | Lake Danao Park | Sunset at the Resort
- Day 2: Bukilat Cave | Paraiso Cave | Camotes Island to Cebu City
Motorcycle Rental
(24 Hours)
There are different ways to go around in Camotes Island as mentioned before. My initial plan was to hop on to a tricycle that will bring me around. However, upon meeting with a friendly solo traveler, we shared the motorcycle rental and petrol for 24 hours. Which is more convenient, free and easy way to explore the island.
Along the way to the resort, our tricycle driver recommended a sari-sari store where we can rent a motorcycle that’s relatively affordable and this is how much we spent.
- Motorcycle / Scooter Rental (24 hours): 500 PHP / 9 USD
- Petrol: 100 PHP / 2 USD
Your Next Tropical Getaway
Camotes Island In Cebu
Untouched paradise in the Philippines - Camotes Island in Cebu offers breathtaking nature and crystal-clear waters. Make it your next destination for an unforgettable adventure!
READ MOREPOG'S BBQ
Location: Pog’s BBQ
Address:M83R+HQ5, San Francisco, Cebu, Philippines
My first thought upon touching down on the island is ‘Where to eat in Camotes island?’ I was super hungry. So that’s our first location, our late lunch. We saw this restaurant along the road on our way to the resort. We decided to hunt it down and it’s about 15 minutes away.
PROS
- Alfresco dining setup
- Wood work interior
- Affordable menu prices
CONS
- A lot of stray dogs roaming around
- Mango shakes are too sour. Lol. It’s always a hit or miss kind of thing.
Here are what we ordered:
- BBQ Pork – 20 PHP / 0.40 USD
- Choriso – 45 PHP / 0.80 USD
- Pork Belly – 180 PHP / 3.50 USD
- Vegie Lumpia – 60 PHP / 1.10 USD
- Mango Shake – 75 PHP / 1.35 USD
- Mineral Water – 20 PHP / 0.40 USD
I miss Pinoy food so much and as my first meal since arriving in Cebu. With this Camotes island restaurant, it was such an experience from the food to the doggos. I was incredibly full! Even though, the mango shake was rather sour. It didn’t ruin the experience for me. Lol. I just wish they would do something about the stray dogs tho.
LAKE DANAO PARK
Location: Lake Danao Park
Address: Lake Danao Park, Camotes Island, Bayan ng San Francisco, Lalawigan ng Cebu, Philippines
Entrance Fee: 50 PHP / 1 USD
Operating Hours: 6am – 6pm
When we got there it was very quiet and closed up. We were way past the closing hour and the staff at the ticketing office said we don’t have to pay for Lake Danao entrance fee. We could just walk in and look around.
This is what they dubbed a “Lover’s Lake” because of its tranquil and romantic ambiance. It is true. When we got there the sun was getting low across the horizon – it’s quiet and peaceful.
There are a lot of things that you can do with your family or friends in Lake Danao in Camotes Island.
- Picnic
- Dining at the restaurants
- Enjoy walks at the park and see the magnificent view of the lake
- Enjoy the facilities such as kayaking, boating, Sakanaw (cruise around the lake), zipline or swimming
- Stay at the ecolodge or camp in the are
DAY 1 | EVENING
SUNSET AT THE RESORT
The sun was fast sinking in the horizon. We decided to travel back to the resort and chill by the pool. I was amazed by the beautiful view of the sunset. The coloured hues across the sky. While the other guests were having a dip by the pool, we were just chilling by the beach with our bought snacks from the sari-sari store.
If you’re looking for Camotes Island beach resort, I highly recommend Mangodlong Paradise Beach Resort. The location is great by the beach and their infinity pool facing the beach side as well. They even have a small private beach for you to enjoy.
I’m ready for our next day adventure!
DAY 2 | MORNING - AFTERNOON
Cave Hopping
This is one of the reasons why I wanted to go to island, because of the caves in Camotes Island. I want to see their underground caves whereby you can swim. I was utterly amazed by the Camotes island caves I’ve seen online. It looks incredible.
But nothing prepared me on what I’ve seen in person!
BUKILAT CAVE
Location: Bukilat Cave
Address: Bukilat Cave, MG57+PQR, Tudela, Cebu, Philippines
Entrance Fee: 50 PHP
This is about an hour motorcycle ride from the resort but IT’S ALL WORTH IT. The entrance is a concrete stairway and as you go down, you’ll be greeted by sounds of water droplets hitting the cave floor or the pool. On the right, you’ll see a shallow pool and as you look beyond – you’ll be in awe by the natural rock formation.
Most especially the small islet in the middle. Glowing gloriously with the rays of sunlight coming through the opening at the top of the cave.
PARAISO CAVE
Location: Paraiso Cave
Address: M826+88R, San Francisco, Cebu, Philippines
Entrance Fee: 100 PHP
Life jacket: 10 PHP
Water depth: ~6 feet / ~1.8 meter
As you can see, the water is incredibly blue and crystal clear. You might actually think its shallow. Heck no, it’s 6 feet deep! I’m not good of a swimmer, fortunately, they do offer a life jacket if you need them. This Camotes island cave is alot smaller compared to Bukilat cave but it’s more intimate and quiet as you swim.
This is a good place to go if you want some peace and quiet.
Camotes Island (Poro) - Cebu (Liloan)
via Roro Vessel
via Roro Vessel
After my Camotes island itinerary 2 days, I’m finally traveling back to Cebu City via the same ports. As I’ve already purchased my return ticket via Klook, then I can show my e-ticket at the counter along with the necessary terminal and environmental fees.
- Ferry ticket via Klook: 390.05 PHP / 6.98 USD (One-way only)
- Terminal & Environmental Fee: 15 PHP / 0.30 USD (to be paid at the port)
BOOK YOU FERRY TICKET TODAY
Book your Cebu City Ferry Ticket via Klook.
WHERE TO STAY IN CEBU
CEBU CITY HOTEL
Location: Summit Galleria Cebu
Address: Robinsons Galleria Cebu B. Benedicto Street, cor General Maxilom Ave Ext, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
Conveniently located right beside Robinson Galleria Cebu Mall.
- No. of nights: 3 Night
- Room Type: Deluxe King
- Room rates/night: 3093.20 PHP / 56 USD
PROS
- Affordable price range
- Friendly staff
- Hotel is modern and clean
- Conveniently located beside a popular mall – Robinson Galleria Mall
- Accessible to food selections & shopping
- 24 hour convenient (7-11) store just right across the street
CONS
- The water can easily overflow outside the glass door when you shower
- Ice bucket is not free…
DAY 2 | EVENING
SUGBO NIGHT MARKET
Location: Sugbo Mercado Night Market
Address: Garden Bloc, Inez Villa Street, Cebu IT Park 6000 Cebu City
Operating Hours: 4PM – 12AM (Tuesday to Sunday, Monday close)
Yet another Heaven on Earth for all Foodies out there. You will enjoy this one for sure! An open air dining experience with dozens of stalls selling scrumptious food ranging from Pinoy to Japanese cuisine. The price are affordable as well.
I would suggest to always keep a look out for a table, this place can get real crowded. Once you’re done with your meal. You can even grab a deserts and sit outside by the grass patch. Relax by the sideline being surrounded by the jungle of tall office buildings as this is located in an IT Park in Cebu.
This is what we ordered:
- Seafood Platter with drinks for 2 pax: 399 PHP / ~7.21 USD
Come here and support the local Foodtrepeneurs. Oh! Don’t forget to wear your big pants on. Trust me, you’re gonna need it. Lol.
DAY 3 | MORNING - AFTERNOON
CEBU CITY - BADIAN
Canyoneering + Osmena Peak Tour Overview
Location: RGS Canyoneering & Cebu Adventures
Address: RGS Canyoneering, V96Q+2GM, Santander – Barili – Toledo Rd, Badian, Cebu, Philippines
DIY Tour: Canyoneering + Kawasan Falls + Osmena Peak (inclusive Lunch)
Total Price:
- Original Price: 2,950 PHP / 53 USD
- Actual Price: 3,650 PHP / 66 USD
Optional: 250 PHP / 5 USD (Tour driver to send me off to Car Car City whereby I could take the bus back to South Bus Terminal which was 2 hours away)
The difference between the Original price versus the Actual price was because Kawasan Falls was not part of the original itinerary cause it was still close for renovation. However, on the day itself it was just opened and I took the opportunity to add on 700 PHP (13 USD) to see the famous Kawasan Falls.
The tour operator caters for DIY activities that could be included in your itinerary in Cebu. So you can send an enquiry via Facebook Messenger of the places of attractions or activities that you’re interested and ask for the price. They will send you a full itinerary list with the prices as well.
HOWEVER, if you opt for a pre-arranged Canyoneering Tour with hotel picks up & drop off with breakfast and lunch included in the package. Then this Klook tour is a good choice for your Cebu itinerary, check out the Klook tour below.
SOUTH BUS TERMINAL
Location: South Bus Terminal
Address: N. Bacalso Avenue, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
Destination: Ceres Liner bus bound to Bato via Barili
Options:
- Aircon Bus: 200 – 250 PHP / ~4 – 5 USD
- Non-Aircon Bus: 50 – 150 PHP / ~1 – 3 USD
Duration: ~3 hours
The bus travel takes about 3 hours from Cebu City to Badian. You can easily drop off by the side of the road that’s nearest to your destination. The cost as well depends on where you’re going. You have to leave very early in the morning to catch the bus leaving for Bato via Barili (~5am) to reach the tour office by 8am. However, keep in mind that these buses waits for it to get full before leaving the terminal. So it’s good to space out your activities in your Cebu itinerary so you won’t be rushing for time.
BADIAN CANYONEERING
Location: Badian Canyoneering
The tour operator will drive you to the starting point of the Canyoneering, in a large open-air hall whereby, you will have to register and do a short briefing. You will then be fitted with a helmet and life vest.
Keep your belongings light for this kind of activities. You can check with your guide if you can leave your bag inside the car. Only bring along your phone and waterproof phone lanyard to take videos and pictures. Also remove any valuable jewelry or watch (even smart watch). Your canyoneering guide can help you with taking videos or pictures, and they can even do a ‘human drone’ video for you. Lol.
Be Safe...
You have to be physically able to do this activity because it consist of rock and boulder climbing, hiking, swimming, sliding down mini falls and of course, jumping off into the water ranging from 1 meter to 20 meters ( there might be even higher options!)
BUT don’t worry about the jumping part, you can always tell the tour guide that you can’t jump and they will guide you an alternative way. However, keep in mind that there are parts of the journey whereby, you have no choice but to jump.
Tip for you, get to the lowest point of the rock – either you jump or carefully, slides down to the water. Lol.
Mid journey, you will have a stop over by a local stalls that sells drinks, snacks and BBQ. It’s about time to rest and have your energy boosted!
KAWASAN FALLS
Location: Kawasan Falls
Address: Alegría, Cebu, Philippines
At the end of the Canyoneering, you will be led to the 3 levels of Kawasan Falls. I did not know it’s that huge! It’s very clear that they had renovated the place to be more tourism friendly. What surprised me was that the water is so blue. Amazing.
At the very bottom level, you will see more tourists swimming near the waterfall and taking pictures at the huge Badian sign. You’ll spend some time here to swim, relax and take photos with the waterfall.
Osmena Peak
Location: Osmena Peak
Address: Barangay Mantalongon, in the Municipality of Dalaguete, Cebu, Philippines
Right after Canyoneering, we head out to our Osmena Peak trekking. Our driver drove us to the starting point of the trek – which was the office building. You will have to register and have a guide to bring you up to the very top. It’s a short 15 – 20 minutes hike, the trail is very visible and watch out for loose rocks.
Make sure you have a good comfortable shoes for this.
The trail leading up is a scenic route. Farmlands with houses, the view of the ocean and numerous peak of hills jutting out. The top is a small overlooking area that you take pictures and it’s pretty windy as well. Make sure when you come here the weather is perfectly bright and sunny. It’ll make a huge difference with your pictures taken.
Also just be careful of your surroundings because the pathways can be narrow if there are too many people at the top.
RECOMMENDATION
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Now, I have to be transparent – what I did, it was pretty exhausting. Most especially, the travel time from Cebu City to Badian (3 hours each way). BUT, you can choose that if you’re saving every bit of cash, plus, you get to experience the local way of traveling in a local bus. It’s really fascinating.
Plus, the tour staff (nanay and tatay) were very friendly and accommodating despite the changes and enquiries we had. Also even after going through a rough road (literally) we still managed to pull through our DIY trip.
I also love supporting local businesses.
So whether you’re planning to do a DIY or an organized tour, either one of the options are great. So lock it in in your itinerary in Cebu.
DAY 3 | EVENING
KUSINA NI OSTING
Location: Kusina Ni Osting
Address: 120 F. Ramos St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Saturday
- 6pm – 4am
Total price: ~220 PHP / ~4 USD
Highly Recommended:
- Pancit Canton
- Beef Loaf with Egg
- Tuna with Egg
- Corned Beef with Egg
What we ordered:
- Pancit canton
- Fried Beef Loaf with egg with rice
- Tuna with egg with rice (MUST TRY! *Chef’s kiss*)
- Corned Beef with egg with rice
Have you heard of ‘Cebu’s fastest chef’? He will cook you up a storm with every comfort food available on the table. What they usual sell are canned goods, instant noodle among others that are available. Just grab what you want and wait for the chef to cook. We had to ask them to remove the 2 other rice because that’s way too much rice. Lol.
What’s fascinating with this local Cebu restaurant is that he’s constantly moving. His movements are systematic and you can see the amount of focus he has on the cooking. I watched his legs and it’s non-stop moving, like his bouncing-dancing. It’s really fascinating to watch.
The best part? The food are delicious and affordable! It’s exactly what you need after a long and tiring day under the sun. Put that in in your Cebu itinerary!
DAY 4 | MORNING - AFTERNOON
CEBU CITY TOUR
- Merci Cafe | Temple of Leah | La Parisienne Sky | The Bear Cave | Fort San Pedro | Carbon Night Market | Luzern Steakhouse
If you want a free and easy way to travel around Cebu City without time restrictions then DIY is for you.
As for this post, we went on a DIY Cebu tour because we opt for managing our own time and locations to visit.
If you want convenience and already organized for you, then tours are the best options. Check out below for Klook’s Cebu Tours that you might enjoy and slot it in on your Cebu itinerary.
BOOK YOUR TOUR TODAY!
MOTORCYCLE RENT
Location: ZG Rent A Motorbike – CEBU
Address: ZG. Motorbikes Rental,Ground flr, Borja Bldg, 907 Dionisio Jakosalem St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
Rental: 500 PHP / ~9.03 USD (24 Hours)
Deposit: 2,000 PHP / ~36.13 USD (You’ll get back the deposit back once the motorcycle is returned)
Additional: 100 PHP / ~1.81 USD (per hour)
Requirement: 2 valid government IDs
You can rent motorcycle and travel around Cebu City, just be aware of the traffic rules and regulations. You can simply enjoy the free and easy way of seeing local places within the city.
MERCI
Location: Cafe Merci
Address: G/F, Streetscape Mall, Paseo Saturnino, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
Do you love croissant? (Of course, who doesn’t?) Then you’ll be in heaven on Earth when you visit Merci Cafe in Cebu City. (You better put this cafe on your itinerary in Cebu.)This white themed cafe looks so elegant and expensive from the outside but their savoury and sweet croissants begs the differ.
Their prices are reasonable and affordable at only 210 PHP (~3.80 USD) for their sweet selections of kouign amann pastries, fruit croissants selections @ 260 PHP (~4.70 USD), or if you want something savory – they have sausage croissant among other options at 280 PHP (~5.06 USD). Of course, if you love the simple and back to basic, it’s as low as 180 PHP ( ~3.25 USD) for a plain croissant.
There’s a wide selection of drinks as well ranging from their signature coffee ‘Merci Coffee’ at 180 PHP (~3.25 USD) to a more delicious Yogurt smoothie @ 220 PHP (~3.97 USD).
So when you’re up for somethin’ sweet or tasty then this cafe is a great place to dine in and hangout with family, friends or even solo.
TEMPLE OF LEAH
Location: Temple of Leah
Address: Cebu Transcentral Hwy, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
Operating hours: 7AM to 6PM daily
Entrance fee: 100 PHP (~1.80 USD) per person (10 years old and below are free)
Parking fee: 100 PHP (~1.80 USD) if inside the premises; free if outside but limited slots only
This place is something that you will never expect to see in Cebu. It has a nicknames as the “Taj Mahal of Cebu”, whereby a Roman-style shrine was built by Teodorico Soriano Adarna in honor of his late wife, Leah Villa Albino – Adarna.
You’ll be amazed by the Roman and Greek influenced architecture constructed in 2012. From the open-air plaza with a marble fountain in the middle to the main shrine where a 9 foot bronze statue of Queen Leah stood. This remarkable place has garnered thousands of tourists enjoying the picturesque and overlooking view of Cebu, to the meseum, art gallery and even fine dining.
Add Temple of Leah in your Cebu itinerary if you want to see the undying love of a husband for his beloved late wife.
LA PARISIENNE SKY
Location: La Parisienne Sky
Address: La Vie in the Sky, Tops road, brgy. Malubog, Cebu City, Philippines
Operating hours: 7AM to 2AM daily
Entrance fee: 100 PHP (~1.80 USD) per person (all consumable for food & drinks)
Certainly, after you visit Temple of Leah, drop by at Cebu’s classic and posh ‘Little Paris’ restaurant in the sky. A unique and aesthetic French influenced interior design with a majestic view of Cebu city.
Make a slot for this place in your itinerary in Cebu if you want to grab a quick drink and relax or have an amazing lunch / dinner using your credit as you marvel on the beautiful scenery.
THE BEAR CAVE
Location: The Bear Cave
Address: One Paseo, Ma Paseo Saturnino, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
Operating hours:
- 11AM to 7PM – Monday to Friday
- 10AM to 8PM – Saturday to Sunday
Bear Sizes:
- Keychains – 350 PHP (~6.32 USD)
- Small – 700 PHP (~12.65 USD)
- Medium – 1,100 PHP (~19.87 USD)
- Large – 5,500 PHP (~99.37 USD)
- Jumbo – 15,000 PHP (~271.01 USD)
If you’re hands are itching to make something artsy – fartsy then you’ll love The Bear Cave. This is a drip art studio whereby, you’ll choose your bear from their selections and then select your colors. You can get some inspiration from finished crafts from the other customers as well.
It can get a messy so make sure to wear your disposable apron and gloves. This is a perfect activity for friends, family with kids or even couples.
Slot that in in your Cebu itinerary and you’ll have a simple and yet, memorable bear keychain which is enough to bring back as a souvenir from your Cebu trip!
FORT SAN PEDRO
Location: Fort San Pedro
Address: 7WR4+X7J, A. Pigafetta Street, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
Operating hours: 8AM to 5PM daily
Entrance fee:
- Adult: 30 PHP (~0.54 USD)
- Children: 20 PHP(~0.36 USD)
- Senior Citizen with valid ID: 24 PHP (~0.43 USD)
If you want to have a taste of history in Cebu, then you’ve come to the right place. Fort San Pedro is a military defense structure in Cebu. That was built in 1738, the oldest triangular bastion fort in the Philippines that was built by the Spaniards. It was said the original fort was actually made out of wood. Fascinating.
Don’t forget to add in this historical landmark in your Cebu itinerary! Where you’ll learn the history that shaped Cebu and the Philippines today. Visit the museum and gallery with historical images or paintings, many places to take photos or videos. And what fascinates me was that there are people as well that dress up in olden Spaniard costumes that you can take pictures with!
DAY 4 | EVENING
CARBON NIGHT MARKET
Location: Carbon Night Market
Address: Along M. C. Briones St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu (near Sto. Nino Chapel)
Operating hours: 4PM to 10PM (Saturday & Sunday)
Want some food trip activity in your itinerary in Cebu? (Yes, we do!)
By now, you’re probably super hungry with all the exploration around the city. Good news for you! Carbon Night Market is a perfect place for you to grab all your favorite Pinoy food and even international cuisine too!
From your favorite street food BBQ, to Cebu’s popular Lechon, and down to your favorite seafood dishes. This is an open – air hawker centre style with dozens of stalls selling wide variety of cuisines to choose from. You’ll go dizzy with so much things to try!
Better get here early and grab a perfect table directly in front of the stage where a live band will serenade you!
DAY 5 | MORNING - AFTERNOON
LUZERN STEAKHOUSE
Location: Luzern Steakhouse
Address: St. Moritz Road (Gorordo Avenue, Archbishop Road), Cebu City, Philippines
Operating hours: 11AM to 10PM Daily
To end your amazing Cebu trip, add this fancy – schmancy restaurant in your Cebu itinerary with one of the popular steakhouses in Cebu City. This classic western influenced restaurant makes you feel like you’re in a wooden cabin and dining in with scrumptious tender steak between your teeth. I love their wooden style exterior and as you go in, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported in another country.
Not forgetting their wide selections ranging from salad & soup, sandwiches, pasta and of course, the different types of steaks that tickles your fancy. Tenderloin? Rib-eye, anyone?
And if come here during lunch, then you’re in for a treat with their Lunch Special Promo – available everyday until 3pm at only 1,100 PHP (~19.87 USD) inclusive of soup and their selected steaks.
Bon Appétit!
CONCLUSION
I hope you’ll get some ideas for your itinerary in Cebu with some handy tips on what to do in cebu, where to go, what to eat and where to stay in cebu. I hope it may inspire you to add in all kinds of activities for your itinerary in Cebu. There far more things to do in Cebu that I wish to explore and this is just the tip of it. I wish to come back again and see more of Cebu and its local life.
So where would you explore next?
Give Cebu a try and discover more places that will amaze you!
Once again, here are the links for Klook Tours/Ferry and Hotels for your itinerary in Cebu
BOOK YOUR TOUR AND FERRY TODAY!
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