Have you fallen in love with an island through its photos? A look at Cebu Philippines photos will surely captivate you!
I’ve been to several islands in the Philippines and I must say that Cebu has some of the best beaches in the country. Not to mention the gorgeous waterfalls and incredible hikes that it offers!
Cebu can be reached via air or by sea. You will be likely taken to Lapu-Lapu City – for those coming in by air or to Cebu City – for those coming in by sea.
Upon arrival to either city, you will notice the bustling vibe. True, the traffic can be bad (though there are days when it’s alright) and flooding can be a problem.
If you’d rather avoid it, you may opt to visit Cebu during summer (around March to May) for lesser rain and traffic! 😉
For a brief background, Cebu is an island in the Visayas that takes pride in its growing economy and rich history and culture. It is also one of the country’s premier tourists destination that attracts millions of tourists a year.
I’ve been living in Cebu for several years now, and admittedly I haven’t explored every corner of this gorgeous island and the smaller islands that surrounds it.
There are several activities that can be enjoyed here such as island hopping, canyoneering, diving, hiking, swimming, fishing and zip lining, to name a few. Hence the decision to explore my own backyard through DIY tours in the city and road trips.
There are several places I’ve wanted to visit again, too. It’s always great to witness the changes of a place through the years. However, it may take a while so we’re taking it a step at a time.
Oh, and of course, the food scene is also something that you should definitely check out! Yummy siomai, ngohiong, crispy and juicy lechon are some of the local delicacies and cuisines that are a must-try.
Cebu City alone has numerous significant landmarks that you’ll love. Aside from the rich culture, there are several shopping options that you choose from, eateries that you can try and equally unique tourist spots.
If you’d rather see corals, take a trek and do more physical activities, head further south or further north for a wider option. There are plenty of places you can choose from, so be sure to spend a couple of days here.
If you haven’t been to Cebu, let me convince you to visit the province through my personal compilation of amazing Cebu Philippines Photos: Island Travel Through The Lens!
First stop in our Cebu, Philippines’ Photos is of course…
Table of Contents
Cebu City
Overlooking views of Cebu City from Mountain View Park in Busay.
Rope Course at the same park. Don’t underestimate this, I had sore legs and arms after completing the entire rope course. LOL. Or maybe I just lack practice? hahaha.
Views from the Crown Regency Hotel in Cebu City. We tried the Edge Coaster here. It’s one of the activities guests can try on the hotel’s Sky Experience Adventure. If you’re not afraid of heights, this is perfect for you!
See? This is one capture we had of my friends trying out the ride. LOL. You have the controls to further tip the coaster. My husband tried it when it was our turn and I was fairly amused. If you read my post on how traveling changed me, then you’ll know that I’m fairly afraid of heights and been conquering it slowly. LOL.
For more Cebu City Photos, check out this post here.
Lapu-Lapu City
Lapu-Lapu City’s beach resorts are something that you should definitely check out.
IG-worthy landscape of the Be Resort in Lapu-Lapu City.
Plantation Bay‘s man-made lagoon. Definitely on top of my most favorite places to swim! 😉
Views during our Island Hopping in Mactan, Cebu. We especially enjoyed fish feeding at the Olango Sanctuary and swimming in the crystal clear waters surrounding Mactan.
South of Cebu
Moalboal
Another must-visit and one of Cebu, Philippines’ photo favorite of ours is Moalboal.
Like us, I’m sure you’ll spend hours snorkeling and spotting unqiue fishes, or maybe finding Dory and Nemo too! 😉
The corals and the beach is definitely something that you should see! I’ve previously posted an article on the fun things to do in Moalboal, Cebu that maybe you’d love to check out!
Badian
Like Moalboal, Badian is also a great place to snorkel with its abundant marine life.
It is also home to Kawasan Falls, one of Cebu’s famous waterfall. Kawasan is also included as one of the stops in the Canyoneering activity.
Approaching the 1st waterfall on a bamboo raft. You can take a waterfall massage here.
Or maybe just take a swim in the water. It’s deep so you’ll be advised to wear life-vests.
Osmeña Peak
Another breathtaking Cebu Philippines’ Photo subject is the Osmeña Peak in Dalaguete, south of Cebu. This is one of the views we saw as we started to ascend the summit.
Here’s another one!
View from the campsite. Hikers may pitch their tent on the grassy slope.
The sunset at Osmeña Peak. Such a picturesque moment, wouldn’t you agree?
View from the peak’s highest point. You can’t leave without taking a picture from here. 😉
North of Cebu
Bantayan Island
Take a ferry from Daan Bantayan and you will discover another amazing Cebu gem: the Bantayan Island.
One of the sunsets we saw in Bantayan Island. Such gorgeous colors, huh?
The small boats as they are prepared for the day.
Camotes Island
Camotes Island is slowly gaining popularity with its amazing beaches! It can also be reached via fast craft or slow boat either from Cebu City or Danao respectively. This is a photo of one of the island’s resorts: the Mangodlong Rock.
Some of the cottages at the resort. There are spots here where you can dive into the water!
At Tulang Diot. A smaller island in Camotes with white sand beaches and clear waters. We hired a small motorized banca to reach this. It only took us around 5-10 minutes.
The water at Lake Danao. There are several water-activities that you can do here including Kayaking and Crocodile Ride. (Don’t worry it’s not an actual crocodile. Just a small boat shaped like one! 😉 )
Santiago Bay’s famous long stretch of white sand. On peak seasons, expect plenty of tourists here.
So, there you have it. Some of the amazing spots that you can see in Cebu.
True, there are still a lot of sites that even I need to see. Nevertheless, we’ll take it slow and steady.
Already persuaded and looking for a place to stay? Check this list of popular hotels and affordable hotels in the city too!
Like This Post? Pin It!
The rope course looks really fun, but I would probably skip the sky experience. All the water and beach photos make me want to jump on a plane right now. Actually, all the photos are very nice.
The Edge Coaster was great. I don’t know if I have the guts to try the other rides there, though. Hahaha.. Thank you Theresa!
Everything in this post made me feel like what am I even doing with my life right now. I need to go to Philippines ASAP to explore the surreal landscapes. I literally feel that yo’re so lucky because you stay there since many years. That landscapes can surely hold back anyone. Also, I would definitely like to find nemo & dory in those waters.
I feel lucky indeed 🙂 There’s so much to explore!
I’m obsessed with reading about the Philippines lately, every post I find just fans the flames of my desire to get there a.s.a.p.! And OMG your photos are truly STUNNING! It seems like there is an endless list of amazing little out-of-the-way places and once-in-a-lifetime experiences there… Thank you so much for sharing!!
You definitely should visit.. I’m sure you’ll have a blast! 😉
Beautiful photos! Especially the one with the waterfall. I have the Philippines on top of my bucket list, but don’t know where to start. Palawan or Cebu?
Thank you, Nicola! Either one is amazing! Depends really on the adventures you want to try.. 😉
Refreshing to read something else les about Cebu besides the beaches. Thanks for the tips!
Glad you liked it 🙂 Cebu has really a lot more to offer! 😉
Wow beautiful pics and looks like a real fun plan.
Thank you, Madhu!
Coming from Europe, I don’t know much about Asia, especially about Philippines. But thanks to you and this lovely post, I will definitely consider Cebu 😉
Great to hear that Veronica. Visit Cebu. I’m sure you’ll love it! 🙂
Fantastic post, Cebu city has so much to see and do. I will be there next year for 3 days and will have to bookmark this post. Love the edge coaster, it’s so up my alley. And the Be Resort looks amazing!
Wow! .. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.. Maybe you can extend for a couple of days to see more! 😀
Gosh so many stunning natural places. I’m surprised that with beaches like MoalBoal, the city beach resorts like Lapu-Lapu City are popular. On my wish list now!
Well, Lapu-Lapu is much closer than Moalboal. Maybe that’s one reason why tourists would rather stay close to the city. 🙂
What a beautiful island – and that waterfall is just stunning!
I’m not sure I’d be brave enough to go on the rollercoaster as I’m a little scared of heights – how have you been getting over it?!
Practice? LOL. But kidding aside, I’ve been pushing myself to do activities like ziplining, riding cable cars and hiking, to name a few. Basically anything that needs me to be high up. It’s a bit of a slow process in my case, but it’s working! 😉
I’ve never heard of Cebu and it looks STUNNING! Look at the colour of that water, wow! Thanks for sharing 🙂 I’m adding it to my travel wishlist
You’re welcome!
This place is a natural beauty. The landscapes are just Instagram worthy. Would love to visit some day.
Ok, I will dream about Lapu-Lapu City tonight 😀 It looks like a wallpaper!
LOL.. Thank you! 😉
This looks like absolute paradise!! I’ve never been to the Philippines and it’s never been super high on my list, but this definitely makes me want to go!
Cebu looks so gorgeous! I need to go next time I’m in Philippines!
You really need too! 🙂
WOW. Your photos are out of this world. HOOOW? Philippines have never been captured more perfectly. I cannot wait to visit. The beaches? Amazinnnng!
Thank you Ufuoma! 😉
I visited the Philippines last year, though regretfully, didn’t make it to Cebu. What an amazing place for you to be based! When I have the chance to get back I think I will stay at the Crown Regency Hotel in Cebu City – awesome views! And I’m a thrill seeker – so having the Edge Coaster at the hotel is like a dream :D!
But some seriously beautiful beach resorts in Lapu-Lapu City from the looks of your photos. What a tropical paradise. And Kawasan Falls is just stunning. Approaching on the raft looks like a blast!!
The waterfalls massage was great. You should try it when you visit! 🙂
Cebu looks wonderful! I’ve spent time on beaches in Thailand and Cambodia, but have yet to make it to the Philippines. Looks like I’ll have to go soon! 🙂
You should.. Cebu has some really amazing beaches, too ! 🙂
HI Marvi,
I love this blog post :))) I have been in Cebu but haven’t really explored it that much so I have plans of visiting Cebu again maybe next year. Will bookmark this definitely for my future reference.
I like the idea how you wrote everything in one, it was so complete and is definitely a full travel experience. <3
Great to hear that Nathalie! 😀
“Yummy siomai, ngohiong, crispy and juicy lechon”
Well, yes. Nothing like a good ngohiong steak with a bit of duffle.
No chance of further details, I suppose?
Will be posting details on this soon! 😉
Wow ! All of the pictures are so stunning . Cebu looks like one paradise .
It is! You should come and visit! 😉
Such beautiful pictures! That ride seems scary and fun at the same time! 😀
Thank you! It was pretty scary if tipped too much. haha.. 🙂
Wow, Cebu looks gorgeous! I’ve never been to the Philippines before, but this looks like the place to visit!
It is.. You should really visit! 🙂
I must say that your wide angle lens is really good and I appreciate the photos that you have taken during the voyage
Thank you 🙂
Every time I see pictures from the Philippines they always look stunning. Especially those islands and beaches. Breath taking. The Kawasan Falls looks so beautiful. The sunset at Osmeña Peak is also simply gorgeous. I will definately need to fast track my plans to get over to that island!!!
You really should! 🙂
That rope course caught my attention, looks like something I would definitely consider doing! How much do they charge for it?
The last time I checked it was 150 Php (2.90 USD) per head.. 🙂
Amazing Photo’s, I have never wanted to go to the Philippines but after reading your blog, I think I will add it to my list of place to visit in future…. Thank you 🙂
You’re welcome! 🙂 Glad you liked it..
I have to visit the Philippines. The pictures are totally stunning. I have few office colleagues from the Philippines who always invite me to visit, I guess now I have to visit soon & I have to admit even I am afraid of heights 🙂
You really should! 🙂
I love your content. And those photos look amazing 🙂
Thank you, Dan.. Glad you liked it!
Those pictures are gorgeous and Cebu sure looks like a break in paradise! Well captured, make the perfect wallpapers 🙂
Awww.. Thank you, Parampara! 🙂
Wonderful and mesmerizing.I feel like going there now itself..The color of the waters,the boats and the natural scenery excites me like anything
Glad that you liked it! 🙂
Thank you so much for this comprehensive guide. I’m heading for the Philippines early next year and you just made planning so much easier!
You’re welcome! I hope you’ll enjoy your visit, Carola! 😉
I have not been to Philippines but I have also heard a lot about the beaches of Cebu. And your pictures are just asserting what I have heard. The beaches are just so pristine. And so it Kawasan Falls. A must visit for sure.
It is indeed! 🙂
What an amazing overview … you’ve definitely got me wanting to plan a trip there now! I’m really interested in the waterfalls and Camotes Island.
Thank you, Bruce. I’m sure you’ll love it! 🙂