Cebu's Hidden Treasures: A Journey Through the Best Spots of the Philippines' South

Global Traveller
30 Nov 2023 - 7 min read

Cebu is one of the islands in the southern part of the Philippines, with a stunning tourist attraction. South Cebu offers natural panoramas, ranging from waterfalls to beautiful beaches.

To visit South Cebu, you need to drive about 3 hours from downtown Cebu. If you have a planned vacation to South Cebu, this article will share recommendations for Cebu South tourist spots that you can visit.

Tourist Spots in Cebu South

There are various tourist spots that you can visit when traveling to Cebu South, below are recommendations:

1. Moalboal

Moalboal is a famous area in Southern Cebu. This place offers white sand and stunning sea views. Some recommended beaches to visit are White Beach and Basdaku Beach. You can do various exciting activities in Moalboal, such as snorkeling in the ocean to see beautiful fish and green turtles. Apart from that, you can enjoy the vibrant village nightlife and visit the best bars in the area.

For your stay, you can book OYO 787 Indino Guest House 2&5 which is located near the beach. This accommodation provides rooms that can accommodate 8 people so it is suitable for those of you who are on holiday with friends.

Open hours: 24 hours

Recommendations for visitors: Tourists are recommended to come during the dry season, from March to May.

OYO 787 Indino Guest House 2&5

Lot 1, Panagsama Road,...

See Price

2. Kawasan Fall

The Kawasan Fall is very popular for its blue water. The location of the Kawasan Falls is about 30 minutes from Moalboal. Apart from the clear water, the Fall area offers various exciting activities, such as canyoning, adventuring across hills, and jumping from waterfall cliffs.

Adrenaline-inducing activities will give you an unforgettable holiday experience in Cuba South. The view while going to the waterfall is stunning, like the view of the river and cliffs, one of the cliffs is 13 meters high.

Matutinao Beach is located 1.27 km from Kawasan Falls, which can be used as an accommodation option. Not only is it close to the waterfall, but the hotel’s location near the beach makes it attractive with beautiful views.

Open hours: Every day, from 06:00 AM to 04:00 PM.

Recommendations for visitors: Prepare a waterproof bag and come when rainfall is low, from January to April.

Matutinao Beach

Matutinao Beach & Cott...

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3. Pescador Island

Pescador Island is the perfect place for tourists who like diving. This is a small, uninhabited island with white rocks on the coast. The sea view on Pescador Island is impressive, and you can see beautiful coral and coral reefs as homes for small fish. This place will give visitors the unforgettable experience of swimming with herring, small fish that live in large groups.

For those of you who have a plan to visit this tourist attraction, you can stay at Neptune Diving Resort Moalboal. This resort can provide you an easy access to Panagsama Beach South.

Open hours: Every day, from 06:00 AM to 03:00 PM.

Recommendations for visitors: Visitors should wear non-slip, waterproof footwear. Additionally, it is recommended to bring a change of clothes and swimwear.

4. Sumilon Island

One of the best tourist attractions in South Cebu is on Sumilon Island. This tourist spot offers beautiful views with white dunes and clear water. The specialty of Sumilon Island is its unique phenomenon where the sand pattern can shift according to tidal currents.

Visitors can observe the vast expanse of white sand that covers the area and the waters when the waves recede. Another fascinating phenomenon occurs when the waves rise and the sea water covers the sand.

For the best experience, you can stay at Bluewater Sumilon Beach Resort. Guests can enjoy resort activities, such as swimming at an infinity pool with stunning sea views, relaxing on a private beach area, going to a freshwater lagoon, and trying the best food at a restaurant. Also, you can explore the island and snorkel with easy access from this resort.

Open hours: 24 hours.

Recommendations for visitors: Book Bluewater Sumilon Beach Resort for a luxury holiday on Sumilon Island.

Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort

9.3/10

Bangcogon

₱ 21,111.19

₱ 15,833.40

5. Oslob Whale Shark Watching

For a holiday experience that you might not find anywhere else, you can come to Oslob in South Cebu. Here, you will get the experience of swimming with Whale Shark. You can take a tour package to guide tourists while swimming with Whale Shark. The adventure begins with queuing for a boat ride to the swimming spot.

Apart from swimming with the whales, you can enjoy the beauty of the island and the underwater scenery. You can also take some rest and get some sunbathing on the beach.

Open hours: Every day, from 06:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Recommendations for visitors: Tourists are prohibited from touching Whale Shark and do not use sunscreen and cosmetics while swimming to protect the animals from chemicals. It is recommended to wear long-sleeved clothes.

6. Dalaguete: Osmena Peak, Casino Peak, and Mount Kandaungaw

Apart from sea and beach tourism, Southern Cebu also offers beautiful mountains to visit. You can visit Dalaguete, which presents three popular peaks; Osmena Peak, Casino Peak, and Mount Kadungaw. These three mountains have steep terrain but are still passable for beginners.

On the journey to the top, tourists will be presented with a beautiful view. You can also see sunset and sunrise views.

There are several hotels in Dalaguete, Cebu, that you can choose to stay at when visiting this tourist spot, such as Seaview Mansion Dalaguete. Visitors can enjoy beautiful sea views from the hotel swimming pool.

Open hours: -

Recommendations for visitors: Wear clothes suitable for hiking for safety and comfort.

Seaview Mansion Dalaguete

8.6/10

Brgy. Balud, Cambanog Dalaguete Cebu Province

₱ 2,535.80

₱ 1,901.86

7. Anjo World Theme Park

It offers natural beauty, and Cebu South has a playground with adrenaline-challenging rides, namely Anjo World Theme Park. This is the most giant playground in Cebu. You can try many attractions at this playground, namely Snow World, roller coaster, and many others. This place is very suitable to visit with friends and family.

Staying at Tubod Flowing Water Resort not only provides easy access to Anjo World Theme Park but is also fun for visitors. This resort has barbecue facilities, an outdoor pool, a picnic area, and a waterslide.

Open hours: Wednesday to Friday, from 12:00 PM to 08:00 AM | Saturday and Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM.

Recommendations for visitors: Tourists who visit Snow World use jackets provided at the entrance. Visitors are expected to comply with the Health and Safety Guidelines by Anjo World.

Tubod Flowing Waters Resort

8.5/10

Upper Pakigne Tubod,Minglanilla

₱ 3,744.27

₱ 2,808.21

8. Alegria, Home to many of Cebu’s best waterfalls

Last but not least, Alegria could be your next visit when you vacation in Cebu South. It is home to many of Cebu's best waterfalls, like Cambais Falls and Canlaob Falls. Apart from that, many other tourist attractions, such as Salay Cave and Mount Lanaya, can be visited.

For a place to stay, you can book a room at Alegria Water Front Beach House. This accommodation provides tour services that you can rent to tour this area.

Open hours: Wednesday to Friday, from 12:PM to 08:00 AM | Saturday and Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM.

Recommendations for visitors: To get to Alegria, you can use the bus from South Cebu Bus Terminal to Bato, which takes around 5 hours.

Alegria Water Front Beach House

Lot 2620, Lower Anongan, Madridejos

₱ 4,386.13

₱ 3,289.61

Tips to Visit Cebu South

Before deciding to go to Cebu South, here are some things you need to know, especially if you are a first-timer:

1. Prepare Cash

There aren't many ATMs in Cebu South, only certain places. So, when vacationing in Cebu South, make sure to prepare enough cash. If you find an ATM, use it to withdraw money before you can't find any more.

2. Rent a Car

When you go to South Cebu, you can use public transportation which takes four hours from the city. However, for ease of your trip, it is recommended to rent a car. Apart from making it easier to get to South Cebu, it also makes it easier for you to get around the place.

3. Learn the Local Language

It is recommended to learn basic conversation in the local language to make communication easier. Local people speak the Cebuano language, but often they use English phrases. The young people also use Tagalog.

South Cebu offers various exciting tours that you can visit. You can see beautiful beach and sea views, swim with whales, climb mountains, experience fresh waterfalls, and play at exciting attractions that challenge your adrenaline.

If you have plans to vacation in Cebu, you can use Traveloka as your travel buddy. You can use this application to book the best hotel rooms and choose according to your needs and budget. Also, you can use Traveloka to get tickets to exciting places in Cebu South and book tour packages. Install the Traveloka application on your smartphone and plan your vacation in Cebu South.

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