Day Trips from Cebu City | Hiking Spots, Cliff Diving & Island Excursions!

Comprised of almost 170 islands, Cebu offers plenty to do outside of Cebu City. In fact, day trips from Cebu City are popular with both locals and tourists because the island contains an abundance of rich forestry and outdoor activities. These five getaways from Cebu can be accomplished in one day or spread out over a weekend or three-day holiday, and they all have something special for every kind of traveler to the Philippines!

1. Day Trips from Cebu | Cebu Safari & Adventure Park

Spend a day on safari at Cebu Safari & Adventure Park near Danao City. This outdoor park located about two hours north of Cebu City features more than 1,000 animals, including tigers, giraffes and monkeys, and abundance of forestry area. Visitors can zipline, explore the area in an ATV, hike up to waterfalls and bike around this scenic area in rural Cebu.

Check In to Sunshine Shin Beach Resort, Step Out to Danao City

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2. Day Trips from Cebu | Osmeña Peak

The highest peak in Cebu is more than just a scenic area to capture stunning photographs. Osmeña Peak actually is part of the Mantalongon Mountain Range and features a whole list of outdoor activities. The area, which is three and a half hours south of Cebu City, is known as the “Vegetable Basket of Cebu,” so guests literally get the first pick of the crops that supply the entire Cebu Province. Hikers will see local livestock and vegetable farms, like Papa Timz Strawberry and Anthurium Farm, on the way up to Osmeña Peak, where a gorgeous view of the neighboring Negros Oriental region awaits. The area is suitable for both beginner and advanced hikers, and trails are well marked, so guides are not necessary. Evening and morning hikes can be chilly, so visitors are advised to bring a light jacket.

Check In to Badian Island Wellness Resort, Step Out to Osmeña Peak

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3. Day Trips from Cebu | Moalboal

On the western coast of Cebu Province (about three hours south of Cebu City) is where beach bums looking for quiet sands should plan to go. The seaside village of Moalboal offers the perfect escape from city life, and travelers can choose to spend lazy days on White Beach Moalboal or explore a few cool attractions nearby.

Things to do in Moalboal

• Panagsama Beach – have a swim and settle into a local bar or restaurant. This beach is known for its chill nightlife and cheap seaside hostels.

• Pescador Island – hire a longtail boat from Panagsama Beach and spend the day exploring Pescador Island or snorkeling in the blue waters that surround it.

• Kawasan Falls – discover the outdoor thrill of canyoneering, or exploring canyons by hiking, repelling or even jumping off cliffs! Kawasan Falls is a three-tiered beauty and an adventure lover’s dream.

• Lambug Beach – a quieter alternative to Panagsama Beach, Lambug Beach is swimmer-friendly and loaded with starfishes that will entertain the kids all day.

Check In to Turtle Bay Dive Resort, Step Out to Moalboal

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4. Day Trips from Cebu | Oslob

This tiny coastal village on the southern tip of Cebu Province has one of the biggest reputations in the Philippines, as it’s known as one of the best places to swim with whale sharks. Even if scuba diving isn’t on your travel itinerary, Oslob still makes for an incredible day trip from Cebu City. The journey takes about four hours one-way, so a trip to Oslob from Cebu City might make a better weekend getaway or two-day excursion.

Things to do in Oslob

• Tumalog Falls – this “horsetail” waterfall is a popular photo spot, but it’s also a perfect place to cool off and go for a swim.

• Cuartel Ruins (Museo Oslob) – started in 1860 (but never finished) as a military barracks for Spanish soldiers, the Cuartel Ruins tell a story of Oslob’s past.

• Sumilon Island – loved for its laid-back atmosphere and clear, blue waters, this island is a beach bum’s paradise, and it’s only a short boat ride from the coast.

Check In to Ging-Ging Hotel & Resort, Step Out to Oslob

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5. Day Trips from Cebu | Camotes Islands

Plan on spending a couple days on Camotes Islands. You can get there via a 40-minute boat ride from Cebu City, and once you arrive, you may not know where to start first! The islands are known for their vast caving systems, rock formations and cliff diving.

• Lake Danao – next to Holy Crystal Cave, Lake Danao is known by locals as Lover’s Lake, and visitors can book a sunset cruise, plan a kayaking trip or just relax on the banks.

• Buho Rock – cliff diving anyone? This ship-shaped rock offers two levels of cliffs for beginner and advanced daredevils.

Check In to Mangodlong Paradise Resort, Step Out to Camotes Islands

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