What should I know before visiting Cebu?
Tipping
Tipping isn't necessary for the Philippines. However, if you feel like the service was exceptional, you can round up your bill or tip your server 5-10% of the bill.
How many days to spend in Cebu?
When booking your return flights to Cebu, try to spend at least three days on the island. That will give you enough time to explore all the highlights. If you want a more relaxed trip, five days is more than enough. Anything longer than that will give you extra time to explore nearby islands and provinces.
Book your hotel early
The earlier you book your hotel in Cebu, your chances of picking up low rates increase. During high season, the top hotels usually book out fast, so make a reservation as soon as you've bought your flights to Cebu.
What should I pack for Cebu?
Waterproof phone cover
Cebu is one of those destinations where a waterproof case is a life-saver. Whether you're island hopping, snorkelling or chasing waterfalls, you never know when you might accidentally drop your phone in water, or the sand. Plus, you can still take photos while it's in the case and capture all the action while holidaying on your flights to Cebu.
Portable power bank
If you're buying return flights to Cebu, chances are you want an outdoor and active holiday. Pack a portable power bank, and you'll always have battery for your phone. Whether you need it for Google Maps or to take photos on the beach, you'll always be ready to snap away.
Bug spray
Bug spray is essential for trips to the tropics. Mosquitos love hanging around pools, lagoons, and palm trees. Protect your skin with a repellent that has a high DEET percentage. Just remember to pack it in your checked luggage for your flights to Cebu. If you leave it in your hand luggage, it might get taken away by security.
Hiking or water shoes
If your itinerary for your return flights to Cebu involves a lot of water-related adventures, protect your feet from sharp surfaces with a pair of water shoes. It will protect your feet from getting cut up by pieces of coral. You can also double up the shoes for light hikes around the island.
What is the cost of visiting Cebu?
Your travel expenses for your flights to Cebu largely depend on your travelling style.
Accommodation
From cheap hotels to high-end luxury stays, Cebu has it all. If you want to keep your accommodation costs down as much as possible, you can stay in a budget hotel for around 250 PHP per night ($7.25 AUD). For something with more amenities, you can expect to spend about 600 PHP per night ($17.39 AUD). A stay at a 5-star hotel like the Radisson Blu costs around $268.42 AUD per night.
Activities
When it comes to budgeting for your tickets to Cebu, you can get entrance to a lot of places for under $20 AUD. If you want to visit the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, entrance is free for the church. You only need to pay around 50 PHP ($1.45 AUD) if you want to see inside the museum as well. Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary charges 50 PHP ($1.45 AUD) for entry, as does the Yap-SanDiego Ancestral House. For trips to the Crown Regency, you have to pay about 500 PHP ($14.49 AUD) for admission to the observatory and one Sky Experience Adventure Ride.
What are the best places to stay in Cebu?
Moalboal
Moalbaol is located 2 hours 30 minutes’ drive from Mactan–Cebu International Airport (CEB). The little beach town is a favourite among divers buying airfare to Cebu. Some of its other famous attractions include Panagsama Beach, Kawasan Falls and White Beach.
Oslob
Oslob is famous around the world for its off-shore sightings of whale sharks. Travellers from all over the world buy flights to Cebu to swim with these gentle giants. The Tumalog Falls are also nearby. To get to Oslob, it's a 3-hour 30-minute drive from Mactan–Cebu International Airport (CEB). You can book a transfer from the airport with a local taxi company for around $88 AUD.
Lapu-Lapu
If you don't want to travel too far from the airport, book a flight and accommodation holiday package for cheap flights to Cebu and a hotel in Lapu-Lapu. It's only 28-minute drive away from the airport, and it's a wonderful place to use as your home base. You can use the city as a waypoint for island hopping and visit historic sites like the Battle of Mactan. A taxi ride from Mactan–Cebu International Airport (CEB) takes 20 minutes and costs $4 AUD.
When is The Best Time to Visit Cebu?
The best time to visit Cebu all depends on what you want to do. For beach lovers, March to May is the best time to visit the island's beautiful coastline. While these summer months are hot, the crowds are thin, and accommodation prices are lower than high season.
If you want to experience Cebu's culture, the best time to visit is the third week of January for the colourful Sinulog Festival. From December to February, the island is less humid with sunny days. The cooler weather marks the island's high season, attracting tourists from around the world.
To make sure you find accommodation, book your room a few months in advance as well as your flights to lock in the best prices.
Cebu's rainy season from June to August is the island's low season. The heavy downpours and risk of typhoons see many tourists staying away. But if the rain is not a problem and you don't mind changing your plans at the last minute, you'll find cheap accommodation and tours at this time of year.
Airports in Cebu
Mactan–Cebu International Airport
Mactan-Cebu International is the second busiest airport in the Philippines. It is 15 kilometres from the city centre of Cebu and has flights to 23 domestic destinations and 17 international routes. The airport is a hub for Philippine Airlines, Philippines AirAsia, Cebu Pacific and PAL Express.
Getting To and From Mactan–Cebu International Airport
If you are on a tight budget and want to travel like a local, the cheapest way to get from the airport into Cebu is with a jeepney. But keep in mind, you'll have to transfer to a different jeepney three times to get into Cebu. The total fare should cost you PHP 21, and the journey will take you longer than a taxi.
The newest public transport option available from the airport is the SM Cebu MyBus Shuttle. For PHP 25 you can catch a shuttle going directly from the airport into the city. Buses start at 7 am and run until 9 pm departing from the Domestic Arrivals area every 30 minutes.
If it's your first time in Cebu and you aren't sure where you are going, taxis, while more expensive, are worth it. The fare from the airport to central Cebu is PHP 200 - 250. The while cabs use a meter and are the cheapest option if you don't want to haggle with the yellow cab drivers.
