3 Days in Cebu: The Perfect Cebu Itinerary

Cebu is truly a world in its own. Here you can explore its limestone cliffs, jump off milky blue waterfalls, explore tropical canyons, and hike through some of the most unique geology you’ll ever see.

I visited Cebu for 8 days and found so many things to do there! It has so much to see that choosing where to begin felt overwhelming. That is exactly why I put this itinerary together.

In this 3 Day Cebu itinerary, I’ll dive into exactly how I would spend 3 days in Cebu on my first visit. I’ll go over where to stay, how to get around, and exactly what to do each day!

If you have just 3 days in Cebu, this itinerary hits all the highlights of the island, with tons of adventure packed into the schedule!

How to Spend 3 Awesome Days in Cebu: A First-Timers Guide and Itinerary

Where to Stay in Cebu

Welcome to Cebu, the gateway to the Visayas!

Chances are that you just landed at Cebu-Mactan International Airport, so your first move is simple: leave Cebu City and head straight to Moalboal, where you’ll base yourself for the next few days.

Moalboal puts you close to waterfalls, canyons, beaches, and most of the island’s top adventures.

There are two different ways that I recommend to get to Moalboal:

1. Bus from Cebu City to Moalboal
2. Private transport from Cebu City to Moalboal

The bus method takes a bit longer but is MUCH cheaper. The difficulty with the bus is that there’s a bit of extra navigation because there is no direct bus from the airport to Moalboal. To help you out, we put together a full guide that goes over both methods in detail.

How to get around Cebu

The best way to get around Cebu is by motorbike since you’ll have the freedom to go anywhere at your own pace. You can rent a motorbike in Moalboal for about 300 to 500 pesos per day.

But don’t worry if riding a motorbike isn’t your thing. There are other transportation options to get around Cebu, and all the tours we recommend include transportation to Cebu’s top attractions.

For getting to Cebu’s more hidden spots, like some of the waterfalls on Day 2 of the itinerary, you can hire a tricycle driver. Just make sure you agree on the price beforehand.

I have to warn you, though, 3 days in Cebu is a little short to pack everything in. If you can spread this out into 4 or 5 days, you’ll have some time to get a break in between these action-packed adventures. That said, if three days is what you’ve got, this itinerary hits all the highlights!

Cebu Day 1: Kawasan Falls Canyoneering and Osmeña Peak

It’s the first day of your 3-day adventure in Cebu – welcome! We’re going to get right into it with the adventure. On our first day, we’re going to knock out two of Cebu’s most iconic attractions. Let’s get started!

Kawasan Falls Canyoneering

Our first adventure of the day is Kawasan Falls canyoneering! It is one of Cebu’s iconic experiences and, in my opinion, completely lives up to the hype.

Canyoneering to Kawasan Falls gives you a mix of jumps, slides, and swimming sections. It’s honestly like being in a natural playground.

There are a few different ways to organize your Kawasan Falls Canyoneering trip, but I recommend booking this top-rated tour online. Everything is handled for you, including the guide, safety gear, entrance fees, and transportation to/from your accommodation in Moalboal.

If you need more info, including route options and how to do the canyoneering without joining a group tour, I cover it all here:

Osmeña Peak Sunset Hike

For sunset, we’re hiking up to Osmeña Peak. It’s the highest point in Cebu – completely the opposite of the watery canyon you explored earlier in the day.

From the top of Osmeña Peak, the limestone hills encircle you, while the western coastline stretches out below. It’s a true panoramic view. As you look toward the ocean, you’ll watch the sunset beyond the Tañon Strait and Negros Island on the horizon.

The hike to the summit of Osmeña Peak is gradual and easily accessible for most people. There aren’t any steep inclines or sheer drop-offs, and you can typically reach the top in about 20 minutes.

But getting to the start of the hike is a challenge. It’s located in the middle of Cebu’s mountainous interior, accessible only by winding country roads. If you aren’t comfortable riding a motorbike there, then I recommend booking this Osmeña Peak and Kawasan Canyoneering Day Tour, which covers transportation and entrance fees to these two epic locations.

Dinner in Moalboal

As you’ve probably noticed by now, Moalboal is somewhat of a tourism hotspot, so you can find all sorts of food options there. You can find all kinds of food there, from local Filipino dishes to burgers, grilled seafood, and tons of international options.

Here are a few of our recommendations:

• Mila’s Restaurant: Tasty local Filipino food. Portion sizes are good for the price, and we left super full!
• Betsy’s Grill and Restobar: If you’re craving something more American or western-style, then this place has a variety of options.
• El Mercado de Moalboal: A newer food court with tons of options. Perfect for groups that have mixed tastes. No matter what kind of food you like, there is bound to be something for you here!

Cebu Day 2: Moalboal Sardine Run and Waterfall Exploration

We’re going to take it a bit easier today and do some things on our own time! Start your morning in Moalboal by swimming with the sardine run, then fuel up with breakfast and head out to explore some waterfalls!

Let’s get started with day 2!

Moalboal Sardine Run

Just off the coast of Moalboal, the seafloor drops straight off a cliff into the deep ocean, combining a safe environment with nutrient-rich waters. And because of that, massive schools of sardines gather there. It is one of the few places in the world where you can swim right offshore and be surrounded by thousands of fish at once!

The best time to see the sardine run is early in the morning. The water tends to be calmer, so the visibility is better. The sardines also gradually move out to sea during the day as more and more people show up, so time is of the essence!

If you already have your own snorkel, perfect. If not, get one the day before so you can head straight to Panagsama Beach for the sardine run after you wake up. But even if you don’t have a snorkel, there are hawkers in the streets who will rent you a snorkel, so it’s no big deal if you don’t get one until the last second.

Looking out from the beach, you won’t see anything unusual. But once you swim a short distance offshore, the atmosphere changes entirely. The water darkens, the light scatters, and suddenly the sardines appear in a massive wall right beneath you.

I share the exact location and tips on how to see the Moalboal Sardine Run without joining a tour in our guide below:

After swimming with the sardines, grab some breakfast somewhere in town. My recommendation is SHAKA Cafe. They serve delicious smoothie bowls, sandwiches, and coffee. Plus, they are located right next to the entrance to Panagsama Beach, so you can just stop there on the way back from the sardine run!

Explore and Swim in Waterfalls

Ok, now on to our next event – waterfall exploration!

Cebu is packed with waterfalls. The island’s limestone landscape dissolves into the water and creates that signature milky blue Cebu color.

Below, I’ve listed 3 waterfall options that I recommend for today’s adventure.

If you have a motorbike, you can just ride to one of these waterfalls yourself. If you’re not riding, no worries. You can join a local tour that includes transport or hire a tricycle driver for the day. Just be sure to agree on the price in advance.

Dao Falls

Dao Falls is a massive waterfall that free-falls over a limestone cliff face. Not only is the waterfall an incredible place, but getting there is an adventure in itself. You’ll follow a trail that winds through a narrow river gorge, crossing the water several times as the canyon walls rise around you. It’s an awesome adventure that’s memorable in itself.

Cancalanog Falls

Cancalanog Falls is more of a natural swimming hole than a proper waterfall, but that’s exactly what makes it great. It’s tucked in a quiet valley surrounded by trees and ferns, and the water there is the most beautiful blue color. The waterfall is just a gentle stream flowing into a deep, calm pool.

If you enjoy cliff jumping, Cancalanog Falls is your spot. There are all sorts of ledges around the basin, from small warm-up jumps to massive leaps if you’re brave.

Lusno and Cambanog Falls

Lusno and Cambanog Falls aren’t well-known, but visiting them is a glimpse into the countryside of Cebu. They’re located out in the farmlands and are run by local families. You won’t find big crowds here, but you also won’t find organized tours, so you’ll need your own motorbike or hire a tricycle driver to take you.

Cebu Day 3: Whale Shark Watching, Inambakan Falls Adventure, and Hot Spring

It’s your third day in Cebu, and we’re kicking it off with a big one.

Whale Shark Watching in Oslob

We’re starting the day early with whale shark watching in Oslob. Lines start forming at the Whale Shark Watching area before the sun comes up. It’s a long drive from Moalboal, so you’ll want to be on the road before sunrise or stay in Oslob the night before.

Another option is to book an Oslob Whale Shark Tour ahead of time. Booking a tour ensures that you get there in time, and you won’t need to worry about navigating Cebu’s coastal road in the dark.

Explore Inambakan Falls

Next up is Inambakan Falls. This is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Cebu. The main cascade drops into a huge, deep pool that is perfect for swimming.

If you’re a daredevil, there are several jump spots around the falls. You can try your hand at a jump, or watch other people launch themselves from the ledges.

And if you’re ready for more exploration, hidden behind the main falls is an entire canyon system with four more waterfalls. Each waterfall is an adventure in itself, with caves, cliff jumps, and milky blue pools of water. But getting behind the main falls is a bit tricky, so we share how in the blog post below:

Mainit Hot Spring

What better way to wrap up your 3 days in Cebu than with a relaxing soak in a hot spring?

Mainit Hot Spring is, without a doubt, the hottest spring we’ve ever visited. And in a land that seems to be dominated by cold springs, a hot spring is a welcome change. Even better, it’s off the radar of most travelers, so you won’t find huge crowds or long lines like other spots.

The hot spring sits right in the river, which might sound odd at first, but it actually creates the perfect setup.

After soaking in the hot spring, you can just roll over into the cold river to cool off. Rinse and repeat the hot-cold-hot-cold circuit. A great way to unwind after an action-packed three days.

Hotels We Recommend in Cebu

There’s no doubt that staying in Moalboal is the best place to base yourself if you’re looking to go on outdoor adventures in Cebu.

But what most people don’t realize is that Moalboal is quite a big area! It’s located on a peninsula, with a few distinct areas, each with its own vibe.

If you’re looking for the most convenience, I recommend staying in the Panagsama Beach area of Moalboal. It’s where the famous sardine run is located, as well as tons of accommodations and restaurants. It’s also the only place where there are bars and nightlife in Moalboal.

3 Sisters Guest House 2 is where we stayed during our time in Panagsama Beach. It’s a simple and comfortable place without trying to be anything fancy. The rooms are clean, and the AC worked really well. They also serve breakfast, which we ordered every morning before heading out on our adventures.

If you’re looking for a more laid-back area to stay in, nothing beats the White Beach area of Moalboal. It’s the nicest beach in Moalboal, and because of that, a bunch of accommodations have started to pop up around the area.

Many of the resorts lining White Beach are relaxation-oriented to go along with the vibe of the place. Ravenala Beach Bungalows is one of them. It’s tucked away at a quieter end of White Beach, but with its own section of beach reserved for guests only.

Need more Cebu travel ideas?

During our 7-day adventure in Cebu, we found some of the island’s most stunning natural wonders—milky blue waterfalls, limestone hikes, and incredible snorkeling spots. To help fellow adventurers, we’ve put together guides to the best places we found. You can check them out by clicking the links below.

• Start your planning here: Cebu Travel Guide
• Our Ultimate Guide to Cebu: 15 Incredible Things to Do in Cebu
• How to plan your Cebu vacation: Cebu 3 Day Itinerary
• Our Moalboal accommodation guide: Where to Stay in Moalboal
• Our favorite waterfall (+ secret adventure) in Cebu: Inambakan Falls
• Hike to the highest point in Cebu: Osmeña Peak
• Our favorite hike in Cebu: Casino Peak
• Our favorite day tour in Cebu: Kawasan Falls Canyoneering
• The hottest hot spring we’ve ever visited: Mainit Hot Spring
• How to see the Moalboal Sardine Run without a tour
• Oslob Whale Shark Watching Complete Guide
• How to get from Cebu City to Moalboal
• How to get from Moalboal to Oslob
• How to rent a motorbike in the Philippines

I hope you enjoyed our Cebu 3-Day Itinerary! Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions 🐸