Brisbane → Cebu City → Moalboal Adventure (Aug 20‑25, 2025)

Day 1: Arrival & City Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Mactan‑Cebu International Airport and take a budget shuttle to NUSTAR Cebu. Check‑in, freshen up, and enjoy a quick breakfast at the hotel’s cafe.

Afternoon: Walk to the historic downtown and visit Magellan’s Cross and the adjacent Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, two iconic landmarks within walking distance.

Evening: Stroll through Taboan Market for affordable local street food, then return to the hotel for a relaxing night.

Day 2: Cultural Highlights & Beach Time

Morning: Ride a local jeepney to the Casa Gorordo Museum to learn about Cebu’s colonial past.

Afternoon: Head to the seaside at Shangri‑La’s Mactan Island Resort for a cheap beach day, enjoying snorkeling and a beachside lunch.

Evening: Return to the city and explore the lively Night Market in IT Park, sampling affordable Filipino snacks.

Day 3: Nature & Views

Morning: Take a short trip to the scenic Temple of the Sacred Heart for panoramic city views.

Afternoon: Visit the nearby Fort San Pedro and enjoy a picnic in the adjacent park.

Evening: Dine at a budget-friendly local eatery, trying Cebu’s famous lechon and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront.

Day 4: Transfer to Moalboal

Morning: Check out of NUSTAR Cebu and catch a cheap bus to Moalboal (approx. 3‑hour ride).

Afternoon: Check into a budget guesthouse in Moalboal, then head to Panagsama Beach for a quick swim.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner at a seaside waray‑style restaurant, sampling fresh grilled fish.

Day 5: Snorkeling & Waterfalls

Morning: Take a boat trip to Pescador Island for world‑class snorkeling (see vibrant coral reefs).

Afternoon: Join a guided trek to Kawasan Falls for an exhilarating swim and scenic photos.

Evening: Return to Moalboal, enjoy a relaxed evening at the beachfront bar.

Day 6: Departure

Morning: Pack up and take a morning bus back to Cebu City, arriving at the airport for your flight.

Afternoon: Check‑in at the airport and board the cheap return flight to Brisbane.

Evening: Arrive home with memories of a budget‑friendly adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• NUSTAR Cebu – 3 nights – $90 (room)
• Magellan’s Cross & Basilica Minore – 1 hr – $2 (entry donation)
• Taboan Market – 2 hrs – $10 (food & souvenirs)
• Casa Gorordo Museum – 1 hr – $3
• Shangri‑La’s Beach – 3 hrs – $15 (snorkel gear)
• Temple of the Sacred Heart – 0.5 hr – free
• Fort San Pedro – 1 hr – $2
• Bus to Moalboal – 3 hrs – $12
• Panagsama Beach – 2 hrs – free
• Pescador Island snorkeling – 4 hrs – $30 (boat + gear)
• Kawasan Falls – 3 hrs – $25 (tour + entrance)
• Return Bus to Cebu – 3 hrs – $12
• Flight Brisbane‑Cebu (round‑trip) – 2 days – $300 (economy)

Total Estimated Cost: $534

Tips

If you want to extend the trip, add a day in Cebu City to explore the nearby Oslob Whale‑Shark experience or add a relaxing day on Malapascua Island after Moalboal. For a shorter stay, skip the day at Fort San Pedro and the beach day at Shangri‑La, focusing instead on the main attractions; this can cut two days and reduce costs by roughly $50–$70.