Exploring Cebu in 4 Days

  1. Day 1: Visit the Museums and the Forts
    Approximately 8.1 km from Mactan-Cebu International Airport

    Start your Cebu exploration by visiting the Magellan's Cross, a historical site where the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan planted a cross back in 1521. Then head to the Basilica del Santo Niño Church, which houses the oldest religious relic in the Philippines. Next, visit the Cebu Taoist Temple, a picturesque temple, and spiritual sanctuary for Taoist devotees. Finally, cap the day off by visiting the Fort San Pedro, the oldest triangular fort in the country that was used as a stronghold during the Spanish occupation.

  2. Day 2: Get Wet and Wild
    Approximately 22.5 km from Fort San Pedro

    Experience an adventure-packed day by enjoying the water activities on Mactan Island, go island hopping, and swimming with whale sharks. Spend the day at the Cebu Ocean Park, a massive oceanarium with interactive and educational exhibits. Try the Sky Experience Adventure for an adrenaline rush.

  3. Day 3: A Day of Serenity and Spirituality
    Approximately 21 km from Cebu Ocean Park

    Visit the Sirao Flower Farm and take stunning flower farm photos. Enjoy a serene and calm day by visiting the Taoist Cemetery, the final resting place of the early Chinese immigrants in the country, and Lapu-Lapu Shrine where you can learn about the heroism of Lapu Lapu, the first Filipino hero. End the day with peace as you visit the Simala Shrine Basilica, a miraculous baroque style church.

  4. Day 4: Discover the Adventures of Badian
    Approximately 3 hours drive from Simala Shrine Basilica

    Experience thrilling adventures by visiting Badian's Badlan Falls and do some cliff diving, canyoneering, and water rafting. Afterward, visit the Kawasan Falls, where you can take a refreshing swim and do some bamboo rafting. In the afternoon, enjoy a sumptuous meal while taking in the picturesque ocean view at Moalboal's Cupcake By The Sea.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Magellan's Cross (30 mins, free)
  • Basilica del Santo Niño Church (30 mins, free)
  • Cebu Taoist Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Fort San Pedro (1-2 hours, ₱30)
  • Cebu Ocean Park (2-3 hours, ₱625 for adults, ₱495 for children)
  • Sky Experience Adventure (1-2 hours, Php 750)
  • Sirao Flower Farm (1-2 hours, ₱50)
  • Taoist Cemetery (30-45 mins, free)
  • Lapu-Lapu Shrine (1 hour, free)
  • Simala Shrine Basilica (1-2 hours, free)
  • Badlan Falls (4-5 hours, ₱1,500 for guides and equipment)
  • Kawasan Falls (2-3 hours, ₱100 entrance fee)
  • Cupcake By The Sea (1 hour, ₱350)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ₱3,025 (excluding guides and transportation costs)

Useful tips

For those who have more time, you can add more sites such as the Casa Gorordo Museum, Cebu Cathedral, or Tops Lookout for a panoramic view of the city. Those who love seafood can go on a culinary adventure by visiting the Larsian Barbecue, a famous food street in Cebu that serves a variety of grilled and barbecued seafood. For those with less time, consider skipping the Taoist Cemetery, the Sirao Flower Farm, or the Cupcake By The Sea. Remember to always dress modestly when visiting religious sites and respect the culture and people of Cebu.

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