Want to test your adrenaline while in South Cebu? We highlighted the Top 10 Best Things to Do in South Cebu for outdoor adventure junkies like you.
South Cebu is an adventure haven showcasing some of the most fun outdoor activities in Cebu. You probably heard of canyoneering in Badian or swimming with whale sharks in Oslob. Those are just two of the most popular things to do in South Cebu.
There is so much more to this side of the province. And that’s what this guide is all about—to let you try all the fun activities and create a memorable visit to the Philippines.
What to Do in South Cebu
From the famous canyoneering to chasing waterfalls, CEBU INSIDER presents the Top 10 Best Things to Do in South Cebu:
1. Brave the Massive Canyons of Badian and Alegria
Canyoneering from Alegria to Badian is one of the most popular things to do in South Cebu. It’s always on any tourist’s bucket list. Because who would want to miss it when you are in the Philippines?
The canyoneering stretches for 4 kilometers, starting at Kanlaob River in Alegria and ending at the main tier of Kawasan Falls, one of the most famous tourist spots in Badian. You will go through coral-green water and massive canyons under thick forests, climbing and jumping and rappelling and swimming for about 4 hours of spectacular nature adventure.
All canyoneering activities are only conducted with accredited tour guides for safety and logistics reasons. Check out Cebu tours by Island Trek Tours!
2. Swim with Green Sea Turtles and Millions of Sardines in Moalboal
Moalboal is mostly known for its underwater adventures. That explains why diving and snorkeling are two of the most popular things to do in Moalboal. There are several spots to see the best of Moalboal’s rich marine ecosystem. The most famous ones are Panagsama Beach and Pescador Island.
Panagsama Beach is one of the two most popular beaches in Moalboal. Just about 20 meters off the shore are millions of sardines swimming together and a few big green sea turtles hunting for food on the shallow part of the beach. If you are lucky, you might be able to chance upon friendly whale sharks too.
Meanwhile, Pescador Island is about a 20-minute boat ride from Panagsama Beach. The island is surrounded by colorful coral reefs and a variety of reef species you most probably have never seen in real life, such as nudibranchs, frogfish, pilot fish, scorpion fish, lionfish, snappers, groupers, and sweet lips. If you go scuba diving, you might find hammerhead sharks and white-tip sharks.
If you want a comfortable transfer from the city or airport to Pescador Island, get the Pescador Island Hopping Private Tour!
3. Swim with Gigantic Whale Sharks in Oslob
Another well-known Cebu attraction is the whale sharks in Oslob. Whale sharks may be the largest shark alive, they pose no threat to humans. Visitors can safely swim and take pictures with them. Just avoid touching these gentle giants!
The whale sharks in Oslob are not harmed by any means. They are fed that’s why many of them have made a residence in town or are coming back regularly. A total of 208 harmless whale sharks have been spotted in Oslob, and 9 of them have been living permanently off its coast.
If you are looking convenient private guided tour to Oslob, check out Oslob Whale Shark Watching Tour in Cebu! This tour includes a trip to Tumalog Falls.
4. Visit Philippines’ First Marine Protected Area—Sumilon Island
Just about 1.4 kilometers off the coast of mainland Oslob is Sumilon Island, a 24-hectare coral island famous for its shifting sandbar. The surrounding water of Sumilon Island is home to a rich marine biodiversity that led it to become the first marine protected area (MPA) in the Philippines in 1974.
There are a couple of things to do in Sumilon Island. On top of its dive sites and shifting white sandbar, Sumilon Island also features white sand beaches, a lagoon, caves, hiking trails, a 19th-century watchtower, and a modern lighthouse. There is only one commercial facility in the island, the Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort, an eco-luxury resort popular as a wedding venue and honeymoon destination.
Tourists can access the island through the resort’s day pass. Walk-in visitors are also allowed subject to availability. Booked guests are the priority. If you want to ensure your visit to Sumilon Island, get the Bluewater Sumilon Day Pass!
5. Try Exhilarating Rides at Anjo World Theme Park in Minglanilla
If you are looking for thrilling rides in Cebu, Anjo World Theme Park is your best option. This 1.5-hectare theme park features 12 world-class rides and an ice-themed attraction called Snow World.
Some must-try rides at Anjo World Theme Park that will test your adrenaline include Viking, Boomerang, Tower Drop, Space Shuttle, and the giant Ferris Wheel. There are also mini-games around, so it’s really one of the best things to do in Cebu with kids.
The line to the park can get really long. Skip the line and get your Anjo World and Snow World Ticket in advance!
6. Chase Waterfalls in Alegria
Unbeknownst to many tourists who visit Badian for canyoneering, Alegria is home to many of the known waterfalls in Cebu. In fact, waterfalls are the most popular tourist spots in Alegria, where you can find Cambais Falls, Kanlaob Falls, Montpellier Falls, and Cancalanog Falls.
These falls in Alegria boast natural coral blue spring water. If you are done with canyoneering, you can skip Kanlaob Falls since you most probably went there already. Alegria is also home to other beautiful natural landscapes like Cambusay and Salay Caves, Libo Hills, and Mt. Lanaya. Be sure to check them out too if you have more time.
7. Chase More Waterfalls in Ginatilan and Malabuyoc
More falls are waiting in Ginatilan and Malabuyoc, the two towns after Alegria. In Ginatilan, we recommend that you explore Inambakan Falls (a must-visit), Bugnawan Falls, Kampael Falls, and Kabutongan Falls. In Malabuyoc, you may explore Dayhag Falls, Mainit Waterfalls, Montaneza Falls, and Handigan Falls.
8. Explore Even More Waterfalls in Samboan
Near the southernmost part of Cebu Island is Samboan, a small town known for a number of the most stunning waterfalls in Cebu. At least 12 waterfalls in Samboan are accessible to visitors.
Dao Falls and Aguinid Falls are two of the most famous falls in Cebu, so they are must-visit tourist spots in South Cebu. If those are not enough, include Binalayan Falls and Balay’g Sawa Falls in your itinerary. If you are looking for off-the-beaten-path falls, visit Calasa Falls and Candayvic Falls.
9. Visit Cebu’s Tallest Falls in Barili
If you heading towards Moalboal or Badian, you are most likely passing by Barili, home of Mantayupan Falls, the tallest waterfall in Cebu. The first tier plunges from a 14-meter-tall cliff, while the second tier drops from a 98-meter-tall cliff.
Mantayupan Falls is not just a towering beauty for people’s eyes to feast on as it plays a critical role in the nearby communities. Dubbed the “Crown Jewel of Barili,” Mantayupan Falls serves as a mini-hydro powerplant and the main water source for fishponds and rice fields.
10. Climb Osmeña Peak in Dalaguete
One of the best things to do in South Cebu is to climb Dalaguete’s mountains. There are three popular peaks in the Mantalangon mountain range: Osmeña Peak (the popular one), Casino Peak (Osmeña Peak’s sister), and Mt. Kadungaw (the hardest trek). You can do what they call the “tri-peak” climb hitting all three peaks.
Osmeña Peak stands 1,013 meters above sea level, the highest mountain in Cebu. It’s an easy climb, though the craggy terrain will test your determination…and ankles. The trek will be worth it once you reach the peak and get a sunset or sunrise view peeking through the horizon.
Osmeña Peak is one of the outdoor activities in Cebu that do not cost much. You can also try its sister peak, Casino Peak, located within the same Mantalongon mountain range. Do wear a good pair of shoes!
11. Offer Up Prayers at Simala Shrine in Sibonga
Simala Shrine in Sibonga is one of the most known tourist spots in South Cebu among Catholic devotees. Officially known as the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist, it’s a Roman Catholic pilgrimage church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Inside the complex are an array of souvenir shops selling Catholic goods, a grand church, walls covered in prayer requests, and a miraculous Virgin Mary statue. If you want a private Cebu City tour with a side trip to Simala Shrine, check out Cebu City and Simala Shrine Private Tour!
More Things to Do in South Cebu
Our list of the top things to do in South Cebu is just the tip of the iceberg. If you are looking for more fun activities, check out the 35 Best Things to Do in Cebu!
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