Cebu Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
Logistics and Planning
1. Is it safe to visit Cebu right now? Yes, Cebu is generally safe for tourists. While parts of Northern Cebu are still in long-term recovery from earlier seismic activity, the South (Moalboal, Oslob) and the City are fully operational.
2. Which is better for a base: Cebu City or Mactan? Choose Cebu City for nightlife, malls, and cheaper food. Choose Mactan if you want a resort experience and quick access to the airport.
3. Is 5 days enough for Cebu? It’s enough for either the North or the South, but doing both is rushed. Most recommend 7–10 days to see Moalboal, Bantayan, and the City.
4. When is the best time to visit? January to May (Dry Season). March and April are the peak summer months—expect heat and crowds.
5. How is the internet for remote work? Great in IT Park and Business Park (500+ Mbps fiber). It becomes spotty in rural areas like Moalboal and almost non-existent in remote parts of the North.
6. Can I drink tap water? No. Always stick to bottled or filtered water.
7. Is there a Grab equivalent in Cebu? Grab is widely used. For faster travel through traffic, locals and travelers use “Move It” or “Maxim” (motorcycle taxis).
8. How do I get from the airport to the city? Grab is the most convenient. For a budget option, take the MyBus to SM City Cebu.
9. Are power outages common? In the city, no. In provincial towns, “brownouts” happen occasionally but usually don’t last long.
10. Do I need cash? Yes. While malls and hotels take cards, “Cash is King” for buses, small eateries (carenderias), and island hopping.
South Cebu (Moalboal, Oslob, Badian)
11. Is the Oslob Whale Shark watching ethical? It’s controversial because the sharks are fed. Many Redditors suggest Donsol as an alternative, but Oslob remains the most popular due to guaranteed sightings.
12. How do I get to Moalboal from the city? Take a Ceres bus from the South Bus Terminal (3–4 hours) or hire a private van for roughly ₱3,000–₱4,500.
13. Do I need a guide for the Sardine Run? No. You can swim out 30 meters from Panagsama Beach with a snorkel and see them for free.
14. What is Canyoneering? It’s a 3–5 hour trek through the canyons of Badian, involving cliff jumping and swimming, ending at Kawasan Falls.
15. Is Canyoneering safe for non-swimmers? Yes, life jackets are mandatory and guides are very hands-on.
16. How early should I start the Oslob tour? Leave Cebu City by 3:00 AM. If you arrive after 7:00 AM, queues can be 3–5 hours long.
17. Where is the best beach in Moalboal? Basdaku Beach is the best for white sand and sunsets.
18. Can I do Oslob and Kawasan Falls in one day? Yes, it’s a very common “South Tour” package, but it’s exhausting.
19. What is Osmeña Peak? The highest point in Cebu, offering “Chocolate Hills-like” views. It’s an easy 20-minute hike from the drop-off.
20. Is Simala Church worth the visit? Yes, for the architecture alone. It looks like a European castle. Note: Follow the strict dress code (no shorts/sleeveless).
North Cebu (Bantayan, Malapascua)
21. How do I get to Bantayan Island? Bus from North Bus Terminal to Hagnaya Port (4 hours), then a ferry (1 hour).
22. Is Malapascua just for divers? Mainly yes, for the Thresher Sharks, but the beaches (Langub Beach) are some of the most beautiful and quiet in Cebu.
23. Can I take a direct flight to Bantayan? Yes, small commercial flights have resumed from Mactan Airport as of late 2025.
24. Which is better: Bantayan or Moalboal? Bantayan for “chill” beach vibes and cycling. Moalboal for adventure and snorkeling.
25. Is there an ATM in Malapascua? There are now a couple, but they frequently run out of cash. Bring enough for your stay.
Food and Culture
26. Where is the best Lechon? Redditors swear by Carcar Public Market for authentic taste, but in the city, House of Lechon or Rico’s are favorites.
27. What is “Puso”? Hanging rice wrapped in coconut leaves. It’s a Cebuano staple, perfect for pairing with BBQ.
28. What is Tuslob Buwa? A local experience where you cook a bubbly gravy of pig’s brain and liver in a communal pan. Try it at “8Flix” or “Big Brain.”
29. Best place for a “fancy” dinner? The Pig & Palm in Cebu Business Park or Anzani for Mediterranean.
30. What is “Pungko-Pungko”? Street food where you sit on small benches and pick fried items (ginabot/fried intestine is the star).
31. Can I bring Lechon on a plane? Yes, but buy it “hand-carry” ready at the airport or have the shop box it for check-in.
32. Where can I find the best mangoes? Guadalupe mangoes are famous. Buy them fresh at Carbon Market or dried (7D brand) at any supermarket.
33. What is “SuTuKil”? Short for Sugba (Grill), Tuwa (Stew), and Kilaw (Raw/Ceviche). It’s a style of seafood dining popular near Mactan Shrine.
34. Is there a good coffee scene? Yes, try Tightrope Coffee or Linear Coffee Roasters.
35. Best night market? Sugbo Mercado in IT Park (Thursday–Sunday).
City Sights and Activities
36. Is Magellan’s Cross real? The original is encased in the wooden cross you see today to protect it from people chipping off pieces.
37. What is the Temple of Leah? A “shrine of love” built by a local businessman for his late wife. It offers a Roman-style architecture with great city views.
38. Is Sirao Flower Garden worth it? It’s very “Instagrammable” (the giant hand). Best visited on a weekday to avoid crowds.
39. What is “Tops”? The newly renovated Tops Cebu is an observation deck in Busay with restaurants and a 360-degree view of the metro.
40. Where to go for shopping? SM Seaside (one of the world’s largest) or Ayala Center Cebu (for a more garden-integrated vibe).
Transportation and Scams
41. Do taxis use the meter? Most do, but some may ask for a “plus ₱50” during heavy traffic. Use Grab to avoid haggling.
42. What is a Habal-Habal? A motorcycle taxi. Essential for getting to mountain spots like Temple of Leah or Sirao.
43. Is Cebu traffic really that bad? Yes. Avoid traveling between the city and Mactan during rush hour (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM).
44. How do I get to Bohol from Cebu? Take the OceanJet fast ferry from Pier 1. It takes 2 hours.
45. Can I rent a car and drive myself? Possible, but not recommended for the city due to chaotic traffic. Self-driving is better for the scenic roads in the South.
46. Are there scams to watch for? “Tourist pricing” at markets. Always ask for the price first. Be wary of “guides” at the port who are overly aggressive.
47. How do I get to Camotes Island? Ferry from Danao Port or a “FastCat” from Pier 1.
48. Is the CCLEX bridge worth crossing? Yes, the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway is the longest bridge in the PH and offers a beautiful drive, especially at night.
49. What is the “V-Hire”? A passenger van (Van-for-Hire). Faster than buses but can be cramped.
50. Can I use Apple Pay/Google Pay? Only in major malls (via Maya/GCash terminals) and high-end hotels. It’s not universal.
(Note: To meet your request for 100 entries, the following continue with deeper niche tips found in Reddit threads)
Niche Tips and Hidden Gems
51. Where to see a sunset in the city? La Vie in the Sky (Busay).
52. Best budget stay in Moalboal? Chief Mau or MoHo.
53. Is Cebu Ocean Park good? Yes, especially for kids; it’s right next to SM Seaside.
54. Best place for diving lessons? Moalboal or Lapu-Lapu.
55. What is the “Sinulog” festival? The biggest festival in the PH, held every 3rd Sunday of January.
56. Should I book tours on Klook? It’s convenient, but local Facebook groups or “DIY” are often 30% cheaper.
57. Is there a dress code for Taoist Temple? Yes, no sleeveless tops or short skirts.
58. Best “pasalubong” (souvenir)? Dried mangoes, Otap, and Carcar Chicharon.
59. Where is the “10,000 Roses” cafe? Cordova, Mactan. Best seen at night when they light up.
60. Can I swim at the city hotels? Most 4-5 star hotels like Radisson Blu or Marco Polo have great pools.
61. What is “Lantaw”? A famous native floating restaurant in Cordova.
62. Is Carbon Market safe at night? It’s much cleaner now with the “Night Market” section, but stay alert.
63. Where to find a good massage? Tree Shade Spa or Nuat Thai (budget).
64. How to get to Sumilon Island? Boat from Oslob. It has a famous shifting sandbar.
65. Is there a direct ferry to Siargao? No, you must fly.
66. Best time to see Thresher Sharks? Sunrise (approx. 4:30 AM – 5:30 AM).
67. What is the “Cebu Heritage Monument”? A massive dark metal sculpture in Parian depicting Cebu’s history.
68. Can I use a foreign driver’s license? Yes, for up to 90 days from arrival.
69. Where is “Little Kyoto”? A Japan-themed spot in Busay, popular for photos.
70. What is a “Jeepney”? The colorful public bus. Minimum fare is around ₱13.
71. How to say “Thank You” in Cebuano? “Salamat.”
72. Best beach resort for families? Jpark Island Resort (waterpark).
73. Is Moalboal nightlife loud? Only on the Panagsama strip (Chili Bar area).
74. What is “Agravante”? A popular spot for local BBQ in the city.
75. Can I do a day trip to Bohol? It’s possible but very rushed (12+ hours).
76. Where to see the “Runway Strip” beach? Near Mactan Airport (Amihan area).
77. What is “Mango Square”? A nightlife district, though IT Park is now more popular.
78. Best place for a solo traveler? IT Park—safe, walkable, and lots of 24/7 food.
79. Are there sharks in Moalboal? Mostly small, harmless blacktip reef sharks.
80. Is the National Museum of the PH Cebu open? Yes, it’s located in the old Aduana building near Pier 1.
81. What is “Ngohiong”? A Cebuano five-spice fried spring roll. Try “Doming’s.”
82. Can I hike Mt. Kan-Irag? Yes, it’s a popular day hike from the city.
83. Where to find live acoustic music? Handuraw Pizza.
84. Is there a cinema in Cebu? SM Seaside Director’s Club is the best experience.
85. What is the “French” place in Cebu? La Vie Parisienne (bakery and wine cellar).
86. Is Cebu City walkable? Only in IT Park or Business Park. Other areas lack sidewalks.
87. Best place for “Instagram” photos? Temple of Leah or Sirao.
88. Where is the “Chocolate Hills” of Cebu? Osmeña Peak or Casino Peak.
89. Can I see turtles in Moalboal? Yes, daily at Talisay or Panagsama.
90. Is Cebu friendly to LGBTQ+? Yes, very open and welcoming.
91. What to do on a rainy day? Museum hopping (Museo Sugbo, Casa Gorordo) or Malls.
92. Best view of the CCLEX bridge? From “Lantaw” or the “Tops” observation deck.
93. Where to buy cheap electronics? Cyberzone in SM City Cebu.
94. Are there monkeys in Cebu? Rarely seen; you’re more likely to see Tarsiers in Bohol.
95. What is the most famous waterfall? Kawasan Falls.
96. Can I fly from Cebu to Palawan? Yes, direct flights go to El Nido and Puerto Princesa.
97. Is “Pescador Island” worth it? Yes, for the coral gardens and snorkeling.
98. How do I get to North Bus Terminal? It is now located at SM City Cebu.
99. Should I bring a drone? Yes, but be mindful of “No Fly” zones near the airport.
100. What is the local beer? San Miguel (Pale Pilsen or Light).