Here is a short list of the best budget-friendly beaches in Cebu!
There’s no reason to go broke trying to experience a memorable summer vacation in Cebu. You can have a fun time under the sun and get your dose of Vitamin Sea in countless areas around the island.
Cebu is one of the Philippines’ top tourist destinations when it comes to beaches and historical attractions. While there are many high-end resorts on the island, some beaches in Cebu stand out for being extremely affordable.
Hundreds of guests can be found visiting these spots every month, giving locals and foreigners a taste of the lively island life. This article will show you some of the best public beaches in Cebu that you can visit this summer.
WHY GO TO BUDGET-FRIENDLY BEACHES IN CEBU?
Public beaches have cheap entrance fees of as low as ₱10 per person. You may need to allocate a budget for extra expenses like using a cottage, bringing food, and maybe purchasing a few accessories and souvenirs. But even they won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
The super-low cost of these entrance fees makes it so you can invite more people, or divide funds more easily among a group. Families and groups of friends flock to many affordable beaches for some quality time without having to worry about spending too much.
Public beaches in Cebu are staples in the tourism sector of a particular town and serve as either a starting point or a finale to a culture-driven itinerary. But most of all, these beaches make great venues for a much-needed break or vacation.
That being said, here is a short list of the top budget-friendly beaches in Cebu.
1. HIDDEN BEACH RESORT IN ALOGUINSAN
NOTE: The Hidden Beach Resort in Aloguinsan is TEMPORARILY CLOSED
With the vast white sand shore, you will never run out of fun summer activities to do with friends and family. Head south to the municipality of Aloguinsan and check out the famous Hidden Beach Resort.
This affordable white sand beach in Cebu is nestled in a secluded area that is accessible from the highway. Though it’s a 2-hour drive from Cebu City, you will feel like you’re in paradise once you step foot on the gorgeous shoreline.
Fewer places have a serene ambiance where you can enjoy a quick walk or share a meaningful conversation by the shore. The fine white sand is soft and comfortable, and the fresh sea breeze gives you that much-needed relaxation.
Rates:
Entrance
Adult – ₱50
Children:
6 years old & below – FREE
7-10 years old – ₱25
11 years old and above – ₱50
For other expenses, check out our article on the Hidden Beach Resort.
Location:
Bonbon, Aloguinsan, Southern Cebu
Operating Hours:
6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
2. HERMIT’S COVE IN ALOGUINSAN
Hidden Beach isn’t the only budget-friendly white sand beach in town. A few meters away (and in an even more secluded area of the municipality) is the magical Hermit’s Cove.
Situated around tall mountains, you can access it through a long flight of stairs that are just as iconic as the clear blue waters of the beach. This unique location is one of the more aesthetically pleasing beaches in Cebu.
Legend has it that a hermit used to live by the beach, hence the name. It’s also one of the town’s biggest tourist attractions, becoming a popular stopover for tours at the Bojo River.
Rates:
Entrance Fee:
₱100 (inclusive of the cottage)
Location:
Kantabogon Road, Aloguinsan, Southern Cebu
Operating Hours:
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
3. DALAGUETE BEACH PARK / CASAY BEACH
Another famous budget-friendly beach in Cebu is Casay, located in another Southern town, the Municipality of Dalaguete. The beach is located between the border of the municipality and Argao.
The entrance fee to the beach is only ₱30, placing it among the most affordable public beaches in Cebu. This has become a go-to summer spot for Cebuano families looking for a quick getaway, as they don’t need a big budget to have a great time.
Cebu Provincial Governor Gwendolyn Garcia recently expressed plans to build an airport near the resort. Not only will this help southbound passengers, but it will also bring more exposure to the beach.
Rates:
Entrance Fee:
Adult – ₱30
Children – ₱15
Location:
Barangay Casay, Dalaguete, Southern Cebu
Operating Hours:
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
4. HADSAN COVE RESORT IN LAPU-LAPU CITY
Of course, you can also expect dozens of dazzling beachfronts at the famous Historic Resort City. Along with the high-end resorts that have made Lapu-Lapu City what it is today, you can find budget-friendly options such as the Hadsan Beach Resort.
Nestled in the busy neighborhood of Maribago, Hadsan has been a favorite hangout spot during the summer for many years. In 2022, Mactan Newtown Beach took over management to improve the beach even more.
The resort has since become a much livelier place, with raves, concerts, and other events held at the beach. You can even find several establishments offering more food options for guests.
RATES:
Entrance Fee:
₱150
Location:
Agus, Lapu-Lapu City (Beside JPark)
Operating Hours:
7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Here are other public beaches in Cebu worth checking out:
- Matutinao Beach in Badian
- Kawit Beach in Medellin
- Tingko Beach in Alcoy
- Basdako Beach in Moalboal
Public beaches in Cebu are perfect for simply relaxing and swimming around. Not only are they affordable, but they also make great venues to meet friends or befriend the locals.
Cebu is one of the most popular locales in the country, with a dozen beaches where you can have a fun time under the sun. Whether you’re going on a road trip to the north or south, there are plenty of options for you to have a great summer vacation.
