Some of the best summer getaway spots can be found in the Philippine islands.
US-based travel magazine Travel+Leisure recently ranked the 25 best islands in the world. Only three Philippine islands made it to the list – Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu.
Boracay ranked 9th, Palawan 11th, and Cebu 16th.
Despite ranking the lowest among the three, the island of Cebu has a lot to celebrate, as many tourists agree that it is at par with the other two islands.
Cebu’s popularity has brought in all kinds of travelers from around the world, eager to experience the island’s many stunning attractions. Most first time travelers even come back to relive the excitement of their first visit.
The tropical weather and friendly locals make traveling to the island very rewarding. But why do tourists consider Cebu one of the best islands in the world?
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT THE ISLAND OF CEBU
The island of Cebu is famous for its stunning beaches.
- White Sand Beaches
Locals may have different takes on what makes Cebu the best travel destination, but many will agree that it’s the stunning beaches.
You will fall in love with the soft sandy shorelines and fresh breeze, making each trip to the beach a worthwhile experience.
You will find families and barkadas in almost every beach on the island. Whether it’s for a weekend getaway or a barkada outing, residents in Cebu know that going to the beach is never not fun.
Vacation spots – like some of the ones on Mactan Island – offer top of the line services and excellent accommodation, while places like Bantayan and Moalboal offer a vibrant nightlife atmosphere where you can immerse yourself in the island life.
Even budget-friendly beaches have pristine shorelines and tranquil waters so you can enjoy your time under the sun.
- Canyoneering
Aside from soothing swims and beach parties, the island is also home to fascinating waterfalls. These beautiful land formations spawned one of the more unique things to do in Cebu – canyoneering.
The Kawasan Falls is essential to tourism in Cebu because of its canyoneering tours.
The towns of Alegria and Badian in the South offer canyoneering tours to those interested in climbing the intricate rock formations of the waterfalls, like Kawasan Falls and Kanlaob River.
These tourist attractions are perfect for a leisurely swim. And if you aren’t much of an adrenaline junkie, you can always take in the soothing sensation by lounging in the waters.
There are a lot of incredible diving spots in the Philippine islands.
- Diving and Snorkeling
Cebu is also abundant in fish and marine life. The oceans are a joy to dive into, as you can witness many underwater critters in their natural habitat.
Pescador Island, which is off the coast of Moalboal, is considered the best beach in Cebu by Guide to the Philippines. The island is a habitat for rich marine ecosystems, as schools of fish swim around the oceans and vast horizons of coral reefs bring some color underneath.
Moalboal is also famous for the Sardine Run, where hundreds and thousands of sardines swim around and create mesmerizing formations and patterns.
The town of Oslob is famous for its abundance of whale sharks. These quiet, gentle giants will surely interest diving and animal enthusiasts, as they are endemic to this town in Cebu.
Other areas famous for their breathtaking marine life and snorkeling culture include the island of Mactan, which also has a popular island-hopping industry that you can enjoy with friends and family.
The activities and places mentioned above are a few obvious reasons why the island of Cebu is one of the best in the world. If you include the food culture, Cebuanos arguably make the best seafood in the Philippines, and their roasted suckling pig known as Lechon is also world-famous.
Many travel bloggers have pointed out how nice and friendly Cebuanos are. Their hospitality when it comes to chatting or hanging out with you is infectious, and it will make you want to go back and experience it again.
You should definitely consider adding the island of Cebu to your bucket list because of its reputation for being a popular summer vacation spot. There are so many things to do in the different towns and cities where you can create lasting memories.
