The Visayas: Cebu
Fly into Cebu, ferry to Bohol for the white sand of Panglao and the surreal Chocolate Hills inland, then hop to little Siquijor — waterfalls, healers, empty beaches and some of the cheapest great snorkelling anywhere.
- Best forBeach lovers · Divers & snorkellers · Budget travellers
- In February29°C · 18 rainy days · sea 28°C
- Ideal stay10 days to two weeks
- Approx. flying time~14h 45m from Los Angeles
- CurrencyPHPPhilippine peso
- LanguageFilipino and English
- Local time19:147h ahead of the UK
- PlugsType A / B / CBring an adapter
- Drive on theRightOpposite to the UK
- Dialling code+63
Why go
Three islands, three different holidays. Cebu is the transport hub, with mountains, waterfalls and canyoneering in the south; Bohol has white sand at Panglao, the odd geology of the Chocolate Hills and rivers running inland; Siquijor is small, slow and known across the Philippines for its folk healers. Reefs are the common thread, and the water is bath-warm all year round.
Fast ferries link the three, which makes a two-week loop straightforward provided you build in slack for cancelled sailings. Fly into Cebu, cross to Bohol, then continue to Siquijor, and consider adding Moalboal or Malapascua for the diving. December to May is the dry window, while typhoon season runs roughly June to November. Scooters are the standard way to get about once you land.
- Ideal stay
- 10 days to two weeks
- The vibe
- Warm, unhurried, island-hopping
From our guides
Filipino ferries are frequent if occasionally eccentric; build in slack. Visit between December and May, before the rains, and learn the word 'salamat' — you'll use it constantly.
Featured in Ten island-hopping routes for the perfect beach fortnight
Things to do
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The Chocolate Hills
More than a thousand grass-covered limestone mounds across inland Bohol, turning brown in the dry months. A viewing deck at Carmen gives the classic view.
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Panglao's beaches
Alona is the busy strip with the dive shops and sunset boats. Head east to Doljo or Dumaluan for wider sand and considerably fewer people.
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Diving at Balicasag
A small island off Panglao with a wall, resident turtles and schooling jacks. Daily visitor numbers are capped, so arrange it a day ahead.
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Tarsiers near Loboc
Sanctuaries around Corella and Loboc protect one of the smallest primates in the world. Whispering and no flash are strictly enforced, and rightly so.
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Cambugahay Falls
Siquijor's tiered turquoise pools with a rope swing and a short walk down through the trees. Arrive at opening time or accept sharing it.
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Kawasan canyoneering
In southern Cebu, a guided descent of a river gorge with jumps, slides and swims, finishing at a turquoise waterfall. Helmets and life jackets are provided.
Getting there
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Fly to
Panglao (TAG)
Nearest airport to The Visayas: Cebu, about 45km away as the crow flies.
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Then
To Panglao
Bohol-Panglao (TAG) is about 20 to 30 minutes by taxi to the Alona Beach area on Panglao. Cebu (CEB) is the bigger hub, from where fast ferries reach Tagbilaran on Bohol in around two hours.
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On the ground
Getting around
Fast ferries link Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor in legs of one to two hours, though schedules shift with the weather. On the islands, tricycles, habal-habal motorbikes and hired scooters or vans cover the beaches, waterfalls and the Chocolate Hills.
Public transport: Ferries are frequent if occasionally eccentric, and tricycles and vans fill in on land; build slack into the plan.
Flights
Los Angeles The Visayas: Cebu, Philippines
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Roughly 14h 45m in the air from Los Angeles (LAX), estimated from the distance — check for a direct route. Pick a month to see every available flight with live prices.
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Flight times are estimates; prices open on Google Flights.
When to go
Daytime highs run from about 28°C in January to 30°C in May. Driest February to April; wettest in October, with rain on about 27 days. The sea is warmest in October at around 31°C, coolest at 28°C.
The year at a glance — pick a month for detail
February29° · rain 18 days · sea 28°Warm and often wet.
Monthly figures averaged from daily records for 2015–2024 at Panglao (ERA5 reanalysis). Live conditions from MET Norway, CC BY 4.0.
Where to stay
Beach resorts of every standard, guesthouses and bungalows, and a good supply of hostels. Self-catering is uncommon, so most meals happen at resorts or in the beach strips.
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Best base overall
Panglao, Bohol
White sand at Alona Beach, the widest choice of rooms and dive shops, and the Chocolate Hills a drive inland. Alona itself is busy and built up; the north of the island is calmer.
Find stays in Panglao, Bohol -
Best with children
Alona Beach and Doljo, Panglao
Shallow, sheltered swimming with resorts and pools a few steps back, plus easy island-hopping boats. Low tide exposes a lot of reef, so check swimming times.
Find stays in Alona Beach and Doljo, Panglao -
Quietest
San Juan, Siquijor
Empty beaches, cheap bungalows and the island's best sunsets, with waterfalls a scooter ride away. Ferries are few and occasionally cancelled, so build in slack.
Find stays in San Juan, Siquijor -
Best value
Cebu City and Mactan
The airport hub, with business hotels at low rates for a first and last night, and resorts on Mactan. Traffic is serious and the city has no real beach.
Find stays in Cebu City and Mactan
Worth knowing before you book: Ferry schedules change and sell out at Christmas and Easter, so book boats as soon as rooms are fixed. December to May is the dry window, and rates rise sharply over the holidays.
Search everything else in Panglao by budget. These are indicative budget bands in GBP per night for two people, not live quotes or guarantees of hotel type. Check your dates, guests, taxes and final price on Booking.com.
Good to know
- Ferries
- Fast craft link Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor several times daily. Sailings are cancelled in rough weather, so never plan a same-day connection to a flight.
- Whale sharks
- The provisioned feeding at Oslob draws sustained criticism from conservationists. Donsol and Southern Leyte offer encounters with wild, unfed animals instead.
- Timing
- December to May is drier and calmer. Typhoons are possible from June to November, and Holy Week fills every ferry and hotel on the islands.
- Cash
- Machines exist in the main towns but often run empty on Siquijor and at weekends. Carry pesos in small notes for tricycles and eateries.
- On two wheels
- Scooter hire is cheap and everywhere, but helmets and an international driving permit matter and road surfaces vary. Habal-habal motorbike taxis fill the gaps.
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Quick answers
When is the best time to visit The Visayas: Cebu?
Daytime highs run from about 28°C in January to 30°C in May. Driest February to April; wettest in October, with rain on about 27 days. The sea is warmest in October at around 31°C, coolest at 28°C.
How long should I spend in The Visayas: Cebu?
Our suggestion: 10 days to two weeks.
How do I get to The Visayas: Cebu?
Bohol-Panglao (TAG) is about 20 to 30 minutes by taxi to the Alona Beach area on Panglao. Cebu (CEB) is the bigger hub, from where fast ferries reach Tagbilaran on Bohol in around two hours.
Do I need a car in The Visayas: Cebu?
No. Ferries are frequent if occasionally eccentric, and tricycles and vans fill in on land; build slack into the plan.
What currency and language are used in The Visayas: Cebu?
Currency: Philippine peso (PHP). Language: Filipino and English. Plugs: type A and B and C.
Who is The Visayas: Cebu best for?
Best for beach lovers, divers & snorkellers and budget travellers. In a phrase: warm, unhurried, island-hopping.