Cebu is one of those places that completely steals your heart, with turquoise waters, friendly locals, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures that make you say “wow” every day.
If you’re planning to visit the Philippines, this 4-day Cebu itinerary covers everything from Oslob’s famous whale sharks to Moalboal’s canyoneering and sardine run. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, ideal for first-time travellers exploring Southern Cebu.
Here’s exactly how my trip went with real costs, timings, and honest reviews to help you plan yours stress-free.
Day 1: Arrival in Cebu & Journey to Oslob
09:20 Flight: Manila → Cebu (1h 35m)
Flights between Manila and Cebu are frequent with several departures every hour from airlines like Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia, so you’ll have plenty of options to fit your schedule.
💡 Travel Tip: If you’re flying out of NAIA Terminal 4 or 3, arrive at least 2 hours before your flight. Check-in queues can get long, especially in the morning, and terminal changes sometimes happen without much notice.
Once you land at Mactan-Cebu International Airport, follow the signs for bus and taxi transfers to Cebu City. The bus from the airport to SM Cebu is convenient and costs around ₱240, taking about 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Cebu’s airport has a surprisingly good food court and coffee shops perfect if you’re waiting for a late connection or your bus to the south. Keep some small cash for snacks and transport, as not all stalls accept cards.
13:00 Lunch inside SM Cebu city
SM is a large, popular shopping mall part of the SM Prime Holdings chain of malls in the Philippines. We decided to spend 2 hours here to grab lunch and roam around and shop before heading to the South Bus Terminal for a 5-hour ride to Oslob. (₱350–₱450 deluxe/regular).
06:45 arrived at AJ’s Place
Aj’s place is a cosy seaside guesthouse just 3 minutes walk from the whale shark site. It was easy to check in with friendly staff(₱1000 deposit). We had Room 2 with seaview room with a comfy bed and a balcony
We were quite tired at this point so we just had local BBQ skewers from a street stall near our stay. Oslob isn’t a busy town unlike Moalboal so expect quiet evenings here.
Day 2: Whale Sharks & Sumilon Island
06:00 Wake up call
A quick walk just outside our stay and you can already see the boats on the shore for the whale shark tours.
06:30 Whale shark encounter
We didn’t book anything in advance and just turned up at the site since tickets can easily be bought on the spot. Honestly, I’d recommend doing it this way, it’s simple, cheaper, and gives you more flexibility with timing. We paid ₱500 per person, which included a life jacket and about 30 minutes in the water.
You don’t really need a guide for this experience, so it’s a great way to save a bit more. Just remember, the earlier you arrive, the better — it can get busy fast, and some people start queuing as early as 4am when it opens! Despite the early start, seeing these gentle giants glide right beside you is an incredible moment you’ll never forget.
đź’ˇ Travel Tip:
Arrive early: The site opens at 4 AM, and crowds build up quickly after sunrise.
Bring cash: Entrance and rentals are cash-only.
Follow the rules: Keep a safe distance from the whale sharks, touching them is strictly prohibited.
Don’t overpack: You’ll leave your belongings in lockers or on the boat while you swim.
Use reef-safe sunscreen: Protect both your skin and the marine life.
Ethics of whale shark tourism in Oslob
While swimming with whale sharks in Oslob is an experience many travellers dream about, it’s important to be aware of the ethical concerns behind it. We didn’t realise that the whale sharks here are hand-fed daily to keep them close to shore, which changes their natural feeding and migration patterns. The area can also get extremely crowded, with dozens of tourists and small bangkas (boats) surrounding the animals for photos, an interaction that can cause stress and accidental injuries to these gentle giants.
If you want to see whale sharks more responsibly, consider visiting places like Bohol or Donsol, Sorsogon, where sightings happen naturally in the wild without feeding or interference. While encounters aren’t guaranteed, they offer a more ethical and respectful experience that supports genuine conservation and lets the sharks live freely in their natural habitat.
09:00 Breakfast at AJ’s Place
Complimentary meal: mango sticky rice + Tocino & Longanisa. We ate in one of the huts overlooking the sea.
Tumalog falls
Originally, we planned to visit Tumalog Falls, one of Oslob’s most famous waterfalls known for its curtain-like cascades and cool, misty pool, a perfect stop after the whale shark activity. Unfortunately, the falls were temporarily closed for maintenance when we visited, so we decided to head to Sumilon Island instead.
If you’re visiting soon, it’s worth checking with your hotel or locals first, as the falls sometimes close due to weather conditions or safety work. When open, it’s just a 10–15 minute drive from the whale shark area, and you can hire a habal-habal (motorbike) for around ₱50–₱100 per person to get there. Most travellers say it’s a short but refreshing visit perfect for photos and a quick swim under the gentle waterfall.
10:00 – Sumilon island excursion
When we realised Tomalog falls was closed, we spoke to the receptionist at AJ’s in which they were able to help us book a tour to Sumilon Island.
We were picked up by a tricycle from our stay in Oslob and dropped off at the small docking area where the bangkas (local boats) depart. The ride to the island only takes about 15–20 minutes, but the boarding process can be a bit tricky especially when the tide is high or the waves get rough.
Locals have built a makeshift “human bridge” of planks and boats to help passengers climb aboard, which can feel a little wobbly and nerve-racking. If you’re travelling with heavy bags, limited mobility, or small children, it’s worth taking your time and asking the boatmen for assistance.
Once you’re seated, expect a bumpy but scenic ride with views of clear blue water all around. It’s all part of the adventure just keep your sandals on, hold tight, and enjoy the short journey to one of Cebu’s most beautiful islands
The water was crystal clear perfect for snorkelling with colourful corals and fish.
Sumilon island quick guide:
- Cost: ₱1500+ ₱200 entrance fee
- Includes round-trip transfer + boat ride
- Snorkel rental: ₱100
- Snorkelling with a guide: ₱400 per person
Lunch: Paul & Madz Restaurant
This restaurant was literally 3 3-minute walk from AJ’s. The food was good portions but slightly salty. We’d rate this 6.5/10.
13:30 Transfer to Moalboal
We got a private taxi: ₱1500 (3 hours) which we booked from our stay. Alternatively, take a bus to Bato Terminal and transfer to a Moalboal-bound bus, which is cheaper but slower.
16:30 Check-in at Turtle Dive Resort
- Seaview room for 2 nights: ₱14,000
- Beautiful setting, but slightly overpriced
- Free welcome drink and friendly staff
💡 Travel Tip: Book activities and transfers outside the resort they’re 40–50% cheaper along Panagsama Road. For example, the airport transfer was ₱2300 outside vs ₱5000 from the resort.
Dinner at Ven’z Kitchen
We highly recommend for local food and vegan options!
Day 3: Canyoneering Adventure in Kawasan Falls
07:00 Breakfast at the resort restaurant
The food was great and was included in our stay.
08:00 Pick-up for canyoneering tour
Cost: ₱3000/person (booked via resort). If you book locally on Panagsama Road, prices range from ₱1500–₱2000, including transfer and lunch.
Highlights:
- 35-minute walk or Zipline option (₱600, totally worth it! I’m scared of heights and this wasn’t scary)
- 10-minute trek to the starting point
- 4 cliff jumps, natural slides, turquoise pools
- Highest jump: 11 meters
- Duration: 3 hours
đź’ˇ Travel Tip:
– Wear water shoes
– Bring a GoPro, your guide can take all the footage
– Pack a change of clothes for the ride back
12:30 Back at resort
Relaxed and grabbed snacks. Too hot for kayaking, so we chilled by the beach.
15:00 Sardine & turtle snorkelling tour
- ₱400 per person with a guide.
- Don’t miss this swimming alongside hundreds of sardines and sea turtles is magical!
Evening
Grabbed Korean snacks on the way back to our stay and watched the sunset ready for an early night before our early transfer.
Day 4: Back to Cebu city
Early transfer
- 04:30 AM: Moalboal → Mactan airport (₱2300 private transfer)
- You can pre-book this easily in Panagsama.
💡 Travel Tip: If you check out the night before, inform the receptionist. They also told us that the restaurant can pack breakfast (they’ll make you sandwiches + fruit + water).
Cebu Travel Tips
- Best time to visit: December–May (dry season)
- Currency: Philippine Peso (₱)
- SIM card: Grab one at the airport for easy navigation, or I use Airalo for eSim.
- Getting around: Bus, tricycle, or private van for long distances
- Bring: Waterproof phone case, water shoes, and light clothes
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