The Philippine Island of Cebu

Over 7000 islands make up the stunning Philippines, but one, Cebu, has captured my heart. It is the perfect destination for a relaxing beach vacation, to finally swim with whale sharks, or to discover hidden waterfalls and other inland attractions. Onward to Cebu!

Are you planning a trip to the Philippines and looking for the perfect island where you can have both adventure and relaxation? Then Cebu is the right travel destination for you, as few Philippine islands can combine so many flavors and opportunities as this island in the heart of the Visayas island group. What awaits you here and how to reach the island in the easiest way will be revealed to you now.

Before your vacation in the Philippines can begin, travel arrangements need to be made. If you think it requires a long journey to reach such an exotic destination like Cebu, I can reassure you that many vacation spots in the Philippines are now served by flights from major US cities.

With a stopover in Dubai, you can comfortably reach Cebu with Emirates, which makes your long-haul flight as pleasant as possible. The great thing is that Emirates flights to the Philippines operate from not only Düsseldorf and Frankfurt but also Hamburg and Munich. Alternatively, you can also travel via the capital of the Philippines, Manila. Upon your arrival, a visa will be issued directly at the airport, allowing you to stay in the country for 30 days. All you need for this visa on arrival is a passport that is valid for at least six months and a flight ticket for onward travel or return.

Once you arrive in Cebu, you should rent a scooter to quickly and affordably reach your accommodation and the island's highlights.

Speaking of accommodation: In Cebu, similar to other Southeast Asian countries, you can book unique lodging for little money. If you're looking for a bit more luxury than in backpacker hostels, you should take a look at the following accommodations that represent many vacation rentals and rooms you can rent in the capital, Cebu City, and on the surrounding smaller islands starting from $12 per night, allowing you to start your vacation relaxed after your long-haul flight.

Once you've overcome your jet lag, you should definitely start your exploration of the island. Already in Cebu City, there are several sights you can see in the first days of your vacation.

Cebu is particularly known for the Kawasan Falls, which have been visited and photographed by many bloggers and Instagrammers. While the Kawasan Falls look magical and somewhat enchanted with their blue water, this former peaceful spot has now become a genuine tourist hotspot that you will need to share with many other visitors, especially on weekends. It's best to visit the Kawasan Falls during the week when you can get a largely undisturbed view of this beautiful natural spectacle.

In the south of the island, between the towns of Samboan and Santander, there are two more beautiful waterfalls that you must see: the Tumalog Falls and Aguinid Falls. While the Tumalog Falls flow majestically from a great height into a pool inviting you to swim after the hike, the Aguinid Falls resemble a cascading fountain, where you can even climb between its levels.

Of course, it's not just the waterfalls in Cebu that are a real highlight, but also the nature that you can find inland. Sometimes you may even stumble upon small waterfalls and swimming spots that you have all to yourself. If you prefer not to search for the waterfalls on your own, you can join various tours offered in the cities for little money.

In Cebu, a real dream could come true for you, as the chances of encountering whale sharks-the largest fish on Earth-are particularly high on this Philippine island. If you've always wanted to swim with whale sharks, Cebu is the perfect travel destination for you! From December to May, sightings of these gentle giants are almost guaranteed, so you should join a guided tour that will take you to the best whale shark spots on the island.

Please ensure that the tour provider is committed to the welfare of the animals and sustainability and not just pursuing profit. A criticized but common practice is feeding whale sharks so that they return to the same spots. Good diving schools and providers will not feed the whale sharks and will give participants thorough instructions before going into the water. One recommended operator is Oslob Whale Sharks, who takes small groups to the gentle giants off the coast of Cebu.

A turquoise sea and a fine white sand beach framed by palm trees - this is what most people envision paradise to be like. Good thing you chose Cebu because you will find exactly these conditions on the beaches of the main island and the smaller surrounding islands. The best part is that the beaches aren't overcrowded, so you can enjoy paradise in peace.

Beautiful beaches in Cebu can be found for example in the south of the island near Oslob, where most whale shark tours start. From here, you can also quickly take a boat to Sumilon Island, where you'll find a paradise beach with coral reefs inviting snorkeling. On this small island, there's a hotel called Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort, where you can book a glamping tent. This way, you can enjoy the island even after day-trippers have left. A romantic accommodation under the starry sky on a secluded island-what more could you want?!

With the islands Bantayan, Guintacan, Tawigan, Malapascua, and Kalanggaman, there are five beach paradises located north of Cebu's main island. You can reach them by riding on a typical Philippine boat called a Banka, or you can even stay a night or two on some of the islands. If you're in the mood for island hopping, you could theoretically visit a different island every day.

You'll find locals who will take you to the islands for a small fee at the beaches or right by your hotel.

Lastly, I have a little excursion tip for you: Southeast of Cebu Island is Bohol, which has made it onto the UNESCO World Heritage list with its so-called Chocolate Hills. These hills, which are actually covered in green grass, turn brown during the dry season and resemble something dipped in chocolate. You can view this natural spectacle in the heart of Bohol after a ride on the ferry that travels between Cebu City and Tinangnan. From the port, it's about 45 kilometers to the Chocolate Hills.

Cebu is just one of over 7000 islands in the Philippines, and it has long been one of the most popular vacation destinations in the island nation. Want to learn more about the Philippines and get an idea of this new trendy destination? Then take a look at my travel magazine, where you'll find more inspiration and useful tips for your trip.