5 Spectacular Beaches Within Reach Of Cebu Philippines

You’ve heard of Palawan and Boracay’s stunning beaches. The only snag is, so have thousands of other travellers. So for your dose of sand, sea, and sun, without the crowds of El Nido and Coron, why not head to Cebu, where dazzling white-sand beaches sit waiting all across the Visayan province.

Lambug Beach, Badian

In the municipality of Badian, some three hours from Cebu City, is the quiet white sand beach of Lambug. Being a public beach, it hasn’t undergone much commercialization aside from local business shacks and modest accommodations. Rarely crowded, it’s the perfect beach for anyone in search of a simple, relaxing (and affordable) getaway. Enjoy being left alone with your thoughts as you lay under the hot sun, within this secret tranquil paradise. A bonus is the beautiful Kawasan Falls not too far away, which is in fact Badian’s more popular attraction. Wade in its calm blue waters or opt to go canyoneering for the thrill-seeker in you.

Panagsama Beach, Moalboal

Hermit’s Cove, Aloguinsan

Taking a little over two hours to travel to, Hermit’s Cove is one of the easier-to-reach beach escapes from the city. Because it is managed by the local government, some rules are strictly implemented to keep the cove in good condition. They don’t allow alcoholic beverages on site and overnight stays are also not allowed. But the views are beautiful and it makes for a great day trip from the city for an instant tropical refresher. Make sure to have some good food to barbecue in tow and visit on a weekday to avoid the crowds.

Shangri-La Resort’s beachfront, Mactan

Those looking for a more pampered seaside vacation don’t have to stray far from the city at all. On the island of Mactan, where Cebu’s international airport is located and which is connected to mainland Cebu by bridge, Shangri-La’s Mactan resort boasts of exquisite amenities and a lovely beachfront to boot. If you’re looking to splurge a little for a more luxurious experience, check-in or grab a day pass at the resort and spend an afternoon sipping cocktails by the shore or trying your hand at some of their many water sports and activities.

Paradise Beach, Bantayan Island

Heading northwards from Cebu City, several islands can be found off the province’s northern coast. And these islands are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the province. One of these is the island of Bantayan, which takes a bus ride from the capital and then a ferry ride from Hagnaya Port to reach. Though it calls for a bit of an effort to get to, the peaceful island’s laid-back vibe and serene beaches make it perfect for travellers itching to get away from busy Cebu. And Paradise beach in the island’s municipality of Santa Fe is simply idyllic. A tricycle ride and a short trek away from the town center is a beach that lives up to its name. No modern developments disrupt the tropical atmosphere, and there are hardly ever more than a few visitors at a time. It’s definitely one to enjoy before the secret gets out.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.