Flights from Dubai (DXB) to Cebu (CEB)

About Cebu

Discover Cebu

Why visit Cebu?
Cebu blends island life with an urban heartbeat, offering white-sand beaches, vibrant marine life, and a lively city centre. You can spend the morning diving or island-hopping, then be back in the city for shopping, dining, and a relaxed evening by the waterfront.

What to expect
Cebu City is the hub of the Visayas, with modern malls, busy streets, and a growing creative scene. Beyond the city, coastal towns and nearby islands offer laid-back resorts, waterfalls, and coral reefs, giving you many options whether you prefer active adventures or quiet escapes.

Plan your trip
Cebu is an ideal base for exploring surrounding islands like Bohol and Negros, thanks to frequent ferries and domestic flights. Plan a few days in the city, then add time for beaches and day trips, turning your visit into a wider journey through the central Philippines.

Top sights in Cebu

Cebu City waterfront

Stroll along the waterfront area in Cebu City, where you can enjoy sea views, casual dining, and the city lights in the evening.

Mactan Island beaches

Relax on Mactan Island, known for its resort-lined shores, calm waters, and easy access to water sports and snorkelling trips.

Moalboal marine life

Head to Moalboal on Cebu’s west coast for reef dives, snorkelling, and the chance to see large schools of fish close to shore.

Kawasan Falls

Visit Kawasan Falls in south-west Cebu, where turquoise pools and cascades create an inviting setting for a refreshing swim.

Top of Cebu viewpoints

Travel up into the hills above Cebu City for viewpoints that offer sweeping panoramas, cooler air, and scenic photo spots.

Island-hopping tours

Join an island-hopping tour from Mactan to explore nearby islets, snorkel over coral gardens, and relax on quiet sandbars.

Carbon area heritage streets

Explore the historic streets around the Carbon district, where traditional stalls, heritage buildings, and everyday life blend together.

Cebu IT Park

Spend an evening at Cebu IT Park, a modern district with cafés, eateries, and open spaces that stay lively after dark.

Experience Cebu’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the most convenient way to move between the airport, city, and beach resorts. Within Cebu City, jeepneys and buses cover major routes, while short walks or tricycle rides help with the final stretch to side streets and neighbourhood attractions.

Local life & culture
Cebu’s streets mix modern offices, universities, and older neighbourhoods, giving the city a youthful but grounded energy. Public plazas, seafront promenades, and small cafés are where people gather, while coastal towns keep a slower pace centred on fishing, diving, and the ocean.

Where to unwind
Beachfront resorts on Mactan Island are perfect for unhurried afternoons, with pools, sea views, and calm bays for a gentle swim. In the highlands, cooler hilltop spots offer fresh air and quiet gardens. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for walking, when temperatures are more comfortable.

A taste of Cebu

Street food & local specialties
Cebu is known for grilled meats, roasted specialities, and fresh seafood served in simple eateries and casual stalls. Neighbourhoods near the waterfront and traditional market areas are good places to try everyday favourites in a lively, unpretentious setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In Cebu IT Park, Ayala Center, and other business districts, you will find cafés, bistros, and international restaurants side by side. Menus often feature sharing plates and smaller portions, making it easy to sample several dishes with friends or family in one sitting.

Signature & scenic dining
Resorts on Mactan Island offer dining by the water, where you can enjoy the sea breeze as the sun sets. In the hilltop areas, restaurants and cafés look out over the city lights, creating relaxed, memorable settings for a special evening meal or quiet drink.

Retail therapy in Cebu

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls such as Ayala Center Cebu and SM City Cebu bring together international brands, local labels, cinemas, and dining. They are popular meeting spots, offering air-conditioned comfort, open atriums, and family-friendly facilities under one roof.

Markets & local crafts
For a more local feel, smaller districts and markets around downtown Cebu are where you can look for handmade accessories, textiles, and souvenirs. Areas near Carbon, Colon, and nearby streets offer a different pace, with stalls, side alleys, and independent shops to explore.

Evening retail scene
Many malls stay open into the evening, with illuminated façades and outdoor dining spilling onto terraces and plazas. Some neighbourhood streets become livelier after dark as food stalls and small shops welcome after-work crowds. Public transport and taxis make it straightforward to reach these areas and return to your hotel.

Best time to visit Cebu

Amihan dry season (peak season)
From December to April, Cebu enjoys its drier months, with average temperatures around 27–30°C (81–86°F) and plenty of sunshine. This is peak season, ideal for island-hopping, diving, and beach days, with clearer seas and generally calmer conditions on the water.

Transition months (shoulder season)
May and November sit between the drier and wetter periods, with temperatures of about 28–31°C (82–88°F). As a shoulder season, you may see brief showers mixed with sunshine, plus slightly fewer visitors, which can make city sights and island excursions feel more relaxed.

Habagat wet season (low season)
From June to October, Cebu enters its wetter months, with temperatures around 27–30°C (81–86°F) and occasional heavier rain or overcast days. This low season can bring a greener landscape, quieter beaches, and more space at popular attractions between passing showers.

Frequently Asked Questions