Flights from Surabaya (SUB) to Cebu (CEB)

About Cebu

Discover Cebu

Why visit Cebu?
Cebu blends island scenery with urban energy, offering clear waters, white-sand beaches, and a bustling city centre. You can spend the morning exploring historic streets, then be snorkelling or island-hopping by afternoon.

What to expect
You will find lively districts, modern malls, and seaside promenades alongside heritage landmarks and colourful neighbourhoods. The wider Cebu province is dotted with coastal towns, dive spots, and waterfalls that are easy to reach on day trips.

Plan your trip
Many travellers use Cebu City as a base before heading to Mactan Island, southern Cebu, or nearby islands such as Bohol. With its busy port and domestic flight links, Cebu is a convenient gateway for exploring the central Philippines at a relaxed pace.

Top sights in Cebu

Magellan’s Cross

Visit this historic landmark housed in a small chapel near the waterfront, an easy starting point for exploring Cebu’s old quarter.

Fort San Pedro

Walk the stone ramparts of this compact seaside fort and enjoy views over the harbour and surrounding gardens.

Cebu Taoist Temple

Climb up to this hilltop complex for panoramic views of the city and a peaceful break from the busy streets below.

Mactan Island beaches

Spend a day on Mactan Island, where many resorts offer day passes for beach access, snorkelling, and water sports.

Osmeña Peak

Take a scenic drive into Cebu’s highlands and hike to Osmeña Peak for jagged limestone scenery and sweeping coastal vistas.

Kawasan Falls

Travel to southern Cebu to cool off in the turquoise pools and layered cascades of Kawasan Falls, set in lush forest.

Colon Street

Stroll along Colon Street, one of Cebu’s oldest roads, lined with shops, small eateries, and everyday city life.

Cebu IT Park

Drop by Cebu IT Park in the evening for its modern skyline, busy cafes, and outdoor dining spaces.

Experience Cebu’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing services are the most convenient way to move between Cebu City, Mactan Island, and nearby malls. Within neighbourhoods, short walks or local jeepneys help you experience the city’s character, while hotel shuttles are useful for resort areas.

Local life & culture
Cebu’s streets are lively, with busy markets, roadside stalls, and family-run shops that spill onto pavements. Neighbourhoods such as the downtown area and emerging business districts show a mix of traditional life and modern offices, giving you a sense of a city that balances work and leisure.

Where to unwind
For a quiet break, head to waterfront promenades on Mactan or green pockets in and around Cebu City, where you can sit, people-watch, and enjoy the sea breeze. Early mornings and late afternoons are the most pleasant times to be outdoors, especially if you are heading to the hills or the beach.

A taste of Cebu

Street food & local specialties
Cebu is known for hearty grilled dishes, skewers, and freshly cooked snacks served at roadside stalls and casual eateries. Explore neighbourhood streets and simple food strips where locals gather for quick, flavourful meals throughout the day and late into the evening.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find a wide mix of Asian and international flavours in the city’s main malls and in modern districts like Cebu Business Park and Cebu IT Park. Portions tend to be generous but are often served family-style, making it easy to sample several dishes with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, choose a restaurant with sea views on Mactan Island or a hilltop venue overlooking the city lights. Many hotels and resorts offer relaxed outdoor terraces, where you can enjoy a slow meal and take in Cebu’s coastline or skyline.

Retail therapy in Cebu

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres such as Ayala Center Cebu and SM City Cebu gather international brands, local labels, cinemas, and dining in one place. They are popular meeting spots where you can combine shopping with a meal, a film, or an indoor stroll on warm afternoons.

Markets & local crafts
Beyond the malls, neighbourhood markets and smaller arcades offer everyday goods, souvenirs, and locally made items. Areas around downtown Cebu and parts of Mactan Island are good for browsing small shops that sell crafts, accessories, and simple homeware.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, malls stay busy with families and groups of friends, while some outdoor areas host pop-up stalls and food stands. Illuminated shopping streets and lifestyle complexes feel lively after dark, and local transport and taxis make these areas straightforward to reach.

Best time to visit Cebu

Amihan dry season (peak season)
From December to May, Cebu enjoys its drier months, with temperatures around 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F). Skies are often clear, making this a popular time for beach days, island-hopping, and coastal drives.

Early monsoon transition (shoulder season)
Around June to August, temperatures stay warm at about 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F), with more frequent short showers. The landscape is greener, and you can often enjoy quieter attractions between bursts of sunshine.

Habagat wet season (low season)
From September to November, expect warm days of 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F), with regular rainfall that usually comes in passing showers. This period can bring a calmer atmosphere, with a relaxed pace that suits slow city exploration and cosy indoor activities.

Frequently Asked Questions