Flights from Shanghai (PVG) to Cebu (CEB)

About Cebu

Discover Cebu

Why visit Cebu?
Cebu blends island relaxation with the energy of a growing city, offering clear waters, white-sand beaches, and a lively urban core. You can spend the morning snorkelling or diving, then return to modern comforts, shopping, and dining by evening.

What to expect
Cebu City is the hub, with business districts, historic streets, and a busy waterfront, while nearby Mactan Island is known for its resort strip and water activities. Further afield, smaller coastal towns and islands offer quieter stays, waterfalls, and coral reefs that suit both day trips and longer escapes.

Plan your trip
Many visitors base themselves near Mactan-Cebu International Airport for easy access to both the city and island-hopping tours. Cebu is also a convenient springboard to explore neighbouring Visayan destinations, with ferries and domestic flights linking you to Bohol, Dumaguete, and other islands.

Top sights in Cebu

Mactan Island beaches

Relax on Mactan Island’s resort-lined coastline, where calm waters and soft sand make it ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and sunset walks.

Cebu City hilltop viewpoints

Head up to hilltop lookouts above Cebu City for panoramic views of the skyline, sea, and surrounding mountains, especially striking at dusk.

Island-hopping from Mactan

Join an island-hopping boat tour to nearby islets with clear shallows, vibrant reefs, and relaxed beach huts perfect for a leisurely lunch stop.

Waterfalls in southern Cebu

Venture south to discover jungle-framed waterfalls with inviting pools, where you can cool off after short hikes through lush countryside.

Cebu IT Park and business districts

Explore modern districts such as Cebu IT Park, with contemporary dining, cafés, and open plazas that come alive after office hours.

Coastal promenades

Stroll along coastal promenades overlooking the channel, where breezes, food stalls, and casual bars create a relaxed evening atmosphere.

Diving and snorkelling spots

Book a day trip to nearby dive sites to experience colourful reef life, gentle drift dives, and beginner-friendly snorkelling reefs.

Neighbouring island getaways

Use Cebu as your base for side trips to nearby islands, combining city breaks with quieter beach stays and scenic ferry journeys.

Experience Cebu’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and app-based ride services are the most straightforward way to travel between Mactan-Cebu International Airport, beach resorts, and city districts. Within the city, short rides connect malls, business areas, and waterfront spots, while hotel shuttles often cover the final stretch to resort entrances.

Local life & culture
Cebu’s streets mix office crowds, students, and families, especially around business parks and university areas. Cafés and casual eateries stay busy throughout the day, and coastal roads fill with people relaxing outdoors in the late afternoon, creating a friendly, easygoing urban energy.

Where to unwind
Resort pools and beachfront loungers on Mactan Island offer quiet corners for reading, sunbathing, or simply watching the tide. In the city, pocket parks and rooftop spaces give you a break between shopping and sightseeing, with early mornings and late afternoons bringing cooler temperatures and softer light.

A taste of Cebu

Street food & local specialties
Cebu is known for flavourful grilled meats, seafood, and skewers served at simple stalls and open-air eateries. Popular areas near the city’s main roads and coastal strips let you sample smoky grills and home-style plates in a relaxed, informal setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and business districts gather cafés, international chains, and local restaurants under one roof, making it easy to try different flavours in a single stop. Generous sharing plates and smaller snacks mean you can order several dishes for the table and explore more of the menu.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, rooftop venues and seaside restaurants offer city or ocean views alongside thoughtfully prepared menus. Many resorts on Mactan Island also feature refined dining rooms or beachfront tables, where you can enjoy a leisurely meal with the sound of the waves in the background.

Retail therapy in Cebu

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls in Cebu City bring together international fashion, local brands, cinemas, and supermarkets, making them convenient one-stop destinations. They also act as social hubs, with plazas, food courts, and activity areas where families and friends gather throughout the week.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller neighbourhood markets and dedicated craft stores offer handmade souvenirs, accessories, and home décor. Districts close to the city centre and waterfront are particularly good for browsing local products, from woven pieces to simple beachwear and practical travel items.

Evening retail scene
After dark, many malls stay open into the evening, while certain streets around business parks and waterfront zones come alive with pop-up stalls and outdoor cafés. Well-used taxi and ride-hailing services make it easy to move between shopping areas safely at night.

Best time to visit Cebu

Amihan dry season (December to May, peak season)
During the northeast monsoon, Cebu enjoys warm, generally drier weather, with temperatures around 25–31°C (77–88°F). Clearer skies suit beach days, diving, and island-hopping, and many visitors plan holidays and events during these months, so popular areas feel lively and festive.

Habagat green season (June to September, shoulder season)
The southwest monsoon brings occasional showers and a greener landscape, with temperatures typically 25–31°C (77–88°F). Rain often comes in short bursts, leaving plenty of time for sightseeing, and you can enjoy a softer, less intense sun on coastal walks and city explorations.

Transition months (October to November, low season)
These months sit between the main monsoon patterns, with mixed sunny and cloudy days and temperatures around 25–31°C (77–88°F). It is a pleasant time to experience Cebu at a gentler pace, with relaxed beaches and comfortable conditions for both city and countryside trips.

Frequently Asked Questions