25 Idyllic Islands in Cebu
The Philippines, as a tropical country, is home to summer wonders inherently brought about by the typical equatorial climate (hot weather is observed majority throughout the year). Rain or shine, summer frolic vibe is being celebrated all year-round, feeding the pacific islander in most of us. Summer season is already midway and all roads lead to somewhere fun! What better way to beat the heat than to cool off to the beach, enjoy the full splendor of the tropics, bask along corridors of powdery sands and dip into the coolness of the archipelago’s azure waters.
Speaking of summer fun, CEBU is waving at you!
Cebu was recently recognized as one of the Best Destinations in Asia by TripAdvisor Inc., the only island in the Philippines included on the Top 25 list. As the province continues to offer diverse offering (not to mention Cebu’s street food feature by Netflix), it’s no wonder Cebu draws tourist and locals alike to enjoy its never ending summer!
An archipelagic province synonymous with a prolific paradise, Cebu is blessed with a plethora of surrounding islands, individually showcasing stunning attractions to visit and fun activities to do. If you plan on holidaying in Cebu, here’s a rundown of 25 idyllic islands under the jurisdiction of Cebu that you need to include in your itinerary!
1. Bantayan Island
Bantayan Island is probably the first one to pop in mind when visitors in Cebu is looking for a perfect getaway. There is so much to be explored in Bantayan that it is quite difficult to describe this great island in just one sentence. Known for its white sand beaches, magical sunsets and sunrises, blue waters and friendly locals, it is also highly recommended for biking, snorkeling, skim boarding, cave exploration, scuba diving and sky diving.
Located west of the northern tip of Cebu, Bantayan Island is composed of three municipalities: Bantayan, Madridejos and Santa. Fe. From Cebu City, catch a bus or van in Cebu North Terminal going to Hagnaya Port in the town of San Remegio (PhP 160) or Ceres bus direct to Bantayan town proper via Sta. Fe. (PhP 200). Travel time is 3 – 4 hours. From Hagnaya’s Port you’ll hop a 45-min. ferry boat (PhP 170 fare + PhP 10 terminal fee) to the main port of Bantayan, Santa Fe.
2. Malapascua Island
Known for its main attraction, the elusive thresher shark, Malapascua is also a shipwreck diving destination. At Lighthouse, valuable remains of the wreckage of a Japanese World War II landing craft houses great marine biodiversity and offers impressive attraction to divers. Beyond diving, Malapascua Island offers an unassertive & promising appeal for all tourists.
Getting to Malapascua is a 4-hour scenic ride up north. Catch a bus in North Bus Terminal or v-hire, for less than PhP 200 fare. Once at the port of Maya in Daanbantayan, take a 45-minute boat ride to the island. When it’s low tide, you will be transferred to a small boat that docks in the shore.
3. Guintacan (Kinatarcan) Island
Dubbed as Cebu’s Last Frontier, Guintacan Island (also known as Kinatarcan) boasts long strips of white sands scattered on both eastern and western sides of the island. While beach is life, inlet lagoon is lifer!
The island is mostly composed of rocky cliffs facing the north and reasonably situated in the most elevated part of the island where the hidden mysterious inlet lagoon called La-aw Lagoon awaits. The surrounding rock formations give this lagoon added charm. The lagoon area is thickly forested with a sharp trail (due to dead corals) and entails a hike duration of about 15-20 minutes from the jump-off point. Read more about the “Last Frontier in Cebu” here: GUINTACAN ISLAND
4. Gibitngil Island
Adventure time! Zip, dive, swim and paddle in FUNtastic Island, an
action-packed destination nestled on the western part of Gibitngil Island. Offering stand-up paddling, ziplining and cliff-diving, among others, you’ll surely experience an adrenaline rush. Whatever you do around the island, you will be guaranteed to have a FUNtastic day!
From North Bus Terminal, hop a bus bound for Kawit Medillin, and alight at Alpine pantalan in Kawit. Bus fare is PhP 150 for aircon bus, non-A/C is PhP 143 (3.5 hrs to 4hrs est. travel time). For faster approach, take a v-hire for PhP 150 (2hrs &30mins.)
5. Capitancillo Islet
Capitancillo Islet is part of the municipality of Bogo. You’ll surely love the tropical endowment of this unassuming islet where you can experience a relax and laid-back escape, and free-from-noise paradise.
If you picture amazing reef flat blessed with a right amount of white sand beach surrounded by stunning tropical turquoise waters – minus the crowd. That’s what this island offers!
6. Mactan Island
Mactan Island is the seat of the city of Lapu-Lapu. Mactan is the nearest island in Cebu City dotted with lots of beach resorts and swimming spots, the reason most people would spend their weekend getaway in this chillaxing paradise. Mactan is connected to Cebu by the two bridges: the Marcelo Fernan Bridge and the Mactan-Mandaue Bridge.
Mactan Island is home to Mactan-Cebu International Airport that serves as the friendliest gateway to various destinations in Cebu. Explore stunning islands and waterways around Mactan Island via island-hopping adventure aboard a big motorized banca and head out onto the nearby wildlife and marine sanctuaries.
7. Sumilon Island
Sumilon Island is a 24-hectare privately-owned island off the coast of Oslob where its name ‘sumilon’ means to “take refuge” or be protected from almost all elements. And its main attraction? A stretch of powdery white sandbar!
Sumilon Island’s sandbar is one of the spots worth visiting in the municipality of Oslob, aside from whaleshark watching and Tumalog Falls. This sandbar attracts both locals and tourists alike not just during summer but all throughout the year. Approaching Sumilon sandbar, you’ll be rewarded with such beauty – a visible strip of white land mass – glimmering at the tail end of the island. It is actually a long strand of sweet sugary sandbar confined in an azure waterscape.
Know more about creamy sandbars around Cebu in this article: 5 Sandbars in Cebu You Probably Didn’t Know Exist
8. Pescador Island
While a lot of the islands in this listicle boasts sandy white beaches that appear along its shorelines, Pescador Island has none. It’s like a leviathan flat coral rising in the middle of nowhere with lush vegetation thriving on top of it. But what you don’t see are the lively and colorful aquatic creatures playing around the beautiful coral garden below. Snorkeling around Pescador island is a must-try activity!
From Cebu City to Moalboal, you may opt for Ceres bus in South Bus Terminal (PhP 116) or v-hire at SM Seaside for PhP 100, about 2.5 – 3 hours travel time. Hire a trike from the town proper going to Panagsama beach (PhP 150 per way, good for 5 – 7 persons).
9. Olango Island
Located just offshore from (east of) Mactan Island, the Olango group of Islands are raised coral reefs that include the main Olango Island and six satellite islands nearby. On the west coast lies Santa Rosa, the main town and a diving spot haven for divers.
Olango graced a little secret oasis in the middle of a hot and sandy island. Olango Island is good for a day trip, perfect for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the metro while enjoying the scenic mangrove forests and migratory birds in the Wildlife Sanctuary. Diving, snorkeling and loafing around the island’s stunning beaches are some of the ways to maximize your itinerary. Best for budget travelers.
Olango Island is accessible for about 20 minutes boat ride from Mactan Island. There are two (2) piers to catch boats, one being next to Mövenpick Resort and the other next to Portofino resort, pay around PhP 15.
10. Camungi Island
Camungi Island is where tranquility meets serenity. Isla Camungi is a privately owned island 15 kilometers off downtown Cebu, just south of Olango Island. Though generally accessible, Camungi island has remained an isolated gem fringed with undulated mangrove forests within a protected wildlife sanctuary.
Much of the terrain is mangrove swamp, home to large numbers of migratory birds, Isla Cumungi is a beautiful unspoiled island in Cebu
preserving one of the world’s most biodiverse habitats and eco-treasure.
11. Caohagan Island
Have a quick fix away from the hustle of the city with a tropical escape offering shallow super clear waters and white sand formation extending out from the islet. Enjoy the scenic ocean view of Caohagan while traveling on the motorized outrigger boat. For island hopping services, book Cebu Finest Island Hopping Tours. Good for big group package (minimum of 30 pax), rate is Php 799 per head inclusive of boat and lunch.
At Caohagan Island, you can surely play all sorts of games including volleyball or badminton, stroll around and meet some locals, eat seafoods, feel the sea breeze on your face and enjoy the charming tropical environment.
12. Panganan Island
Panganan Island is an island-barangay that belongs to Lapu-Lapu City. It is situated east of Mactan and right next to Olango. Locals are mostly fishermen so reserve some space in your tummy for unlimited seafoods when visiting Panganan Island.
While there are more beaches found among Cebu’s outlying islands like Bantayan, Malapascua and Sumilon that gained recognition by themselves, Panganan Island is rather charmingly simple and off-the-beaten like no other! I really hope it stays that way.
13. Nalusuan Island
A rad tourist destination with excellent diving and snorkeling spots, enjoy the crystal clear waters of Nalusuan Island and feed an abundance of colorful tropical fishes darting through underwater. Marvel at the scenic view of the ocean that’s seemingly located in the middle of nowhere or go snorkeling from the beach to explore the wonderful marine life below the horizon.
One can visit Nalusuan Island and its neighboring islets like Caohagan Island, Sulpa Island and Hilotongan Island via island hopping. Savor a delicious grilled seafood lunch on the beach and enjoy your summer by relaxing at your leisure.
14. Shell Island
Passing by along the Cebu South Road Properties (SRP) going to SM Seaside from metro Cebu, you’ll get a glimpse of a nearby islet that is seemingly adorned with a shipwreck beach on the port. If you’re curious what’s store for you in the island – rent a small private boat at the base of Malacañang sa Sugbo (pay around Php 20).
Spend several minutes on Shell island taking pictures and just plain sitting on the paved causeway to enjoy the exquisite landscape in quietude while losing track of time. Swimming around the area is, however, not advisable.
15. Pacijan Island
Spend a relaxing day during your holiday in Cebu exploring Camotes’ prolific islands. Let’s start with Pacijan Island, the main and biggest island (in terms of land mass and population) among the four islands under the jurisdiction of Camotes. Aside from the famous Santiago Bay and Mangodlong Rock Resort, Pacijan Island is also home to Lake Danao, a large lake at 650 hectares (1,600 acres) known as the largest freshwater lake in the province.
Travel faster by sailing with Jomalia Shipping’s fast craft service from Mactan to Camotes (Php 350 per way). The Camotes fast craft terminal in Mactan is located beside Cebu Yacht Club, which is across Marina Mall in Lapu – Lapu City. Alternative transport if you want to go to Camotes Island from Cebu City is via bus or jeep (Php 30) going to Danao Port, and then take a ferry (Php 180). Upon arrival on the island, lots of tricycle drivers awaits visitors, standard fixed rate to every destination applies.
16. Poro Island
Poro Island’s name is derived from the Waray-waray word “puro” meaning “island”. Poro island is a lush tropical land mass with diverse living flora and fauna and unique landscapes and geological attractions. Poro is very close to Pacijan and both islands are connected by a 1.5-kilometre-long (0.93-mile) causeway.
While it seems that Poro is overshadowed by its neighboring island (and rather more popular destination), Pacijan Island, but the former definitely could rival the latter’s unparalleled beauty. Aside from two waterfalls found in Poro Island, it also hosts various caves, one of which is the Bukilat Cave, a large natural cavern with naturally formed piercings in its canopy resulting to a well illuminated chambers. The place is Instagram worthy, I tell you!
17. Tulang Island
Camotes is dotted with a lot of beautiful beaches comparable with that of the famous Lambug Beach in Badian, Sugar Beach in Bantayan, or White Beach in Moalboal, to name a few. But personally, I’d love to loaf in a less touristy paradise, where I can have a little piece of heaven all to myself, treading the turquoise waters and brushing my sole onto the fine white sands. The splendid Tulang Island in Camotes definitely fits the criteria.
Tulang Island (locally known as Tulang Diot) is an islet and part of San Francisco, just a 5-10 minute boat ride from Pacijan Island or mainland Camotes. Make a new discovery on one of the best secret beaches in Cebu, and unwind on a tight budget. Did you just see a heart-shaped island from up above?
18. Ponson Island
Among the four islands composing Camotes group of islands tucked away at the heart of the Camotes Sea (east of Leyte), Ponson Island is the farthest. Ponson Island is contiguous with Pilar, its sole municipality.
Feast your eyes on various shades of fluorescent, arctic and ultramarine blue waters that seem to go on endlessly. And with that relaxing view, Ponson Island is definitely perfect for a “Hakuna Matata” moment.
19. Zaragosa Island
Zaragosa Island (also spelled Saragoza) is a resort-island off the west coast of Cebu in the town Badian. It is popularly known as Badian Island. While the other side of the island is mostly residential, visitors would really visit Badian Island for a luxurious vacation.
The photo above was shot by Yohan, a Gyrocopter Pilot of Fly A Gyro Cebu. This aerial shot and 12 more reasons why Fly A Gyro is the next big thing in Cebu. Read on!
20. Silion Island
Popularly known as Virgin Island, Silion Island is a small island in the municipality of Sante Fe in Cebu Province. It is also known as Hilantagaan Diot or Pulo Diyot.
While the above-mentioned islands have reached the most coveted status of being chosen as premier tourist destinations, there are, however, some smaller ones that could also stand on its own by possessing unique natural land features, beautiful seascapes, bountiful resources and resilient inhabitants. Virgin Island is a must-visit destination when in Bantayan.
21. Hilantagaan Island
If there’s Virgin island, there’s also a so-called counterpart island nearby – Hilantagaan Island. Locals hilariously moniker it Wang-wang Island to denote as an opposite version of virgin (untouched).
Long strips of white sand are scattered around Hilantagaan Island, part of Bantayan group of Islands. Immaculately blessed with gorgeous creamy white sand that can rival those of famed Boracay, it will surely serve as a playground for beach enthusiasts. For Php 20 fare and 20 minutes boat trip from Sante Fe wharf, Hilantagaan Island is said to be the go-to budget destination for visitors who are plannning to stay overnight in the island by tent, hammock or cottage by the coastline.
22. Doong Island
According to the legend, the island is named after a big bird called Doong, which is already extinct. Interestingly, Isla Doong looks like a bird from an aerial shot perspective or a bird’s eye view. People living in this charming island are called Doonganons applicable in both barangays – Doong and Luyongbaybay, with a combined population of approximately 5,000.
Being the biggest islet of Bantayan Island, Doong can only be reached by pump boat, either driect from Hagnaya, San Remegio (2-hour trip) or from mainland Bantayan (45-minute trip). Other neighboring islands are Hilotongan, Botigues, Lipayran, Mambacayao Gamay and Mamabacayao Dako.
23. Cordova Island
Cordova is a quiet fisherman town off the coast of mainland Cebu. The island is often mistaken as part of Mactan and is occupied entirely by the town of Cordova where the infamous 10,000 Roses Café is located.
10,000 white LED roses are artificially grown to blanket the front lawn of a Korean entrepreneur’s little cafe. These plants light up at night offering a majestic view of sea of white roses (pay Php 20 entrance fee). How to get there and more flower spots in Cebu, read 25 Fabulous Floral Attractions in Cebu.
24. Lava Island
Have you heard of Lava Island? Well, you will! Lava Island is an islet lying very close to Mactan and south of the island of Cordova.
Off-the-beaten islet, the natural eco-system of Lava Island is breathtakingly blessed with waterscapes and low-lying hills rising from the ocean. Its tropical allure is not only its white-sand beaches surrounding the islet but also the undulating contours of the its vegetation untouched by man. I don’t mind being marooned in this remote island just like a Survivor player.
25. Carnaza Island
Tucked away in the heart of the Visayan Sea is a sleeping paradise known as Carnaza Island, poised to be a confluence of epic journey, adventure and discovery. Carnaza Island is a 173.5 hectare turtle-shaped island just off the north point of mainland Cebu, under the jurisdiction of Daanbantayan. It marks the northern-most tip of Cebu Province and has at least eighteen (18) coves or small bays scattered around the island, awaiting to be visually feasted on. Offering a cove-hopping spree in the North, get ready to experience numerous seaside sensations in Carnaza Island. Read more: CARNAZA ISLAND
Usually a side-trip when visiting Carnaza Island, sail 30 minutes north and you’ll find yourself in another lit province, Masbate, where the rosy sandbar of Isla La Manoc is waiting. See our travelogue here: Isla La Manoc: The Best Gem Cebu Never Had
How To Get To Cebu
Cebu is a major hub of leisure, culture and business in the Philippines and is mainly accessible via air travel. Offering endless things to discover, Cebu is an international destination with flights available from all over the world. From Manila, Clark or Davao, Cebu is just an hour away by plane. It is also an ideal jump-off point for other tourist attractions in Visayas and Mindanao.
Your stay at any of the above-listed islands of Cebu will be nothing short of majestic – a dreamlike experience for sure. For summer bliss that combines serenity, coastal adventure and tropical experience, there is no better place than Cebu.
For what it’s worth, you are always welcome to visit Cebu, Philippines – our idyllic islands, your next weekend destinations!
