8 islands in Cebu to make the most out of your summer

Whenever you think of a top tourist destination in the Philippines, the Queen City of the South has marked itself on the map as one of those. But there’s more to Cebu’s vibrant city living and scrumptious food.

When visiting Cebu, prepare to be amazed with the other islands waiting for you to witness its naturally-kept beauty. Here are some other islands in Cebu worth your trip.

Located in the northern part of Cebu, Bantayan Island is known for its laidback lifestyle with beautiful beaches around. Tourists who have previously visited Bantayan often compare its white sand to Boracay’s but the former definitely has its own charm.

Riding a habal-habal won’t be a problem here either. You can explore several untouched beaches around and take a look at Ogtong Cave where you can dip in the cool waters of the said underground cave.

Aside from its beaches, Bantayan is also a home to hundreds of bamboo trees and mangrove plants. Stroll around Obo-ob Mangrove Eco Park and even ride a kayak while learning how natural mangrove parks like that helps the environment.

Although far from the city center, you won’t have a problem looking for accommodation. You can easily book a room through Klook, too. If you opt to book a stay in a resort, Bantayan Island Nature Park & Resort also caters overnight guests complete with a comfortable space with a stunning view. Make the most out of your getaway and get the best discounted hotel room prices when booking with Klook.

How to get there: If you opt to skip land travel, AirJuan is currently the only operator that services 40-minute trips from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Bantayan Airport. If traveling from Cebu City, head to the North Bus Terminal and look for a bus off to Hagnaya. From there, take a ferry to the Santa Fe Port in Bantayan.

Address: Tamiao, Bantayan Island, Cebu

Contact information: (+63) 917 710 1865 or bantayan.naturepark101@gmail.com

Socials: Facebook

Those who love diving will fall in love with Malapascua’s vast marine life and colorful coral reefs. Known for frequent sightings of manta rays, thresher sharks, and hammerheads, Malapascua is turning into one of the country’s top dive spots.

If you’re in for a chill, relaxing beach day, this island won’t leave you disappointed because there’s a long stretch of white sand beach in the area. Depending on your choice of comfort, Malapascua also has several accommodations ranging from P1,300 to P4,500. You can check out more inns and hotels here. If you feel like waking up to a beautiful ocean view, Malapascua Legend Water Sports & Resort’s rooms will leave you in awe and if you’re on a budget, there’s always a room for you at Malapascua Budget Inn.

Whatever your room preference is, you’ll always get the best bang for your back with Klook’s deals and other special offers for this top dive-spot in the country!

There’s a lot to do in Malapascua, you can experience snorkeling, diving, and even go on an island hopping at Kalanggaman island.

How to get there: From Cebu City’s North Bus Terminal, look for transportations bound to old Maya Port (Daan Bantayan town). From Maya Port, you should take another boat ride to reach the island.

Address: Tawigan Logon, Malapascua Island, Daan Bantayan, Cebu

Contact information: (+63) 977 820 3111 or malapascuabudgetinn@gmail.com

Socials: Facebook and Instagram

Address: Sitio Tawigan, Malapascua Island, Daan Bantayan, Cebu

Contact information: (+63) 323 187 244

Socials: Facebook

Another dive spot favorite, this island is a home to thousands of marine creatures from different species of fish to colorful corals, even those who aren’t professional divers would enjoy swimming in the ocean and just marvel at its beauty.

You can visit the underwater cave called the Cathedral or swim with thousands of sardines swimming in unison. This will surely be one for the books.

To make your trip more convenient, arranging a private inter-city transfer would be better especially if you’re traveling in a group. You can check out an exclusive promo for that here. Say Skip the hassle and enjoy the best of Pescador island with a private intercity vehicle transfer promo only available on Klook.

How to get there: From Cebu South Bus Terminal, take a bus bound to Moalboal and drop off at the city proper. There would be tricycles around that can bring you around the tourist spots.

RELATED: The Beginner’s Guide to Moalboal: 5 Gorgeous Beaches Worth Visiting

Located in the eastern part of Cebu, the history-rich Camotes Island is a home to four islands called Poro, Pacijan, Ponson, and Tulang. You can easily take a tour around these four islands and enjoy the powdery white sand at the Santiago bay beach. There are rock formations and caves worth your Instagram feed and if you feel like going for a kayak ride, you can experience that at the famous Lake Danao in Pacijan.

How to get there: You can take a ferry ride from the Cebu City and Mactan Island ports or take a bus bound for Danao City at the Cebu North Bus Terminal. It usually takes an hour to reach Danao City via bus and two hours for the ferry ride. From Danao City, you can ride a boat off to Camotes Island.

Sumilon Island is the first marine sanctuary in the Philippines and since then, it has continued to protect its culture and natural wildlife. This island is also known for its sandbar that’s guaranteed to give you photos good for the ‘gram and your memories.

If you’re looking for some adrenaline rush, you can swim with whale sharks in Oslob or go on a day tour at Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort where you can bike or hike along various trails, kayak your way to a lagoon, explore the Yamashita cave, lighthouse, tree park, and ‘Baluarte.’ Plan your summer trip and enjoy up to 30% off on a day tour at Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort if you book with Klook!

READ: Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort: Cebu’s Best-Kept Secret

How to get there: Take a bus off to Bato via Liloan at the Cebu South Bus Terminal and drop off at Puerto Sumilon, the resort’s docking port. Boat transfers can also be arranged when requested.

Address: Sumilon Island, Oslob, Cebu 6025

Contact Numbers: (+6332) 353 5578 / (+63) 917 868 7392 or (+63) 998 964 1879

Email:sumilon@bluewater.com.ph

Socials: Instagram and Facebook

Part of the municipality of Bogo, this enchanting islet will give you a moment to remember. Its peaceful ambiance without the crowd will make you feel like you've rented a private island for your holiday. It's also a top diving spot in Cebu with the old Capitancillo Lighthouse as one of the islet's landmarks.

When in the north, you can include this itinerary as part of your day tour as you can explore around the 6-hectare islet. If you're feeling adventurous and want to appreciate nature and the bright moon and stars at night, you can bring a tent and stay for the night but note that there aren't any hotels or establishments in Capitancillo.

How to get there: Head to the North Cebu Bus Terminal and ride a bus off to Bogo City. After alighting at the town proper, there are boats that will take you to the Capitancillo islet.

If visiting Pescador island is in your list, include dropping by Badian too. Be up close with nature and enjoy trekking, canyoneering, and cliff diving at Kawasan falls. Swim in the turquoise-colored waterfalls after jumping and walking through a jungle trail. There are lots to discover in Badian aside from outdoor nature trips, there are some establishments catering to wellness if you feel like rewarding yourself with a total relaxing getaway.

How to get there: Ride a bus going to Bato via Barili at the South Cebu Bus Terminal but you can also rent private cars in Cebu for a more convenient commute.

The adventure starts the moment you decide to visit this idyllic and low-key island. It takes at least 5 hours just to reach the turtle-shaped island. But once you step on Carnaza, you’ll realize that the trip was worth it. You can explore over 15 coves in the area and since it’s not a hot tourist destination, most of the places remain untouched and clean.

Since it’s still less developed than other islands, Carnaza Eco Park is the only accommodation in the area but you can also do camping. However, when planning to go camping, it’s better to plan and organize ahead of time.

How to get there: Because it’s going to be a long trip, it’s advisable to leave as early as possible (at least around 3 am) and ride a bus for Maya-Kawit or Daanbantayan at the North Cebu Bus Terminal. Stop by Tapilon Port and decide if you’re going to hire a private boat or take public passenger boats going to Carnaza Island.

There’s more to discover in Cebu! You can check out the best deals available on Klook. You don’t have to spend a lot to experience a relaxing trip to Cebu, you just have to check out the latest promos on Klook!