9 Nature-Based Activities to Do In Cebu

What are nature-based activities to do in Cebu?

1. Visit the 100-ft Inambakan Falls
2. Spend a day in Bantayan Island
3. Take a sunrise hike to Osmena Peak
4. Swim with the Oslob Whale Sharks
5. Take an island hopping tour to Nalusuan and Hilutungan Islands
6. Have a family adventure at Cebu Safari & Adventure Park
7. Enjoy the views at Terrazas de Flores
8. Go canyoneering at Kawasan Falls
9. Relax at Sumilon Island’s Glamping Campsite

Home to over a hundred islands, Cebu is full of grand views and adventures — hence its moniker as “The Gateway to a Thousand Journeys.” There isn’t a shortage of nature-based activities in Cebu. From land to water to air, this beautiful province offers plenty of the best experiences you can get in the Philippines. And, thanks to its many accommodations, such as charming townscapes and luxury beach resorts, you’ll find that some of the best spots are quick and easy to get to!

Here are some great outdoor adventures to try while you’re in Cebu:

Visit The 100-ft Inambakan Falls

Visiting the Inambakan Falls is a full-day adventure, and is a tourist favorite. 100-ft waterfalls surrounded by lush jungle greenery, Inambakan Falls is indeed an amazing sight to see — but what makes this nature spot so memorable is the trek you take to see all its connecting pools and waterfalls.

Inambakan Falls is a few hours drive from the Cebu City proper, and about an hour from the town of Moalboal. When you get to the area, you’re first greeted by the 100-ft flow of water. Behind this lies the limestone caves, which you can explore for hours — checking it out is an adventure in itself. There are five levels at Inambakan Falls, the third level being the most popular for its crystal clear pools that are deep enough for cliff jumping.

Spend A Day At Bantayan Island

Located off the coast of northern Cebu, Bantayan Island is a small, sleepy fishing village offering the same beauty and charm as Boracay Island. If you’re looking for pristine white sands, calm emerald waters, and stunning sunsets, Bantayan Island won’t disappoint.

Accessible to the public for a small fee, you could hop over without needing to check in on any of its resorts to enjoy this spot. As it is less commercialized than Boracay, it is the perfect place to visit if you want a quiet, relaxing day at the beach. 

While you’re here, you could stay at Kota Beach, which features a sandbar and a lagoon that makes a perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing. You could also visit its natural cave pools, the Ogtong Cave, and the Sto. Niño Cave. Here you’ll experience waters from a cold spring, which is perfect for cooling off after a few hours of sun!

Take A Sunrise Hike To Osmena Peak

Hikes are a great outdoor activity. Not a pro hiker? Don’t worry! The hiking trails in Cebu are enjoyable even for beginners. You can even get to the highest point of the island and see some spectacular views after an easy 20-30 minute hike. 

To start your trek up Osmeña Peal, you can pre-arrange a guided tour with Highland Adventures, or travel from Dalaguete, which takes about three hours by bus from Cebu South Bus Terminal. From here, you can take a motorcycle taxi (or habal-habal) towards Osmeña Peak’s starting point in Mantalongon. 

The ideal time to visit this peak is during sunrise — the panoramic views of jagged cliffs and vast ocean are beautiful in the early morning light, and will surely leave you speechless! 

Swim With The Oslob Whale Sharks

One of the most popular nature activities in Cebu is swimming with these gentle underwater giants in Oslob. A one-of-a-kind experience, located in barangay Tan-Awan, which is about 10km away from the town center of Oslob. The Oslob tour is a great option as it combines swimming with the whale sharks and a visit to the nearby Tumalog Falls, which is a stunning waterfall.

While you’re here, we recommend following all the guidelines and warnings that handlers tell you — these creatures are extremely sensitive, and even gentle or light touching can cause a biological disturbance. The environmental workers and handlers in this area take great care in monitoring the whale sharks’ conditions to protect them, while also improving this tourist interaction.

Take An Island Hopping Tour To Nalusuan And Hilutungan Islands

A nature adventure in Cebu is never complete without some island hopping. While you can book a tour to a variety of outlying islands in Cebu, we recommend getting a day tour of the Nalusuan and Hilutungan Islands. These are two of the top islands to see and explore in the province! They offer beautiful views of the ocean, delicious local cuisine featuring seafood and meat, and the fun of snorkeling and swimming in a protected marine sanctuary. 

Even for less experienced swimmers, snorkeling and viewing the coral beds teeming with tropical fish is easy in the calmer waters surrounding these islands. Nalusuan Island is also the best place to stop for an afternoon picnic after a full day of exploring!

Have A Family Adventure At Cebu Safari & Adventure Park

Looking for some family-friendly fun? Then the Cebu Safari and Adventure Park is a must-see for you! This premier safari is located in Northern Cebu and boasts over 170-hectares of adventure and a thousand animals from 120 different species. There are plenty of attractions here for your family to experience the thrill and excitement of the wild.

Explore their African Savanna and meet meerkats and apes, or view their vast orchid collection in Michel’s Garden to the Gardens of the world, ride on their Giant Swing, or conquer one of the longest Ziplines in the country! There are many activities for kids and adults alike.

Enjoy The Views At Terrazas de Flores

Looking for a slower-paced activity that still allows you to enjoy the natural beauty of Cebu? Take a trip to Highland Cebu city to bask in the only flower terraces in the Philippines — aptly named Terrazas de Flores. About 15 minutes away from JY Square, this is the perfect place to walk and dine surrounded by nature.

Here, you’ll see more than a hundred different species of flora, and be treated to beautiful art, cozy cabanas, and soft music. There is also a nearby café that offers a variety of refreshments and pastries for visitors. Pick up a snack and unwind at a cabana for a tranquil afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Don’t forget to bring your camera — this is one of the most picture-perfect places in Cebu!

Go Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls

This one is for the thrill-seekers — Kawasan Falls is one of the most famous spots for canyoneering, as it offers an exhilarating water adventure through imposing gorges and towering boulders. You even get to swim and rappel through canyons, jump from cliffs, and dive into the turquoise pools of Kawasan Falls!

Many canyoneering tours take anywhere from three to six hours from Alegria to Badian. From the town of Moalboal, it’s about a 45-minute trip to get to Kawasan Falls, and you can take a bus, taxi, or even rent a scooter to get there. You can also travel here from Cebu city by bus. Once you get here, there are many local shops near the entrance that offer canyoneering tour packages — which we recommend, as it’s safer to do this activity in a group and with a guide.

Relax At Sumilon Island’s Glamping Campsite

Not a big fan of the rough and tumble wilderness experience? Sumilon Island is the place for you. Not only does it offer immaculate sandbars, vibrant mangroves, natural lakes, kayaking trips, and diving spots teeming with coral, fish, and even blacktip sharks — it also has a glamping site! 

Though this nature activity can be pricey, it’s definitely worth the price. Bluewater Sumilon’s glamping amenities will ensure you’re experiencing all this island has to offer in comfort. Plus, waking up the next morning to Sumilon Island’s vibrant blue waters lit up by the soft sunrise is an unforgettable sight! 

Key Takeaway

Are you a fan of the great outdoors? These nature-based activities in Cebu will satisfy any traveler out there! While this is a great list of the exciting adventures you can have in this province, it is not exhaustive. There are many more things that you can do to explore the wonders and beauty of Cebu and create enjoyable, lasting memories.