Cebu 7 Days 6 Nights Itinerary: Complete Guide

Global Traveller
4 min read

Cebu is one of the Philippines most beloved destinations for good reason. Sun, sea, city life, waterfalls, and history are all packed into one island and nearby isles, making it perfect for solo travelers, families, and groups alike. This Cebu 7 days 6 nights itinerary lays out a clear daily plan with arrival and departure timings so you can make the most of every hour.

Day 1: Arrival in Cebu City - Afternoon and Evening

Arrival timing: Morning to early afternoon flight recommended. Aim to land by 12:00 PM to maximize Day 1.

Once you arrive at Mactan-Cebu International Airport, check into your hotel and freshen up. If you booked one of the many options available, you can easily find great deals for your stay with Traveloka for a stress-free start. Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the area around your hotel or head to a nearby mall for lunch and local treats. Visit Magellan's Cross and Basilica Minore del Santo Niño for a light dose of history before sunset.

Evening activity: Dine at a local seafood restaurant in Mactan or try the city’s street food scene. Finish the night with a stroll along the waterfront or catch a cultural show at a local venue.

Day 2: Cebu City Historical Tour and Food Crawl

Morning: Start early at 8:00 AM. Head to Fort San Pedro then walk to Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House. These places are close to each other, so you can cover them before lunch.

Afternoon: By 12:30 PM enjoy a food crawl at Colon Street and nearby markets for local specialties. After lunch, visit Cebu Taoist Temple for panoramic city views, then make time for Sirao Flower Garden in the late afternoon for photos as the light softens.

Evening: Try a casual dinner in IT Park where you can find options for all tastes. If your group wants nightlife, this area has bars and live music to close the day.

Day 3: Oslob Whale Shark Watching and Tumalog Falls

Departure timing: Very early start. Leave Cebu City by 3:00 AM or 4:00 AM to reach Oslob by sunrise.

Morning activity: Whale shark watching begins at dawn. This is a once in a lifetime activity for many visitors, so plan around permits and guidelines. After the session, head to Tumalog Falls for a refreshing dip and photos.

Afternoon: Have lunch at a beachfront eatery and then start the 3-hour drive back to Cebu City or choose to stay overnight in the south if you prefer less driving. If returning to the city, expect to arrive by early evening depending on traffic.

Day 4: Kawasan Falls Canyoneering or Moalboal Island Hopping

Morning: Decide based on your group style. For adrenaline, leave by 5:00 AM to Alegria for Kawasan Falls canyoneering, which typically runs until midday. For a more relaxed day, depart by 7:00 AM to Moalboal for island hopping to see the sardine run and snorkeling spots.

Afternoon: After either activity, enjoy a late lunch at a local restaurant. If you chose Moalboal, consider returning with time to spare for a quiet evening on the beach. If you did canyoneering, you may be back to Cebu City in the evening or choose a nearby lodge to rest.

Day 5: Mactan Island Relaxation and Water Activities

Morning: Sleep in a little and plan a late breakfast. Head to Mactan Island by 9:30 AM for water activities like diving, parasailing, or a simple beach day. Mactan has several resorts and public beaches that are family friendly and easy to reach.

Afternoon: Try a diving session or a guided snorkeling trip. For families, consider a resort day with pool access and kid friendly amenities. Book transfers or activities ahead to avoid long waits and to secure the best vendors.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner at a seaside restaurant. Mactan sunset views pair perfectly with grilled seafood and a casual vibe.

Day 6: Island Hopping to Nalusuan, Hilutungan, or Olango

Departure timing: Mid-morning departure around 8:30 AM gives you a relaxed start and full day on the water.

Morning and Afternoon: Arrange a full-day island hopping boat trip covering marine sanctuaries like Nalusuan or Hilutungan. Snorkeling gear, picnic lunch, and a guide will make this day easy and memorable. Olango Island is also great for birdwatching and calmer beaches if wildlife interests your group.

Evening: Return by late afternoon. Spend your last night treating yourselves to a special dinner in Cebu City or a final beachfront meal in Mactan.

Day 7: Last-Minute Shopping and Departure

Departure timing: Book a mid to late afternoon flight to allow a full final morning.

Morning: Pack up, check out, and head out for last-minute shopping at Ayala Center Cebu or SM Seaside. Pick up souvenirs, local delicacies, and snacks for the trip home.

Afternoon: Have a leisurely lunch, then allow ample time for travel to Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Check-in two hours before your flight. If you need quick hotel options near the airport or want last minute activity ideas, it is easy to find deals on Traveloka for rooms and transfers.

Tips for a Smooth 7-Day Cebu Trip

Packing: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, quick-dry clothes, waterproof bag, and insect repellent. Comfortable shoes are a must for city walks and waterfall treks.

Transport: Consider arranging airport transfers and select car rentals in advance to save time. Intercity travel times vary, so plan conservatively.

Booking: For convenience and savings, search for Cheap Flights to Cebu, compare Cheap Hotels in Cebu, or reserve curated experiences on the Things to Do in Cebu page. Early bookings help secure popular activities like whale shark watching and canyoneering slots.

Safety and Local Customs

Respect local customs when visiting religious sites by dressing modestly. Follow safety guidelines with marine activities and use licensed guides. Hydrate often and watch for changing weather when planning island trips.

Why Traveloka Makes This Trip Easier

Planning a weeklong trip across Cebu can be a lot to organize. Traveloka helps by combining flight, hotel, and activity bookings in one place so you can focus on the fun parts. From budget flights and a wide selection of hotels to curated local tours and transfers, Traveloka streamlines logistics so your Cebu 7 days 6 nights itinerary runs smoothly and feels effortless. With extensive partner networks and a range of travel products, Traveloka is built to be a reliable travel companion for solo travelers, families, and groups exploring Cebu.

In This Article

• Day 1: Arrival in Cebu City - Afternoon and Evening
• Day 2: Cebu City Historical Tour and Food Crawl
• Day 3: Oslob Whale Shark Watching and Tumalog Falls
• Day 4: Kawasan Falls Canyoneering or Moalboal Island Hopping
• Day 5: Mactan Island Relaxation and Water Activities
• Day 6: Island Hopping to Nalusuan, Hilutungan, or Olango
• Day 7: Last-Minute Shopping and Departure
• Tips for a Smooth 7-Day Cebu Trip
• Safety and Local Customs
• Why Traveloka Makes This Trip Easier
Hotels
Flights
Things to Do
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