I’ve always dreamed of visiting Cebu, the Queen City of the South, and last week I finally made it happen. My plan was simple: spend four days exploring the island, with three of those days on a guided package tour from CebuTours.ph and keep one day free to explore at my own pace. Looking back, it was the perfect balance of spontaneity and structure.
Day 1: My Free Day in Cebu City
I landed in Cebu in the late morning and decided to dedicate my first day to just wandering on my own. No schedules, no tours—just me getting a feel for the city.
After checking into my hotel, I walked around downtown Cebu and immediately felt the lively atmosphere. I couldn’t resist trying some lechon, Cebu’s most famous dish, at a local eatery. The crispy skin and savory flavor were the best welcome meal I could have hoped for.
That evening, I made my way to Sugbo Mercado, the weekend night market that’s a food lover’s paradise. The stalls were buzzing with locals and travelers, serving everything from seafood skewers to trendy milk teas. It was the perfect soft start to my Cebu adventure before diving into the guided tours the next day.
Day 2: Cebu City and Island Vibes
My official tour began with the Private 3 Days 2 Nights (3D2N) Cebu City and South Tour Package, one of the most popular tours offered by CebuTours.ph.
The morning was spent exploring Cebu’s cultural and scenic highlights: the Temple of Leah, an extravagant shrine built out of love; the Sirao Garden, where colorful blooms made me feel like I was walking through a fairytale; and the Tops of Cebu, where I enjoyed sweeping panoramic views of the city.
In the afternoon, we headed to Mactan for some island hopping. The water was so clear that I could see the fish swimming below as our boat glided over the waves. We snorkeled, relaxed on the sand, and just soaked in the island vibes. It was the perfect mix of culture in the morning and nature in the afternoon.
Day 3: Whale Sharks, Waterfalls, and a Sandbar
This was the day I had been most excited about—the Oslob whale shark encounter. We left early in the morning, and within hours, I was face-to-face with these gentle giants. Swimming alongside them was surreal and something I will never forget.
Afterward, we visited Tumalog Falls, where a thin veil of water cascades into a turquoise pool. The setting was magical, almost like a hidden forest retreat. From there, we took a boat to the Sumilon Sandbar, a dreamy strip of white sand surrounded by crystal-clear water. I couldn’t believe such a place existed—it felt like standing in the middle of the ocean.
The day didn’t end there. By afternoon, we were at Kawasan Falls, famous for its emerald pools. Some in my group chose the canyoneering adventure, jumping and sliding through natural rock formations, but I opted to relax by the falls and simply enjoy the view. It was the perfect ending to an action-packed day.
Day 4: Heritage and Farewell
On my last day, I decided to spend a few hours exploring Cebu’s heritage spots before heading to the airport. I visited Magellan’s Cross, the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, and Fort San Pedro, each with its own story about Cebu’s past. It was a quiet and reflective way to end my journey, connecting me to the city’s roots after days of adventure.
Why I Chose CebuTours.ph
One of the reasons I enjoyed my trip so much was because CebuTours.ph made everything effortless. Their 3D2N Cebu City and South Tour Package covered so many highlights—from hillside attractions and whale sharks to waterfalls and island hopping. The package included airport transfers, private transportation, a comfortable hotel, and a knowledgeable guide who made sure everything ran smoothly.
I also learned about other popular options they offer, like the 4D3N Cebu & Bohol Tour Package for those who want to extend their adventure, and their Top-Rated Tour Experiences, which combine favorites like whale sharks, Tumalog Falls, Kawasan Falls, and Pescador Island into customizable day tours. Knowing I had choices made planning much easier.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, my four days in Cebu were a perfect mix of freedom and guidance. My first day gave me the chance to wander, try local food, and ease into the rhythm of the city. The next three days, guided by CebuTours.ph, allowed me to see the best of what Cebu has to offer—from cultural treasures and colorful gardens to whale sharks, waterfalls, and paradise-like islands.
Cebu left me with memories I’ll treasure forever, and I’m already dreaming about my next visit—maybe next time I’ll add Bohol to the adventure.
