1. FREEDIVING OR SNORKELING WITH SARDINE RUNS IN MOALBAOL

One of the big attractions at Moalboal is the chance to snorkel amid the sardine runs. A sardine run is a vast collection of thousands of sardines that all swim together in unison. When you dive down they move as a collective this way and that way, in what is an incredible captivating dance. You can also just snorkel on the surface and still witness this amazing natural phenomenon. The best part about the sardines is that they’re only 30-meters from the shore. This means you don’t need to pay for a tour or rent a boat. All you need are your goggles and a snorkel. To be honest you may not even need fins if you are trying to save money. But you can rent these from any of the dive shops for less than $5 and enjoy the clear water of Moalboal! It’s definitely one of the most unique things to do in Cebu, so don’t miss this one.

Moalboal is also home to hundreds of turtles. Everyday swimming and snorkeling near the drop-off, I would encounter sometimes up to five turtles! You don’t need to (and must not) go chasing and annoying the turtles, as they just cruise around doing their thing and will often swim closer towards you if you just stay still. The best place near Moalboal to look for turtles is in between Tongo Point and Main Beach although they seem to be everywhere to some extent. You will also find turtles around other spots in the south of Cebu, but I have only personally swum with them in Moalboal. The best way to experience the turtles, Sardines and island-hopping of Moalboal is with this combo tour. It combines swimming with the sardines, swimming with the turtles and island hopping to Pescador Island all in one trip. 

In the backyard of a friendly family near Lugsangan is one of the most amazing viewpoints on Cebu. Known as Casino Peak, this short trek to the top of a rocky ridge has a view I can guarantee you have never dreamed of in your wildest imagination. The trek up Casino Peak from the information center is actually very short, and hardly considered a trek in my opinion. To reach the summit is only about ten minutes, although it is quite steep. The track is clear the whole way but not marked. At the summit, we could not believe our eyes as we could see as far as the Chocolate Hills on the neighbouring island of Bohol! For me, this was the best mountain view I had ever seen in Cebu.

Cancalanog Falls is one of the most incredible spots on Cebu, and it remains off the beaten tourist path. Whilst it isn’t a massive waterfall, it boasts some incredibly transparent fresh water in a stunning watering hole. The location is before the Cambais Falls, and only 1 hour from Moalboal. I honestly couldn’t believe it when we arrived at this location, and there was no-one else there. In fact, no-one else came to this spot for the entire afternoon that we were there. Our own private waterfall!

Kandungaw Peak is an epic ridge in the mountain range of Dalaguete, Cebu. It is also sometimes known as Candongao Peak, but Kandungaw seems to be the most commonly used. This short hike of about 30-minutes takes you to some beautiful viewpoints with dramatic drop-offs. There are four viewpoints to see at this location, and even a cave to explore.

Not all of the waterfalls on Cebu are in the south, although that famous blue water tends to be. However, if you find yourself near Cebu City there is a cool little waterfall trek up into the hills at Budlaan Falls. It’s a popular place and I joined an Adventure Bag Adventure Day, and we had almost 100 people come to Budlaan Waterfall to clean up any rubbish. Hopefully, it is in good shape when you visit.

The waterfall itself is pretty big and you can get in behind the flow of the waterfall to the caves. You can also trek up on top of the waterfall and follow the canyon below. There’s lots of exploring to do, and the round trip takes about an hour.

Mantayupan Falls in Barili is the highest waterfall in Cebu, and one of the most beautiful. Set inside a natural amphitheater of trees, vines, and tropical plants, this is truly one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Cebu. It can get quite busy on the weekends for the entire day, but visit on a morning during the week, and you might just enjoy this waterfall all to yourself like us.

Mantayupan Falls has two levels. On the lower level is a 14-meter cascade that flows down into a circular pool. That’s the warm-up. On the top level, you will find the main waterfall at 98-meters, which cascades down into a huge pool below.

The Esoy Hot Spring is one of only two thermal springs on Cebu, and is an incredibly relaxing activity in the jungle of Catmon. The spring isn’t heated by volcanic activity, but is a geothermal pool. It has a slight sulfuric smell, but nothing too strong. The pool wasn’t as hot as the Mainit Springs in the south of Cebu, however, there was one corner where the water poured directly out of the wall and this was really warm. It was so relaxing laying there right on the rocks by the hot water source.

Throughout the last ten years, the temperature of the water has changed and some of the springs that were previously hot are no longer heated. This is due to earthquakes and natural changes.

Ka-Tinggo Falls is an incredible waterfall located inside a canyon in the Catmon region. It is a 4-meter-high cascade that flows down into a large chasm below. It reminded me a lot of another waterfall in the south of Cebu called Kabutongan Falls. The canyon is incredible with how it has been smoothly shaped over time. There are lots of little crevasses to explore here and even a few caves throughout the pool.

Ka-Tinggo Falls is an incredible waterfall located inside a canyon in the Catmon region. It is a 4-meter-high cascade that flows down into a large chasm below. It reminded me a lot of another waterfall in the south of Cebu called Kabutongan Falls. The canyon is incredible with how it has been smoothly shaped over time. There are lots of little crevasses to explore here and even a few caves throughout the pool.