Is it ethical to swim with whale sharks in Oslob?

The Oslob whale shark experience is controversial. Wild whale sharks are fed by fishermen to keep them in the area, which alters their natural behaviour and migration patterns. Some marine biologists oppose it while locals depend on the tourism income. If you go, follow all rules: no touching, no flash, maintain 4-metre distance. Alternatives include the ethical wild encounters at Donsol, Sorsogon.

What is the Moalboal sardine run?

Millions of sardines form a massive, swirling tornado formation just metres from Panagsama Beach in Moalboal. You can snorkel right into the shoal - it is completely free and accessible from the beach. The sardines are there year-round, making Moalboal one of the Philippines' best snorkelling spots. Sea turtles also frequent the area.

How do I get to Cebu?

Fly to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) which receives direct international flights from Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei and more, plus domestic flights from Manila (1.5 hours), Davao, Palawan and Siargao. The airport is on Mactan Island, connected to Cebu City by bridge (30-45 minutes by Grab).

Cebu Travel Guide 2026

Cebu is the Philippines' most versatile destination — a province that combines 450 years of colonial history, jaw-dropping natural wonders and one of the country's most exciting food scenes in a single, well-connected island. Whether you are canyoneering through the turquoise cascades of Kawasan Falls, snorkelling with millions of sardines in Moalboal, standing face-to-face with a whale shark in Oslob, or exploring the historic churches of Cebu City where Ferdinand Magellan planted the cross of Christianity in 1521, Cebu delivers a concentration of experiences that rivals any destination in Southeast Asia.

Top Attractions

Kawasan Falls Canyoneering

The most thrilling adventure activity in the Philippines. A 4-hour canyoneering descent through a series of canyon pools, cliff jumps (3-15 metres), natural waterslides and swimming sections, ending at the stunning three-tiered Kawasan Falls with its iconic turquoise-blue water. Guided tours from ₱1,800-2,500 including transport from Moalboal. Bring waterproof gear for your phone.

Moalboal Sardine Run

Millions of sardines form a massive, swirling tornado formation just 5-10 metres from Panagsama Beach in Moalboal. Snorkel right into the shoal — the experience of being surrounded by millions of glittering fish is mesmerising. Completely free — just walk into the water with a mask. The sardines are present year-round. Sea turtles also frequent the area, making this possibly the best free snorkelling in the Philippines.

Oslob Whale Sharks

Wade into shallow water and come face-to-face with whale sharks (butanding) — the world's largest fish at up to 18 metres. Fishermen in Oslob feed wild whale sharks daily, attracting them reliably to the area. Sessions cost ₱1,000 (30 minutes, 6am start recommended). The practice is controversial as it alters natural migration patterns. Follow all rules: no touching, no flash photography, maintain 4-metre distance, no sunscreen (to protect the animals). For a more ethical experience, visit Donsol in Sorsogon during season (November-June).

Cebu City Heritage

Cebu City is the oldest Spanish settlement in the Philippines (1565). Must-sees: Magellan's Cross (planted 1521, housed in a chapel), Basilica Minore del Santo Nino (oldest church, housing a statue of the Christ child given by Magellan), Fort San Pedro (₱30, oldest triangular bastion fort), and Colon Street (oldest street in the Philippines). The Yap-San Diego Ancestral House (₱50) showcases colonial-era lifestyle.

Sumilon Island

A small island off the southern tip of Cebu with a famous shifting sandbar that changes shape with the tides. Crystal-clear water, excellent snorkelling. Often combined with the Oslob whale shark experience. Day trip from ₱1,500-2,500.

Food Scene

Cebu has the Philippines' best lechon (whole roast pig) — it is a matter of provincial pride. Must-try spots:

CnT Lechon — Widely considered the best lechon in Cebu. Juicy, crispy skin, no sauce needed. Queue expected.
Rico's Lechon — Spicy lechon variety unique to Cebu.
Larsian BBQ — Open-air night market with dozens of BBQ stalls. Point at what you want, it is grilled in front of you. Full meal from ₱200.
Sutukil — Cebuano eating tradition: sugba (grill), tuwa (soup), kilaw (ceviche). Try at the Mactan seafood market.
House of Lechon — Tourist-friendly, air-conditioned. Multiple locations.

Getting There & Around

Fly to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) with direct international flights from Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur and more. Domestic flights from Manila (1.5 hours, from ₱1,500), Davao, Palawan, Siargao and others.

Getting around: Grab works in Cebu City and Mandaue. For south Cebu (Moalboal, Oslob), hire a car/driver (₱3,000-4,000/day) or take the Ceres bus from South Bus Terminal (₱150-200, 3-4 hours to Moalboal). Ferries to Bohol depart from Cebu Pier 1 (OceanJet, 2 hours to Tagbilaran).

Budget

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Accommodation/night	₱500-1,500	₱3,000-7,000	₱10,000+
Kawasan canyoneering	₱1,800-2,500	₱2,500-3,500	₱5,000 (private)
Whale sharks + Sumilon	₱2,000-3,000	₱3,000-4,000	₱5,000+ (private)
Food/day	₱300-600	₱800-1,500	₱2,000+
Daily Total	$25-50	$70-150	$200+

Frequently Asked Questions

The practice is controversial. Wild whale sharks are fed daily to keep them in the area, altering their natural behaviour. Some marine biologists oppose it; locals depend on the income. If you go, follow all rules. For ethical wild encounters, visit Donsol, Sorsogon instead.

Millions of sardines form a massive tornado formation metres from Panagsama Beach. Snorkel into the shoal for free, year-round. Sea turtles also frequent the area. It is one of the best free wildlife experiences in the Philippines.

3-4 days: Day 1 Cebu City heritage + lechon. Day 2 Moalboal sardine run + Kawasan canyoneering. Day 3 Oslob whale sharks + Sumilon Island. Day 4 (optional) island hopping or Bantayan Island. Can be combined with Bohol (2-hour ferry).

Cebu Snapshot

Region: Central Visayas
Airport: Mactan (CEB)
Best months: Nov-May
Budget from: $25/day
Famous for: Lechon, whale sharks