4 TOP Areas to Stay in Cebu ✔️2024 Update (+Map)

With its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters with amazing snorkeling and scuba diving, green jungles, charming villages, and good nightlife, Cebu Island is a real paradise for any kind of traveler out there!

The Island is quite big, and each part of it offers something very different for tourists, so deciding where to stay in Cebu can really make a difference on your vacation.

For this reason, I decided to save you some time and write this travel guide explaining the best areas in Cebu and nearby islands, including something for any taste and accommodation options for any budget, so anyone can be satisfied!

In short, Cebu City is the best area for first-timers, Malapascua island to stay on a budget, Moalboal is the coolest area on the island, and Mactan Island is for water sports lovers.

When you decide which area and hotel are best for you, make sure you book your accommodation as soon as you can, so you can reserve a spot and take advantage of some good offers.

If you are in a hurry

Here’s a quick list of the top hotels in Cebu, divided by price range:

Here’s a map so you can easily visualize all the best areas where to stay in Cebu:

1. Cebu City – where to stay in Cebu for the first time

If it’s your first time on the island and you are not really sure of what you want to experience, why not experience everything?

The big metropolis of Cebu City, the largest and oldest city in the Philippines, offers so many things for tourists, from historical and cultural attractions to delicious restaurants, good shopping, crazy nightlife, and much more… definitely the best place to stay in Cebu for the first time!

Here you can just walk around the city center while gazing at its historical landmarks and modern architecture… you will soak up immediately the vibrant and buzzing energy of the city!

Culture buffs can visit interesting museums like the Casa Gorordo Museum, while shopping addicts can go crazy in the many malls and shopping centers like the famous Ayala Center Cebu or in the local street shops and independent boutiques.

But if you get tired of the hustle and bustle of city life, no worries, many tours leave from Cebu City to explore both Cebu’s natural landscapes and the nearby islands!

And when the sun goes down, there are countless options in Cebu’s city neighbourhoods to enjoy Cebu’s nightlife, from delicious restaurants serving local and international cuisine to lively bars and clubs.

Does it sound like the perfect place for you? Then check out the amazing hotel options here below:

Other accommodation options in Cebu City

Things to do in Cebu City

• Go crazy shopping at the huge Ayala Center Cebu
• Take a transfer to Bantayan Island and explore its beautiful beaches
• Enjoy some good food and live music at Cubana
• Deep dive into local history at the Casa Gorordo Museum
• Have a walk on the lively and buzzing Colon Street
• Gaze at the historical Basilica of Santo Nino
• Go on a day tour to see the beautiful whale sharks
• Take a break from the city and set sail on an island hopping tour

2. Malapascua island – where to stay in Cebu on a budget

If you are traveling on a budget, the small and dreamy Malapascua Island, located off the northern coast of Cebu, will offer you veery cheap prices and much more!

In fact, here you will have access to palm-fringed white-sandy beaches, like the stunning Bounty Beach, crystal clear waters with excellent snorkeling, and a very laid-back atmosphere, which also make it a great place for families or couples looking for a tranquil getaway.

For all these reasons, Malapascua really reminds me of Coron island, another paradise in the Philippines. Check out our post about where to stay in Coron to learn more about it!

When you get tired of just relaxing at the beach, you can jump in the water and check out the reefs and rich marine life, like beautiful sharks and manta rays, or simply explore Malapascua’s beautiful nature by foot… You can actually walk the whole island in only about 3 hours!

This remote, coral island is also perfect if you want to experience the local culture. You will see many locals fishing and farming to provide food for their daily life.

Whether you are a passionate scuba diver, a backpacker on a budget, or just want to have a relaxing beach holiday, Malapascua island is for you. Check out the amazing hotels and guesthouses here below!

Other accommodation options in Malapascua island

Things to do in Malapascua island

• Spend a lazy day at the stunning Bounty Beach
• Swim with sharks on this advanced diving tour!
• Go cliff jumping from Los Bamboos Marine Sanctuary
• Have a refreshing cocktail while looking at the sunset at Chiringuito
• Relax, splash and soak up some rays at the dreamy Sugar Beach
• Admire the best views from the Malapascua LightHouse
• Snorkel in the transparent waters of Langob Beach

3. Moalboal – the coolest area where to stay in Cebu

Located on Cebu’s southwestern coast, 2 hours from Cebu City, the charming Moalboal is the coolest place on the island. Why?

This small town preserves the authentic Filipino culture without being overcrowded by tourists, plus offers access to blue waters rich in marine life and a lot of stunning nature to explore in its close surroundings.

Here passionate divers and snorkelers can explore colorful coral reefs and swim with exotic fish, while avid hikers can venture into green tropical rainforests offering rivers, magical waterfalls and canyons!

P.S.: Moalboal is the closest place to Pescador Island, a prime diving location where you can swim with shoals of millions of sardines!

Moalboal is actually divided into two main areas: Panagsama beach and White Beach.

Panagsama is the most popular tourist area, where you’ll find most of the restaurants, bars, resorts, and nightlife options, while White Beach is more secluded and tranquil… so take this into consideration when you choose your hotel.

Talking about hotels, if you’re already in love with this area, check out the amazing hotel options here below:

Other accommodation options in Moalboal

Things to do in Moalboal

• Spend a relaxing beach day at the stunning White Beach
• Dine on tasty Filipino food at Betsy’s Grill and Restobar
• Go to Pescador Island to see the spectacular “sardine run”
• Have some leisure time at the popular Panagsama Beach
• Get some adrenaline by cliff jumping at Kawasan WaterFalls
• Spend some time with the family at Moalboal Seaside Park
• Check out the beautiful flowers and local wildlife at the Orchid Gallery
• Explore the beautiful marine life with Freediving Planet Moalboal

4. Mactan Island – where to stay in Cebu for water sports

The coral Mactan island (also called Lapu-Lapu) is a paradise for those who want to have access to white-sand pristine beaches, crystal waters with rich marine life, and cool watersports at the same time.

In fact, here you can jump into the water every day and decide if you want to go for some amazing diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, canyoning, or river climbing adventures.

If you are a beginner to watersports, no worries, there are many diving schools offering both classes and equipment hire. And after a day full of activities, you can recover your energy with a delicious meal at the many beachfront bars and restaurants.

One of the cool things about Mactan island is that it is easily accessible, being connected to Cebu City by two bridges, or alternatively you can take a flight directly to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport!

P.S. If you want to still have access to beautiful beaches but you want to stay in more high-end resorts or luxurious hotels, you probably will prefer staying at Bantayan island, located just north of Cebu, or on Palawan although it’s a bit further away from Cebu.

But this doesn’t mean you won’t find good hotels in Mactan… check out the best options here below:

Other accommodation options in Mactan Island

Things to do in Mactan Island

• Learn to free dive with Mactan Scuba Dive Center
• Try delicious Filipino food at Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant
• Go snorkeling to explore all the colorful and exotic fishes
• Try Canyoneering and join some adrenaline adventures!

👑 Luxury price:	US$100
💵 Mid Range:	US$70
🛏️ Budget:	US$30
📍 Best area:	Cebu City
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	Radisson Blu Cebu
💵 Best mid-range hotel:	Citadines Cebu City
👛 Best budget hotel:	Alicia Tower Residences

FAQs about where to stay in Cebu Island

Conclusion

Here we are at the end of this useful guide about the best areas and islands where to stay in Cebu including hotel options for any kind of budget! Have you found the right one for you?

If you are still undecided, I cannot blame you, we went through so many options! So let me give you extra help with my favorite hotels in Cebu City, the most popular area of the island:

• Radisson Blu Cebu – Check out this luxury hotel, featuring a beautiful swimming pool, a relaxing spa offering treatments and massages, and 3 delicious restaurants
• Citadines Cebu City – This amazing hotel offers panoramic sea views, a restaurant, and swimming pool, all for great value for the price!

If you like them as much as I do, remember to book your room immediately or at least some months in advance, or you might lose the spot!

And if you have any comments or questions you would like to share, please do that in the comments below: I am looking forward to reading them all and answering you.

Have an incredible holiday!

Elena

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