What’s the best thing to beat the summer heat? The beach, the beach! It’s undoubtedly the best place to spend some time this summer. And it gets even more fun if it’s for free or if you want champagne on a beer budget. Ladies and gents, it’s truly an honor to present to you TEN of the most beautiful public beaches you can find in the Queen City of the South!
1. LOGON BEACH IN MALAPASCUA
Malapascua is one of the BEST places to spend your dream summer escapade! Once you step on its shore, you’ll forget about how long you’ve traveled. Aside from the undeniably gorgeous white beach, there are also lots of fun activities you can do in Malapascua such as scuba diving, thresher shark watching, wake boarding, etc.
- Distance from Cebu City: ~80 km going North
- Travel time from Cebu City: ~ 3 hours
- How to get there? Take a bus bound for Maya in North Bus Terminal. Then ride a boat in Maya Port going to Malapascua.
- Transportation cost (one-way): P250.00-300.00
- Affordable Lodges/Resorts: Blue Corals Beach Resort (0917-627-2941), GUANNA’s Place (0935-127-6709/0915-330-6359), Hideaway Resort (0926-980-1134), Bamboo Room (0915-605-1508), Mike & Diose’s Beach Cottage (318-2978/0917-875-4736)
2. LAMBUG BEACH IN BADIAN
Badian’s hidden paradise. Who would have thought that you can enjoy this beautiful beach all day and all night for free? It’s also near to Kawasan Falls!
- Distance from Cebu City: ~100 km going Southwest
- Travel time from Cebu City: ~ 3 hours
- Fees: ₱500 (Cottage); ₱50-150 (Tent charge, bring your own); NO entrance fee
- How to get there? Take a bus bound for Badian in South Bus Terminal. Ask the conductor to drop you off in Lambug, Beach. Then you will need to ride a tricycle or habal-habal to reach to the beach.
- Transportation cost (one-way): ₱140 /head (bus); ₱30 /head (tricycle)
- Affordable Lodges/Resorts: link
3. MARAVILLA BEACH IN TABUELAN
While Cebu has so many popular beaches, there’s this newly discovered public white beach that trended on social media in early 2018. This is the Maravilla White Beach in Tabuelan, which offers an escape not just from the city life, but also from the noise and crowds of the usual getaway destinations. The best part? There’s NO entrance fee — for now.
- Distance from Cebu City: ~96 km going North
- Travel time from Cebu City: 2-3 hours
- Fees: NO entrance fee; NO tent charge; ₱300-500 for Cottages;
- How to get there? rom the North Bus Terminal, ride any bus going to Tabuelan – fare is ~P100 per person. Drop off at Tabuelan Public Market – where you can buy ahead your food. From the Public Market, ride a motorbike or habal2x going to Maravilla Brgy Hall. Once you’ve arrived at the Barangay Hall, you will see a basketball court behind it. Walk through the eskinita or alley for about 3-5 minutes until you reach to the beach.
- Transportation cost (one-way): ₱100 /head (bus)
- Affordable Lodges/Resorts: link
4. TINGKO BEACH IN ALCOY
If not the most, Tingko beach is one of the most popular beaches in Cebu! Cebuanos and even foreigners just can’t get enough of the white beach and the affordability of the resorts surrounding it.
- Distance from Cebu City: ~100 km going South
- Travel time from Cebu City: ~ 3 hours
- How to get there? Take a bus bound for Oslob in South Bus Terminal. Ask the conductor to drop you off in Tingko, Beach. There’s no need to ride a tricycle or habal-habal.
- Transportation cost (one-way): P90.00-150.00
- Affordable Lodges/Resorts: Cartagena Beachwalk Resort (483-9057/0919-319-1781), Edward’s Place (0922-278-1159), Barangay Beach House (0918-287-4023)
5. BASDAKU BEACH IN MOALBOAL
Moalboal is a popular place for scuba diving. Little did some people know, it has its own beautiful beaches too. Indeed, Moalboal is a perfect destination for swimming, snorkeling and diving where both the parents and the kids can enjoy.
Photo by Jepoi Lazaro 
Photo by Jepoi Lazaro
- Distance from Cebu City: ~100 km going Southwest
- Travel time from Cebu City: ~ 2.5 hours
- Entrance Fee: ₱5 per head
- How to get there? Take a bus bound for Moalboal in South Bus Terminal. Ask the conductor to drop you off in Basdaku, Moalboal. Then you will need to ride a tricycle or habal-habal to reach to the beach.
- Transportation cost (one-way): P150.00-200.00
- Affordable Lodges/Resorts: Club Serena Resort (474-0050), Ester Escabas (0927-578-5983)
6. HIDDEN BEACH IN ALOGUINSAN
Literally the hidden beach of Aloguinsan! If you want to have fun and relax at the same time, then this is the best place for you. It’s clean, greenery and uncrowded.
Photo by Anew Tagupa Loquias 
Photo by Anew Tagupa Loquias 
Photo by Anew Tagupa Loquias
- Distance from Cebu City: ~60 km going Southwest
- Entrance Fee: ₱50 for adults; ₱25 for kids
- Travel time from Cebu City: ~ 1.5 hours
- How to get there? Take a v-hire or van bound for Pinamungajan in Citilink Terminal. Ask the driver to drop you off in Hidden Beach in Aloguinsan. Then you will need to ride a habal-habal to reach to the beach.
- Transportation cost (one-way): ₱100.00-150.00
7. CARNAZA ISLAND IN DAANBANTAYAN
Carnaza Island is a 174 hectares (430 acres) turtle-shaped island located north of the mainland Cebu in the Philippines. The island is bordered on all sides by the Visayan Sea, and is part of Daanbantayan, Cebu.
John Ray Aligato / The Island Nomad 
John Ray Aligato / The Island Nomad
- Distance from Cebu City: ~133 km going north (another island)
- Travel time from Cebu City: ~ 3-4 hours
- How to get there? Take a bus bound for Daanbantayan from the North Bus Terminal. Ask the conductor to drop you off in Tapilon Port. From there, ride a boat going to Carnaza Island (₱150 per way). First trip is at 7am-10am but it would actually depend on the condition of the sea. When we got there its low-tide, so the first trip will be at 10am and departs by 1pm. So we rented a pump boat instead (since were only doing a day tour) for ₱7,000 roundtrip it can carry around 25-30 people. Tapilon Port to Carnaza Island travel time is 2 hours.
- Transportation cost (one-way): P220 for bus fare (one-way); P150 for boat fare (one-way)
- Entrance fee: P200 per head
8. SANTIAGO WHITE BEACH IN CAMOTES
Definitely Cebu’s pride, Santiago White Beach in Camotes is a place you must visit in your lifetime! This white-sand paradise is the best place to go island hopping, swimming, snorkeling, diving, kite surfing, and camping. One of the best places to create your dream summer getaway!
Photo by Jessi Ang-Lee
- Distance from Cebu City: ~280 km going North
- Travel time from Cebu City: ~ 4-5 hours
- How to get there? Take a bus bound for Danao City in North Bus Terminal. Then ride a boat that goes to San Francisco in Camotes.
If you’re going to Camotes Island, we recommend to stay at least 1 night and visit other nearby spots. Click here for the details.
Transportation cost (one-way): ₱25-35 for bus/jeepney; ₱200 RoRo boat; ₱100 habal-habal
Affordable Lodges/Resorts: link
9. TULANG DIOT IN CAMOTES
If you’re one of the people who are not big fans of huge crowds and busy islands, then the Tulang Diot Island in Camotes – Northern Cebu is the perfect getaway for you. For only ₱10 per head as an environmental fee, you will get to enjoy its pristine white sand and crystal clear water.
- Distance from Cebu City: ~280 km going North
- Travel time from Cebu City: ~ 4-5 hours
- How to get there? Take a bus bound for Danao City in North Bus Terminal, or any jeepney from SM City. Then ride a boat that goes to San Francisco in Camotes – ₱200 /head. From there, ride a habal-habal going to Tulang Daku – ₱100 /head. Then ride a boat to Tulang Diot – ₱10 per head only. (5-10 minutes to the island). If you’re going to Camotes Island, we recommend to stay at least 1 night and visit other nearby spots. Click here for the details.
- Transportation cost (one-way): ₱25-35 for bus/jeepney; ₱200 RoRo boat; ₱100 habal-habal; ₱10 boat fee; ₱10 environmental fee
- Affordable Lodges/Resorts: link
10. STA. FE BEACH IN BANTAYAN
Cebu’s own version of the infamous Boracay! Pristine white sand beach, relaxing and fun environment, friendly people — you name it, Bantayan has it! You’ll surely never go wrong in creating beautiful memories in this beautiful island.
- Distance from Cebu City: ~150 km going North
- Travel time from Cebu City: ~ 4.5 hours
- How to get there? Take a bus bound for Hagnaya in North Bus Terminal. Then take a ferry going to Sta. Fe.
- Transportation cost (one-way): P250.00-300.00
- Affordable Lodges/Resorts: Kota Beach Resort (438-9042), Saint Bernard Beach Resort (0917-963-6162), Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort (0918-940-8066), Ogtong Cave Resort (438-0165)
The fare going to these beautiful beaches may be pretty much hefty, but I tell you, IT. WILL. ALL. BE. WORTH. IT.
Also, if you don’t plan to spend more on your escapade, instead of renting a room, just bring your own tent/s.
Do you want to add something? Feel free to comment below.
, contact number, pictures, and rates. It's definitely more fun in Cebu!){kind=link}
[…] magazine described Cebu as a tourist-magnet with its pristine beaches and world-class diving spots off the island’s northern coast attracting around 2 million tourists […]
Top 10 Ang PINAKAKAIBA at MISTERYOSONG Isla sa Mundo
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Zv_zYDfEKp8
Beautiful i dont think so hugaw na kayo atong mga beaches i could 1 or two out 10 ani nga mga beaches wa nay tagad unya kusog kayo mangayo ug tax para sa environment specially bantayan island ug moalboal and yet anha diha na ang pinakahugaw wa nay control sa throwing of garbage . I would like to mention specially bantayan island hasta ang mga taga pier d ka kasabot arogante kayo manubag dili tanang panahon kamo ray sikat ayaw sobra kompyansa sa mga kaugalingon kay sikat mo tan awa wa na kaayoy mo visit didto mi last sem break i was shock way tao mao na locals should treat their visitor right like in malapascua people are friendly their.
La playa contact# 09052400065, it is now Asuncion Beach Resort(formerly la playa de asuncion), located at matutinao, badian, cebu. Home of the kawasan falls.
Hello where would be the best beaches (i.e calm white sand beaches & clear water)in December?? We have nights and my partner dives & I am more of a beach bum snorkel fan. Where do u recommend??
Thank u
By this date, can someone tell me the best place where you can BEACH CAMP (own tents) in Cebu?
all on the top list, but for me i’d go for Basdaku, sta fe beach and Maravilla White Beach that is if you are talking about camping.
Your blog is really interesting with high quality informations.
I will like to find a small house but confortable along a beach at maximum 1 hour from Cebu, where i can stay permanently.
Could you advise me where it can be possible with a monthly rental not more than 10 000 pesos?
Thanks in advance
Good luck with that one !
Hi Ram,
I tried using the contact details for the Alcoy Brgy Beach House to no avail.
Is there by any chance you have their active contact number?
Thanks to all the comments… see you soon Cebu
Hi everyone.. Maayung adlaw s inyung tanan cebuanos.. Ask ko lng po which is the best beaches in cebu? Gusto sana naming mghoneymoon with my husband jan.. Any suggestions po…
Must try Santiago Beach Resort in Camotes.
Hi! Any comment sA hidden valley resort, world big four, Paulo Luna resort &spa, Coco palm resort.
Hi is there is lodging house sa beach sa aloguinsan hidden brach? Plano po kasi naman mag over night stay..mag ka o po rates sa room of meron?
Hello po. Ask lang ko about sa beach sa Aloguinsan Sir. Ok lang na muadto dra na dili na mag-resort2? And naay mga tindahan dra Sir?
Hi. Me and partner are planning to visit cebu by oct. This year. Among the places we want to visit are, oslob,osmeña peak, simala and any pristine beach near these locations. This would be our 2nd visit to cebu and we are not too familiar with the place. We’d love to know if u hav any suggestion for a good travel itinerary. Thanks very much.
You can commute via BUSES in South Bus Terminal in Cebu City. (i.e. CERES BUS LINER via BATO OSLOB), since all your destinations are located in one direction so it’s easy to take a bus ride, first stop is SIMALA in Municipality of Sibonga, Cebu, from high way you can take a motorcycle/”habal-habal” ride going to Simala Shrine. Then Osmena Peak, though it belongs to Municipality of Badian but it’s accessible through Municipality of dalaguete, Cebu, again from Municipality of Dalaguete proper, you can take a motorcycle/”habal-habal” ride going to Barangay Mantalongon, Dalaguete (where the peak is located, just tell the motorcycle/”habal-habal” driver to take you to the jump off point near the peak). Then going back to Municipality of Dalaguete proper, again you can take a bus going to Oslob, Cebu, (just tell the Bus driver to drop you off to the Diving Site/Butanding Site).
try ninyo sa bantayan island…daming mga beaches doon..sa Hidden maganda lng ang tanawin pero ang dagat daming mga sea grass…lambog be carefull lng daming tuyom i mean yung maitim na tutusok sa paa mo..bwaahahaha…badian waterfall overcrowded…san tiago beach ang laki ngsand bar nila pero layo pa lalakarin mo pra mkapg.swimming.hahaha….tingko ingat ka dyan daming bubbles mkati yan…basdako nice public beach….malapascua nice din yan pero ang layo 3hrs sasakay ka ng pumpboat
hi Rian :) parang lahat na ng beach napuntahan mo na ah. meron kbang alam na beach na sobrang affordable ? OJT palang kc kme na napadpad dito sa cebu. Sana meron haha meron ba?
Hi! Ask ko lang mangagaling kasi kami ngboslob whaleshark ilang hours papuntang tingko? Thanks
Hello there! Oslob is approximately 24.2 km (40-minutes) away from Tingko.
Blue Corals Beach Resort (0917-627-2941), GUANNA’s Place (0935-127-6709/0915-330-6359), Hideaway Resort (0926-980-1134), Bamboo Room (0915-605-1508), Mike & Diose’s Beach Cottage (318-2978/0917-875-4736)
saan po yung mas afforadable yet magandang room na pag i istay-an po ?
hi i think lahat po yan affordable..im from malapascua..see u there!
Hello ask q lng po kung magkano ang sleep over per night/day sa malapascua…or kahit malapit xa malapascua…plan kasi nmin pumunta jan ds april ng gf q before ng flyt na pa tahailand…its my gift 4 our anniv…
Thank you for crafting this article. I’ve been going to these beaches lately and this list is my #beachgoals. This post is very informative and super easy. So far, I’ve been to Lambug and Basdaku and it was WORTH.IT. The photos might be different from reality but still those places were amazing. I will go do my best to visit all the beaches in this list. Again, thank you. And keep those articles coming!
Thank you for sharing and for the kind words, Klause! Cebu is truly blessed with these amazing beaches!
Oh my gosh! Feeling excited to go to Hidden Beach Aloguinsan this month. Thank you for sharing this summed up lists of Cebu beaches.
Hi! :) I need to know if the Hidden Beach in Aloguinsan is literally still hidden?
Or have lots of people figured out how to get there already? :)
Also, do you have a contact number to the place? Thanks in advance to whoever replies :)
It’s not literally hidden anymore. Only figuratively as it’s quite a walking distance from the highway. It’s a bit crowded during the weekends. I suggest to go as early as 7-8am.
We went to badian this year it is crowded na lol
Hello there! Weekends are usually jam-packed with crowds.
Hi Vanessa! Is it still nice to visit Badian this time of year? Any recommended place to stay?
Hi, any suggestions how can we go through atleast 3-4 beaches for 3d2n? Thanks in advance.
More nice, affordable beaches are found in Southern Cebu. Alcoy will be a good first stop, then to Moalboal, then to Badian/Oslob.
It’s ture. They are cheap compared to Mactan Beach.
Micheal i agree with you, it is so much easy to go all the places, once you have motorbike it save so much money. I went to bohol. From cebu i too supper at, it cost me 500 paso plus 25 terminal fee. on arrival i had motorbike waiting for me . i booked through your shared link. i am happy to use Book2wheel.com. I rented a nice Yamaha off road motorcycle from local rental shop. I spend only 200 p gass. i went to pangalo island and then travel arround. i would suggest if you coming to Philippines rent a motorcycle.
It’s nice to know that there are other people like me who enjoyed renting a motorbike. I checked the website you have given Michael, and the motorbikes look new and cool. I will surely rent one this summer, because I have bought a ticket back to Cebu! I love CEBU!
Great post! There’s one beach that we’ve visited before. That’s Basdaku in Moalboal. Instead of taking a ride on a bus and habal-habal, me and my friends rented a scooter online which we found affordable and convenient to use when touring around Cebu. Check this website out and see for yourself: book2wheel.com .
hi we are looking for a beach na hindi masyado matao .. we will be going next year .. please suggest some beaches na okay na hindi crowded
There are nice beaches in Mactan, there are Shangri-La’s Mactan and Plantation Bay, both of them having spa resort, they are a bit far away from Cebu and the public transportation can be a bit expensive. I would recommend you to rent a bike , that would be cheaper and faster for you to move around the beaches, for that i would like to recommend you book2wheel.com, there you can find scooters and motorbikes at affordable price.
I’ve been to all of those mentioned above but I love Tabuelan beach because it is the only one that captured my heart. The sleepy town of Tuburan and Tabuelan should be in those list.