If there’s one thing Cebu has an abundance of, it’s beach destinations! With dozens of beaches in bustling resorts and quiet towns, you’ll never run out of options.
For your next trip down south, here’s our select 6 beautiful public beaches in Southern Cebu!
1. Lambug Beach
Lambug White Beach is undeniably one of Cebu’s hottest go-to beach. Getting there is pocket-friendly, and the pristine white sands actually earned it the title of Little Bora of Southern Cebu! With just a quick trip down south, you’ll be enthralled by the crystal-clear water, the great blue skies, and the refreshing scenery.
Other information
- Entrance fee: ₱45 per head
- Tent charge: ₱50 per head on weekdays, ₱150 /head on weekends (bring your own tent)
- Cottage: ₱500 for day use
- Contact information (Badian Local Tourism):
- 0966-556-9065
How to get there?
Exact location: Brgy. Lambug, Badian, Southern Cebu – 3 hours away from the city.
From the South Bus Terminal, take a bus going to Badian or Oslob. Fare is P140. Tell the bus driver to drop you off at the town center or “lungsod” of Lambug Badian. Travel time is approximately 3 hours.
From the town proper, ride a tricycle going to Lambug Beach. Fare is P30 per person. Travel time is 20-30 minutes.
You can park your car or motorcycles for a very minimal fee.
2. Panagsama Beach
Panagsama, unlike the aforementioned, doesn’t have a white sand beach. Instead, it has corals lining its shores, making for a unique beach scenery. The charm of Panagsama Beach lies not in having powdery white sand, but in its underwater attractions. The sunken plane, turtle watching, and the famed sardine run all make Panagsama Beach the prime location for diving in Moalboal.
Other information
- Entrance Fee: Panagsama Beach is FREE, but if you wish to have a private package tour, it would cost you roughly ₱1,500 to ₱2,000 for 4 to 6 people.
How to get there?
Exact Location: Panagsama Beach, Moalboal, Southern Cebu – 2 to 3 hours away from Cebu City.
From Gaisano Grand Mall or Moalboal Municipal Hall, take a tricycle and ask the driver to drop you off at Panagsama Beach. Fares vary depending on your agreement with the driver.
3. Basdaku Beach
Can’t get enough of the amazing beaches in Moalboal? Here’s another! Basdaku Beach boasts a wide shoreline, crystal clear waters, and pure white sand. A little trivia, the term ‘Basdaku’ is derived from two Cebuano words “bas” and “daku” which mean ‘sand’ and ‘big’, respectively. The name literally describes the kilometer-long coastline of the beach – and it’s all waiting to welcome you!
Other information
- Entrance fee: ₱10-20 per head only
- Tent charge: ₱100 per tent (bring your own tent)
- Tent rental: ₱500 to 2,000 (depending on the size)
- Cottage fee: ₱300 to 2,500 (rates vary from one resort to another)
How to get there?
Exact location: Basdaku Beach, Moalboal, Southern Cebu – about 3 hours from the city.
From the South Bus Terminal, ride a bus bound for Moalboal via Barili or Badian. Then ask to be dropped off at Gaisano Grand Mall Moalboal or Moalboal town proper. Another option would be by van, which is also available at One Citilink Terminal. Fare is ₱150 to ₱180 and travel time is 3 hours depending on traffic conditions.
Once you’ve reached the town of Moalboal, you can hire a tricycle to take you to Basdaku or White Beach.
4. Tingko Beach
Next up, we’re heading to another lengthy beach on the east. This stretch of tropical cliché in Alcoy, Cebu is a famous spot frequented and adored by locals and tourists alike. The sandy coastline is so long that it’s divided into four beaches: Tingko Beach 1 & 2, Voda Krasna Resort, and a public beach. The powdery white sands and azure waters that hem the coastline extends into a shallow drop filled with corals and aquatic flora that is perfect for snorkeling and diving.
Other information
- Corkage fee: none
- Entrance fees:
- Tingko Beach 1 & 2: ₱20 per head
- Public Beach: none
- Tent charge: ₱100, but free in some areas
- Cottages: range from ₱300 to ₱1,000
How to get there?
Exact location: Daanglungsod, Alcoy Town, Southern Cebu – approx. 3 hours away from Cebu City.
BY BUS: Find your way to Cebu South Bus Terminal (near E-Mall). Ride any bus bound to Oslob. Ask the driver or conductor to drop you off at Tingko Beach, Alcoy. Remember that Tingko Beach has multiple entrances. From Cebu City, Tingko 1 will appear first. The public resort is the easiest to spot.
BY VAN: Starting at the Cebu South Bus Terminal, ride a v-hire bound for Oslob. Ask the driver to drop you off at Tingko Beach, Alcoy. The trip costs around ₱90 to ₱150.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Tingko Beach” in Alcoy.
5. Dalaguete Beach Park
Not many people know that Dalaguete is not only popular for its scenic mountain peaks like Osmena Peak, Kandungaw Peak and Casino Peak (a.k.a. the Little Chocolate Hills of Cebu), but it’s also tagged as the “Summer Capital of Cebu”. Visit Dalaguete Beach Park and find out why for yourself!
Other information
- Camping is not allowed.
- Operating hours: 7AM to 5PM only
- Contact number: (032) 253-3532
- Entrance fee: ₱50 per adult; ₱25 per child
- Parking fee: ₱20
- Rentals:
- Table: ₱250 for day use
- Cottage: ₱350 (small), ₱1,500 (big)
How to get there?
Exact location: Brgy. Casay, Dalaguete, Southern Cebu — approx. 3 hours away from the city.
From the South Bus Terminal, ride any bus bound for Dalaguete. Inform the driver or conductor to drop you off at Dalaguete Beach Park (or public beach of Dalaguete). Bus fare is ~₱120 (one-way). The beach is a 10-to-15-minute walk away from the main road. You can also opt to ride a tricycle for ₱50 (good for 3pax).
6. Mahayahay Beach
Mahayahay Beach is a peaceful and extremely affordable beach in Argao perfect for those who are looking for a comfortable spot to spend their vacation. Mahayahay means “relaxing” in vernacular, and there is truly no better word that can describe the beach! This beach is a wide and long stretch of pristine and gorgeous sandy shore. The immediate shallow waters are spotless and have little to zero sharp rocks, making swimming much more fun and safer for everyone!
Other information
- Entrance fee: none
- Cottage rental: ₱200 per cottage
- Skimboard rental: ₱100 for day use
- Camping is free (bring your own tent)
How to get there?
Exact Location: Mahayahay Beach, Argao, Southern Cebu — 2 hours from Cebu City
BY BUS: Find your way to the Cebu South Bus Terminal then ride a bus bound for Argao. Ask the driver to drop you off at the corner going to Mahayahay Beach. From there you can ride a pedicab (tricycle) going to the beach.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Mahayahay Beach Argao” in Sogod. Parking space is available.
Good day
Just wondering you published the best public beaches in sOuth of cebu.
How come you still have to pay for ENTRANCE i thought it is PUBLIC?
Another Rip off by this greedy people trying to cash in.
Make it FREE for ALL Filipinos. You should not be paying anything whatsoever. You already have expenses to go there and maybe the food and Drinks.
It is pathetic. It Should be free for All