If you want a quick beach escape without spending for overnight stays, Cebu offers plenty of day-use beaches and resorts, from budget-friendly southern beach spots to premium resort experiences in Mactan. These destinations are perfect for swimming, bonding, and relaxing for a full day trip. Below are updated details as of writing, including entrance fees, inclusions, and more accurate travel directions.
Voda Krasna
Located near Tingko Beach, Voda Krasna is a simple beach resort with pool access and open cottages. It is a practical stop for group outings along South Cebu’s coastline.
Rates (as of writing)
• Open Air Beach Cottage (good for 10 pax): ₱2,000
• Open Air Beach Area (good for 10 pax): ₱1,500
• Beach Table with Umbrella (good for 4 pax): ₱500
• Pool Pass: ₱300 per head
How to Get There?
Location:Â Barangay Daan-Lungsod, Alcoy, Cebu, Philippines
By Car: From Cebu City, drive south via Natalio Bacalso Highway passing Carcar, Sibonga, Argao, Dalaguete, and Alcoy. Once near Tingko Beach in Daan-Lungsod, use Google Maps or Waze to locate Voda Krasna. Parking is available on-site and nearby roadside areas.
By Commute: From the Cebu South Bus Terminal, ride a Ceres or non-aircon bus bound for Oslob, Bato, or Santander via Oslob route. Travel time to Alcoy is around 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and stops. Tell the conductor to drop you off at Tingko Beach or Daan-Lungsod, Alcoy. Once you reach the highway area, Voda Krasna is just a few minutes away inland or along the beach strip. You can take a habal-habal or tricycle for the final short ride.
Hermit’s Cove
Hermit’s Cove is a quiet eco-beach in western Cebu known for its clear water, limestone backdrop, and calm environment. It is less commercialized, making it ideal for peaceful day trips.
Rates (as of writing)
• Entrance Fee: ₱100 per person (includes cottage use)
• Tent Camping: Allowed
• Tent Rental: Available
How to Get There?
Location: Barangay Kantabogon, Aloguinsan, Cebu, Philippines
By Car: From Cebu City, take the Cebu South Coastal Road or N. Bacalso Avenue, then turn toward Toledo–Aloguinsan road. Continue until Aloguinsan town proper, then follow signage to Hermit’s Cove in Brgy. Kantabogon. Parking is limited near the entrance.
By Commute: From Cebu South Bus Terminal, ride a bus bound for Toledo City. Travel time is around 2 to 2.5 hours. From Toledo, transfer to another bus or van heading to Aloguinsan town proper (about 30–45 minutes). Once in the town center, ride a habal-habal going to Brgy. Kantabogon / Hermit’s Cove (around 15–25 minutes uphill coastal ride).
Shangri-La Mactan
Shangri-La Mactan offers one of the most premium day-use beach experiences in Cebu with private beach access, pools, and activities.
Rates (as of writing)
• Adults: around ₱2,000 net per person
• Children (6–12): around ₱1,000 net per person
How to Get There?
Location: Punta Engano Rd, Lapu-Laapu, Cebu 6015, Philippines
By Car: From Cebu City, take either:
• Mandaue–Mactan Bridge, or
• Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX)
Then drive toward Punta Engaño Road in Lapu-Lapu City. Follow signs to Shangri-La. Parking is available for guests with reservation.
By Commute: From Cebu City, go to SM City Cebu or Ayala Center Cebu and ride a MyBus to Mactan Newtown or Airport route, or take a taxi/grab directly to Mactan Island. From Mactan Newtown, ride a taxi or tricycle to Punta Engaño Road. Travel time from Cebu City is about 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic, especially during peak airport hours.
JPark Island Resort
JPark Island Resort is a full waterpark resort in Mactan known for slides, pools, and buffet lunch inclusions.
Rates (as of writing)
• Adults: ₱3,500 (with lunch buffet)
• Children (7–12): ₱1,750
• 6 and below: Free
How to Get There?
Location: Mactan Island, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines
By Car: Drive via Mandaue–Mactan Bridge or CCLEX, then continue straight along M.L. Quezon National Highway toward Maribago. The resort is well-marked and easy to find with navigation apps.
By Commute: From Cebu City, ride a MyBus from SM City Cebu to Mactan Airport or Mactan Newtown. From there, take a taxi or tricycle to Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City. You can also take a jeepney bound for Lapu-Lapu (route via Mandaue or Parkmall terminal), then transfer to a local ride going to Maribago. Travel time is around 1 to 1.5 hours.
