Travel to Cebu on a budget!
Been wanting to visit the Queen City of the South but on a budget? We’ll be showing you how you can enjoy your trip to Cebu for just Php 8,000 ALL-IN! From getting around the city to enjoying the white sand beaches of Mactan, we break down the perfect 3D2N guide for your Cebu getaway! Keep reading to find out how you can get 10% off your entire Klook itinerary!
Before Your Flight
Before you head off to Cebu, here are a couple of things you need to take note of prior to your trip so you can leave all the heavy planning and stress behind for your vacation.
Budget Flights
There are several flights offered daily from Manila to Cebu. However, if we’re staying on a budget, it’s best to opt for budget airlines such as Cebu Pacific and AirAsia. For some, another travel hack is to fly out from Clark as flights are usually cheaper there compared to Manila.
These budget airlines should offer the best prices for flights going to Cebu, however, it’s still best to track flights on platforms like Skyscanner to get the best deals. With these airlines, the prices of flights coming from Manila can range from Php 2,100 to Php 5,000 roundtrip usually, while roundtrip flights coming from Clark can go for as low as Php 1,200 to Php 3,000!
Accommodations
Since Cebu has such an assortment of different activities, it is best to stay at the heart of the city where everything is just a drive away. For as low as Php 700/night, you can already find strategically located rooms at the city center on Airbnb. However, if you are particular with accommodations but would still like to stay cost-efficient, there are also budget hotels like Alicia Residences, Travelbee Inn, and Uncle Tom’s Cabin that can go for as low as Php 850/night!
Getting Around Cebu
Given that the airport is located away from the main island of Cebu, it is best to secure a ride going to your hotel beforehand. This airport transfer service offers a choice of Sedan, SUV, or Van depending on how many you are who traveling.
Especially if you are traveling as a group, having a pre-booked transportation service will surely be more convenient for your everyday transportation needs.
3. Grab
Although Grab’s service will only be available in the main cities like Cebu, Mandaue, Mactan, and other nearby towns, it is very reliable in the area and you can even take advantage of the promo codes available in Cebu as they usually offer a lot in the region!
4. Google Maps
Reliable as it is when traveling abroad, this can surely help you navigate your way through Cebu’s varying landscape — from the city to the beaches and mountains. Just key in your initial and final destinations and you will already be able to see and gage the travel times you’ll need to plan out your daily schedules.
3 Days 2 Nights CEBU ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrival at Cebu and City Tour
6:30 AM: Arrival at Mactan-Cebu Airport
To make the most out of your Cebu trip, you can try to catch the early morning flights so that you can still do a whole lot of activities for the day. Cebu Pacific and AirAsia both offer flights as early as 5:00 AM and usually, they are even the more affordable ones!
7:00 AM: Get picked up at the airport
Depending on what time you arrive, you can schedule a private airport transfer straight to your hotel as this will be more convenient for you. Refer below for the linked product page and pick up locations:
- Airport Transfer: Private Mactan-Cebu Airport Transfers (CEB) for Cebu or Mactan Island
- Domestic Flight Airport Pick Up
- For passengers arriving at this terminal, please proceed outside of the arrival hall of Terminal 1.
- International Flight Airport Pick Up
- For passengers arriving at this terminal, please proceed outside of the arrival hall of Terminal 2.
9:00 AM: Have brunch in a cafe in Cebu City
Brunch cafes in Cebu have increased over the years and not only do they serve good food, but they’re also very Instagrammable too! Since hotels and Airbnb’s usually have fixed check-in times, you can spend your morning fueling up for your afternoon activities in restaurants like Bicester Cafe, Birdseed Breakfast Club + Cafe, or Yolk.
However, if you prefer to just relax and recharge, you can also ask your hotel or Airbnb host if you could do an early check-in. This is usually allowed if there are rooms available by the time you arrive, and sometimes they even give it for free!
1:00 PM: Discover the rich heritage of Cebu City
Kickstart your Cebu adventure with a fun half-day Rediscovery Tour. Visit some of the most iconic historical landmarks like Fort San Pedro, Magellan’s Cross, and Sto. Niño Church, and learn more about the rituals of devotees at the Taoist Temple.
The rest of the tour will take place in urban attractions like the South Road Properties, Asiatown IT Park, and the Ayala Business Park, so you can choose to stay there and have your dinner at one of the restaurants or food markets around the area.
Day 2 – Immerse in Nature with a Trip to Kawasan Falls and Osmena Peak
6:30 AM: Breakfast and get picked up at your hotel
Don’t forget to fuel up before the tour’s pick up service fetches you from the hotel. If your hotel does not offer free breakfast during your stay, you can always stop by for some food during your road trip! If you want, you can even buy your lunch ahead of time when you pass by Carcar which is known to have the best lechon and chicharon in town. Be sure to pair it with the native Cebuano pusô or hanging rice!
10:00 AM – 5:30 PM: Osmeña Peak and Kawasan Falls
Head away from sea level and experience the great heights that Cebu has to offer on this day tour to Kawasan Waterfalls and Osmena Peak. For this itinerary, it is advised that you do the hike first so that you can cool down at the waterfalls after!
Day 3 – Exploring the North and Departure from Cebu
6:00 AM: Early morning breakfast
Like from the day before, you can have breakfast at your hotel or you can grab some on the way, like delicacies from the famous Titay’s Liloan or from one of the many travelers’ stopovers in the north! If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, going to the destination via public transportation could be a good option for you! From Cebu City, go to the north bus terminal and take any bus that passes through Carmen. Alight in front of Carmen Plaza and look for vans that can bring you straight to the safari. You can check this map for assistance! However, since Cebu Safari and Adventure Park is a long way from the city, it can be more convenient for you to pre-book transportation with this Private Car Charter available on Klook that specifically transfers passengers to and from Cebu Safari.
Klook Travel Tip: If you are going for the Private Car Charter option, check out before you leave for your adventure to avoid extra hotel charges. Plop the luggage in the trunk and head straight to the airport after an entire day of fun!
9:00 AM: Cebu Safari and Adventure Park
It may take you two hours to get to Cebu Safari and Adventure Park, but this whole day admission ticket available on Klook will surely make your visit worth it! The ticket entitles you to a free Klook exclusive bird-feeding session on top of being able to see the diverse wildlife.
5:00 PM: Food Trip in Sugbo Mercado
Still up for one last adventure before your flight? Guaranteed that a food trip in Sugbo Mercado will cap off your Cebu visit perfectly!
Every week, this food market located in the Garden Bloc of the Asiatown IT Park introduces a variety of new food stalls that will surely satisfy whatever cravings you have. It is also conveniently located beside The Pyramid, a very Instagrammable wine and dine bistro inspired by the Louvre, and it is a 10-minute drive away from La Vie Parisienne, another must-visit establishment for every Cebu tourist.
11:00 PM: Flight out of Cebu
Since both Cebu Pacific and AirAsia offer flights all day long, it is very possible to still get a full day of activities. There are a lot of pasalubong stops on the way to the airport so make sure to stop by for some trinkets before leaving.
Budget Breakdown
Save even more on your Cebu trip with Klook!
Until August 26, 2019, enjoy 10% OFF on any Klook activity with the promo code <KLOOKAHOLIC> (max. discount of PHP 1,800), or up to PHP 1,800 OFF with the promo code <LONGWEEKEND> (min. purchase of PHP 15,000). Add to cart all your favorite activities and get the most out of your long weekend with Klook!