North Cebu Travel Guide

The northern half of skinny, mountainous Cebu Island is where things flatten out a bit around towns such as Bogo and Daanbantayan. A wealth of natural scenery awaits visitors, as well as dozens of interesting islands.

Worth It?: Only if you are a scuba diving fanatic with lots of time on your hands.
What to Do: dive the two-mile reef at Capitancillo Islet, explore caves and beaches around Sagod, and island hop to some of the 100 islets off the northern coastline.
Best Time to Go: during the dry season from December to March.
How Long?: It takes days to move around North Cebu, so make sure you have lots of time.

Heading north from Cebu City one comes to the lovely town of Sagod, with its perfect beaches, deep cave systems, and great scuba diving. Several islets, such as Gato and Calanggaman are nearby, offering lagoons, reefs and caves ideal for exploration.

Off the northern coast lie Bantayan Island, Poro Island, Pacijan Island and numerous other islets that each offer their own blend of incredible outdoor recreation and local culture. At the far northern tip of Cebu the landscape levels out, offering a chance for agriculture and a sprinkling of small towns.

San Remedio, Medellin, Bogo and Daanbantayan are all good towns to spend a day or two while exploring the far north. But most visitors head to North Cebu to tap into some of the best undeveloped scuba diving in the world. Sites like Capitancillo Islet are far enough from the bustle of Mactan to warrant making the effort to venture away from the popular spots and into the hinterlands.

Travel to North Cebu - Getting There

The only real way to reach North Cebu is via Mactan-Cebu International Airport, located on Mactan Island just next to Cebu City. This is the entry point to Cebu Island, and just an hour flight from Manila. To travel around North Cebu, visitors can choose from colorfuljeepneys, public buses or private taxis. Outside the cities, expect slow rough travel conditions.

North Cebu Things to Do

North Cebu Attractions

Capitancillo Islet

this tiny island sits in the middle of two miles of delicious coral reef just waiting to be explored.

Bantayan Island

this beautiful large island off the northern tip of Cebu is a great destination to end your trip.

Sagod

this town offers lots of caves, beautiful beaches and great diving sites without much tourism.

Events

Kalag-Kalag Festival: locals flock to cemeteries to decorate the graves of their ancestors over All Soul's Day.
Sinulog Festival: every third Sunday in January, various tribes wind their way through the streets of Cebu City in this extremely colorful religious spectacle.