Visayan Islands

Travel Guide
Willy\'s Rock which includes a sunset, island images and tropical scenes

Hop from island to island in the cradle of the Philippine archipelago, where miles of beaches provide the setting for resorts, colorful festivals and folk tales.

The Visayan Islands encompass most of the central Philippines, infused with rich folklore and cultural diversity. Pick from nine major island groups and explore hundreds of islands fringed with white-sand beaches and coral reefs. Discover the distinctive character of each group while learning about the region’s heritage and joining lively fiestas.

In the Central Visayas, explore the major island province of Cebu. Investigate sprawling Cebu City’s Magellan’s Cross, honoring the explorer who claimed the archipelago for Spain in 1521, or see the colonial Carcar City. Find beautiful beaches on the northern and western shores of Cebu. Scuba dive off neighboring island Siquijor or discover the captivating Chocolate Hills on Bohol.

The island of Negros is home to the Visayan Islands’ tallest peak, the volcanic Mount Kanlaon. Trek up rugged mountain ranges and look out over the island’s vast sugar plantations. The Western Visayas also contain the adjoining islands of Panay and Guimaras, which entice visitors with laidback resorts, unspoiled islands and forested mountains. The popular resort island of Boracay is famed for its beaches, watersports and energetic nightlife. Go on a diving tour to nearby Carabao Island in the province of Romblon.

Travel farther afield to the Eastern Visayas’ magnificent Samar Island, which rewards intrepid travelers with the cave-riddled wilderness of Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park. The island is also a popular stopover for surfers looking for barreling Pacific swell. Trace World War II history on Leyte or visit the Limisawa Island off Leyte’s southern tip to see where Magellan is believed to have conducted the country’s first Catholic Mass.

Reach the major hubs of the Visayan Islands easily by plane from Manila or Cebu City. Ferries conveniently interlink hundreds of Visayan Islands. Rustic bangka outrigger canoes make offshore exploration easy. Catch public buses or flag motorized tricycles to get around most islands. The peak season runs between November and February, but the Visayan Islands have four distinct climactic regions. Check local weather forecasts when planning outings.

Where to stay in Visayan Islands

Cebu City which includes a statue or sculpture

Downtown Cebu

4/5(18 area reviews)

Downtown Cebu is noteworthy for its churches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral and Magellan's Cross.

Downtown Cebu
Backed by Faith.
#joserizal

Iloilo City Proper

4/5(72 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Iloilo City Proper, Iloilo Esplanade and Iloilo Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Iloilo City Proper
Philippines Taoist Temple showing a temple or place of worship and religious elements

Lahug

4/5(57 area reviews)

Lahug is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Cebu Taoist Temple and Waterfront Cebu City Casino while you're in town.

Lahug
Moalboal Philippines

Basdiot

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Basdiot, Panagsama Beach and Naomi's Bottle Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Basdiot
Cebu harbour, Philippines. Waiting to catch my boat over to Bohol. Recommendation - supercat ferry. 
Book online and pay when you get there. 

#pangloa #bohol #philippines #cebu #supercat

North Reclamation Area

3.5/5(16 area reviews)

While visiting North Reclamation Area, you might make a stop by sights like SM City Cebu and Pier 4 Cebu Port.

North Reclamation Area
If you are up for island hopping aroung Bohol, this beach is the starting point. ☺

Danao

4/5(8 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Danao, Alona Beach and Danao Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Danao
Quest Hotel & Conference Center
Quest Hotel & Conference Center
3 out of 5
Archbishop Reyes Avenue, Cebu, Cebu
The price is P2,426 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
P2,426
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Cebu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,020 reviews)
"Layout of the room was okay, but not the best. Shower wasn't designed well and leaked into the bathroom. Overall clean."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Quest Hotel & Conference Center
Fairways and Bluewater Boracay
Fairways and Bluewater Boracay
4 out of 5
Station 1, Barangay Balabag and Yapak, Boracay Island, Aklan
The price is P3,533 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
P3,533
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Boracay Island. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and 10 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,023 reviews)
"Like the staff and there service"

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

Fairways and Bluewater Boracay
Henann Resort Alona Beach
Henann Resort Alona Beach
5 out of 5
Alona Beach, Tawala, Panglao, Bohol
The price is P9,990 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
P9,990
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Panglao. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews)
Good hotel in a great location
"Good hotel in a convenient location for everything in the Alona beach area. Staff were all friendly and helpful. Breakfast choice was good although the food is never that warm. Room was big, clean and comfortable and well equipped. Pools, there are loads and never busy during our stay. The beach ..."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Henann Resort Alona Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
88th Avenue
88th Avenue
3.5 out of 5
Gov. M. Cuenco Ave, Cebu, Central Visayas
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Cebu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Ayala Malls Central Bloc and Cebu ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (46 reviews)
"A very nice stay for the money. Wonderful staff.. housekeepers amazing. Comfortable beds. Nice atmosphere. Very happy"

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024

88th Avenue
Citadines Cebu City
Citadines Cebu City
4 out of 5
Baseline Center Juana Osmena Street, Cebu
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Cebu. Enjoy breakfast, a children's pool, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (265 reviews)
"Room was nice, had 1 bedroom apartment, though it was compact, had everything we needed, including washing machine, but if no washing machine in your room, there is laundry by pool. Limited number of beds at pool. Breakfast was best we've had whilst travelling in Philippines, amazing choice and ..."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

Citadines Cebu City
Quest Villa
Quest Villa
3.5 out of 5
Barangay Tawala, Panglao, Bohol
Stay at this 3.5-star villa in Panglao. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (81 reviews)
"The property is perfect for us except that we had an experience of not having water the next day we woke up. I would have rated this place excellent if not for that reason. the staff and service was excellent. Cannot complain anything else. Will reconsider staying on this place again on my next ..."

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2024

Quest Villa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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