https://https://uk.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/central-visayas/best-things-to-do/10071453332090
Best Things to Do
Top 10 Best Things to Do in Central Visayas [2025]
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Oslob Whale Shark Watching
4.6
/5
307 reviews
5.8
From AU$59.34
Based on 2,763 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +639266987105
Address: F97H+9W, Natalio Bacalso Avenue, Oslob, 6023 Cebu, Philippines
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
No.1 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Central Visayas
Highlights:
Close-up view of wild whale sharks
Whale sharks & coral reefs
Saved by 1502 users228 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Swimming with the gentle giants in Oslob was an unforgettable experience! Seeing the whale sharks up close felt surreal and humbling. It’s something I used to only see in documentaries, and being there in real life made me appreciate nature even more. Make sure to follow the rules and respect the animals! A once-in-a-lifetime adventure that’s worth the early morning wake-up!
Oslob. Thank you so much fist of all. Whale Shark Watching was my highlight. Swimming with them was super fun and interesting to see the body.
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Chocolate Hills
4.6
/5
514 reviews
5.8
Based on 2,853 reviews
58.8 km from downtown
Phone +639166396347
Address: Batuan, Bohol, Philippines
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
Highlights:
Panoramic view of Chocolate Hills
Panoramic view from the summit
Saved by 265 users164 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Beautiful views, the opportunity to eat at the top, buy water. Be sure to ride the quad bikes below!Address: Q5X8+GW5, Loay Interior Road, Carmen, Bohol, Philippines Tips: On the main road near the turnoff to the chocolate hills they sell the most delicious caramelized bananas in the world!!!)
If you like to see a mountain like a dorm you can come but if not is normal mountain I been in the rainy day is not looks like chocolate but is looks matcha hills eiei
Alona Beach
4.4
/5
307 reviews
5.5
Based on 2,774 reviews
84.1 km from downtown
Phone +639173051000
Address: Panglao, Bohol, Philippines
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No.1 of Water fun & Cool Retreats in Central Visayas
Highlights:
Coconut oil massage & relaxation
Coral reef & white sand beach
Saved by 202 users29% positive reviews
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This beach is beautiful and has a lot of nice places to eat. It is good for a sunrise and sunset. White sand and the water is clean to swim in.
This is a popular beach for tourists, but I found that it wasn't the most ideal beach for swimming as there were lots of boats around. The strip is very lively though, especially at night and has lots of great options for bars and restaurants. Good spot to visit for sunset and live music.
Reasons to Recommend:sunset and nightlife
No.
4
Balicasag Island
4.4
/5
247 reviews
5.4
Based on 456 reviews
89.7 km from downtown
Address: Panglao, Bohol, Philippines
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No.2 of Water fun & Cool Retreats in Central Visayas
Highlights:
Dolphin & whale watching events
Dolphin tracking & close observation
Saved by 230 users
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We have been there for the past 2 years. Beautiful Island. We saw good corals and turtles under the ocean. The boat ride is also stunning. I just feel that the amount of people visiting is becoming more every year.
Beautiful island just a boat ride from Bohol. We had a snorkeling trip here and were spoilt with beautiful crystal clear water. We got to see turtles and beautiful marine life. The locals all work together to keep the island clean. Lunch was simple but good and there are ladies selling souvenirs. Overall a beautiful island to visit.Tips: Go early to avoid the crowdsReasons to Recommend: Snorkeling and diving
No.
5
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Moalboal Sardines Run - Cebu Sardines Run
4.8
/5
57 reviews
5.2
From AU$40.06
69.1 km from downtown
Phone +639182027630
Address: Panagsama Beach, Moalboal, 6032 Cebu, Philippines
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No.6 of Water fun & Cool Retreats in Central Visayas
Highlights:
Sardine storm spectacle: June-October
Sardine storm spectacle viewing
Saved by 668 users63% positive reviews
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moalboal. main attraction at moalboal is the sardine storm. can be access from Cebu via bus/van from the south bus terminal
The cliff dive site and the Sardines Storm dive site in Mobao are really stunning, as if you are in a black storm. You need skills to take beautiful photos. Don't rush into the school of fish, otherwise the sardines will scatter. You should take photos in front of the sardine school.
No.
6
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Magellan's Cross
4.4
/5
397 reviews
5.0
Based on 1,847 reviews
Cebu Downtown | 1.5 km from downtown
Phone +63789456321
Address: 7WV2+CQG, P. Burgos St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
Recommended sightseeing time: 1 hour
Highlights:
Magellan's Cross inside hexagonal pavilion
Sunday morning devotion in Cebu
Saved by 467 users193 positive reviews
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Magellan's Cross is located in Cebu City, Philippines. It is an important historical and cultural landmark of the country. In 1521, the Portuguese navigator Magellan led a fleet to Cebu Island, where he preached Catholicism. On April 14, Father Pedro Valderama held a baptism ceremony for the indigenous chieftain Rajah Humabon, his wife Queen Juana and 400 other indigenous people. In memory of this ceremony, Magellan erected the cross.
·Architectural features: The cross is placed in a hexagonal pavilion. The ceiling mural of the pavilion retains the scene of Magellan landing on Cebu Island. The priest on the ship held a baptism ceremony for the first batch of Filipino Catholics. The colors are bright and realistic.
In fact, the cross above was erected when the original cross should have been sealed inside, and the wood should have been broken. In the end, Magellan also died in Cebu. It was a pity when he attacked other tribes on the opposite side.
. Religious significance: Magellan's Cross is an important symbol of the development of Christianity in the Philippines, marking the beginning of Catholicism in the Philippines and witnessing the transformation of Filipinos' religious beliefs. It attracts many believers and tourists to worship and visit every year.
. Historical significance: It is an important witness to the great historical event of Magellan's circumnavigation of the world, representing the spirit of exploration in the Age of Discovery, and also reflects the beginning of the history of the Philippines' colonial rule.
It's a beautiful Catholic church in Cebu. Old and original during Spanish colonization. Worth to visit for tourists definitely.
No.
7
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Cebu Ocean Park
4.6
/5
36 reviews
4.9
From AU$18.01
Cebu Downtown | 2 km from downtown
Phone +63328885288
Address: SM Seaside Complex, F. Vestil St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
No.2 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Central Visayas
Highlights:
Marine life habitat exploration
Bird show & interactive experience
Saved by 331 users95% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
my third time coming here, came in early and didn't get the chance to see the bird show (starts at 12nn) because we need to eat lunch outside 😆 but it's fine because I get to see the feeding show at the big aquarium and a baby penguin near the cafe area next to the souvenir shop
this is a great place to see underwater species to see and to know them. i went there with my family and we had so much fun. well recommended to visit
No.
8
Panglao Island
4.7
/5
106 reviews
4.5
79.4 km from downtown
Address: Bohol, Philippines
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-5 days
No.3 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Central Visayas
Highlights:
Wild dolphin watching at sea
See wild dolphins at sea
35% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Definitely worth a visit, while still a bit underdeveloped there is still so much to see and do, and the people are so friendly
A fun little island to check out for a day or two. Amazing underground pool in a cave, paths to check out, resorts, small towns, and hole in the walls all over. you just have to go off the road and look for them or ask around
No.
9
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Pulo ng Bohol
4.5
/5
343 reviews
4.0
57.9 km from downtown
Address: Lalawigan ng Bohol, Pilipinas
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-5 days
No.3 of Water fun & Cool Retreats in Central Visayas
138 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
A must try attraction and you should add it in your bucket list when you are in Bohol.-Chocolate Hills
It's a very relaxing resort. When we sailed out, we saw a vast expanse of blue sky and blue sea. It was very shocking. I can't find any adjectives to describe it. It is recommended to find a local tour guide, we found one through Facebook. In three days, I almost played all the itineraries on the Internet. The tour guide asked about my wishes and arranged them. The price was not expensive. It was much easier to arrange it with someone else. And there was a special car to pick me up, so I didn't need to bargain every time I took a car.
No.
10
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Minor Basilica of the Holy Child of Cebu
4.6
/5
280 reviews
4.0
Based on 2,178 reviews
Cebu Downtown | 1.5 km from downtown
Phone +63322556697
Address: Pilgrim’s Center, Osmeña Blvd, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Museum showcases Cebu's century-old relics
Queue to worship the Holy Child
Saved by 340 users143 positive reviews
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At night, the Basilica del Santo Niño in Cebu emanates a majestic and serene atmosphere. The facade is often illuminated, highlighting its Spanish colonial architecture, while soft lights create a tranquil ambiance around the church ground. The surrounding areas may feature gentle night sounds, contributing to a peaceful and spiritual experience.
It was nice to visit Basilica Minore del Santo Nino. Lots of people are going there to pray and lit a candle. You can also see some Saints Relics inside the Church. It was.also nice to attend the.mass outside the church building because it was celebrated in an open air. You can also see.the famous Magellan's Cross.
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