Backpacking Cebu on a budget is possible! Let’s talk about itinerary ideas, how to get there, how to get around and where to stay.
Right in the middle of the second-largest archipelago in the world, the Philippines lies the city of Cebu. This city is the capital of Cebu island, one of the largest and more diverse locations in the tropical country.
A town rich with cultural heritage and untouched splendor, Cebu is the right place to both get your dose of adrenaline or just spend a day relaxing at the beach.
Better yet, it is only one of the most budget-friendly places in the Philippines.
With so many options to choose from, Cebu can easily accommodate all budget types. Here are some useful tips to help you plan a budget backpacking trip to Cebu.
How to Get to Cebu
Cebu is well connected with Manila and other important islands like Palawan, Boracay, Bohol or Davao.
From Manila, it is advisable to keep an eye on discounted tickets as flights are very frequent and sales occur all-round the year.
The best airfare comparison sites are Google Flights and Skyscanner.
Though the easiest way to get to the city centre is by taxi from Mactan Airport, riding on Mybus is a much cheaper option.
Buy a Mybus card at the airport and you can use it on the return trip too.
How to Visit Cebu City
This is a must for any visitor, as no trip is complete without an extensive tour of the ‘Queen City of the South’.
Public transport, like jeepneys and multi-cabs are easily available to see all the important spots. Hiring a motorcycle taxi is another cheap way to access scenic spots.
Another option is to rent a bike and drive around the town on your own. Some good places are Temple of Leah, Top Skyline Garden, St Nino Church and Fort San Pedro.
Accommodation in Cebu
From high-end hotels to simple dorms Cebu city has a lot to offer in terms of traveler accommodation. The best area to stay in is the downtown area, but hotels there need to be booked well in advance.
For those looking to stay by the beach, Mactan island situated an hour away from the city has a lot of budget beachside lodgings. Grab the lowest rates by booking online on Agoda as soon as your trip is planned.
Dining in Cebu
Cebuanos boast of the best local food in the Philippines. People go to Cebu for sightseeing and eating equally avidly. The ‘lechon’ or the roasted pig is the stellar culinary attraction here.
The city has other good places to dine in for other local dishes and many more, with stunning views thrown in for good measure. House of Lechon, The Pyramid and Planet Grapes are a few outlets worth visiting.
Cebu Budget
The traveling expenses to Cebu will depend totally on your style and your budget for activities, accommodation and food.
A normal three days/two nights itinerary should include transport expenses, activities break down, entrance fees and stay in budget hotels or hostels.
You can visit Philippines Travel Package for a complete breakdown of how much such itineraries should cost.
Getting around Cebu and Beyond
While Grab and Uber share ride apps are quite convenient and popular for downtown Cebu, try the jeepney rides if you are solo or on a tight budget.
To travel to South Cebu, take a bus from the South Bus Terminal located along Natalie B Bacalso Avenue. Buses for North Cebu can be boarded from the North Terminal towards Bantayan, Toledo or Bacolod.
Ferries for Bohol depart from the Pier 1 while fast craft boats depart from Tubigon pier. For visiting Mactan beach, take the day packages which allow the use of the pool, buffet lunch and dinner all-inclusive.
While it is quite possible to explore the major tourist attractions of Cebu in one day it is advisable to spend at least three days or even five for a relaxed trip and see the rest of the provinces of Cebu and the nearby islands.
Cebu is one of the most exciting and favorite travel destinations for many visitors to the Philippines.
The amazing variety of places to see, connected by a good and affordable flight and ferry network makes Cebu a worthy return destination.
