Visayan Islands Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Visayan Islands
Visayan Islands
Balinghai Beach
Crystal Cove Island
Boracay Island

Hop from island to island in the cradle of the Philippine archipelago, where miles of beaches provide the setting for resorts, colourful 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 CebuOpens in a new window. Investigate sprawling Cebu City’s Magellan’s Cross, honouring 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 BoracayOpens in a new window 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 travellers 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 featuring a statue or sculpture

Downtown Cebu

4/5(3 area reviews)

Downtown Cebu is noteworthy for its churches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral and Santo Nino Church.

Downtown Cebu
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Iloilo City Proper

5/5(2 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 which includes religious aspects and a temple or place of worship

Lahug

4/5(26 area reviews)

Lahug is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Cebu Taoist Temple and Ayala Malls Central Bloc while you're in town.

Lahug
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Basdiot

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

While visiting Basdiot, you might make a stop by sights like Panagsama Beach and Naomi's Bottle Museum.

Basdiot
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Danao

4/5(6 area reviews)

While visiting Danao, you might make a stop by sights like Alona Beach and Danao Beach.

Danao
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Mabolo

2.5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Mabolo, SM City Cebu and Carmelite Monastery are top sights worth seeing.

Mabolo
Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu
Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu
5 out of 5
Punta Engano Road, Lapu-Lapu, Cebu
The price is AU$433 per night from 4 Mar to 5 Mar
AU$433
includes taxes & fees
4 Mar - 5 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Lapu-Lapu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Absolutely a beautiful resort! Expensive food but very good!"

Reviewed on 17 Feb. 2025

Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu
Fairways and Bluewater Boracay
Fairways and Bluewater Boracay
4 out of 5
Station 1, Barangay Balabag and Yapak, Boracay Island, Aklan
The price is AU$105 per night from 27 Mar to 28 Mar
AU$105
includes taxes & fees
27 Mar - 28 Mar
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Boracay Island. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,148 reviews)
"friendly and accommodating staff, clean room, shuttle service excellent.. breakfast buffet just need more variety"

Reviewed on 23 Feb. 2025

Fairways and Bluewater Boracay
Radisson Blu Cebu
Radisson Blu Cebu
5 out of 5
Serging Osmena Blvd; corner Juan Luna, Cebu, Cebu
The price is AU$200 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
AU$200
includes taxes & fees
8 Mar - 9 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cebu. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"Everyone was friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 20 Feb. 2025

Radisson Blu Cebu
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.
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 (surcharge), a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (433 reviews)
"Kitchen sink linked all over the floor, more than once. The TV in the bedroom had no sound.The wifi would drop off occasionally. If you have issues with your room you may not be able to reach the front desk. Breakfast was decent except for roaches crawling around on the pastries. There are plenty ..."

Reviewed on 21 Feb. 2025

Citadines Cebu City
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. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (105 reviews)
"Great location and very quiet. Staff is snazing"

Reviewed on 17 Feb. 2025

88th Avenue
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 (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (118 reviews)
"I liked that the property was only a short ride to Alona beach. The room was spacious, comfortable, and had a nice kitchen. The pool is open 24 hrs and only shared with 4 other units. The place is quiet and just off the main road. Very close to the airport, beaches and other attractions. The staff ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jan. 2025

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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Cities near Visayan Islands