Central Visayas Philippines Tourist Spot

A region of the Philippines known as Region VII, Central Visayas is situated in the middle of the Visayas island chain. Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, and Negros Oriental are the three island provinces that makeup Central Visayas. Central Visayas’ regional hub in Cebu City.

You will start to hear about Central Visayas Philippines Tourist Spot a lot more because it is really starting to attract tourists.

Provinces

Three island provinces, all of which have a lot of beaches and dive resorts, are included in the region. Each comprises of a single, named after the province, main island, as well as a number of nearby, smaller islands.

• Bohol, a popular tourist destination known for its picturesque “Chocolate Hills” and tarsiers, one of the tiniest primates in the world.

• Cebu Province, the region’s economic and transportation hub, has a high level of tourism in several places.

• Siquijor, a tiny island region with a storied past including witches and sorcerers

• Negros Oriental, home to the diving hotspot Apo Island and the tourist town Dumaguete.

Cities

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• Metro Cebu, the second-biggest city in the nation and unquestionably the largest in the Visayas It mostly comprises of three cities:

• Cebu City, the capital of the province of Cebu, is a popular tourist destination with a rich past and a bustling nightlife.

• Lapu-Lapu has an airport and numerous upscale diving resorts.

• Between Cebu and Lapu-Lapu is the industrial and residential town of Mandaue.

• Dumaguete, the Negros Oriental region’s capital

• Siquijor, the provincial capital of Siquijor

• The capital of Bohol is Tagbilaran.

Short History

At the Battle of Mactan, now known as Lapu-Lapu, the intrepid Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan was slain by the local chief Lapu-Lapu in the year 1521. After he passed away hundreds of years later, a shrine was constructed in Cebu City. The walled city of Cebu, the oldest urban center in the Philippines, was constructed by Spanish colonizers in the 16th century; portions of it still exist (some only as ruins) and are popular tourist destinations today. This walled stronghold served as inspiration for the walled city of Intramuros in Manila.

The most well-known religious cultural event in the area is the Sinulog Festival, which takes place in January. Although it is mostly observed in Cebu City, several adjacent towns also participate.

See the Visayas article for further information on how Wikivoyage breaks the Visayas up without utilizing the administrative areas.

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1. Cebu’s Bantayan Island

Bantayan Island is the stuff of paradise dreams if you’re seeking for solitude and a vista. Despite the large number of people who visit there each day, it is a spot where you may discover tranquility and peace. When you exit your boat and make your way to Bantayan’s fine white beach, the crisp air and crashing waves of the island’s clear blue waters will greet you and allow you to hear the sounds of nature in perfect harmony. As a result, Bantayan is regarded as one of Cebu’s most picturesque tourist destinations.

2. Oslob Cebu

At Cebu’s southernmost point is Oslob. The whale sharks, also known as butanding or tuki locally, which inhabit its waters have made this small coastal hamlet famous throughout the world.

Due to the fact that it is one of the few locations in the world where you can witness these gentle giants of the sea, the formerly sleepy coastal village has now become a bustling tourist hotspot.

However, Oslob’s whale viewing excursions are debatable because migratory animals like whale sharks shouldn’t be attracted to particular locations by being fed.

This approach alters not just their normal nutrition and behavior but also makes them more vulnerable to harm and poaching. In Donsol, Puerto Princesa, or Sogod Bay, where the gentle giants are not fed and tours are governed, you can join a whale watching excursion if you want to swim with whale sharks there.

Don’t worry; Oslob, Cebu, has many more fantastic attractions besides diving with whale sharks. In the Philippines, you can find the most bizarre sandbar, magnificent horsetail waterfalls, coral reefs, undiscovered caverns, heritage sites, and Spanish ruins. The actual beauty of Oslob, Cebu, may be discovered both above and below the river.

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You’re in for a treat if all you’ve heard about are the whale sharks in Oslob, Cebu, because this comprehensive guide will provide you insider information and undiscovered routes that will lead you to all of its hidden treasures.

3. Cebu’s Moalboal

Moalboal, which is only two to three hours south of Cebu City, is a popular vacation spot for those who enjoy the sea, particularly diving and free divers. The magnificent sardine run, in which millions of sardines create bait balls, is what makes this Visayas tourist destination with description the most well-known. The fact that the sardines stay in the shallow waters of Panagsama Beach is what makes this spectacle so spectacular.

Regardless of whether you are deep diving or merely snorkeling, you can view them all year long. Additionally, there are numerous marine turtles can be seen nearby. This location has become one of the most well-liked tourist destinations in the Visayas due to its beauty.

4. Cebu’s Sirao Flower Garden

The Sirao Flower Garden is a popular tourist destination in Cebu. The farm has a variety of flowers, including celosia. There is a PHP 20 admission fee. Despite the fact that the flowers are beautiful, visitors who want to take pictures at the farm may cause traffic jams, so plan ahead. Nevertheless, you should not miss this Visayas tourist destination.

5. Kawasan Falls – Cebu

Kawasan Falls  is a three-stage cascade of clear turquoise water from the mountain springs of Mantalongon mountain range and one of the top Cebu tourist spots. Aside from its natural beauty, Kawasan Falls has also become famous because one of the most popular activities in Cebu is done there— Canyoneering.

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The canyoneering adventure starts at Canlaob river downstream going to Kawasan Falls. There are local accredited guides who accompany all tourists and facilitate activities such as walking, jumping, swimming, climbing and abseiling through the streams.

6. Island of Malapascua’s Monad Shoal (Cebu)

Monad Shoal in Visayas is a fantastic tourist site if you’re interested in diving there. This well-known dive location is located on the island of Malapascua in Cebu. Since Monad Shoal in Malapascua is the best location in the world to watch the endangered Thresher Sharks, it is also well-known among divers worldwide. 

Although the island’s name translates to “Horrible Easter,” you won’t have a bad time there. Both divers and non-divers should visit Malapascua Island. Its pristine white sand beaches, stunning coral gardens, and abundant aquatic life won’t let you down. Because of this, it has drawn interest from tourists all over the world and has earned the distinction of being one of the Philippines’ top diving locations.

Monad Shoal, also known as Shark Point, is made up of a plateau of buried coral that sinks to a depth of roughly 20 meters. This is the location that gave Malapascua Island its international notoriety. The best chance to see Thresher Sharks is while scuba diving in Cebu because these animals use this location as a cleaning station.

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Manta Rays and Thresher Sharks can both be seen frequently in Monad Shoal. Additionally, the shoal is home to tiny marine creatures like nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, and mantis shrimp.

Around 10 to 15 meters of visibility is consistently present in Monad Shoal. You might, however, have to contend with severe currents. Therefore, if you are at a PADI Open Water Advanced level, you will probably feel comfortable diving here.

Malapascua Island may be reached from Monad Shoal by boat in about 30 minutes. Since the sharks congregate at Monad Shoal at 6 am, the dive typically begins at that time. At Monad Shoal, you may go shark diving any time of year.

Off Cebu Island’s northern coast is Malapascua Island. Along with diving programs, Malapascua Island offers a wide range of other activities and sights to see, such as touring Cebu beaches.

7. Bohol’s Chocolate Hills

The Chocolate Hills of Bohol are another breathtaking tourist spot in the Visayas. Unquestionably the most well-known tourist attraction in Bohol and the province’s landmark, Chocolate Hills is made up of more than 1,000 symmetrical hills with conical and dome shapes that resemble Hershey’s Kisses. The name “Chocolate Hills” refers to its color rather than the fact that it is made of chocolate.

The hills take on a soft, lush aspect during the wet season due to the grass covering them. They receive their name from the foliage that dies off in the summer and develops a chocolaty brown color. For a more thorough description of Chocolate Hills

8. Bohol’s Panglao Island

Every traveler will find a destination in Bohol that suits their tastes, and if you’re the beach-loving kind, you’ll love Panglao Island. Panglao Island, which is well-known for its white sand beaches and diving spots, never lets down its guests. In addition to having beautiful beaches, this area is excellent for diving and snorkeling because of its marine life.

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9. Bohol’s Hinagdanan Cave

One of the biggest tourist destinations in Bohol is Hinagdanan Cave. Hinagdanan, which translates as “laddered” in Cebuano, refers to the set of stairs needed to descend into this magnificent cave.

A native by chance found the limestone karst cave known as Hinagdanan. During World War II, Filipinos who were seeking to flee the Japanese forces utilized it as a hideout.

Only one person can pass through the entrance to Hinagdanan at once. Less than 100 meters are available within the cave. Therefore, there can never be more than 50 individuals in the cave at once. Due to the natural drops from the cave, some areas of the ground are smooth and wet.

A freshwater lagoon and numerous stalactite and stalagmite rock formations may be seen inside. This lagoon is about 10 meters deep, and visitors frequently enjoy swimming there. There are numerous eateries and gift shops right outside the cave entrance that serve the increasing number of tourists coming to Hinagdanan.

This tourist destination in the Central Visayas is situated at Bingag, Dauis. It is situated close to a seaside resort in Bohol. It frequently serves as a pit break on the standard, well-liked tour routes provided to tourists in Bohol.

It is supposed to have been discovered by accident by a farmer in Dauis who constructed a ladder to enter the cave, hence the name. The scene is bathed in a calming and unearthly glow as light seeps through the cave’s mouth. Hinagdanan Cave is one of the most stunning tourist destinations in the Visayas, so don’t miss it.

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10. Loboc River in Bohol

No trip to Bohol would be complete without taking the renowned Loboc River Cruise. In order to explore the Loboc River, tour guides frequently bring their clients here for lunch. Your cruise will stop at a location where the locals will play musical instruments and perform traditional dances in the middle of the tour.

One of the islands of Bohol’s primary attractions. The Bohol countryside tours and other Bohol trips typically include it. This well-known river is renowned for both its cleanliness and the surrounding lush tropical surroundings. Additionally, it is one of the cleanest rivers in the nation. Taking visitors from one end of the river to the other is the primary activity of the Loboc River cruise tours.

The Loboc River boats are made up of a covered platform perched atop two outrigger boats that have been joined. These cruise ships are often referred to as “floating restaurants” because they provide visitors with a buffet lunch in addition to showing the lush surroundings of the river. The Loboc River cruises finish at Busay Falls after roughly an hour.

Onboard entertainment on these cruises may also take the shape of cultural performances, singing, or dance. You can also hire a small motorized boat (banca) and a local boatman to transport you through the river if you don’t want to eat.

The municipality of Loboc contains the Loboc River, which is about 24 kilometers from Tagbilaran City, the capital of Bohol. The towns of Poblacion and Loay, which are nearby, are the two places from which river cruises can depart.

11. Cambugahay Falls in Siquijor

One of the most stunning waterfalls in the Philippines is considered to be the Cambugahay Falls in the island of Siquijor. It is one of the most popular sights on Siquijor excursions and is situated in the eastern section of the island. The three-tiered Cambugahay is renowned for its unusually beautiful turquoise water and verdant surroundings.

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Given how clean and refreshing the water is, visitors adore swimming in the lowest tier of the. You can also leap off the top of the falls into the stunning natural pool below if you’re feeling particularly daring. On this tier, locals have hung a rope to tempt tourists to swing from it and plunge into the water.

You can travel through the jungle to get to Cambugahay’s upper tiers in addition to swimming in the lower ones. Additionally, the higher levels contain cliff-leaping areas and rock pools.

You must descend stone steps from the entrance road in order to reach the waterfalls. If you need some shade from the sun, you can rent one of the simple huts near the falls. Around the waterfalls, there are local sellers selling refreshments and snacks. Be aware that there is no suitable restroom/shower facility or restaurant at this location.

12. Salagdoong Beach in Siquijor

Salagdoong Beach in Siquijor, while having built-up areas, retained its allure due to the nearby rock formations. This Visayas tourist spot is ideal for cliff jumping, relaxing, and snapping pictures.

13. Sandbar of Manjuyod (Negros Oriental)

The Manjuyod White Sandbar was a stunning stretch of snow-white sand encircled by glistening water. Because of this, Majuyod is sometimes referred to as the Maldives of the Philippines. This 600-hectare sandbar is situated off the shore of Bais City in the Negros Oriental region.

During high tide, the sandbar is submerged in the water; however, at low tide, it is exposed. Scattered throughout the sandbar are local wooden stilt dwellings. The houses appear to be floating on the water during high tide. Manjuyod Sandbar is a breathtaking natural attraction because of the way the white sand, crystal-clear sea, and blue sky combine.

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Manjuyod is frequently included on a day excursion itinerary that also includes dolphin watching and island hopping in the Philippines. Tourist-loaded boats frequently wait for low tide in the vicinity of the sandbar. Waiting tourists are approached by locals selling snacks, beverages, and fish from boats.

By renting one of the wooden houses offered by Manjuyod Sandbar tours, you can even choose to spend the night on this well-known sandbar. You may experience what it’s like to live on an island in the middle of the ocean by staying overnight. To get to Manjuyod Sandbar from Bais City, you must take a 15-minute boat ride.

14. Apo Island (Negros Oriental)

Off the southernmost point of the larger Negros Island in the Visayas region of the Philippines is Apo Island. There are more than 400 different varieties of coral on the island’s 106 hectares of coral reef. Apo is one of the most well-liked diving locations in the Visayas due to the abundance of corals in the area. Additionally, it is well-known among the world’s diving community.

Most Visayas Apo Island cruises focus on diving and snorkeling. Numerous corals, towering walls, and deep gorges are all part of the underwater scenery. There are several possibilities to observe a variety of aquatic animals in action.

Regular sightings include green turtles, hawksbill turtles, groupers, fusiliers, and jackfish. The underwater environment of Apo Island offers exceptional visibility, making it the perfect location for diving excursions. While on the island, you can also engage in other activities including hiking, swimming, and beach hopping.

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Malatapay, a community in Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental, serves as the primary launching point for trips to Apo. A 30-minute boat ride connects Malatapay to Apo. Malatapay village is typically reached by visitors from Dumaguete, which is located around 24 kilometers away. As a result, it’s simple to plan Apo Island snorkeling excursions or Dumaguete tours that include a trip to Apo Island.

Due to the Philippines’ geographical characteristics, the Visayas is home to some of the best beaches and tourist destinations in the country. But the Central Visayas tourist spots also have magnificent places that are well worth seeing. The area has a long history and an extensive culture. Unquestionably top-notch diving can also be found in the Visayas. High mountains, pristine islands, and lush environs can satisfy even the most ardent nature lover.