On March 22, 2019, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) officially declared the beginning of summer. The day-to-day weather during this dry season will gradually become warmer. If you’re looking to take a break from the heat, grab your swimwear, sunglasses, and sunblock and head to the beach.
If you’re thinking of a good destination, consider going to Cebu. This large island in the Visayas has so many wonderful things to offer. It provides people with modern necessities while retaining a sense of the provincial vibe. Condominiums in Lahug and other areas in Cebu have been popping up to accommodate the growing population, which shows how great the area has been progressing.
On top of that, Cebu is home to world-class beaches. Tourists and locals alike can enjoy walking on beautiful, powder-like white sands and taking part in fun water activities, such as diving and kite surfing.
If you want to get your dose of sun, sea, and sand this summer, make sure you visit one of these beaches in Cebu:
Durhans White Beach in Tabuelan, Cebu
Situated in the northern part of Cebu, this is one of the province’s finest places to relax under the sun. This resort is popular to both locals and tourists.
Apart from providing a place to chill on the beachfront, the resort has a restaurant-cum-sari-sari store, a videoke machine for those who love to sing, and Wi-Fi for people who want to stay connected all the time.
Getting There: From Cebu North Bus Terminal, hop on a bus to Bacolod via Tabuelan. Once in Tabuelan terminal, ride a motorcycle (habal-habal) to the beach. Alternatively, you can book a van that would take you directly to the resort.
Basdako White Beach in Moalboal, Cebu
Its more popular name is Basdaku Beach Resort. The word “basdaku” (also spelled “basdakoo”) is Cebuano for “big sand” (“bas” for sand, “daku” for wide or big). Basdaku is a poetic name used to describe the long stretch of stunning white beach. Apart from the white sand, you’ll find that the place has pristine and crystal-clear water.
Getting There: From the South Bus Terminal, take a bus to the southwestern town of Moalboal.
Tingko Beach in Alcoy, Cebu
This favorite getaway is in a tiny but deep lagoon across Mabad-on Reef, a coral island exposed during low tide and fully submerged during high tide. A narrow channel separates the island from the mainland.
Tingko Beach is a long stretch of arcing shoreline, over a mile long with crystal-clear water and white sand fringed with limestone cliffs and coconut palm groves.
Getting There: If you’re coming from Cebu City, travel to South Cebu Bus Terminal, take the bus bound for Oslob, and get off at Tingko Beach in Alcoy. This destination is hard to miss, as many tourists visit this place.
Hermits Cove in Cantabogon, Aloguinsan, Cebu
This cove boasts clear waters teeming with colorful marine life and fine, white sand. The view is spectacular and makes for a fantastic day trip from Cebu City. It’s a great idea to visit this cove on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
Although the cove is a wonderful place to relax in, you’ll need to remember that the local government is in charge of managing the cove. It means there are rules you need to follow to keep the place in excellent condition. If you plan to go there, take note that you can’t stay overnight. On top of that, you’re not allowed to bring alcoholic beverages (leaving cans or bottles of beer is the last thing you want to do). Keeping the beach clean, therefore, is a must.
Getting There: You can rent a car or van going to Toledo City. You can also take a bus from the South Bus Terminal to Toledo City, and then ride a jeepney to Aloguinsan. Another option is to travel by bus to Carcar City, then hop on a habal-habal motorbike going to Aloguinsan.
Hidden Beach in Bon-Bon, Aloguinsan, Cebu
This resort is one of Cebu’s most natural beaches. Its hidden quality means that the beach is untouched by money-hungry, expensive resorts and resort development projects. When you visit this beach, you can find a variety of marine animals, including sea urchins, starfish, and hermit crabs.
Getting There: From the Cebu Bus Terminal, ride a bus going to Toledo, and then take a jeepney bound for Aloguinsan. Upon arrival, ride a tricycle or a habal-habal motorcycle from the main road going to Hidden Beach.
Tulang-Diot Island in Camotes, Cebu
Tulang-Diot is a small islet situated off the coast of San Francisco, Cebu. This islet has a white-sand beach, a sand bar, and crystal-clear water. Apart from the beautiful beach, you can expect to see beautiful, Instagram-worthy rock formations on the island. If you have more time, you can visit the islet’s lighthouse.
As of this time, Tulong-Diot has no facilities that allow you to stay overnight. You can choose to stay in one of Pacijan Island’s resort. If you insist on staying the night at the islet, bring a tent and pay a fee.
Getting There: Hop on a bus going to Danao Port. Next, ride a boat bound for Consuelo Port in Pacijan Island. Then, hire a habal-habal motorcycle that can take you to Tulang Dako in San Francisco. Once you reach Tulang Dako, you’ll find outrigger boats bound for Tulang Diot.
Logon Beach in Malapascua Island, Cebu
This is one of the best-kept paradises in Cebu. Malapascua Island has become famous for its incredible diving spots. It’s one of the best places in the country to encounter big fish. It’s also the only place in the world where you can witness an amazing ensemble of manta rays and thresher sharks.
Getting There: If you’ve booked a place in Malapascua, have your dive shop or resort arrange a boat transfer and private taxi. They’ll pick you up at the airport and bring you all the way to the beach.
When you want to cool off from the heat, you won’t need to fly outside the Philippines. Cebu’s dazzling beaches are more than enough to satisfy your craving for a summer adventure.
