Visayan Islands

Travel Guide

Boracay Island which includes rocky coastline, a bay or harbor and swimming
Willy\'s Rock featuring island images, tropical scenes and a sunset
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, colorful 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, honoring 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 travelers 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 which includes a statue or sculpture

Downtown Cebu

3.5/5(32 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
Backed by Faith.
#joserizal

Iloilo City Proper

4/5(25 area reviews)

While Iloilo City Proper might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Iloilo Museum and Iloilo Esplanade.

Iloilo City Proper
What a great way to start the day! 🌈
#TroverFoodies #breakfastisserved #ginnysjournal #Cebuseries

Maribago

While Maribago might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Jpark Island Waterpark and Magellan Monument.

Maribago
Philippines Taoist Temple showing a temple or place of worship and religious elements

Lahug

4/5(178 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
If you are up for island hopping aroung Bohol, this beach is the starting point. ☺

Danao

4/5(19 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Danao, Alona Beach and Danao Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Danao
Arterra Hotel Spa Resort. 
Welcome to heaven 😍
So peaceful place 🏝

Punta Engaño

4/5(46 area reviews)

While Punta Engaño isn't home to many top sights, Magellan Monument and Jpark Island Waterpark are some notable places to visit nearby.

Punta Engaño
Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu

Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu

5 out of 5
Punta Engano Road, Lapu-Lapu, Cebu
The price is ₩212,611 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
₩212,611
₩260,980 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,006 reviews)
"The staff is excellent and helpful, and the food is high quality and quite fancy/ The only complaint about our room was lack of hot water or pressure for the shower, but everything else was comfy and great."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu
Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort

Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort

4 out of 5
Punta Engano Road, Mactan Island, Lapu-Lapu, Central Visayas
The price is ₩250,833 per night from Aug 20 to Aug 21
₩250,833
₩311,096 total
Aug 20 - Aug 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Lapu-Lapu. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (314 reviews)
A great place to stay but needs minor improvement
"I have stayed in Sheraton Mactan a lot of times and have enjoyed every stay but for this trip there are some things I would like to say and comment. Room - before they provided rubber slippers which was very convenient since their beach is very rocky, now they only provide the typical room slippers. ..."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort
Belmont Hotel Mactan

Belmont Hotel Mactan

4.5 out of 5
Newtown Blvd, Lapu-Lapu, Central Visayas
The price is ₩89,093 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
₩89,093
₩108,694 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Lapu-Lapu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Popular attractions Magellan Monument and Mactan Shrine ...
9/10 Wonderful! (188 reviews)
Great location and very safe!
"This was a great hotel, nice location and felt very safe!!"

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Belmont Hotel Mactan
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 City
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Cebu City. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (512 reviews)
Our Lovely Overnight Experience in Cebu 2025
"The location is conveniently close to our meeting venue and easy to reach for Grab drivers. The food is good, and the hotel overall is clean and well-maintained. We appreciated the complimentary water, welcome snacks, and the thoughtful welcome letter it added a special touch. The staff is friendly ..."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Citadines Cebu City
88th Avenue

88th Avenue

3.5 out of 5
Gov. M. Cuenco Ave, Cebu City, Central Visayas
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Cebu City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (149 reviews)
"88 Avenue was a great experience for me, l was surprised at the state of the art gym, swimming and sauna and roof top jacuzzi, staff were awesome, if l ever go back to Cebu l am going there"

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

88th Avenue
CSuites at 8 Newtown Residences

CSuites at 8 Newtown Residences

3 out of 5
G/F Retail 102 A 8 Newtown Blvd., Mactan, Lapu-Lapu, Cebu
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Lapu-Lapu. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room massages, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the property condition in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (184 reviews)
"Good location. Close to many restaurants as well as a grocery store and pharmacy."

Reviewed on May 17, 2025

CSuites at 8 Newtown Residences
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Visayan Islands