Cebu travel guide

Mactan airport is about 13 km from Cebu City, so whether you stay on Mactan Island or in the city decides your arrival-day travel time.

From the airport to Cebu City takes 20 to 30 minutes by car, longer at rush hour.

Oslob whale-shark snorkelling is listed by the local government at 1,000 pesos per foreign visitor, including the boat and guide.

All arrivals register on eTravel within 72 hours before arrival; visa-free stays depend on your nationality. Recheck transport and tour prices just before you go, and compare Mactan Island with the city for your stay.

Visa and entry requirements for The Philippines

Whether you need a visa, how long you can stay and which pre-arrival forms apply all depend on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Check the official source below, and your own government's travel advice, before you book.

• Bureau of Immigration Philippines (Bureau of Immigration, Republic of the Philippines)
• Temporary Visitor (9A) Visa Waiver extension fees (Bureau of Immigration Philippines)
• eTravel (Philippine Travel Information System) (Government of the Philippines)

The Oslob local government lists whale-shark snorkelling at 1,000 pesos per foreign visitor. The rate applies from 21 March 2025 and includes the boat, guide, briefing and about 30 minutes in the water. Philippine passport holders pay 500 pesos. Prices may change, so check the operator's advisory before you go.

Oslob is in the far south, a long way from Cebu City, so a day trip involves a lot of travel. Departure times differ between Mactan and city hotels, so choose your hotel first and plan around it.

The operator's inclusions and prices have changed before, so read what's included before booking. Extras such as underwater camera rental or showers need checking on site. On a 2-night trip, the Oslob day takes up most of the day, so don't add anything else.

Airport distance from Cebu travel guides; prices from the Oslob operator's advisory.

With 2 nights: go from the airport to your hotel and relax at the beach on day one, then do Oslob on day two. Oslob involves a long trip, so settle the early-morning departure first.

With 4 nights: keep the first two days in the same order, walk Cebu City on day three, and leave plenty of time for the airport on day four.

Plan meals in Cebu around lechon, sutukil (grilled, stewed and raw seafood), puso (hanging rice) and dried mango. Have lechon or sutukil for lunch, and puso and dried mango as snacks. We don't pick specific shops or prices here.

Register for free on the official eTravel site within 72 hours before arrival and show the QR code to your airline. Visa-free stays depend on your nationality; check the official sources before you travel.

Oslob is a long trip with early starts, so decide your hotel location first. Local government prices can change, so check just before you go.

Before you leave Cebu

• Register on eTravel and save the QR code
• Check passport validity and your onward ticket
• Check Oslob prices and times
• Allow plenty of time for the airport
• Check entry requirements on the official sources

• First time in Cebu: stay on Mactan Island and do an Oslob day trip on day two.
• Here for the food: give lechon and sutukil a day in the city.
• Worried about the airport transfer: the city is 20 to 30 minutes away, so plan by your arrival time.