Central Visayas, Philippines

🏝️ Central Visayas – Philippines: The Archipelago’s Adventure Core

Central Visayas is the heartbeat of Philippine island adventure, home to stunning coral reefs, whale sharks, chocolate hills, and vibrant heritage towns. Comprising Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, this region offers a perfect blend of natural wonders, cultural charm, and tropical bliss β€” ideal for explorers, divers, and beach-lovers alike.


πŸ—ΊοΈ Which Provinces Are in Central Visayas?

  • Cebu

  • Bohol

  • Negros Oriental

  • Siquijor

Each province offers a distinct experience β€” from the whale sharks of Oslob to the mystical waterfalls of Siquijor.


✈️ How to Get There

  • Fly into Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) – Main entry point

  • Domestic flights connect to Tagbilaran (Bohol) and Dumaguete (Negros Oriental)

  • Ferries connect islands like Cebu ↔ Bohol ↔ Siquijor ↔ Negros


🌟 Top Attractions in Central Visayas

πŸ‹ Cebu (Queen City of the South)

  • Oslob Whale Sharks – Swim with gentle giants

  • Kawasan Falls – Epic canyoneering through turquoise pools

  • Moalboal – Sardine Run, sea turtles, and vibrant reefs

  • Magellan’s Cross & Basilica – Colonial heritage in Cebu City

  • Temple of Leah & Sirao Garden – Instagram-worthy stops in the highlands


🏞️ Bohol

  • Chocolate Hills – 1,200+ natural limestone mounds that turn brown in dry season

  • Tarsier Sanctuary – See the world’s smallest primates

  • Loboc River Cruise – Dine on a floating restaurant with live music

  • Panglao Island – White sand beaches, top-tier diving, and luxury resorts

  • Anda – Quieter alternative to Panglao, with caves and reef diving


🐠 Negros Oriental

  • Dumaguete City – University town and jump-off for marine adventures

  • Apo Island – One of the best diving/snorkeling spots in the Philippines

  • Casaroro Falls – Dramatic jungle waterfall near Valencia

  • Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao – Cool mountain escape with kayaking


πŸŒ… Siquijor (The Mystic Island)

  • Cambugahay Falls – Tiered waterfalls with rope swings

  • Salagdoong Beach – Cliff jumping and turquoise waters

  • Lazi Church & Convent – Spanish-era stone structure

  • Known for traditional healers and folklore


🚀 Island Hopping & Activities

  • πŸ›Ά Snorkeling in Balicasag Island (Bohol)

  • 🐒 Freediving in Moalboal

  • πŸ™ Diving in Apo Island

  • πŸŒ„ Sunrise hike to OsmeΓ±a Peak (Cebu)

  • πŸ›΅ Scooter road trips in Siquijor


🍽️ Local Food to Try

  • Lechon Cebu – World-famous roasted pig

  • Danggit – Crispy dried fish from Cebu

  • Peanut Kisses – Boholano snack

  • Silvanas & Sans Rival – Must-try desserts from Dumaguete

  • Torta & Budbud – Traditional cakes and sticky rice treats


🏨 Where to Stay

  • 🌟 Plantation Bay Resort (Cebu) – Family-friendly luxury

  • πŸ›οΈ Amorita Resort (Bohol) – Cliffside views and 5-star service

  • 🐚 Atmosphere Resort (Negros Oriental) – Diving paradise

  • 🌿 Coco Grove (Siquijor) – Beachfront calm with modern comforts


πŸ“… Best Time to Visit

  • November to May – Dry season, ideal for outdoor activities

  • March to May – Best visibility for diving

  • June to October – Rainy season; expect scattered showers, especially inland


πŸ“Έ Top Photo Spots

  • πŸ“ Kawasan Falls (Cebu)

  • πŸ“ Chocolate Hills (Bohol)

  • πŸ“ Twin Lakes (Negros)

  • πŸ“ Cambugahay Falls (Siquijor)

  • πŸ“ Whale sharks of Oslob

  • πŸ“ Sunrise at Panglao or sunset at Apo Island


πŸ’‘ Travel Tips

  • Book ferries in advance during holidays and weekends

  • Carry cash in smaller islands (ATMs are limited)

  • Follow marine protection guidelines for reefs and wildlife

  • Local transportation: tricycles, scooters, vans, or habal-habal (motorbike taxis)