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A Guide to the 20 Best South Cebu Beaches

What are the travel requirements in the Philippines so I can see the best beaches in south cebu

If you live in Cebu, it is so easy to hop on the bus bound down south and pick one of the beaches you can see from the bus window. Well, that’s what I did back then. There is no question that Cebu is one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines. To this day, several countries after, I still consider Cebu as home. Perhaps because I have never traveled anywhere else as intensely as I did Cebu. I explored the entire island for so many years, that it leaves a mark on me. Or it has marked me forever. A Cebuana. A Bisaya. An Island creature. Anyway, if you’re looking for some of the best beaches in Cebu, look no further! In this blog post, I list down all the top 20 beaches in south Cebu .

So without further ado, let’s get started!

What are the best beach resorts in south Cebu

No doubt, I have favorites.

Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort: Oslob
Fantasy Lodge: Samboan
Hale Manna: Moalboal

What are the top south Cebu beaches?

If you are new to Cebu and have not been to any of the beaches in the south, then there is no shames in going for the most popular picks. South Cebu certainly has so many beaches, we curated twenty out of the countless ones. For the top beaches in south Cebu: Moalboal’s White Beach and Panagsama, Badian’s Lambug Beach, Oslob’s Sumilon Island, Santander’s Pebble Beach (my fave), and Alcoy’s Tingko Beach.


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how to get from cebu city to moalboal
Panagsama Beach, Moalboal

A quick geography lesson on south Cebu

South Cebu has two bus routes: via Barili and via Oslob.

Via Barili beaches

Sayaw Beach, Sayaw Beach Resort, Barili
The Beach at Anahaw Beach Resort, Barili
Giloctog Hidden Beach, Barili
Kasadya Public Beach, Ronda
White Beach, Moalboal
Panagsama Beach, Moalboal
The Beach at Badian Island Wellness Resort, Badian
Lambug Beach, Badian
Hermit’s Cove, Aloguinsan
Palanas Ginatilan Public Beach, Ginatilan
Villarojo Beach, Malabuyoc
Pebble Beach, Santander

Via Oslob beaches

Dalaguete Beach Park, Dalaguete
Sumilon Island, Oslob
Granada Beach Resort, Boljoon
Boljoon Baywalk, Boljoon
Tingko Beach, Alcoy
Unnamed Beaches, Oslob
The Beach at Seafari Resort Oslob, Oslob

Sumilon Island, Oslob

Must be home to one of the top beaches in Cebu, Sumilon Island is a small island located off the southern tip of Cebu. It is known for its clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and lush vegetation. The island is also a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkelling.

If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Sumilon Island is the perfect place for you. Kick back and relax on the beach, or go exploring and find your own little slice of paradise. Either way, you’re sure to have a great time on this idyllic island. Undoubtedly, Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort is one of the top south Cebu beach resorts, if not in the entire Philippines

The beach at the Sumilon Beach Resort hands down is one of the best beaches in Cebu
The beach at the Sumilon Beach Resort hands down is one of the best beaches in Cebu

White Beach, Moalboal

White Beach, locally called Basdaku, is located in Moalboal. This beach is well-known for its clear water and beautiful coral reefs. If you’re a fan of snorkeling or diving, White Beach is the perfect place for you. There are plenty of dive shops in the area that can provide you with all the equipment you need.

Panagsama Beach, Moalboal

Panagsama beach may not have the length of the powdery White Beach, but the underwater scenery makes it one of my fave beaches in Cebu. I still visit here everytime I am in Cebu
Panagsama beach may not have the length of the powdery White Beach, but the underwater scenery makes it one of my fave beaches in Cebu. I still visit here everytime I am in Cebu

Panagsama Beach is another great spot for snorkeling and diving. This beach is also located in Moalboal, making it the perfect place to spend a day or two. This is often the jump-off point for Pescador Island boat tour, and Moalboal’s famed sardine run right in front of its house drop.

Check out the best Moalboal beach resorts via Agoda
Our Top 13 Beach Resorts in Moalboal
Moalboal Cebu: Things to Do in Moaboal
How to get from Cebu City to Moalboal


Hermit’s Cove, Aloguinsan

If you’re looking for a more secluded beach, Hermit’s Cove is the perfect place for you. This beach is located in Aloguinsan and is only accessible by boat. The journey to the beach is part of the fun, as you’ll get to see some amazing scenery along the way.

Hermit's Cove, Aloguinsan is one of the best beaches in south cebu
Photo by sijetacido

Once you arrive at Hermit’s Cove, you’ll be greeted by a stunning beach with crystal clear water. This is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the quiet surroundings. And no kidding, this place has some of the healthiest corals in Cebu.

Dalaguete Beach Park, Dalaguete

Dalaguete Beach Park is a great place to spend the day with family and friends. This beach park is located in Dalaguete and offers plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy. There are several picnic areas, a playground, and a basketball court. This is the locals’ favorite beach, so expect it to be packed during local holidays and weekends.

Photo by Dalaguete Beach Park

Villarojo Beach, Malabuyoc

One of the most beautiful beaches in Cebu, I would say, but it is out of the radar of many tourists, is Villarojo Beach in Malabuyoc. Its shoreline is relatively short, but the water is so clear you can see your feet while wading. The sand is also very fine.

Granada Beach Resort, Boljoon

Boljoon is a small town located in the southern part of Cebu. It is known for its beaches and old churches, which are some of the most beautiful in the province. One of these beaches can be found at Granada Beach Resort, which is located right on the edge of Boljoon’s coast.

Pebble Beach, Santander

Located right next to Liloan Port, Pebble Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Santander. As its name suggests, this beach is covered in pebbles instead of sand. This makes it a great place to relax and take in the stunning views of the Negros ranges. I love, love this place. Back then when insomnia hits me like an abusive lover, I would just hop on the bus bound south and ended up here and lounged on the beach til it was time to go back to the city again.

Pebble Beach, Santander is my favorite beach in south Cebu

Pebble Beach is also a great spot for swimming and snorkeling, as the water is crystal clear. The current here is quite strong though, so take some extra precaution—the area is called Liloan for a reason. “Lilo” in Cebuano means whirlpool. Right to its left is a diving resort that has a restaurant, and right across the street is Santander Pebble Beach Resort.

Boljoon Baywalk, Boljoon

Right in front of Boljoon’s church is the baywalk. It is not a beach per se, but the water is so clear, the corals and fishes so visible that it might as well be one. The place is also perfect for a sunset stroll or a romantic evening walk. Local kids love jumping off from the boardwalk during high tide.

Lambug Beach, Badian

Lambug Beach is one of the less known beaches in Cebu, well it used to be less known. I remember the time I would visit this beach and there was noone around.

Lambug Beach in Badian, Cebu. I used to call this the hidden spot. Well, not anymore.
Lambug Beach in Badian, Cebu. I used to call this the hidden spot. Well, not anymore.

It is located in Badian, a town located about an hour away from Moalboal. Lambug Beach is famous for its crystal clear water and powdery white sand beaches. This is less known compared to the beaches in Moalboal but just as beautiful.

Lambug Beach is the perfect place to relax and unwind. There are plenty of cottages and huts available for rent, so you can stay overnight if you want to.

The Beach at Badian Island Wellness Resort, Badian

A private resort, Badian Island Wellness Resort is located on its own secluded island. The resort is only accessible by boat, making it the perfect place to get away from it all. Its beach is exclusive only to guests of the resort, giving you a more intimate and relaxing experience.

The resort also has its own restaurant, so you don’t have to worry about finding somewhere to eat. If you’re looking for a place to relax and rejuvenate, Badian Island Wellness Resort is the perfect place for you.

The resort offers a wide range of activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding. You can also enjoy a massage or spa treatment at their world-class spa. If you’re looking for a truly relaxing vacation, Badian Island Wellness Resort is the perfect place for you.

Palanas Ginatilan Public Beach, Ginatilan

Ginatilan is known for its Inambakan Falls. But if you ask me, it also some great beaches that can compete with the popular ones. One of these beaches is Palanas Ginatilan Public Beach, which is located on the southern coast of the town.

This beach is less crowded than other beaches in Cebu, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind. The water is clean and clear, and the sand is white and powdery.

Tingko Beach, Alcoy

Tingko Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Cebu. It’s known for its clear water and white sand beaches. The beach is located in Alcoy, right in front of Mambagi reef.

This is one of the beaches that I loved stopping by if I bus from via Oslob. There are also several resorts and restaurants around.

The Beach at Fantasy Lodge Cebu, Samboan

fantasay lodge has one of the best beaches in south cebu exclusive to its guest

Another hidden gem in southern Cebu, Fantasy Lodge Cebu is located in Samboan. The beach is only accessible to guests of the resort, making it the perfect place to get away from it all.

The water is clean and clear, and the sand is white and powdery. The beach is also relatively quiet, so you can relax and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Fantasy Lodge Cebu also has its own restaurant, so you don’t have to worry about finding somewhere to eat. If you’re looking for a place to relax and rejuvenate, Fantasy Lodge Cebu is the perfect place for you.

Unnamed Beaches, Oslob

Yeah, yeah, Oslob is known for its whalesharks and Tumalog Falls. But if you are here for the beach, yeah. And Oslob has so many often eclipsed by more popular tourist destinations.

Just zoom in on Google Maps, and you will see a lot of these less popular tourist destinations.

What I do is just hop on the bus, and got off at the first Oslob beach I found appealing.

The Beach at Seafari Resort Oslob

One of the beach resorts in front of Sumilon Island, the beach at Seafari Resort Oslob looks out to the island. The water is clean and clear, and the sand is white and powdery.

The beach is also relatively quiet, so you can relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Seafari Resort Oslob also has its own restaurant, so you don’t have to worry about finding somewhere to eat.

Sayaw Beach, Sayaw Beach Resort, Barili

Sayaw Beach, located next to Sayaw Beach Resort, is one of the beaches in Cebu that’s still relatively unknown. The water is clean and clear, and the sand is white and powdery.

The beach is also relatively quiet, so you can relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Sayaw Beach Resort also has its own restaurant, so you don’t have to worry about finding somewhere to eat.

If you’re looking for a place to relax and rejuvenate, Sayaw Beach Resort is the perfect place for you.

The Beach at Anahaw Beach Resort, Barili

Yet another less known beach in south Cebu, Anahaw Beach Resort is located in Barili. It is quiet a popular beach resort among the locals, but it has escaped the radar of most tourists.

The water is clean and clear, and the sand is white and pebbly. The beach is also relatively quiet, so you can relax and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Giloctog Hidden Beach, Barili

As the name suggests, Giloctog Hidden Beach is a hidden beach located in Barili. The water is clean and clear, and dotted with boats.

If you are from the city, you can reach this place riding thru the south bus Terminal then drop by Shamrock’s place at Pob. , Barili, Cebu then ride a motorcycle going to Giloctog. Just 7 kilometers from the town proper. The road is already cemented and you can bring your own car and park on the road

Kasadya Public Beach, Ronda

Quite a small town in south Cebu, Ronda is often bypassed by many travelers. But it does have a beach locals love. I mean, all towns in Cebu have access to the beach. Kasadya Public may not be one of the top beaches in south Cebu, but if you are one of those snobbish travelers who prefer the off-the-beaten, this might appeal to you.

These are just some of the beaches in south Cebu that you can visit. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head on down to south Cebu for a relaxing vacation.


Jona of Backpacking with a Book

Hi there, I’m Jona, originally from Cebu, Philippines, had live in Hanoi, Vietnam, and now currently based in Munich, Germany. This blog used to house thoughts on life and books, but eventually it morphed into a travel blog. For collaborations, projects, and other things, please email me at backpackingwithabook@gmail.com. For essays, creative nonfiction, and others, find me elsewhere.

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