TOP PICKS: 12 THINGS TO DO IN SOUTH CEBU (Tourist Spots, Attractions and Things To Do and Experience)

Cebu boasts of rich history, monumental sights, breathtaking attractions, colorful festivals and other man-made and natural wonders. There are indeed so many things that can be done and places worth visiting in the province. Previously, I've listed here some of the most popular attractions and things to do in (and near) Metro Cebu. You can find many places and do many things in South Cebu. Now, here's a list of some of South Cebu's tourist spots, attractions, food to eat and things to do and experience in South Cebu.

ALSO READ: Cheap and Affordable Tour Packages in Cebu

South Cebu - Tourist Spots, Attractions and Things To Do and Experience

1. Visit Carcar Church

Also known as St. Catherine of Alexandra Church, it was built by the Augustinians between 1860-1875. It is quite interesting to see that the church features various influences particularly Islamic and Graeco-Roman architecture.

St. Catherine of Alexandra Church, Carcar City

2. Take a look at the old houses in Carcar

Carcar is known as the heritage city of Cebu; this is because of the city's well-preserved Spanish and American colonial period houses. They can be found near the church and along the national hi-way.

Old House along the hi-way in Carcar

3. Eat Carcar's Lechon and Chicharon

Go to the public market and have a taste of their mouthwatering lechon. It's one of the best lechon I've tasted. Also, buy some chicharon (pork cracklings), one of Carcar's delicacies. As they say, Carcar's chicharon is one of the best, I must agree. You can buy chicharon per kilo, you can find stalls selling freshly-cooked chicharon right along the perimeter of Carcar’s rotunda.

Carcar's Lechon sold in the Public Market

Carcar's Chicharon

4. Stop by the Carcar Rotunda

You wouldn't miss the rotunda as it just along the national high-way. Here you will find an intricately designed bandstand erected at the center of the rotunda.

Carcar Rotunda

5. Take a dip at Mantayupan Falls in Barili

The falls is approximately 200 feet high and drops on a pool-like basin. Well-paved pathways and foot bridge will lead you to the falls. An entrance fee of 30 pesos is collected at the gate. To get there, just take a single motorcycle (habal-habal) upon reaching the town proper of Barili.

Mantayupan Falls

6. Swim at Moalboal Beach

The town of Moalboal is located at the western side of Cebu island. It boasts of nice beach with cream-colored sand and crystal clear water. To get there, take a single motorcycle upon reaching the town proper of Moalboal.

AVAILABLE TOUR PACKAGES:

• Pescador Island Snorkeling Private Tour
• Pescador Island Snorkeling Join In Day Tour from Cebu

Moalboal Beach

7. Trek and take a dip at Kawasan Falls

This is propbably the most popular falls in Cebu. Kawasan falls is located at Matutinao in the town of Badian, 130 kilometers southwest of Cebu City. To get there you have to trek for about 1.5 kilometers from the main road. So, better be prepared.

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• Badian Canyoneering Adventure and Kawasan Waterfalls Private Tour
• Cebu Kawasan Waterfalls & Osmena Peak Day Tour
• Badian Canyoneering Adventure and Kawasan Waterfalls Join In Day Tour from Cebu

Kawasan Falls

8. Visit Simala Shrine in the town of Sibonga

Located in Lindogon in the town of Sibonga, Cebu, Simala Shrine is one of the most visited religious place in the province of Cebu. It is where thousands of devotees visit the shrine every week to pay homage to the miraculous Virgin Mary. To get there, just take a single motorcycle from the junction leading to Marian Hills. Fare is 20 pesos per passenger.

Simala Shrine

9. Climb Osmeña Peak in Dalaguete

This is considered as the highest point in the whole province of Cebu. It offers magnificent view of multiple jagged hills of the Mantalongon Range. From the summit, a breathtaking view of long shoreline, the island of Badian, lush farm lands and view of the islands of Bohol and Negros will greet you. It is also a great site for sunset and sunrise viewing. To get there, take a bus going to Bato and alight at Dalaguete-Badian junction. From there you could take a habal-habal to the jump-off.

AVAILABLE TOUR PACKAGE: Cebu Kawasan Waterfalls & Osmena Peak Day Tour

Osmeña Peak

10. Have a taste of Torta de Argao

A famous delicacy in the town of Argao, the torta is a must-try when visiting south Cebu. You may drop by the town or you can buy some from the vendors hopping in the buses. We had Chitang's Torta and it was good!

Torta de Argao

11. Visit Boljoon's Church, Escuela Catolica and El Gran Baluarte

The Boljoon Church is one of the oldest remaining original stone church in Cebu. It was declared a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Institute in 1999. Adjacent the church is the Escuela Catolica built in the 1940. Also at the church's complex is the El Gran Baluarte, considered as the biggest Spanish watchtower in the Philippines built in 1808. You will not miss the church complex as it is just along the national hi-way if you're taking a bus going to Bato.

Boljoon Church

Escuela Catolica

El Gran Baluarte

12. Visit Oslob's Church and Cuartel

The church in Oslob is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception which was first erected in 1830. It is made of cut coral stones and was finished 18 years later. Also a must-visit is the Cuartel located in front of the church. This Spanish military barracks was erected by the Spaniards in 1898, and was left unfinished due to the arrival of the Americans. To get there, take a bus bound for Bato and alight at the road leading to the church.

Oslob Church

Cuartel

Indeed, there are so many things that can be done in South Cebu. These are just some of the places I've visited and things I've done during my previous visits to the province of Cebu. I will definitely be back to explore more.

ALSO READ: Cheap and Affordable Tour Packages in Cebu

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HOW TO GET THERE

• From Manila, take a 1-hour flight to Cebu. Major airlines flies several times daily to Cebu from Manila.
• From Mactan-Cebu Airport, make your way to the Southbound Bus Terminal via taxi or public transportation.
• Take a bus bound to any of the destinations above.

READ ALSO: Top Best Hotels and Resorts in Cebu