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 Mactan Shrine 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
$179 nightly
The price is $200 total per night from Aug 12 to Aug 13
$200 total
Aug 12 - Aug 13
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,002 reviews)
Lovely Hotel with Amazing staff
"Had a few days with my daughter. Staff in the hotel are just amazing. Nothing is too much trouble for them and just super friendly. Loved the lobby bar and the music nightly. Nowhere ever felt too busy. Lovely hotel. We will definitely return."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 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
$199 nightly
The price is $224 total per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
$224 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
Total includes taxes and 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! (299 reviews)
"Fantastic experience. The staff were courteous and respectful. The room service and cleaning services were perfect. I recommend going snorkeling at their beach; you can see entire schools of fish while swimming. The included breakfast was great, and the dinners they have at the dining hall are decent ..."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort
Fairways and Bluewater Boracay
Fairways and Bluewater Boracay
4 out of 5
Station 1, Barangay Balabag and Yapak, Boracay Island, Aklan
$50 nightly
The price is $57 total per night from Jul 29 to Jul 30
$57 total
Jul 29 - Jul 30
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Boracay Island. Enjoy free WiFi, 6 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,341 reviews)
"Awesome"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Fairways and Bluewater Boracay
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! (504 reviews)
"Excellent staff!!!"

Reviewed on Jul 8, 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! (145 reviews)
"The staff was very courteous, very professional, friendly and professional. The only drawback was that netflix wws not working. I absolutely loved everything eose, the gym is great, the eateries that support the hotel, the market, and the entire property was fantastic."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 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! (181 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

Things to do

Cities near Visayan Islands