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 Minor Basilica of the Holy Child and Magellan's Cross.

Downtown Cebu
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
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
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 Ayala Malls Central Bloc and Waterfront Cebu City Casino while you're in town.

Lahug
Carmelite Monastery showing a statue or sculpture

Mabolo

3.5/5(19 area reviews)

While visiting Mabolo, you might make a stop by sights like SM City Cebu and Carmelite Monastery.

Mabolo
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 Jpark Island Waterpark are some notable places to visit nearby.

Punta Engaño
Fairways and Bluewater Boracay

Fairways and Bluewater Boracay

4 out of 5
Station 1, Barangay Balabag and Yapak, Boracay Island, Aklan
$49 nightly
The price is $56 total per night from Oct 23 to Oct 24
$56 total
Oct 23 - Oct 24
Total with 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! (1,443 reviews)
"Amazing facilities and very attentive staff. Could not ask for a better experience"

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2025

Fairways and Bluewater Boracay
JPark Island Resort & Waterpark

JPark Island Resort & Waterpark

5 out of 5
M L Quezon Highway, Maribago, Lapu-Lapu, Cebu
$162 nightly
The price is $183 total per night from Oct 29 to Oct 30
$183 total
Oct 29 - Oct 30
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Lapu-Lapu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 7 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Perfect for family bonding."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

JPark Island Resort & Waterpark
Belmont Hotel Mactan

Belmont Hotel Mactan

4.5 out of 5
Newtown Blvd, Lapu-Lapu, Central Visayas
$70 nightly
The price is $77 total per night from Nov 20 to Nov 21
$77 total
Nov 20 - Nov 21
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Lapu-Lapu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Popular attractions Magellan Monument and Mactan Shrine ...
9/10 Wonderful! (254 reviews)
"Excellent spot"

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2025

Belmont Hotel Mactan
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! (546 reviews)
"Room was clean, spacious, and felt like a home away from home. Staff was professional and attentive, the pool area had a great view and the breakfast option was plentiful."

Reviewed on Oct 18, 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 fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (158 reviews)
"Everything is so good"

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2025

88th Avenue
CLOCKWORKORANGE Luxury Suites

CLOCKWORKORANGE Luxury Suites

3.5 out of 5
Kiener Hills Condominiums, Matumbo-Pusok Road, Pusok, Lapu-Lapu
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Lapu-Lapu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (264 reviews)
"Always a great stay at orangeclock work! Everything is up to our standard"

Reviewed on Oct 17, 2025

CLOCKWORKORANGE Luxury Suites
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