Whale sharks, canyoneering, the sardine run and a spa day on Mactan's white sands
View Day-by-DayCebu cuisine leans heavily on pork and seafood, so the plan is anchored to dedicated veg/vegan stops (Lun-haw, Shaka Cafe), strong Indian and Mediterranean options, and resort restaurants briefed in advance. Useful order phrase: 'walang bagoong, walang patis, walang karne' (no shrimp paste, no fish sauce, no meat). Pack protein bars and namkeen for the long Oslob and Taal day-trips.
Manila and Cebu City run 26-33°C, hot and humid with occasional afternoon thundershowers (dry-season tail end). Moalboal and Mactan beaches are 27-32°C with calm May seas ideal for the sardine run. The Tagaytay ridge is noticeably cooler at 22-27°C - bring a light layer for the Taal morning.
Light cottons, three sets of swimwear each (laundry turnaround on adventure days is tight), reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes for canyoneering and the sardine run reef, a light rain jacket, and one smart-casual outfit each for the Anzani and Top of Cebu dinners.
For internal Manila-Cebu legs, PAL Economy Value includes 20 kg checked baggage with no add-on hassle; a cheaper alternative is a Cebu Pacific Go fare plus baggage bought online (never at the airport, where rates run 2-3x higher). Book both legs together as a return for slightly better fares.
A self-drive rental car (picked up at Mactan airport, 23-28 May) covers Cebu and the south-coast adventures; the final Taal day-trip uses a private van from Makati. Local transfers in Manila are short and inexpensive. Skip the touts at the Taal dock and book the boat and guide through Talisay Tourism.
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