Whale sharks, canyoneering, the sardine run and a spa day on Mactan's white sands
View Day-by-DayExcludes: International flights vary by fare and points redemption
Prices are as they were when this itinerary was finalised (in May 2026). We price your own trip live, to your dates.
Cebu 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) 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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