Cebu City and Bantayan Island: A Fun-Filled Getaway with Family and Friends

February 10, 2023 — Cebu, Philippines

If you’re looking for a trip that combines history, adventure, great food, and unforgettable beach moments — Cebu is the perfect destination to explore with your family and friends!

Our adventure kicked off in Cebu City, where culture and excitement go hand in hand. We started by visiting Magellan’s Cross and the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, where we took photos, lit candles, and learned a bit of Philippine history. Even the kids were curious! Just a short walk away is Fort San Pedro, a small Spanish-era fort with huge stone walls and leafy gardens — perfect for group photos and a quick history lesson that didn’t feel boring at all.

We also headed up to the Taoist Temple, high in the hills, where we enjoyed sweeping views of the city. The colorful temple, dragon statues, and peaceful vibe made it a fun and relaxing stop. Of course, no city trip is complete without food — so we made our way to Larsian, Cebu’s famous barbecue spot! Everyone picked their favorites: grilled pork, chicken, seafood, and Cebu’s tasty puso (hanging rice). It was messy, delicious, and totally worth it.

Then came the part we were all most excited about — the trip to Bantayan Island! After a road trip and a ferry ride full of laughter and snacks, we arrived at a tropical paradise. The moment we saw the beach — white sand, clear water, palm trees — we knew it was time to relax and have fun.

The island gave us plenty of time to unwind, but also tons of ways to play. We spent our days swimming, sunbathing, building sandcastles, and riding bikes around Santa Fe town. One of the best parts was island hopping — our boat took us to Virgin Island, where we swam with fish, snorkeled in the clear blue sea, and had lunch right on the beach. It felt like our own little private paradise.

Back on the main island, we also explored Ogtong Cave, a natural underground pool that was cool (literally!) and super fun to swim in. Before heading home, we stopped by the beautiful and historic Bantayan Church, a peaceful place that added a meaningful end to our island adventure.

The Perfect Trip for Making Memories

Whether you’re with family, childhood friends, or a mix of both, Cebu and Bantayan Island are perfect for making memories together. From exploring old churches and forts to sharing grilled food under the stars or splashing around in the sea, this trip gave us nonstop laughs, amazing sights, and moments we’ll talk about for years to come.

If you’re planning a group getaway that’s exciting, beautiful, and full of variety — Cebu’s got it all.

By: Meme Borja