North Cebu is very underrated and far less touristy compared to the south of Cebu, yet it boasts some of the best beaches, viewpoints, scuba diving, and island hopping that you can find in the Philippines!
There are many beach resorts in North Cebu which are very affordable and suitable for all types of travelers.
I spent 7 days in North Cebu and have put together this complete guide of the Best Beach Resorts in North Cebu with complete reviews and where they are located!
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WHERE TO STAY IN NORTH CEBU
The majority of the tourist spots in northern Cebu are located on 2 smaller islands just off the coast of the northernmost tip of Cebu Island.
These 2 islands are known as Malapascua Island and Bantayan Island, both of which are easily reachable by ferry from Cebu.
You can also find some nice beaches and beach resorts in north Cebu on the mainland that are worth checking out.
I have divided this post into 3 parts:
- Where to stay on North Cebu mainland
- Where to stay on Malapascua Island
- Where to stay on Bantayan Island
The best route for your North Cebu itinerary is to first visit the north beaches on the tip of mainland Cebu, then head over to Malapascua Island for 3 days, and then take a boat over to Bantayan Island for 3 days.
Also, at the bottom of this guide, I have included detailed information on how to get from Cebu City to North Cebu, things to do on the islands, and the best time to visit!
BEACH RESORTS IN NORTH CEBU:
MAINLAND NORTH CEBU
LUXURY: KANDAYA RESORT
Kandaya Resort is one of the best beach resorts in North Cebu located in a quiet and serene area of Agujo, Daanbantayan.
Absolute luxury 5-star beach resort in north Cebu offering a grand outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, pool table, playground, gym, sauna, spa/beauty facilities.
Choose from either a Garden Villa, Beach Villa, Pool Villas, or Oceanfront Villas with a balcony or terrace.
Features inside the rooms include a self-contained living/dining area with king beds or a choice of queen or twin beds, flat-screen tv, private bathroom, guest bathroom, and complimentary toiletries.
Free wi-fi is available in public areas, 24-hour front desk, private beach, and picnic area, bar, restaurant with room service, and the convenience of an on-site coffee shop.
Kandaya Beach Resort in Cebu North is recommended for couples, two travelers and caters to families also.
LUXURY: GOLDEN SANDS RESORT
This luxury 3.5-star beach resort in north Cebu is located a stone’s throw from the ocean. Choose from terraced One-bedroom Villas, Deluxe Double or Twin Room with Garden View, or a Superior Triple Room with Sea View. A Honeymoon Suite is also available.
Featuring a private beach area, swimming pool, health & wellbeing facility offering massages, bar and restaurant with room service and continental breakfast is included for all guests. Outdoor play equipment for families with children.
Free public wi-fi is available in public areas with a 24-hour front desk service.
Golden Sands is one of the most relaxing beach resorts in North Cebu recommended for two travelers, couples and families.
BEACH RESORTS IN NORTH CEBU:
MALAPASCUA ISLAND
MID RANGE: KOKAYS MALDITO DIVE RESORT
This quirky 3-star beach resort in North Cebu can be found on Bounty Beach and it has a unique flair of its own. It’s a must stay for fun-loving beachgoers!
The features of this North Cebu resort are a 24-hour front desk, free wi-fi in public areas, spa, and restaurant offering local and international cuisine. Wake up to a daily breakfast buffet and take advantage of the water sport and diving facilities on site.
Modern style, colorful accommodations with a beautiful terraced garden. Enjoy the comfort of a king bed in a Double Room, King Room, or Family Suite. Complete with air-conditioning, flat-screen tv, private bathroom, bidet, and free toiletries.
Kokays is one of the top-value beach resorts in North Cebu recommended for two travelers and couples.
MID RANGE: TEPANEE BEACH RESORT
Tepanee Resort is rated 3 stars and it’s one of the best beach resorts North Cebu has to offer.
Located in a pretty little cove, lies this tropical beach getaway gem, just a few minutes’ walk to Bounty Beach.
Outdoors boasts a jacuzzi, gym, wellness center, restaurant, and a bar right on its very own private beach!
Step up to cozy, modern, clean rooms of a good standard with bamboo furnishings and private balconies. Offering Superior Rooms and Deluxe Rooms with garden and ocean views.
The west side of this beach resort in north of Cebu has Classic Rooms (with fan and cold showers only), showcasing the best views and sunsets of Malapascua.
The rooms are fitted with free wi-fi, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, tea/coffee maker, mini-fridge, private bathroom, and free toiletries.
The breakfast menu offers an expansive variety of choices – Continental, Italian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Asian, and American.
Tepanee Beach Resort is recommended for two travelers and couples.
BUDGET: AABANA BEACH RESORT
Aabana Beach Resort in northern Cebu is privately located in a quiet and cozy part of Bounty Beach.
This property features a sun terrace, outdoor bbq, wellness center, and free wi-fi. Guests can enjoy a continental or à la carte breakfast at the restaurant and room service is also available.
Featuring Single room with sea view, Family room with terrace, Double room with garden view, Triple or Quadruple rooms and are fitted with air-conditioning,
This budget beach resort in North Cebu is recommended for solo travelers, couples, and families.
BUDGET: MOONLIGHT RESORT
Moonlight is rated 2-stars and it’s one of the best beach resorts in North Cebu for budget travelers.
This resort is nestled away in a beautiful part of Malapascua Island and a perfect location away from the hustle and bustle. Surrounded by white sandy beaches and coconut trees, it is unspoiled and untouched by large-scale tourism. An awesome place to get away from it all and off the beaten track.
Its serene terraced garden setting is awesome with accommodating outdoor furniture to sit, relax, and unwind. It is truly an island paradise.
Moonlight resort features free wi-fi, a bar, and an in-house restaurant offering international cuisine and room service.
Choose from a Superior Double Twin Room, Standard Twin Room, and Deluxe Fan Room with king and twin beds which are fitted with air-conditioning.
This quaint beach resort Cebu North is recommended for solo travelers, couples, and friends.
BUDGET: MANGROVE ORIENTAL B&B RESORT
Mangrove Oriental Bed & Breakfast Resort is a 2-star, Malapascuan beachfront island gem. Nestled peacefully in a secluded cove known for its world-class diving spots, it’s a fantastic destination for water activities.
There are an on-site bar and restaurant that offer fresh local Seafood and Western dishes and breakfast is included for all guests. Also free wi-fi, front desk services, and a library.
This property features standalone bungalows and private balconies with views of the Philippine Sea or tropical gardens. The elegantly designed air-conditioned cottages overlook resort grounds lined with tropical plants and flowers. Beyond that, white sandy beaches with amazing views of the private beach.
Double, Standard, and Family Bungalows are available with garden or balcony views. They are neat and clean with all the standard amenities and complete with a sundeck and outdoor seating.
This value-pick beach resort is perfect for couples, two travelers and families.
BUDGET: NEVERLAND MALAPASCUA
I personally stayed at Neverland and can’t recommend this place enough! The staff are super friendly and will welcome you into their loving community.
The rooms available are thatched bamboo huts that sleep up to two people and fitted with power sockets, a fan, comfortable beds, and a mosquito net.
There is also a dormitory room with bunk beds if you don’t mind sharing a room with other guests.
Neverland has an in-house vegan restaurant with delicious food and the wifi is solid!
For all you budget travelers, I can highly recommend staying at Neverland during your visit to Malapascua Cebu.
BEACH RESORTS IN NORTH CEBU:
BANTAYAN ISLAND
Luxury: Coral Blue Oriental Beach Villas
Coral Blue Oriental is one of the best semi-luxury beach resorts in North Cebu located on Bantayan Island and centrally located in Santa Fe.
Offering beachfront villas and suites with free wifi, a private beach area, seaside restaurant, and a bar.
There are one-bedroom and two-bedroom villas available which air-conditioned and fitted with a flat-screen tv, DVD player, lock safe, fridge, and balcony with ocean views.
Coral Blue Beach Resort in northern Cebu is recommended for couples, families and friends!
MID RANGE: PEARL OF SANTE FE
Pearl of Santa Fe is rated 3-stars and can be found on the ocean’s edge in Bantayan Island.
This property features intricately designed 3 bedroom apartments with air-conditioning, self-contained kitchen, double and twin beds, flat-screen tv, free wi-fi, outdoor furniture, and sundeck on a terraced garden.
Pearl of Sant Fe also features bbq facilities, a picnic area, billiards, fishing, free bikes, and a games room.
No restaurant on-site but plenty of restaurants nearby in Santa Fe area. With personable staff, daily housekeeping, and a 24-hour front desk, you can be assured your stay at this wonderful beach resort in northern Cebu will be pleasant and comfortable.
This unbeatable beach resort is perfect for two travelers, couples, families and groups.
MID RANGE: AMIHAN BEACH CABANAS
Amihan Beach Cabanas is one of the top 3-4 star beach resorts in North Cebu with free wi-fi, bar, restaurant, and 24-hour desk service.
Fantastic reviews aren’t enough to describe this little island paradise. These perfectly located, cozy, incredible, beachfront cabanas, are all you need for a relaxing holiday.
Imagine your own terraced garden cabana with a built-in seating area on your own private beach – it doesn’t get better than this!
Choose between a Delux Bungalow with Garden or Sea View – offering a queen-sized bed with mosquito net and private bathroom, air-conditioning, and room service.
Guests can have a choice of Continental, Asian, or American breakfast.
Amihan Beach Cabanas is recommended for two travelers, couples and friends.
MID RANGE: COUCOU LODGE
Coucou Lodge is a 4-star accommodation on Bantayan Island and you feel like you really are in the Philippines with this welcoming Filipino art-deco-inspired lodge.
Balcony style accommodation in a Double Room or Superior Room with outdoor seating or terraced garden views with patio, private bathroom, free toiletries, flat-screen tv, and air conditioning.
This property features a bar, restaurant, spa, billiards table, and free wi-fi for your enjoyment.
A continental or à la carte breakfast is available daily for all guests.
This wonderful beach resort in North Cebu is recommended for couples, families and friends.
MID RANGE: SUNRISE BEACH CLUB RESORT
Sunrise Beach Club Resort is a 3-star accommodation centrally located on Bantayan Island.
This modern and stylish beach resort in North Cebu has a fully-furnished standard studio or 1-2 bedroom air-conditioned villas with full-sized beds and wardrobes. Also featuring outside terraced gardens, outdoor seating, dining area, private bathroom flat-screen tv, and free wi-fi.
This property offers an on-site health and wellness facility, daily housekeeping, and room service.
Sunrise Beach Club is one of the top-value beach resorts in North Cebu that is perfect for two travelers, couples, friends and families.
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN NORTH CEBU, SEARCH ON AGODA OR SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
THINGS TO DO IN NORTH CEBU
There is a tonne of activities and beautiful beaches to see in North Cebu which I have put together in separate travel guides which you can find below:
Malapascua Travel Guide: 11 Things To Do In Malapascua
Bantayan Travel Guide: 15 Things To Do In Bantayan
North Cebu Beaches Guide: 11 Best North Cebu Beaches
HOW TO GET TO GET TO MALAPASCUA
The most common route is from Cebu City to Malapascua with the use of the public bus and then a short boat ride to Malapascua Island.
The bus from Cebu to Malapascua operates on a daily basis and departs every hour from the Cebu North Bus Terminal bound for New Maya Port at the northernmost tip of Cebu Island. The cost of the bus is around 230 pesos and the journey time is 4 hours.
Another option of how to go to Malapascua is to ride in a shared minivan or take a private transfer which includes a pick-up from your hotel in Cebu City and drop-off at New Maya Port.
This is the option that I went for because it was much more comfortable than the bus and the journey time was faster.
Book Now ∼ Shared Minivan from Cebu to Malapascua
Book Now ∼ Private Transfer from Cebu to Malapascua
ARRIVING AT NEW MAYA PORT
The bus or minivan will arrive at New Maya Port and from here you will need to take an outrigger boat over to Malapascua Island which takes around 30 minutes.
The cost of the boat from New Maya Port to Malapascua is 100 pesos providing there is a minimum of 15 passengers to fill the boat. If there are less than 15 passengers the cost of the boat is 1500 pesos total which can be divided between you and other travelers heading over to Malapascua Cebu.
Boats depart from New Maya Port to Malapascua every hour, 7 days a week, between 6:30, am and 4:30 pm.
If for some reason you miss the last boat to Malapascua Cebu, there is accommodation nearby to New Maya Port where you will have to spend the night and take the first boat over to the island the following morning. The name of the accommodation is D & N Lodge.
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Malapascua Cebu
MALAPASCUA ISLAND – THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
There are no ATM machines on Malapascua Island so you will have to stock up on cash before you arrive. I recommend doing so in Cebu City where there are hundreds of ATM machines located around the city.
Getting around the island is quite simply done by either motorbike, bicycle, or on foot. The majority of travelers will get around Malapascua by walking as the island is so small and you can literally walk from one end to the other in less than one hour. If your legs are painted on, you can rent a motorbike from a local for around 300 pesos per day or get a ride on the back of a motorbike taxi for as little as 30 pesos.
Internet connection on Malapascua Cebu is relatively good. Both Smart and Globe SIM cards will work just fine, though if you don’t have either, the best wifi I found on the island is at Neverland Hostel.
MALAPASCUA TO BANTAYAN ISLAND
To continue your North Cebu itinerary from Malapascua Island to Bantayan Island you’ll have to take an outrigger boat and the cost is around 800-900 pesos per person. If you can find a small group of people to share the boat with the cost will be lower.
The journey time between Malapascua Cebu and Bantayan Island is 2 to 3 hours depending on the sea conditions.
See More → 15 Things To Do In Bantayan
GETTING AROUND BANTAYAN ISLAND
There’s a couple of options on how to get around Bantayan Island and they are by scooter, habal habal, tricycle, or jeepney.
You can rent a scooter in Bantayan for as little as 250 pesos per day and make your own way around to all of the Bantayan Island tourist spots at your own pace. The best place to rent a scooter is via your accommodation.
If you are not confident driving a scooter, the other option is to hail down a tricycle or habal habal (motorbike taxi) along the main road in Santa Fe. For a 15-minute drive, you can expect to pay around 50-100 pesos.
Exploring Bantayan Island by scooter
NORTH CEBU MAP
AIRBNB NORTH CEBU
Another option for accommodation when visiting North Cebu is to stay at an Airbnb, which generally has some great deals on Malapascua and Bantayan Island.
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BEST TOURS IN CEBU
LONELY PLANET PHILIPPINES
One of the best books to take on your trip is the Lonely Planet Philippines Travel Guide!
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MORE PHILIPPINES TRAVEL GUIDES
- Philippines Guide: 3 Weeks Philippines Itinerary
- Cebu: 15 Things To Do In Cebu
- Bohol: 31 Epic Things To Do In Bohol
- Siargao: 15 Things To Do In Siargao
- El Nido: El Nido Island Hopping
- Coron: Coron Island Hopping
- Boracay: 15 Things To Do In Boracay
- Siquijor: 3 Day Siquijor Itinerary
- Bantayan: 15 Things To Do In Bantayan
- Malapascua: 11 Things To Do In Malapascua
- Camiguin: 13 Best Camiguin Tourist Spots
- Romblon: 12 Epic Things To Do In Romblon
- Tablas: 10 Things To Do In Tablas
- Carabao: 7 Best Things To Do In Carabao
- Dumaguete: Best Dumaguete Tourist Spots
- Sumilon Island: Sumilon Island Itinerary
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MY SHOP
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I’ve got a wide range of digital products for sale and I’m sure you’ll find something that will come in handy during your travels!
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FINAL THOUGHTS
I hope you find this guide useful and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave me a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Happy Travels!
Hey, I’m Jonny – surfer, skater, photographer, and coffee-lover from Australia!
With a burning passion for travel and the outdoors, I launched this Adventure Travel Blog in 2017, and I’ve been exploring the world ever since!
My little corner of the interwebs is a space where I love to share all of my epic adventures, cultural experiences, and captivating photos from around the globe with the ultimate goal to inspire and motivate other like-minded travelers to explore this wonderful earth too!
