The Visayas is perhaps the most visited part of the Philippines; filled with gorgeous islands and beaches like Cebu, Boracay, and Bohol. It is also a historical place full of old churches since the Spanish landed in that part first until they spread out to the whole country. The first Christians where Visayans. Sto. Niño was also gifted to Queen Juana, by the Spaniards, that’s why there are 4 festivals in the Visayas in honor of the Holy Child.

Traveling here wouldn’t be a problem, though most Visayans speak “Bisaya”, most are fluent in English.

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How to get to Visayas, Philippines?

Getting in this part of the Philippines is pretty easy as Mactan International Airport in Cebu is the 2nd largest airport in the country and caters international arrivals. Plus in each region, there are local airports. You can also ride a bus throughout the islands and ride a boat or ferry to get from one island to another.

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Visayas is in the middle of Luzon and Mindanao. It’s the smallest amongst the three since it only composes of 3 regions out of 16; Region 6 – Western Visayas, Region 7 – Central Visayas, and Region 8 – Eastern Visayas. There are countless of Visayas Tourist Spots, mostly are beaches but there are different activities or things to see. We’ll round up the 20 Best Towns/Cities in the Visayas to add in you Philippines Bucket List.

Region 6 – Western Visayas

Bacolod City

Start your tour in the City of Smiles at the San Sebastian Cathedral. Learn about Negros in the Negros Museum. An hour from the city, there’s “The Ruins.” Also, might as well spend half a day or a night at Campuestohan Highland Resort. Don’t forget to try the local delicacy of native chicken at Manokan Country. They also celebrate Masskara Festival here in January.

Boracay

Known for its resorts and beaches, this popular tourist attraction recently opened again from its 6-month rehabilitation. Walk along the White beach from Station 1. Book a trip to go to Puka Shell Beach and snorkel near Crocodile Island. You can bar hop or enjoy restaurants there, or relax and enjoy the clear waters and the soft sand.

Guimaras Island

Guimaras is an island Province in Negros known for their delicious mangoes. From Alubihod Beach, it is a must to book an island hopping experience; try visiting Tatlong Pulo Beach. Drop by also at the Trappist Monastery or the Guisi Lighthouse. Of course, don’t go home without eating or buying mangoes.

Iloilo City

In the City of Love, you will fall in love with the gorgeous spots. See Spanish colonial influences Jaro Cathedral, Molo Church, Calle Real and Camiña Balay nga Bato. Relax and have dinner along the Iloilo River Esplanade. Come here on Dinagyan Festival in January to feel the festive vibe.

Kalibo, Aklan

Off to Boracay? Well, why not stop by this lovely place called Kalibo. Check out the Sampaguita Gardens or Bakhawan Eco Park. Learn about history at Museo It Akean or Aklan Freedom Shrine. See how people weave pineapple leaves to clothes at Piña Village. Don’t forget there’s Ati-Atihan Festival here too.

Valencia, Negros Oriental

Choose where to swim between Casaroro Falls or Pulangbato Falls. You could also hike ton top of Mount Talinis, which is also a volcano or See the Kaipohan Sulfur Vents. Learn about World War II through The Filipino Japanese Amity Memorial Shrine. If you want a serene place, go to Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park.

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Region 7 – Central Visayas

Bantayan Island

Bantayan Island is at the North of Cebu; filled with white beaches and crystal blue waters. Try sunbathing at Kota Beach or island-hop to Virgin Island and Hilantagaan Island. Take a walk around Obo-ob Mangrove Eco Park and see one of the oldest churches at Sts. Peter and Paul Church.

Bohol

Though Bohol is a province, we’ll count it as one as you can easily tour around this island in a day or two. The most important things to see is the famous Chocolate Hills and the cute Tarsiers. You can take lunch while on the Loboc River Cruise. Check out the stalactites and stalagmites in the Hinagdanan Cave. Afterward, unwind in Panglao Island or Alona Beach.

Camotes Island

Camotes is a group of islands in the Camotes Sea known as the “Lost Horizon of the South”. You can relish the crystal blue waters of Santiago White Beach or Mangodlong Rock. Boat around Lake Danao. Explore Bukilat Cave or Paraiso Cave.

Cebu City

The Queen City of the South is the Center of Visayas. Start to the first symbol of Christianity in the country at Magellan’s Cross and see the renowned Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu. Near there, you could also visit Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, the oldest street-Colon Street, museums and a fort. If you want to see the view of the city, might as well pay a visit to Top of Cebu and many flower gardens near there. Try visiting in January as one of the biggest festivals of the country, Sinulog Festival is on the 3rd week.

Mactan

Lapu-Lapu City is also known as the Historic Resort City. Why? It’s historical because this is where the Ferdinand Magellan was killed by the first Filipino hero, Lapu-Lapu, check out Mactan Shrine to know more. It’s also a Resort City because the beaches are gorgeous and white. You can also book an Island Hopping; a favorite is at Olango Fish Sanctuary where you can snorkel to say hi to the fishes. Olango Island is a boat ride away too, and you can watch migrating birds at Olango Bird Sanctuary.

Siquijor

Siquijor is another province filled with pristine beaches and beautiful waterfalls. Swim in the Cambugahay Falls or at Capilay Hot Spring. Church hop starting from the Lazi Church to St. Francis Assissi Church. Relax at Salagdoong Beach. Lookout and take a picture under the gigantic Balete Tree.

South of Cebu

Book a trip to the South of Cebu; start at the glorious at Simala Shrine. Then see whale sharks at Oslob or maybe at Sumilon Island. Take a bath at Kawasan Falls and camp Osmeña Peak. You could also dive at Moalboal or relax at the beach there. The South of Cebu indeed has lots of surprises.

Region 8 – Eastern Visayas

Borongan City

The City of Golden Sunshine is the surfing capital of Visayas; catch some waves at Pirates Cove Beach and Surf Resort. You may also visit islands such as Divinubo Island or Ando Island. Alternatively, you could have fun facing the Pacific Ocean at Hilangagan Beach.

Biliran Island

Check out the unique Sambawan Island, uninhabited and gorgeous. Pick between Tinago Falls or Tomalistis Falls. You can also hike to Mount Panamao. Relax from your adventure at Viga Spring or San Bernardo Spring Pool.

Calbayog City

See Spanish heritage at the Spanish Quarter in this quaint city. Try to zipline to Malajog Ridge Nature Park or just kayak to the beach. Pick between Bangon Falls or Tarangban Falls or enjoy the serenity of a Bolongto River Cruise. Don’t forget to go to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Grotto.

Limasawa, Southern Leyte

Limasawa Island is a historic town since it was the first Christian mass was celebrated in the Philippines, see the First Mass Shrine. You could also climb to see Magellan’s cross. Relax in Dakdak Beach. Don’t forget to go to Limasawa Island Lagoon.

Palompon, Leyte

Palompon is known for the famous Kalanggaman Island, a sandbar surrounded by clear blue waters. While here, you might want to try going to an adventure at Liberty Eco-Tourism Park or hike to Masaba Falls. Check out sunset from Lantaw. If you have spare time, hire a motorcycle and find peace at Paraiso.

“I shall return,” was the famous line of Gen. MacArthur during World War II, check out MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park to learn more about it. Cross the San Juanico Bridge that connects Leyte and Samar. Visit the Santo Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum which was also one of houses of former President Ferdinand Marcos. Go to M/V Eva Jocelyn Shrine where the waves carried a boat to the land during the typhoon Haiyan.

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What a list! I feel you already know where to go next. I even added places in My Philippines Bucket List after I wrote this. Almost all over Visayas, there are not only pristine beaches and gorgeous islands but much history too. Filipinos are friendly; I hope you make a friend who teaches you some Visayan words and help you in your adventure.

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Come now and visit these Visayas Tourist Spots. We hope that at least you go to one out of 20 Best Cities in Visayas within a year. Remember, it’s more fun in the Philippines!

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