The Philippines never lacks amazing destinations that one should visit. Whether you’re itching for water adventures, food tripping, sightseeing, or just being one with nature, going to Visayas is the key to satisfying those wanderlust desires!

Admittedly, when someone mentions the Visayas region, the top vacation destination that comes to mind is Boracay and Cebu. While this is true, Visayas has other beautiful attractions, which may be difficult to reach but are worth the adventure.

Are you planning to travel to the islands of Visayas? Read this article which lists down 13 must-visit spots in the Visayas region for your great Visayas itinerary.

Boracay Island, Aklan
Oslob, Cebu
Bojo River, Cebu
Sirao Flower Garden and Sirao Pictorial Garden and Camping Site, Cebu
Kawasan Falls, Cebu
Carnaza Island, Daanbantayan, Cebu
Malapascua Island
Biri Island, Samar
Lagun Gobingot Caves, Calbiga, Samar
Simply Butterflies Conservation Center, Bohol
Kansalakan Enchanted River, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental
Danjugan Island, Negros Occidental
Cambugahay Falls, Siquijor

Is your Visayas map with you already? It better be. Now read on, mark the locations and get familiar with these must-visit destinations in the Visayas region!

1. Boracay Island, Aklan

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The province of Aklan can never be left out in any Visayas travel itinerary. Its beautiful white sand beaches and memorable sunsets are incomparable, making it a must-visit destination in Visayas. Tourists can do various activities on the island, including island hopping, cliff diving, and trekking. Cap it off by watching the most beautiful sunset.

One way you can have the best-ever vacation is by staying in the best accommodation. If you’re traveling to Boracay, book your hotel room at Alta Vista De Boracay! It is located at one of the island’s highest peaks and guarantees a comfortable accommodation with a breathtaking view. Nothing says a good vacation than relaxing on the beach with sun-kissed skin and the taste of salt in your hair.

2. Oslob, Cebu

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Similar to Boracay, you shouldn't miss visiting Cebu when going to the Visayas region. Cebu is the home of some of the top tourist destinations in the region. An example is Oslob, most famous for watching and swimming with whale sharks. The price for swimming with the whale sharks is Php300.00 for domestic visitors and Php500.00 for foreign visitors.

3. Bojo River, Cebu

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No need to travel overseas to experience river cruise tours. In Cebu, take the cruise tour in Bojo River, named among the Top 100 Global Sustainable Destinations for 2016, 2017, and 2018.

During the tour, you can take a dip in the river’s refreshing brackish waters and witness where the river’s waters meet with the cerulean waters of Tañon Strait. This is a great Visayan destination for families with kids, as it is both safe and educational. Tour package for walk-ins is Php400.00, and the advanced booking package is Php650.00, inclusive of food and complimentary goodies.

4. Sirao Flower Garden and Sirao Pictorial Garden and Camping Site, Cebu

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Also known as “The Little Amsterdam,” feast your eyes and senses on the magnificent view of the hills and colorful array of blooms. The most prominent of which are purple, red, orange, and yellow celosia flowers. The entrance fee here is Php100.00 per head.

Adjacent to this garden is the Sirao Pictorial Garden and Camping Site (PCGS) with an infinity pool and different backdrops for taking Instagrammable shots. These are also perfect venues for proposals and pre-nuptial photo shoots. The entrance fee is Php50.00 per head.

5. Kawasan Falls, Cebu

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Kawasan Falls is famous for its turquoise blue waters and is undeniably one of the best tourist spots in the region. If you’re an adventure junkie, take a canyoneering tour from Algeria on your way to Kawasan Falls. This tour costs Php1500.00 to Php2,000.00. Along the way, you can cliff jump and dive into its cool waters. Once you’ve arrived at the pool, you can rent a bamboo raft and enjoy it with your friends. The entrance fee to the falls is Php45.00 for foreigners and Php20.00 for locals.

6. Carnaza Island, Daanbantayan, Cebu

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This turtle-shaped island is located north of mainland Cebu surrounded by the Visayan Sea. Travelers who have visited this place have proven that this island is really idyllic. You can take short treks on the island, appreciate its limestone formations, swim on white sandy beaches with crystal blue waters, and visit different amazing coves. Befriending the locals on the island will also enable you to learn about and experience the Visayan culture and hospitality.

7. Malapascua Island

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Found on the north of Cebu island is the Malapascua Island, known as one of the best diving spots in the Philippines. Tourists visit the island to get the chance to swim with thresher sharks found in Monad Shoal. Aside from swimming with the sharks, you will enjoy island hopping, snorkeling, and diving on this island.

Renting a boat to tour the island costs Php1,200.00 to Php1,500.00. If you want to tour the island, you can rent a motorcycle for Php700.00 per day or Php200.00 per hour with or without a driver. Diving in Malapascua Island can cost you approximately Php1,500.00 to Php3,600.00.

8. Biri Island, Samar

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Found in Northern Samar, Biri is one of the best tourist spots in the Philippines for its rock formations that constantly battle the strong waves of the sea. Make your travel here worthwhile by visiting the six major rock formations on the island: Magasang, Magsapad, Macadlaw, Puhunan, Bel-at, and Caranas. Swim at the natural pools of Bel-at. You can also dive into the Garon Wall, a popular dive site on the island.

Renting a boat to Biri Island costs Php750.00. An Environmental Usage Fee of Php50.00 per individual is also collected. A tour guide is required in Biri Island. You only need to pay Php300.00 for a group of five.

9. Lagun Gobingot Caves, Calbiga, Samar

This is known as the largest cave system in the Philippines. Observe proper spelunking safety tips when visiting the caves and be ready to get down and dirty as you explore and marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites inside. There’s even an instance where you need to rappel your way down a cliff inside the cave; so it’s sure to be an exciting adventure experience. The entrance and environmental fees to the caves cost Php80.00. Rappelling gear costs Php600.00, inclusive of a helmet, headlamp, and harness for rappelling. The tour guide fee costs Php500.00.

10. Simply Butterflies Conservation Center, Bohol

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Traveling with senior citizens? Head to one of the top Visayas destinations perfect for them. One of which is the Simply Butterflies Conservation Center in Bohol. Here you will see how butterflies are bred, released, and studied. Enjoy butterfly watching in the center, even posing for a picture, as they land on you.

This is a perfect tourist spot not only to take pictures but also to learn about these colorful creatures. The entrance fee to the conservation center costs Php50.00. They also offer night safari for Php900.00 per person. In this safari, people can spot tarsiers in the wild close to the Rajah Sikatuna National Park and walk through the natural habitat of owls, frogmouths, bats, civet cats, and fireflies.

11. Kansalakan Enchanted River, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental

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This river is situated between the Bangwague and Balogo villages in Guihulngan City. The Kansalakan Enchanted River is famous for its emerald green waters that are truly magical to the eyes. This is the perfect tourist destination to unwind in. It is also a good place for swimming and cliff diving. Its prominent feature is the natural circular tub called “The Eye.” The river is open to the public, and no entrance fee is collected.

12. Danjugan Island, Negros Occidental

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This wildlife sanctuary island is under the care of The Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation, Inc. The island has five lagoons, forest-covered with limestones, and home to 72 bird species. Recently, a rare albino bat has been spotted there. There are a lot of activities you can do on the island such as snorkeling, kayaking, trekking, sailing, scuba diving, and bird watching. Spending time in this Visayan island is sure to give you the best adventure.

13. Cambugahay Falls, Siquijor

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Siquijor is another Visayan province gaining popularity for its beautiful tourist destinations. Descending 135 steps, you will find the Cambugahay Falls, a three-tier falls with lagoons and a swimming hole known as the Lazi Bay. Its ambiance is perfect, especially for souls who are tired of the city and want to forget problems. Swim in the cool water, jump from the falls, and experience waterfall massage. The entrance fee to the falls costs only Php10.00. Life vest rental is Php100.00. The diving fee is Php50.00, and renting a bamboo raft costs Php20.00.

It’s time to get your Visayas map and mark the top Visayan destinations you must not miss when visiting the region. Remember, these are just some of the places you must visit in Visayas. So start exploring and discover more hidden gems in the Philippines that everyone should know of.

13 Tourist Destinations You Shouldn’t Miss in the Visayas