✨ A Personal Way to Reconnect — One Church at a Time
Just in case you're in Cebu during Holy Week or planning to visit, and you're interested in doing Visita Iglesia, here’s a curated route based on the churches we visited during our trip to Simala.
Taking a fast ferry is the most convenient and time-efficient way to travel between Cebu and Bohol. Depending on your chosen route and port, travel time takes only 1 to 2 hours.
If you're planning a trip from Cebu to Bohol (or back), your transport choice depends on your timing, budget, and luggage. Here’s a clearer breakdown:
✨ A Day in Cebu: History, Heritage & Hidden Gems—Straight from Bohol!
If you're in Bohol and craving a quick yet unforgettable cultural escape, this one-day Cebu itinerary is your perfect match. With fast ferries, scenic sights, and soul-stirring stories, you’ll journey through the Queen City of the South like a true explorer. From ancient shrines to vibrant barbecue stalls, this trip is proof that a single day can leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re a history buff, a first-time Cebu visitor, or just passing through, this guide is tailored for you—with 2025 travel updates, insider tips, and a route that makes every minute count.
🚖 By Taxi or Grab
🚀 Fast Ferries (Approx. 2 hr crossing)
OceanJet and SuperCat are the top fast–craft operators between Cebu and Bohol.
When you're in Bohol and happen to have an extra day or two, consider exploring the vibrant and historic Cebu City—just a ferry ride away. On our visit, we managed to cover 8 cultural and historical landmarks from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. If your flight is later in the evening, you even have time to explore the beach resorts of Mactan.
Here’s our itinerary and how you can enjoy the best of Cebu in just one day:
🕒 Last Updated: June 2025Whether you're flying into Cebu for a quick stopover before heading to Bohol or planning to explore Cebu’s historical and coastal attractions, choosing the right accommodation can make or break your trip. Cebu has a wide range of hotels—from affordable inns to luxury beachfront resorts in Mactan Island. ✨
Here are the hotels I’ve personally stayed in during my trips to Cebu. Each has its strengths depending on your itinerary and travel style.
✈️ Planning a getaway to Mactan Island or Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu?
This list is for reference only. Please verify current rates, services, and availability directly with the property. Use Agoda, Booking.com, or Google Maps for real-time info and reviews.
This list includes hotels, inns, guesthouses, and hostels with verified addresses, contact information, and direct booking links or platforms where available.
1. Summit Circle Cebu
📍 Fuente Osmeña Circle, Cebu City
☎️ (032) 239-3000
🌐 Booking.com | Agoda
⭐ Best for city explorers—walkable to heritage sites and malls.
🚀 FAST FERRIES (2 hours travel time)
Best for: Day trips, tourists, and those with limited time
1. ⚓ OceanJet (Cebu Pier 1 → Tagbilaran)
Traveling from Cebu to Leyte? Here's your easy-reference guide with latest fares, schedules, tickets info, and handy travel tips. Ferry operators frequently adjust schedules, so always confirm via hotline or website.
🙏 A Journey of Faith with My Devout Nanay
Though I had already explored Cebu, I only discovered The Monastery of the Holy Eucharist, or more popularly, Simala Shrine, when planning a special trip with my devout Catholic Nanay (Mom) and my sisters. Knowing how much she loves visiting old churches, I added Simala to our itinerary—and I’m so glad I did.
"The Pink Church on the Hill That Stopped Me in My Tracks"
📍 Daang Yuta,
Minglanilla, Cebu | 🕊️ Parish since 1980
| 🏔️ Known for its hilltop serenity and
unique color
✨ That Moment the Pink Church Caught My Eye
Going to Simala Shrine, you’ll see a number of churches along the way — some big, some small, some centuries old. But there was one that really made me sit up in the van.
"Wait… is that church pink?"
"A Neo-Gothic Surprise on the Road to Simala"
📍 Poblacion, Sibonga,
Cebu | 🏛️ Established: 1830 | 🎨 Ceiling murals by Raymundo Francia
🧭 A Beautiful Distraction En Route to Simala
When we visited Simala Shrine in Sibonga, I wasn’t expecting another breathtaking church to steal my attention — but that’s exactly what happened with Nuestra Señora del Pilar Church.
"A Quiet Gem That Invites You to Stay Longer"
📍 Naga City, South
Cebu | 🛐 Patron Saint: St. Francis of Assisi |
💫
A beautiful side-trip on the way back from Simala Shrine
✨ A Church That Caught My Eye — and Kept Me Inside
This is another church that stood out to me during our road trip to Simala. It had that distinct charm that made me quietly nudge Kuya Driver and ask, “Kuya, can we stop here on our way back?”
"A Proud Roadside Beauty That Stirred
Something in Me"
📍 San Fernando, Cebu | 🛐
Patron Saint: San Isidro Labrador | 💫 One of the serene
churches you’ll pass en route to Simala Shrine
✨ The Church That Gave Me a Strange Yet Comforting Feeling
This church is one of those that caught my eye on the road to Simala. I couldn’t quite explain why — maybe it was how it stood proudly, its classic façade glowing under the sun, or maybe it was the odd but familiar feeling I had just looking at it.
🚢 Cebu to Leyte (and Samar) Ferry Travel Guide (2025 Update)
If you're planning to explore the provinces of Leyte and Samar from Cebu, your most convenient and scenic option is by sea. As someone who has traveled this route multiple times, I can confidently say that Cebu City Pier 1 stands out as one of the most organized passenger terminals I’ve ever used in the Philippines.
✅ Terminal Experience at Cebu Pier 1
I’ve been to Cebu twice already, and every time I use Pier 1, I’m impressed. The terminal is clean, efficient, and well-maintained—especially since its renovation from my first visit in 2014. Staff are courteous and the boarding process is smooth, even when crowded.
One reason for the terminal’s orderliness is that the ferry ticketing offices are located outside the terminal. Each shipping company has its own designated location for ticket issuance. However, not all of these offices are passenger-friendly: some are open-air with no waiting seats or shade, and still use manual ticketing systems.
💡 Tip: Some shipping lines offer free shuttles to the terminal, but if not, you'll need to walk or hire a taxi to get to Pier 1 after purchasing your ticket.
⛴️ Travel Options: Fast Craft vs. RoRo (Roll-On, Roll-Off)
You can choose between fast ferries and RoRo vessels when traveling from Cebu to Leyte. Travel time and comfort vary depending on your destination and the vessel type:
Here’s an updated list of ferry operators and their schedules and fares as of 2025:
🛳️ Cokaliong Shipping Lines (Cebu Pier 1)
📍 Address:
Cokaliong Tower, Don Sergio Osmeña Avenue, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City
📞
Phone: (032) 232-7211 to 18
📧
Email: fjpcustomerservice@yahoo.com
| fjpmarketing@yahoo.com
🌐
www.cokaliongshipping.com (check for latest schedules)
⚓ Sample Vessel: M/V Filipinas Jagna
Other destinations served by Cokaliong include Ormoc, Iligan, Ozamis, Dumaguete, and Tagbilaran (Bohol).
🛳️ Roble Shipping Inc. (Cebu Pier 3)
📍 Address: Roble
Building, E.S. Baclig St., Padilla Extension, Cebu City
📞
Trunk Line: (032) 419-1190 to 95 | (032) 260-1921 to 23
📞
Ormoc Office: (053) 255-7613
📞
Hilongos Office: (053) 567-8042
✅ Key Routes & Schedules
| Route | Departure (Cebu) | Departure (Leyte) |
|---|---|---|
| Cebu – Hilongos | 9:00 PM (Daily) | 11:00 AM (Daily) |
| Cebu – Ormoc | 10:00 PM (Daily) | 11:00 AM (Daily) |
| Cebu – Catbalogan | 7:00 PM (Thurs) | 7:00 PM (Fri) |
| Cebu – Baybay | 9:00 PM (M/W/F/S) | 10:00 PM (T/Th/Su) |
| Cebu – Naval (Biliran) | 8:30 PM (Sat/Mon) | 8:30 PM (Sun/Tue) |
💰 Sample Fares (Hilongos Day Trip)
| Accommodation | Regular Fare |
|---|---|
| VIP | PHP 1,765–2,450 |
| Cabin | PHP 585–600 |
| Tourist | PHP 370 |
| Deluxe | PHP 330–310 |
| Economy A/B | PHP 275–265 |
| Sitting | PHP 255 |
Senior, student, and minor discounts apply.
📍 Address: Corner Mabini & Zulueta St., Cebu City
📞 Booking: (032) 253-7700
Services destinations in Leyte and Samar. Schedules and fares vary, so best to call or check updates directly.
These shipping lines also operate routes between Cebu, Leyte, Samar, and other Visayan destinations. Visit their websites or Facebook pages for up-to-date schedules and fare tables.
🕐 Short on time? Book a fast ferry.
🛏️ Overnight travel with sleeping quarters? Choose a RoRo with cabin or VIP rooms.
💸 On a budget? Tourist or Economy class is affordable and fairly comfortable.
🚙 Bringing a car? Look for RoRo vessels with roll-on/roll-off capability.
Whether you're headed to Tacloban, Ormoc, Hilongos, Naval, or even Catbalogan, the ferry experience from Cebu to Leyte or Samar offers a scenic and affordable alternative to air travel. Just remember to book early, especially during holidays, and double-check ferry schedules a day before your trip—weather and maintenance can cause last-minute changes.
🧳 Have questions or need help planning your Cebu–Leyte route? Leave a comment or message—I’m happy to help!
I've been to Cebu twice already and I can still say that the passengers' terminal in Pier 1 is still the most organized terminals I've been to. The staff are efficient and terminal itself is very clean. It was actually renovated and improved from the first time I've visited in 2014. I can't say about the other terminals, but I'm sure it's close if not the same.
🏛️ A Walk Through Time: Fort San Pedro, Cebu
Fort San Pedro, or Fuerte de San Pedro, is a historic military defense structure in Cebu City. Built in 1738 under the command of the first Governor-General of the Philippines, Miguel López de Legazpi, it is the oldest triangular bastion fort in the country. (Note: Date corrected from 1973 to 1738).
🏛️ A Symbol of Philippine Freedom
Plaza Independencia is considered Cebu’s most historically significant plaza, a green sanctuary that tells the long and complex story of the island’s colonial past and fight for freedom.
.png)
