Things To Do
in Borbon
Borbon is a small coastal municipality on the northeastern coast of Cebu province, Philippines, known for its fishing communities, rocky headlands and quiet beaches. The town retains a laid-back provincial atmosphere where daily life centers on the sea, local markets and barangay fiestas. Visitors will find simple seaside resorts, local seafood eateries and opportunities for snorkeling, coastal hikes and short boat trips to nearby islets.
Borbon is best for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path Cebuano experience rather than resort-style tourism.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic San Vicente Ferrer Church, renowned for its unique architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. Take a leisurely stroll through the surrounding plaza, where you can enjoy fresh local pastries from nearby vendors. Capture the essence of Borbon's rich history while interacting with friendly locals who often share stories of the town's past.
After lunch at a traditional Filipino eatery, head to the Borbon Heritage Park, where you can enjoy the lush greenery and learn about the area's cultural significance. Engage in a guided tour that highlights various historical landmarks, making sure to take plenty of photos. As the afternoon sun casts a warm glow, relax on a bench and soak in the serene atmosphere.
As dusk approaches, make your way to a local seafood restaurant to enjoy a delicious dinner while listening to the gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore. The evening ambiance is heightened by the warm lights strung along the beachfront, creating a perfect setting for relaxation. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk along the beach, watching the stars twinkle above.
Spend your morning at the pristine beaches of Borbon, where the soft sand and clear waters beckon you. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the coastline, enjoying the gentle sea breeze and the stunning views of the surrounding hills. Take a break to snorkel, discovering vibrant marine life just beneath the surface.
After a refreshing swim, grab a beachside lunch featuring grilled seafood and tropical fruits. Join a guided jet ski tour for an adrenaline-pumping adventure across the azure waters, racing against the waves. As the sun begins to set, consider participating in a beach volleyball game with locals and fellow travelers for some fun and friendly competition.
Return to your accommodation to freshen up before heading out for dinner at a nearby beachside tavern. Savor the flavors of the region with a feast of local specialties, accompanied by live music that fills the air. End your evening with a bonfire on the beach, sharing stories and laughter under the moonlight.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| 🚕Short tricycle (trike) ride | $0.40-1.50 |
| 🏨Basic guesthouse / homestay (per night) | $15-35 |
| 🚌Intercity bus or van fare (to Cebu City) | $3-6 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5 L) | $0.40-1.00 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, authentic provincial life and friendly local communities
- Affordable food and accommodation with fresh seafood
- Coastal scenery, snorkeling and small-scale island trips
- Good base for exploring northeastern Cebu and nearby islets
- Limited tourist infrastructure and few modern amenities
- Irregular public transport and long travel times to Cebu City
- Weather can affect boat trips and outdoor plans during wet season
- Limited dining and nightlife options compared with larger towns
- "Maayong buntag" - Good morning
- "Maayong hapon" - Good afternoon
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Palihug" - Please
- "Asa ang CR?" - Where is the restroom?
- "Tagpila kini?" - How much is this?
- "Pwede ko pangayo og tubig?" - May I have some water?
Places to Visit in Borbon
Visit one of these nice places.
Early-morning fishermen preparing boats and nets make for authentic, atmospheric shots with colorful outrigger boats and golden light reflecting on the water.
Dramatic cliff edges and rocky shorelines provide wide coastal vistas, strong foregrounds and sweeping sea-and-sky compositions, especially at golden hour.
Busy stalls, fresh seafood displays and local vendors create candid street-photo opportunities capturing everyday life in town.
Small nearshore islets and calm bays offer turquoise water photos, snorkeling shots and reflections—best on clear, calm days.
Food in Borbon
Borbon Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cebuano-style ceviche made from fresh raw fish cured in vinegar or citrus, with onion, ginger, chili and coconut milk in some versions; widely available at markets and seaside eateries.
Must-Try!
Freshly grilled fish, squid or shrimp often served with a soy-vinegar dip and rice—best tried at beachfront stalls or when buying directly from fishers.
Roasted chicken and simple coconut-based or soupy stews are available at local carinderias (small eateries) and are good choices if you want comfort food.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Daily market where fishermen bring in the morning catch and local vendors sell fruits, vegetables, snacks and small cooked meals—ideal for trying local fresh seafood and tropical fruits.
Look for roadside grills and mobile vendors selling skewered meats/seafood, fried snacks and kakanin (rice cakes) in the evenings near transport hubs and the town plaza.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Address older people politely, follow local leaders’ instructions during community events, and show courtesy during religious observances.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or rural households—cover shoulders and avoid revealing clothing in conservative settings.
Always ask permission before taking close-up photos of people, especially during market activity or private family moments.
If you attend a local fiesta, be respectful of rituals and parish events; accept food or hospitality graciously but don’t overstay private gatherings.
Safety
Tipping in Borbon
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in small towns. For table service, a few extra pesos or rounding up is common; for guides or boat drivers, a small tip (around 50–200 PHP depending on service) is customary.
Cash (Philippine pesos) is king—many vendors and small businesses do not accept cards. ATMs are more common in larger towns or Cebu City; bring enough cash for multi-day stays and small purchases.
Mobile wallets and QR-payments are growing but may not be widely accepted in rural Borbon; ask before relying on them.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Generally the best time to visit: sunnier, calmer seas, better visibility for snorkeling and easier inland travel. Expect hotter temperatures from March to April; bring sun protection and hydrate.
More frequent heavy rains and possible localized flooding or rough seas; boat trips may be canceled and trails muddy—plan flexibly and check local weather updates during this period.
Occasional tropical storms and typhoons can disrupt travel, especially ferry and coastal services—monitor forecasts, avoid travel during storm warnings and follow local advisories.
Borbon at Night
Hiking in Borbon
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short walks along rocky shorelines and ridgelines near Borbon that reward hikers with sweeping ocean views—easy to moderate difficulty and best at low tide or dry weather.
A popular hiking option in northern Cebu for panoramic views; it’s a longer drive from Borbon but feasible as a day trip for experienced hikers—check local guides and weather conditions.
Several small rivers and cascades are reachable by short hikes from barangays around Borbon—ideal for cooling off after a walk and photographing natural pools.
Airports
How to reach Borbon by plane.
Main gateway to Cebu province with domestic and international flights. Travel to Borbon is typically by road (3–4 hours depending on traffic) or a combination of road and coastal transport; arrange transfers in advance.
Serves Bohol and some regional flights. Reaching Borbon requires additional ferry and road connections and is a longer trip—useful if combining Borbon with a multi-island itinerary.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority are native Cebuano (Bisaya) speakers with strong ties to fishing, small-scale farming and local traditions.
People who commute to larger towns for work or who visit Borbon seasonally for fishing and trade.
Many households are multigenerational and maintain traditional customs, Catholic religious practices and community festivals.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is extremely popular across Cebu, with local courts, pickup games and barangay tournaments common—joining or watching a game is a great way to connect with locals.
Both a livelihood and a pastime: small-scale fishing and communal fishing events are part of local culture.
Informal beach sports like volleyball or frisbee are common at community beaches and during festivals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Borbon.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited but possible: request vegetable stews, grilled eggplant, and vegetable-adobo-style dishes; bring snacks or plan for simple rice-and-vegetable meals in advance.
Vegan choices are more challenging—communicate clearly (in Tagalog/Cebuano) and expect to rely on plain rice, vegetables and fruit; carry some staples if you are strict.
Most traditional Filipino food is rice-based (naturally gluten-free), but watch out for soy sauce in marinades and cross-contamination in small kitchens; ask about ingredients when possible.
Food is often prepared in simple home-style facilities; state severe allergies clearly and consider carrying an antihistamine or epinephrine if prescribed.